Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Nov 5, 2004

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	Help Request	Answers
	1992 Audi 100 S 2.8L power window module VIN: WAUBJ54AIN OE Power window module was fried, causing hi draw and windows to go up and down with key off. repl w/$400 new 1 systems came back to life, after 5 min windows go up and down, module buzzes and relay cycles. ran the audi 15 page tst all ok? Any help from stutt...	View
	1995 BMW 525i 2.5L oil pan VIN: WBAHD5326S 2 months after clutch replacement, oil pan starts to leak down the right side. We replaced the gasket (neoprene and steel) and noting the BMW request we applied flange sealant at the bolt holes and on the front and rear cover seams. We used the Mercedes black ...	View
	1997 Buick LeSabre Limited 3.8L ABS Module VIN: 1G4HR52K2V Over the past few months, this car has been in for the ABS and traction control light on. The first code was a 43- BPMV Pump Motor Stalled. I went through the diagnostic steps, which included ck. connector damage, several resistanced checks, power and ground e...	View
	1999 Buick Park Avenue 3.8L eng. VIN: 1G4CW52K1X Three weaks after major tun-up,car was towed in with no start problem.Eng.cranked normaly at this time. While testing spark, fuel pressure, eng. locked-up. Coolant got in the cylinders, looks like through the plastick intake next to EGR. Does this condition n...	View
	1993 Chevrolet C2500 Silverado 6.5L overdrive VIN: 1GCGC29F5P Hello, I have this truck and we had been working on it for a little while. We replaced the engine in it about 2500 miles ago. Well now the truck has come in and has no overdrive at times. Here what the customers says. While driving at 60-70 mph after 20-40 mil...	View
	1996 Chevrolet Express 1500 4.3L Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCFG15W4T If you start this van up it will start and run good. after a minute or two it will slowly start to bog and loose power. If I add propane the motor perks right up. Once it goes into closed loop the problem goes away. My gut tells me to replace the fuel pump. Bu... Trouble codes: P0171 (system lean), P0174 (system lean)	View
	1998 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3L No Start VIN: 1GNDT13W5W car was towed in with no start checked for spark and fuel pressure had 10lbs fuel pressure, replaced fuel pump. it now has 58lbs and holds for at least 30 min. all is well untill two days later towed back in no start but it starts every time i turn key told cu...	View
	1998 Chevrolet C1500 Suburban 5.7L All Lights VIN: 3GNEC16R8W We have this suburnan here and all the lights start to flash or flicker. There was an aftermarket alarm system in the vehicle and we removed that, but there was no change. Any help on this one would be appreciated I believe it might be the 17A circuit breaker ...	View
	2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.3L Misfire, MIL Lamp on, looses power up hill customer says happens when going up the same hill everytime.It is a long fairly steep hill.It starts to missfire,then the check engine light comes on,and it starts to loose power.HE says when he comes to a stop it almost stalls then clears up.Unfortunately thi... Trouble codes: P0300	View
	1995 Chrysler Cirrus LX 2.5L 2-3 shift VIN: 1C3EJ56HXS This is a very intermittant condition. May last 3 weeks or 30 minuites. Trans flares on the 2-3 shift and goes into limp-in mode. Shut off and restart and all is normal again for a few minuites or a few weeks. Sets code 43 - Overdrive solenoid circuit. See the...	View
	1998 Chrysler Concorde LX 2.7L Stall VIN: 2C3M046R4W Hi Techs, I have this concorde 2.7L that had the head gaskets just replaced by a Tech that just quit here. It stalls several times when cold and then runs fine the rest of the day. My scanner does not show any codes right now but I heard there was a code P1391...	View
	1999 Chrysler 300M 3.5L Block, oil pump VIN: 2C3HE66G6X This vehicle came in with an oil leak that appeared to be coming from between the front of the block and the oil pump housing. We replaced the gasket, which was hardened and did indeed appear to be the leak, but after replacement it is leaking in the same plac...	View
	1993 Dodge Grand Caravan LE 3.3L loose comunication VIN: 1P4GH44R5P OK Guys & Gals are you ready for this one.All right I've already tested all the input and output speed sensors with my lab scope, good pattern and no drop outs at all. Went thru all the fix data base repairs. I did find that the ETAX relay was bad, so I just r...	View
	1995 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2L Misfire VIN: 3B7HC13Y7S this truck will back fire through the throttle body at first throttle opening at first only when loaded up once warm will do it in park.He had a new pump a year ago at the dealer. Once past first part of throttle opening it has no problems with higher speeds. ... Trouble codes: 37 (ptu)	View
	1998 Dodge Caravan SE 3.0L Heater Controls VIN: 2B4GP4536W I have a Caravan that is blowing warm/cool air out of the vents with the heater control set on hot. The vehicle came in for the fact it had very poor heat, but (theres always a but...lol) noted that there were lights flashing on the heater controls. The rear ...	View
	1993 Ford F-250 XL 7.5L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on, Black smoke VIN: 1FTHX26G7P Code 41 when it came in, lean condition. Engine is running rich, black smoke mostly starting out with moderate to heavy acceleration. Spark plugs, fuel pressure regulator, coolant temperature sensor, all injectors and O2 sensor were replaced. Fuel pressure is ... Trouble codes: 41 (Lean HEGO sensor not switching), 42 (Rich HEGO sensor)	View
	1995 Ford Explorer XL 4.0L No Start VIN: 1324561425 hello to everyone, i searched the fix datbase and i found what i as looking for, can some one tell me where the delta pressure feedback sensor is located, DPFE	View
	1997 Ford F-250 XL 7.3L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation VIN: 1FTHW26F0V hi all. i need some advise from a diesel tech out there. i got this truck for myself, and being a ford i've been working on it ever since. the current problem is #3,#5,#8 cyl. failed the koer contribution test. the buzz test passed. i'm assuming it will need i...	View
	2000 Ford Excursion XLT 5.4L Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1FMNU4OL4Y Hi first time requst for help so if all does not go as you are use to you will know why. This vehicle was brought to me with very bad fuel mileage. Have not done any checks.The problem is that I am not that strong on newer ford overhead monitoring systems...	View
	1994 GMC Jimmy SLE 4.3L digital dash lights VIN: 1GKDT13W3R can someone point me in the right dircation i donot have tach,fuel,charging,oil lights or display but ido have speed, odometer,gear ind lights i did the normal checks didnot find any thing out may have to replace dash	View
	1999 GMC K1500 Suburban SLE 5.7L brakes sticking VIN: 3GKFK16R1X ATN Gods, This Suburban is giving me the run around. The symptom is that when the pedal is depressed, it goes down with little effort and then the brakes grab about half way on the pedal travel, stopping the truck abruptly, but without skidding. Once stopped a...	View
	2000 GMC Sierra 1500 SL 5.3L Hesitation, Surge, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 2GTEK19T41 THIS VEHICLE SURGES UNDER ACCEL.& UNDER LOAD. HAVE REPLACED FUEL PUMP,FILTER,REG.,SPARK PLUGS & WIRES. CLEANED INJ. WITH MOTOR VAC.REPLACED MAF. RUNS WITHOUT SURGE IN OPEN LOOP UNPLUGGED MAF ALSO RUNS WITHOUT SURGE.WILL ALWAYS SURGE IN CLOSED LOOP UNDER LOAD O... Trouble codes: P0300	View
	1999 Honda Civic EX 1.6L oil pump Trying to help out my daughter and son-in-law. They brought there 1999 Honda Civic 1.6 ltr, 76k miles, to me for on oil light on. Checked oil and found 1.5 qt. low and not changed in almost 9k miles. .Topped up oil and restarted engine. Only had 6psi. Changed ...	View
	2000 Jaguar S-Type 4.0L No Start VIN: SAJDA01P51 This engine sometimes takes long crank time to start when hot. Good fuel pressure inspect spark plug valleys for oil or water, check connector to main fuel pump seems ok. Fuel pressure does not drop off however same effect of a bad check valve. Any ideas would...	View
	2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7L Transmission Quadra-Drive VIN: 1J8GW58J02 Hello Fellow Techs. I think I made a big mistake in offering to help my neighbor. I have overhauled a few transmissions but I am by no means the world's greatest tranny guy. I told him I would check it out and had him bring it in. I figured I would talk to a f...	View
	1999 Lexus RX300 3.0L Multi-Display , Climate Control & Stereo VIN: JT6HF10U8X Hello Lexus Tech.'s...I could really use your expertise with this headache. Vehicle came in with no radio function , no CD function , (however the tapeplayer was working) , no climate control function and the "multi-display" lighting up but no visible informat...	View
	1989 Lincoln Continental Signature 3.8L power assist VIN: 1LNLM9840K this vehicle came to us with no power brake assist. checked fuses and breakers replacing the bad ones. hooked up snap on scanner found code 55 lf speed sensor. found both front speed sensors broken. since most abs systems will revert to normal brakes when this...	View
	1994 Mazda MX-3 1.6L Alternator Belt VIN: JM1EC4358R Car came in about 2 months ago with alternator belt gone. Replaced alternator with reman Genco and new belt. Came back 2 weeks later with same condition. Obvious belt material on face of alternator. Installed new belt and road test after five miles or so we go...	View
	1994 Mazda B4000 SE 4.0L No Start VIN: 4F4DR17XZR this truck was towed in not starting customer said it was running poorly and smoking quit and would not restart .we checked feul pressure ok ,spark ok ,injector pulse very weak scanned computer scanner can not get in . checked power and grounds at ecm. when th...	View
	1994 Mercury Villager GS 3.0L Surge VIN: 4M2DV11W4R any time and every over 1700 rpm engine starts a very serious surge and erratic idle (1700 down to 1100 rpm and back up)(gets worse with rpm increase)fuel psig. 31 at idle w/pressure regulator plugged in...with regulator unplugged from vac fuel presure 66psig....	View
	2001 Mercury Cougar 2.0L fuel input VIN: 1ZWFT60391 PLEASE BARE WITH ME AS THIS IS MY FIRST POSTING. SEEKING HELP FROM YOU FORD GURUS OUT THERE. CUSTOMER COMPLAINS FUEL TANK IS VERY SLOW TO FILL. WE LOOKED FOR PINCHED LINES, BENT TUBES ETC AND FOUND NONE. AFTER TALKING TO A LOCAL FORD TECH HE ADVISED ME THAT ...	View
	1993 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: JA3BP47H9P Hello fellow Tehs. Todays diagnostic dilemma comes from a 1993 Mitsubishi DIamante 3.0Liter SOHC engine. THe vehicle was originally brought in for a rough running/stalling condition with a high consumption of fuel. Upon inspection it was found to be running ve...	View
	1994 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0L VTC Gear Would like to hear from you guys on this one. Customer bought one of the Japanese availiable engines that is suppose to have less than 40K miles and a 6 month warranty. We installed the engine and everything is good except after it sits and cools completely do...	View
	2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL 3.5L ABS /Trac. Control VIN: 1G3WS52H5X This vehicle has codes C0550 and C0241, which tells me that I have a problem with the Electronic Control Unit. Also, there is a code P1571 which my OTC Genisys System tells me that is related to the traction control system. Before I spend $$$ on this thing I h...	View
	1993 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L Fuel Inectors inoperative VIN: 1G2HX53L33 Vehicle runs for approx. 2 seconds. It has good fuel pressure, spark to plugs, but no negative triggering of the fuel injectors when problem exist. Dealer said it could be the ecm. Replaced but the problem is the same. Checked archives and others indicated it ...	View
	1997 Pontiac Trans Sport 3.4L Misfire VIN: 1GMDX03E8V hello all,this vehicle has a constant misfire on cyl.#1.i checked compression it is 150,it has spark,it has fuel.no vac.leaks,i pulled the valve covers and the valve springs look good the rockers look good and work properly,of course i wouldnt have comp.if the... Trouble codes: P0300	View
	2001 Pontiac Aztek 3.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: 3G7DA03E01 The Aztek will turn on the serv eng. soon and the temp gauge falls below cold and serv. eng. lite is on. Has codes for temp curcuit problem but the system is working fine at this time. Cleared the codes and code p1189 for oil pressure problem returned. Replace... Trouble codes: P0128 (Coolant temp problem), P1189 (oil pressure problem)	View
	1996 Saab 900 S 2.3L Stall VIN: YS3DD58B3T please help This 900s stalls intermittently. When it does stall the warning lights do not light up as they should they are, just barly lit. After this car stalls it will imediatly start up as if there was nothing wrong. I have no time to check to se if it lost...	View
	1989 Toyota Pickup DLX 2.4L Oiling system VIN: JT4RN01PXK Hello Toyota guys- (or gals). This truck has an aftermarket mechanical oil pressure guage. So, I really believe it has low pressure, especially because the owner says the engine is "noisy" on the freeway, and oil press. is low. My question is, are there any co...	View
	2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7L engine VIN: 1234566777 motor has tappet noise when cold	View
	2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: WVWPD63B51 car came in with check engine light on, codes 17887/p1479 and 16795/po411. we checked opperation of each item and they seemed ok, we then cleared codes and told customer to drive the car a few days to see if they were going to come back. the next day the check... Trouble codes: P1479 (brake vacume boost), P0411	View
	1999 Volvo S80 2.9 2.9L cem VIN: YV1TS97DXX Car came in late last night. Windows, central lock, sunroof are all inoperative. Radio display not displayed but radio is working. Turn signals, windshield squirters all inoperative. Brake failure warning message and SRS failure message displayed. Power seat a...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	1997 Acura TL 3.2L Security system VIN: JH4UA3652V I found that the problem was in the rod between the lock cyl. and the lock actuator. The linkage from the cyl. to the actuator activates a switch at the actuator to unlock the other doors. What was happening was I was unlocking the drivers door but the other d...	1
	1989 Audi 90 2.3L temp light stays on VIN: JKH4587LO6 thanks to all for all the replies, i found the coolant temp switch, coolant temp light is now off , thanks again	9
	1997 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G1YY22G9V Thanks for the responses guys. after checking backpressure, & o2 sensors again, we just realized that the back check valve just went bad again. We are not sure if it was heat causing it or not, but we solved any future problems by redirecting the hoses. We bou... Trouble codes: 1416 (air inj. system bank 2).	3
	1997 Chevrolet C1500 5.7L Pinging VIN: 2TEK19R9U1 Thanks to all who responded to our post , after mutliple tests and checking into the many items that were suggested it all came down to the cam retard on the scanner , though we checked it once through human error upon checking again it was indeed incorrect , ...	29
	2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 3.8L stereo VIN: 2G1WX15K01 Thanks for the help, sorry it took so long to respond but it took us a long time to track this one down. The draw became very intermittent and we would have to wait sometimes up to 5 days before it would return, sometimes the battery would go dead overnight ot...	7
	1997 Chrysler Town & Country LXi 3.8L Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1C4GT64L7V Thanks for all the help. I changed the coil pack and it helped the intermittent miss fire. The real problem with the stall was a defective cam sensor.It was very intermittent and i just happen to capture it on my solus scanner in the graph mode. Installed new ...	7
	1995 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9L Poor Idle Quality, Surge VIN: 1B7HC1623S Thanks to all who replied; the converter seems to have fixed this one. I was a little doubtful because of the way it ran but it's doing well now and the customer is happy.	7
	1996 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4.6L ABS System VIN: 2FALP74W9T Thanks to everyone that took the time to respond to my help request. Although there is no concrete evidence as to why the ABS Light would rapidly flash while at a complete stop on my test drive, I am convinced that the ABS system performed a self-test. The lig...	3
	1999 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L dash lamps VIN: 2FMZA5144X I received three responses to this request. It was the cluster that needed to be replaced. And as 1 person told me, it was necessary for the dealer to reprogram the cluster. The PATS (antitheft) system is run through that module somehow or the other. So severa...	3
	2000 Ford F-150 XL 4.2L mill lamp on VIN: 1FTZF1720Y Well we feel stupid again on this one, we looked over vehicle good twice for visual problems, on 2nd visit we installed the second trans range selector hoping that was the problem (not so still acting up) Looked at ecm connector(all good), ck'd wiring harness ...	8
	2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 5.4L wipers, radio VIN: 1FMRU17L2Y Hey guys thanks alot, the corrosion was right on the money, I have seen this before but each time it was a no start issue. This was the first time that I had seen this cause this kind of problem. I did replace the Gem module also, but warning you have to have ...	4
	2001 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L starter/computer VIN: 2FMZA554X1 hi. it's fixed(finally)! even though we had 5v ref at sensors the computer was bad. used unit from salvage yard was installed. we could then scan for codes and data. security light would now flash rapidly(figures, the key didn't match computer code) sent to de...	8
	2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL 6.0L Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1FDWF37P33 Sorry for the delay. Anyway had alot of good responses. Pretty much everyone agreeded that the fuel mileage he is getting is normal for the load he has on the truck. As for adding the aftermarket program that ultimately will be up to him. Thanks guys for your ...	8
	1997 GMC Savana 1500 5.7L No Start, MIL Lamp on, pings VIN: 1GKFG15R3V The van fixed itself, at least the problem went away. Numerous people informed me that the computers do have problems with water getting inside of them. So I guess we will see if the problem turns up at the next major rain. Thanks everyone for trying to help. Trouble codes: P0101, P0122, P1406 (EGR problem).	7
	1995 Honda Civic EX 1.6L abs VIN: 1HGEJ113XS Well, she's fixed. The problem was that the battery cable going to the ABS junction fuse box was corroded at the battery. When we had checked the fuses we only looked at them physically and not using a test light. Back to basics. Thank you everyone that respon...	None
	1995 Hyundai Elantra 1.8L second gear VIN: KMHJF23M6S All the responses that i had received were checked into and I thank you for that. Unfortunately when the weather got colder, reverse stopped working also when transmission was cold but starts to work when warmed up a little. So at this point we are looking int...	4
	2000 Lincoln LS 3.9L Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1LNHM87A2Y Thanks to everyone for their input on this matter. We replaced the thermostat and test drove it. Seems to be fine. Asked the customer to drive it a few days and give us a report on how it is doing. To the guy in Oklahoma, thanks for the encouraging P.S. Just d... Trouble codes: P1285 (cylinder head temp overheated), P1299 (cooling protective mode).	7
	1999 Mazda Miata 10th Anniversary 1.8L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: JM1NB3537X First off I would like to thank all the members for their quick replies. We replaced the coil pack as many have suggested. I re-check my pre-02 and post-02 sensor waveforms and both are switching at the same rate when car is fully warmed-up indicating a failed... Trouble codes: P0300, P0421.	11
	1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SEC 5.0L Excessive Emissions VIN: WDB1260361 Thanks for all the support guy the fix was a cat replacement and also retard the timming enough to bring the Nox down to 1.45GPM .The car passed with flying colors.	9
	2001 Mercedes-Benz S430 4.3L Dash VIN: WDBMG70J01 Received 5 replies and the consensus was that the dash is the problem. Contacting the local dealer found that the dash units are on backorder. Appreciate the help. No it's hurry and wait for the dealer.	5
	1995 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 4.6L heater -- a/c controls VIN: 2MELM75W3S This one seems to have fixed itself! After posting my update with all the extra testing and results, and having not found the problem yet, we have not been able to get the climate control system to act up again. Previously whenever water was sprayed on the win...	5
	2001 Oldsmobile Aurora 3.5L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G3GR64H61 Well, it's fixed. Thanks for all the replies, which included checking for clogged injectors/swapping injectors, plugged cat, wrong PCV allowing too much air, and leaking intake. I decided to run the car off the injector cleaner to see if higher pressure would ...	5
	1993 Saab 9000 CS Turbo 2.3L heater fan VIN: YS3CL65M8P Got a new fan speed controller in and the fan works fine. Usually replace them whenever replacing the blower motor, but have nerver had one fail in this manner. Is this failure a sign of inpending blower failure? It works great and is silent. Told the customer...	10
	1991 Toyota Camry DLX 2.0L No Start VIN: 4T1SV21E2M Yes it's fixed. Pete naled it. All you watch out for that fake spark. With the adjustable spark tester I seen only 10kv. I changed the coil. WOW now there is 30kv. I can't thank you enough.Car runs like a dream.	8
	2000 Toyota Celica GTS 1.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: JTDDY32TXY i will let everyoneknow when the car comes back thanks for all the help chris jones Trouble codes: P0440.	7
	1995 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0L pressure VIN: 3VWRC81H65 Hi guys It seems the tests are for on road so the pressures went up with the TPS readings. I did however have to call ATSG back and find out how to reset the TCM so it could relearn how to shift. This info was strangely left out of the book. To sum it up, ...	4
	1991 Volvo 740 2.3L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation VIN: YV1FA8847M Replies were to check CTS, timing belt, crank sensor and radio noise supressor. All checked out good. It has only acted up twice in the past 3-4 weeks so customer does not want to spend any more money on it at this time. Thanks for all you time. Kevin.	14

(Also Available: All, Asian, Chrysler, European, Ford, GM.)