Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for May 14, 2004

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	Help Request	Answers
	1996 Acura NSX 3.0L Engine VIN: JH4NA1185T Replace timing belt and waterpump (use OEM parts) per mitchell instruction, got a little confused when it says to advance rear exhaust cam pulley 1/2 a tooth during set up. Follow the instruction and finsihed the job. Engine started right up, but felt light vi...	View
	1991 Audi 100 2.3L leak in case VIN: WAUBC5446M Originally this car came in for a shifter that was stuck in drive and would not go into reverse or park. After removing the motor mount, exhaust and trans pan to access the shifter parts, it freed up mysteriously by itself. After reassembling all this is when ...	View
	1996 BMW 328i 2.8L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Cuts out VIN: WBACD432XT Hi, I have this Bmw that stalls and runs very Rich 10% co at idle. I replace the air flow meter and It ran good for a few hours then started to run rich and die. I Check the out put voltage of the MAF sensor tetminal 2 With the engine idling I get 1.5-2 volts(... Trouble codes: 8 (air flow sensor), 227 (mixture devation 1-3), 228 (mixture devation 4-6), 78 (02 sensor voltage 4 after cat 4-6), 202 (02 sensor control limit), 203 (02 sensor control limit 4-6)	View
	1995 Buick Park Avenue 3.8L Stall VIN: 1G4CW52KXS the car came in.lightning hit 8 inches from car.had spark and no fuel psi.replaced pcm and prom.now it starts and stall.i can not get cominication with the computer. help if you can.thanks	View
	1990 Cadillac DeVille 4.5L No Power VIN: 1G6CD5334L When you accel the car falls on it's face, no power. If you keep your foot in it, it will eventually pick up speed and keep on going. Looking at the scanner i noticed the timing drop from 29 degrees to 8 degrees then increase back up to 40. I also noticed map ... Trouble codes: 41 (Camshaft sensor signal not present at ECU)	View
	1994 Cadillac Seville STS 4.6L steering gear VIN: 1G6KY5296R vehicle has thumping/lumber noise in steering over small/large bumps at any speed, when steering is turned one way or the other noise decreases/goes away, and will make noise stopped & moving steering wheel slightly back & forth while engine is running, koeo n...	View
	1995 Cadillac DeVille 4.9L sluggish no pep VIN: 1G6KD52B1S Need help on this Cadillac Deville with hard to solve problem; Grounds seem to be a pattern failure on this cars, and no fix results from the - symptom - fix - according to its problem-fix relationship Vehicle's motor symptoms same as a plugged up catalytic ... Trouble codes: N/A (No Trouble Codes)	View
	1988 Chevrolet V30 Silverado 6.2L Excessive Emissions, No Start, Cuts out VIN: 1GCHV33JXJ This truck has a cold start problem that once its started go's away. on initial start-up it will start and imidiatly stall and than has to be cranked several seconds before it restarts and is good the rest of the day. we have replaced injector pump,all the rub...	View
	1988 Chevrolet S10 Blazer Sport 4.3L Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GNCT18Z6J Customer complaint is black smoke out of tailpipe and cel on. The vehicle is running rich but sets a code 44. Intergrator is around 126 and block learn are around 106. Tried lowering fuel pressure with no luck.Done pin checks at pcm also. Kinda don't know whic... Trouble codes: 44 (lean exhaust)	View
	1989 Chevrolet R2500 Suburban Scottsdale 5.7L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1GNGR26N0K Start up idle normal. IAC about 15, place into gear, IAC climbs to 110, RPMs go to 750. When placed back into park, RPMs goto 1500, IAC stays at 110. Shut off engine, let set for a few minutes, refire engine, and idle returns to normal, until placed back into ...	View
	1991 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 2G1WL54TOM we had the car in a couple weeks ago for idle prob. and keeping its speed when driving when you are off the gas, then the idle will suddenlt drop when you come to a complete stop.. we replaced the iac valve and map sensor. came back the other day same problem ...	View
	1997 Chevrolet C1500 5.7L No Start, Cuts out, Stall VIN: GTEC19RXV1 customer will be driving truck down the highway and it will just cut out. Loses all power: no radio, instrument panel lights. Just like someone disconnected the battery. When truck cuts out, no power to dash instrument panel or radio,the engine will still turn...	View
	1997 Chevrolet S10 LS 4.3L Air Bag VIN: 1GCCS19X6V Air bag light stays on. Code B1042 stored. Diagnostic System Check performed(ok).when performing flow chart have 1v. on driver 36 vlr. disconnect 2-way yellow connecter& arming sensor,volt stay about the same 2v. voltage on ign.stay at 10.8v. next step was to ...	View
	1998 Chevrolet K2500 Cheyenne 6.5L lifters VIN: 1GCGK29F8W Truck originally came to shop with a missfire complaint,diagnosed and removed valve covers to inspect valve train. Cylinder 5 exhaust rocker arm had aprox. 1/4" of slack and could see that lifter had come apart and the push rod was bottomed out into the lifter...	View
	1996 Chrysler Town & Country 3.3L cluster VIN: 1C4GP54R7T good day to all and thanks for you time. this van came in with cluster completly inop. only the last three odometer were illuminated and last three gear indicators were on. scaned and no communication with cluster ( engine and trans comm good ). removed cluste...	View
	1998 Chrysler Cirrus LXi 2.5L No Start VIN: 1C3EJ56H1W My sons Car. Started and ran in AM then died and would not restart It has after market Alarm system with remote Start function.It seems to be operating normal We have verified, No Spark, No Fuel pressure, And no Codes set as per cheap aftermarket code reader w...	View
	1999 Chrysler Town & Country SX 3.3L pump/rack VIN: 1C4GP55G5X vehicle came in with a leak from the rack. replaced rack with aftermarket rebuilt, then noticed shudder & noise when turning with vehicle stationary at idle in gear. went through thorough bleed procedure - no help. replaced rack with chrysler rebuilt rack and ...	View
	2001 Chrysler Sebring LX 2.7L Dash brake warning light VIN: 1C3EL46U21 I have a strange problem with this car. When you drive the car the brake warning light on the instrament cluster flashes on and the warning chime goes off. The car must be in gear and moving for this to happen. The only two inputs for the brake light is the em...	View
	1991 Dodge D250 5.2L speedometer VIN: 1B7JM25Y2M need help with another one any help would be greatly apreciated. this has us stumped. vehicle came in with customer complaining of odometer not working, recommended speedo head but costomer declined. other repairs were made, brake master, fuel filter, wiper ar...	View
	1999 Dodge Durango SLT 5.2L shuts off VIN: 1B4HS28Y4X vehicle shuts-off after running for about a half hour. (time varies)let it sit for a couple minutes and it will restart. checks on sensors show it loses 5 volt reference to sensors. we have replaced crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor. we have unhooked the o...	View
	1999 Dodge Ram 3500 Van 5.9L check engine VIN: 2B6LB31ZOX Hello Techs, I pulled the OBD2 code "1762" from this beast. All the information I have is that it's a transmission code... Anyone have specifics on a code "1762" ? Thanks!	View
	2001 Dodge Dakota Sport 4.7L engine VIN: 1B7HL2ANX1 this dakota is in excellent condition customer complains of pinging on mild throttle acceleration while entering interstate traffic. I verified this complaint checked codes, none are present.customer went back to dealer they said this is normal for this truck?...	View
	1996 Eagle Talon TSi 2.0L monitors wont run VIN: 4E3AK54F3T vehicle came in for california smog inspection in january. everything passed except for obdii readiness tests. only three monitors are completed.(misfire, fuel system, and components. i have five incomplete monitors and the state only allows two. the customer ...	View
	1980 Fiat 124 Spider 2.0L fuel injection VIN: 124CS00016 good afternoon fellow techs i wonder if anyone can help. i have this fiat spider 2.o l fuel injection bosch system start it runs for 3 seconds and dies before this happened i drove the fiat sometimes it would hesitate like if there is no fuel coming in. any...	View
	1985 Ford LTD 5.0L Clock/ int lights VIN: 1FABP4F5F2 I replaced a window motor on this car and while testing or replacing I lost the clock and int. lights. No big deal I thought. Tested all fuses. All OK. Checked all fusible links I could find. Checked OK. Went to get my wiring book and ooops I can't find it ( J...	View
	1987 Ford F-250 Custom 7.5L No Start, Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire VIN: 1FTHX25L7H Vehicle came in with carburetor leaking fuel from everywhere. Resealed leaks on carburetor and reinstalled. Vehicle ran poorly just as it did when it arrived. Installed remanufactured Holley 64-3608. Vehicle seemed to run alright but a little rough at idle. Ad...	View
	1991 Ford F-250 Custom 7.5L Excessive Emissions VIN: 1FTHX25G7M I know that the ecm sees inputs from the cts, the air temp sensor and the map sensor to operate the egr. My question is what else could effect the egr operation? The egr position sensor checks out as per specs also.	View
	1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 4.6L instrument cluster VIN: 1FTDX08W2V hey people, i think i need a roadmap(scematic) for the transmission wiring. i have this truck w/ inop gauges. there are 3 codes p1804 trans 4wd high indicator circuit failure, [...] belt light output circuit fai...	View
	1998 Ford E-350 Econoline Club Wagon XLT 5.4L rear unit VIN: 1FBSS31L9W have this van-customer said just seemed to not cool and started suddenly,has factory rear a/c,pressures are 40 and275 at idle after extended idle time, front unit cools great-rear unit will be 16-20 degrees warmer, suction line for front unit is cold from evap...	View
	1998 Ford Taurus SE 3.0L tcc lockup VIN: 1FAFP52U4W Please look at History first. This is where I come in to the picture. While driving the vehicle and monitoring the torque converter command signal from the PCM and the TCCMACT (RPM) signal, the vehicle only has a problem with the surging when the command signa...	View
	2000 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat 5.4L Buzzing Noise VIN: 1FTNX21L4Y "Buzzing noise" in Park and Neutral, goes away in R, (O)D, 2 or 1. Can be heard again when it shifts into Overdrive, about 2000 RPM on the highway. Started about 1 week ago, customer has not driven much since then. Shifting feels and acts normal. Overdrive lig...	View
	2000 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L Power Steering VIN: 2FMZA5149Y This vehicle exhibits a growl/moan on extreme right turns only. The steering effort is not affected, although a vibration is felt in the steering wheel. The noise is sensitive to the speed at which you turn the steering wheel. It is most noticable under normal...	View
	2001 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L Starter VIN: 1FTSW31F01 Hi Folks, This is my first experience with iATN, so far it’s been like trying to take a drink from a fire hydrant, lots of great information. We are a Fleet of mostly Fords with a few Chevy trucks here and there. Most are 1 ton up and the largest majority are...	View
	2001 GMC Yukon SLE 5.3L ac tensioner/compressor VIN: 1GKEC13T61 Hello everyone, this vehicle came in for evacuate and recharge ac not working my tech noticed there was no belt on the Ac compressor the bearing on the tensioner had side to side play, so I got an original tensioner and 2 serpentine belts one for the alternato...	View
	1997 Honda Civic LX 1.6L electrical VIN: 1HGEJ6574V Hello to all, I have this honda that has me stumped,so far checked known good horn and relay. If I ground gray wire at relay with test light, horn will blow. For all those honda techs this probably is something simple. The wires and horn switches both appear ...	View
	1996 Jaguar XJR 4.0L starter VIN: SAJPX1140T Need a little help on this electrical nightmare. Starter doesn't engage, shift interlock is inop, turn signals, headlights, 4 way flashers, wipers and interior lights are also inop. Checked all fuses, (all 300 of them) and they are ok. Check inertia switch, ok...	View
	1962 Mercedes-Benz 190SL 1.9L Generator VIN: 1210421002 Hi Guys, I have this 190SL & the generator mounts came loose & fell on the highway, in the process it broke the rear generator plate, I was wondering if any of you wizzes have ever done an alternator conversion on one of these fine machines. If so could you st...	View
	1991 Mercedes-Benz 300SE 3.0L ign switch plugg VIN: WDBCA24D3M The car was presented to me with ign switch apart. The wiring pulled out of connector. What I need is a picture of the wiring intact to correctly match the correct color wires to the numbers on the plug harness. This the main plug to the ign key switch. A pict...	View
	1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 3.2L Evaporator VIN: WDBEA32E0S Hello I need some help with this Mercedes. I am trying to remove the dash to replace the evaporator. The info I have does not appear correct (remove windshield?) I am kind of stuck at this point trying to remove the top part of the dash. I don't know if I am m...	View
	2000 Pontiac Montana 3.4L tcc system stuck on VIN: 1GMDU03E0Y hello gm tech i would like to thannk you in advance . a customer came in this morring and said his engine light came on . i checked for codes found { po742 tcc stuck on} checked harness and connections every thing passed i stuck and need some help . thanks aga...	View
	1990 Saab 900 Turbo 2.0L lifter VIN: YS3AL76L2L I have just done a head gasket on this vehicle because it was leaking coolant out of the exhaust manifold bolt hole. The car ran perfect when it came in and now all of the lifters are ticking away. I ran the car for about 300 miles hoping that thay just needed...	View
	2001 Saturn SC1 1.9L Poor Idle Quality, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G8ZN128X1 We tested the secondary ignition and find cylinder 1 misfire. we can swap 1 and 4 and misfire will follow. all ways from the same coil tower. we scoped the crank and cam sensors and the pattern is good. we swapped injectors with no change, when wires are swapp... Trouble codes: P0300 (mis-fire can monitor with tech 2)	View
	1994 Toyota Corolla 1.6L on/off switch VIN: 2T1AE04B0R The problem with this little Toyota is the AC on/off switch does not light up when pressed. Pulled switch and bench tested as per Alldata and it works. It has power at connector. It is not grounding. If I read Alldata's poor wiring diagram the ground is in the...	View
	1997 Volkswagen Golf GL 2.0L compressor VIN: 3VWFB81H2V VW and A/C Techs, Having A/c cooling problem with this system. Replaced compressor, expansion valve, receiver drier and flush system. (New factory parts). System capscity: R134a 24.7 oz. oil: 4.7 oz. System will cool down to 28 F at center vents. After drivin...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	1991 Audi 100 2.3L pan VIN: WAUBC5446M I received 3 replies all stressing the importance of using an OEM gasket or some kind of a sealer. We discovered, however that the leak was coming from a hole that is just to the left of the left rear pan bolt in the trans housing and not from the gasket. Now ...	3
	2000 BMW 740iL 4.4L MIL Lamp on, FAILSAFE PROGRAM VIN: WBAGH88342 Thanks to all for the great suggestions, Unfortunatly the fix for this one required 'Reprogramming of ECU'. Again the Dealers have locked us out... Thanks Again, Trouble codes: 117 (throttle potentiometer 1), 118 (throttle potentiometer 2), 119 (throttle potentiometer).	3
	1995 Buick LeSabre Custom 3.8L no pcm data VIN: 1G4HP52L7S replace faulty pcm. now has good cummunication. thank you	6
	2001 Buick Century Custom 3.1L Starting VIN: 2G4WS52J41 2001 Buick-no start-problem with security system-I put in anew BCM had it program & relearn key password. Start it up & is running great. Thank you	2
	1996 Cadillac Eldorado 4.6L Climate control Display/Driver information center VIN: 1G6ET1291V The power to illuminate the electric climate control head and the information part of the instument cluster comes directly from the 16 volt supply line coming out of the instrument cluster. The signal generator inside the cluster was the problem. We sent it to...	5
	1994 Chevrolet S10 Blazer Tahoe 4.3L Engine VIN: 1GNDT13WXR hhoolllyy ccooww! we've been in this business a long time and had never seen this before. angelo from ontario nailed it. we pulled the pcv valve from the valve cover and the oil burning stopped. we replaced the pcv valve with a new one and the problem went awa...	5
	1991 Dodge Caravan LE 3.3L Abs Pump VIN: 1BG4GK54R9 Thank U all for finding the time to help a stranger out. Once again the consensus was right. We shipped this van over to the dealership and it was covered under warranty. I think it was a 100% hit ratio this time. Thanks Again.	10
	1999 Dodge Stratus ES 2.5L No Start VIN: 1B3EJ56H8X the right key fixed this one. thanks to everyone who replied and hope we all learned something from this mess. jli	9
	1991 Ford Taurus L 3.8L No Start VIN: 1FACP5541M Thanks for all the help all gave good useful info, but unfortunatly I had to give the car to the dealer per the higher ups. Shawn from central Cal was probably the closest to what was wrong, I too believe the computer quit. When and if I finally find out what ...	8
	1993 Ford Aerostar 3.0L No Start VIN: 1FMDA11U3N Thanks to all who applied. It turns out that when i replaced the plug wires, i was one out on the cap. thanks to Marty from Ohio Trouble codes: 212 (no tach signal).	7
	1994 Ford E-250 Econoline XL 5.8L power steering pump VIN: 1FTHS24H3R Thanks to all that replied we felt the gear box was the problem but the cust. refused the repair. I checked all the alignment points and they were fine and the tension was ok	5
	1996 Ford F-150 Eddie Bauer 5.0L OBD II Test Failure VIN: 1FTEF15N1T I apologize for giving the wrong information. I asked for a problem with a p1000 code. Greg Pennock explained that if you select the generic OBDII on the Snap-On scanner it will read what monitors were ran. All monitors were ran except the catalytic convertor ... Trouble codes: P00, 1000 (OBD II Sytems Tests Incomplete).	12
	1997 Ford F-350 XL 7.5L Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1FTHF36G9V Information passed to me in the replies certainly settled the dilema. The fact that Ford's strategy of dipping in and out of closed looped during cruise saved me the attempt (and cost) of replacing the PCM. While all replies were helpful, especially appreciate...	4
	1999 Ford Econoline Super Duty Custom 7.3L Electronic VIN: 1FDXE47FIX Hi guys and girls.Looks like Mr. [...] was right,I think the scanner is incompatable to this system in some ways.Anyway truck still working well.Big thanks to everyone and have a good weekend.K.W.	3
	1998 Honda Accord EX 3.0L steering pump/fluid VIN: 1HGCG165XW Thanks to all that took the time to read and reply to my help request. Anytime that you finish a repair and then have a problem with something in the general area that you were working in, you would have to assume that you created the problem. In this case, yo...	10
	1996 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.2L oil pump VIN: 4S2CK58V7T sorry the delay in posting a fix for this vechile,what we found was enough pressure at idle,we decided to try an o.e.m. sending unit whitch improved the reading on the gauge at idle but still read low, we wanted to proceed and test gauge in the instrument clus...	4
	1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1J46Z558S1 After I recieved 3 e-mails regarding the issue I found a possible cure in identifix that uses a seperate ground wire going form the sensor to the ECM by-passing a splice and recucing the chance for resistance. The three e-mails I recieved also related to possi... Trouble codes: 21 (O2 Short to ground going over 1V).	4
	1990 Lincoln Continental Signature 3.8L Inst Cluster VIN: 1LNLM984XL Thanks for the help. The owner damaged a power wire while pulling the Inst cluster looking for a parasitic draw (which ended up being the radio). I received the wiring diagram form Chris from Ohio, which made all the difference.	4
	1992 Lincoln Town Car 4.6L windshield wiper VIN: 1LNLM82WON Thanks to Ray [...] for the part number for the output arm for the wiper motor. FOVY-17V436-ARM was what I was looking for. So if you have a town car, crown vic, or grand marq that the wipers park in a straight up position, first try replacing the wind latch ...	2
	1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 3.2L low range light VIN: 4JGAB54E1X Thanks for your replies all of you were correct. The flashing 'Low Range' light, at start up for 5 seconds, was caused by the 'Transfer Case Range Selection Motor', which looks like a windshield wiper motor and is bolted right to the transfer case. (WIS # ar28...	5
	2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 3.2L Unknown VIN: WDBJF82J9Y Sorry Guys, Great suggestions, This one seems to have gotten the best of us and two dealers. The L/f Axle & hub was changed, New synthetic oil changed in transfer case, Tires & wheels were swapped multiple times, This one still remains a mystery...If the cure ...	7
	1994 Mercury Villager GS 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: 4M2DV11W1R recieved 7 replies on this one but none were right;turns out I missed what should have been an obvious problem.Merc.intermittently had an idle/decel stall or rolling idle on decel which would end up as a stall.I had checked fuel pressure,scoped tps,cleaned iac... Trouble codes: 34 (knock sensor).	7
	1991 Nissan 240SX 2.4L power locks VIN: JN1NM536PX Thanks for all the replies. This one was my fault for not giving a complete customer interview to asses the problem. Seems the locks worked fine until a year ago when the door was smashed and replaced with a used part. There is a change in wiring and drivers d...	3
	1994 Nissan Maxima GXE 3.0L Forward Gear VIN: JN1HJ01F9R Fix: I replace bell-housing with pump area being resurface/cut.	3
	1998 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0L headlights VIN: 1G3GR62C8W Well hats off to everyone who said headlight switch. I hooked up my scope to the headlamp switch signal wire and watched the voltage drop when the lights started the flashing. Very expensive switch $199 dollars cost but hey car is fixed and I'm happy. Thanks f...	13
	1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2L Cooling Fan VIN: 1G2JB124XV Hello again. Thanks to eveyone who replied. You guys hit the nail on the head. After eveyone told me to check the temp that the coolent boiled out and the rad cap. I checked the temp and it boiled out at 218F. so I changed the cap for the second time. I had fo...	16
	1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4L Hesitation VIN: 1G2NE12T4X thanks for all of the great information. this car ended up with a partially blocked cat from a previous ignition failure we were unaware of. thanks again for the great information russ	13
	2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4L Stall VIN: 1G2NE52T91 David [...] wanted to know if we lost fuel or spark when it died. I also wanted to know this. However, when it only dies in traffic, and it is a quad 4 it is hard to...	5
	1986 Toyota Van Wagon DX 2.2L No Start VIN: J14YR27V8F Well, I had two great techs who came to my rescue. I want to thank both of them. J.B. [...]...	2
	1987 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2.4L lack of power VIN: JT4RN62SXH Hi everyone, sorry for the wait. First of all the replies on the resistance readings of the air flow meter were mixed so I took Mason from New Zealand's advice and checked the voltage which moved up and down smoothly. Alldata had this test but it was a little ...	12

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