Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Dec 27, 2005

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Open Help Requests for All Makes and Models

	Help Request	Answers
	1995 Audi A6 2.8L dash/cluster lights VIN: WAUJA84A5S Audi techs, Several cluster illumination lights were burned out. I slid out the cluster and with all the wiring connected, proceeded to replace them one at a time while watching to make sure each new bulb worked properly. The first three were fine but when I i...	View
	1995 Audi Cabriolet 2.8L Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: WAUBL88645 Car came in with intermittent stall and occasional minor rough idle. Managed to get car to stall in shop at idle. Pulled IATN archives and advised customer of upgraded BOSCH style idle control valve. Decided to pull VDO unit and cleaned (looked clean to begin ...	View
	1997 Audi A4 1.8L No Start VIN: W9UCB88D3V car came in last july with a no start and plug fuel flooded. just came back to shop today 12/05 with same problem. removed the plugs, blew off plugs and car restarted. anybody seen this problem before?	View
	1994 Buick LeSabre Limited 3.8L air flow VIN: 1G4HR52L8R dear fellow techs, do i need a degree in electronics to figure this buick out. ` customer comes in with complaints of no air flow from panel vents and temp of air not getting to hot from other floor/defrost vents. we replace the control head and that didnt fi...	View
	1997 Buick LeSabre Custom 3.8L Fuel Guage VIN: 1G4HP52K8V This car came in with a code 0121 and I determined that the PCM was bad. I got a used PCM and the drivability problem was fixed, check engine light out all was good. Then I noticed that the fuel guage was not working. I plugged the old PCM back in and the guag...	View
	1997 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.7L alternator VIN: 1GNEK13RXV Hello all, This vehicle has had repeated alternator failures. The vehicle arrived with no alternator output. The alternator was replaced with a less than desirable aftermarket rebuild. After replacement the alternator output was 13.5 to 14.2 volts and 90 amps....	View
	1998 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.7L transfer case VIN: 1GNEK13R1W has no four wheel assist. can here the encorder motor run took encorder loose from transfer case with the wires hooked up and could see the motor run.The disconnect on the front axle is working, thanks in advance	View
	1999 Chevrolet C1500 Suburban 5.7L Poor Idle Quality, MIL Lamp on VIN: 3GNEC16RXX First sign of problem started with the engine being hard to start when hot (Summer) - cold starting never a problem. Problem progressed into rough idle, heavy fuel smell, but engine runs and performs smooth above idle. Parts replaced: New Delco Plugs, New Roto... Trouble codes: P00, 172 (System too rich left bank), P00, 300 (Eng. Misfire detected)	View
	1999 Chevrolet C1500 Suburban 5.7L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 3GNEC16RXX Need installation help: Problem converting from a CSFI to MFI system. Concern for bending and damaging the fuel lines from fuel meter body to fuel injectors They are Not bendable like the poppet nozzle lines. What is the secret? I have service bulletin - docu...	View
	2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT 4.2L No Start, Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire, Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1GNDT13S76 ENGINE IS SO RICH IT FLOODS OUT THE SPARK PLUGS -WILL ONLY START WITH NEW PLUGS AND SOON REFLOODS unless driven hard! The following parts have been replaced due to scan tool readings being out of spec: MAF, MAP, CPK, CMP, PCM All grounds have been resistance...	View
	2001 Chrysler Town & Country Limited 3.8L speedometer VIN: 2C8GP64L61 The speedometer will bounce all the way up to 120mph while vehicle is setting still. Watching output speed sensor (OSS)on modis the OSS will go to 1400 while in neutral or park and will go back down to 0 when put into gear. the same thing happens with the OSS ...	View
	1987 Dodge W250 5.2L left axle VIN: 1B7JW24T5H Good morning to all. Hope everyone had a good Christmas. We had this Dodge truck in a month or two ago to replace the left front axle u-joint. We noticed an alignment problem at that time with the axle shaft. The outer part of the axle hit the top of the spin...	View
	1994 Dodge Dakota 3.9L engine oil pressure VIN: 1B7GL23X9R All right, I am conceding to this one and doing something I rarely do...asking for help! This one has me beat. I have a two year history with this particular problem. When I first met customer, he explained a problem that we think later led to a break down th...	View
	1998 Dodge Dakota 3.9L Clutch VIN: 1B7FL26X4W Good afternoon fine fellow techs. Hope everyone had a good Christmas. I have a little problem here and could use some help from those Dodge gurus. 98 Dakota V6, clutch sometimes won't disengage completely. I already replaced the clutch master and slave cylinde...	View
	2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.9L mode control VIN: 1B7HC16Z7Y Thanks in advance to all that replie. This vehicle came to us with customer states hvac air will switch to defrost all on its own even if set to vent or floor. Customer will turn the control knob with no response and after a short while air will return to norm...	View
	1998 Ford F-150 XL 4.2L engine VIN: 2FTZF1728W have a 98 f150 #1 cyl full of coolant do i want to just do head gaskets or not havent had any of these with mech problems but they have been running it for a week with a few hydro locks ied like and opinion on this thanks troy	View
	2000 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L Rear Oil Hub Seals VIN: 1FTWW33F0Y Happy Holidays Techs, I have a problem with this trucks rear oil hub seals. Vehicle had rear brakes, rotors, calipars and parking brake shoes replaced. The bearings are oil not grease. Replaced both rear oil hub seals but after a week of driving customer will ...	View
	2000 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L Intake, Valves VIN: 2FMZA5149Y I revcently posted on this van, and thanks to all of you figured out why it wouldn't start. Initially it would intermittently misfire or not start, it finally stayed dead and we found sticking intake valves. Upon head removal we found the intake valves and por...	View
	2001 Ford Windstar SE Sport 3.8L No Start, Surge, hard start VIN: 2FMZA57421 This van towed in for a no start last week. Found code P0340, P0171, P0174. Cleared codes & P0340 came right back on key up. Archives showed DPFE sensors are a problem. Unplugged DPFE & code went away, van started & ran well. Plugged DPFE back in & problem ret... Trouble codes: P0340 (Cam sensor error)	View
	1996 GMC K1500 Sierra SL 5.0L Excessive Emissions, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GTEK14MXT Hello and happy holidays everyone, Got a real "challenge" in our shop.The vehicle was towed in a couple of months ago w/'cranks wont start' concern. We replaced fuel pump, strainer, filter and reflashed pcm w/gm drivibilty, multiple dtcs update and sent her o... Trouble codes: P0172, P0175	View
	1996 GMC Safari SLE 4.3L Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1GKDM19W4T Hi every one, we have this van a while and it is drove me nut. we check fuel pressure shown 65 psi, spark is good, ignition coil short to ground intermittently. we replaced the ig. coil. vehicle drive nice for a day or two and suddenly stumble and die fuel pr...	View
	2004 GMC Yukon XL 2500 SLE 8.1L encoder VIN: 3GKGK26G04 i have this yukon ´04 with the code co327 (encoder circuit). i have no info for this problem. the 4wd light sometimes is on and so, system is innoperative; sometimes works fine. don´t know if theres is a bulletin for this. thanks.	View
	1986 Honda Accord LXi 2.0L No Start VIN: JHMBA7444G Help Honda Tech's ! this car has been doing these no starts for months intermintantly,sometimes it would not act up for weeks. previously we could not catch it in the act, and it would restart once it cooled off, now while in the shop it started first thing ...	View
	1996 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.2L Air Bag VIN: 4S2CM58V7T Greetings fellow techs. In a little hot water and seeking help. I recently installed a new heater core in this rodeo. I had disarmed the air bag system, and proceeded with the work. During the coarse of my repairs I had laid my drop light (neon type) down near...	View
	2000 Land Rover Discovery Series II 4.0L Specail Info Request VIN: SALTY1247Y Hello, Thanks for your support. This LandRover is in the shop down the street ... With the shop owner asking if I can help with information that is NOT available from any ordinary source. The vacumn lines on right top of the engine ... have melted. From: B...	View
	1998 Lexus ES300 3.0L Rear Valve Cover leaking Oil VIN: JT8BF28G5W For couple of Months,I have a Pretty good Oil leak at the ? rear valve cover. and been too buzy to do it! It looks like it may have a rear main seal leaking also or its following the valve cover or head and making it ways over maybe. Been Using Mobil 1 since 8...	View
	1995 Mazda 626 DX 2.0L serpintine belt VIN: 1YVGE22C7S Hello: This vehicle has a alternator belt ,loosens every two weeks,then squeaks then breaks.The customer told me this.after installing a new belt i inspected alignment of the belt looks good .Two week to the day comes back on a hook ,no alt belt. water pump ha...	View
	2001 Mazda Tribute ES 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 4F2YU09101 hello guys/gals, this is my second request for help. veh. came in for ses lamp and rough idle found po302 swiched coils and same problem, removed plemum checked plugs all looked ok unpluged all the coils cranked engine to check fuel spray pattern all were ok e... Trouble codes: P0302 (cyl 2 misfire), P0174 (bank 2 lean pending)	View
	2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 2.6L transmission VIN: WDBRF61J41 Hello group. The first time this car came in we flushed all the fluids because it is a salvage title vehicle. The trans shifted fine for one month. One morning the car was towed here not shifting out of first gear. Customer stated that it shifted fine until it...	View
	1999 Mercury Cougar 2.5L Poor Idle Quality, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1ZWFT61LXX this one goes out to are ford techs, this car came to me three weeks ago with a rough idle on cold start ups & a check engine light on, the owner starts the car with a remote start to warm up before leaving the house but sometimes when she comes out the car is... Trouble codes: P0171, P0174	View
	1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 2.0L 5th gear VIN: 4A3CF44E4R Driver reports that it seems to pop out of 5th gear on road test we could feel play in shifter in 5th gear only when car is accelerated and decelerated, and will pop out of gear if accel. decel. is repeated 2 to 3 times Inspection of motor mounts, shift ca...	View
	2000 Nissan Altima GLE 2.4L Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1N4DL01DXY This car is my brother's wife's. No performance or starting problems. Multiple drivers get same mileage of somewhere in vacinity of 23 MPG on long flat land trips. No codes/MIL,ect. Tire pressures o.k. and no transmission related issues mentioned. I would like...	View
	1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4L No Start VIN: 1G2NE12T8V this car came into my shop from an auto auction with complaint of no start and gas smell. we pulled the spark plugs and they were soaked with gas and plug wire boots were melted. after looking further, we removed air intake from throttle body and found fuel in...	View
	1998 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4L engine lubrication oil light on. checked oil pressure at sender. 5psi at idle 5 psi at 3000rpm. remove oil pump to inspect for restriction and any other cause for loss of pressure. no defects found. i suspect a blockage in the passages in the top end. viewing the flow chart it f...	View
	1992 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 3.6L covertable top VIN: WPOCB296XN this porsche came in with a inoperative convertable top, upon inspection found the main stanchion arm was broken in half and the cable was twisted apart. replaced with new arm, transmision w/cable, and drive motor. after repairs had vehicle sent to get new con...	View
	2001 Saturn L300 3.0L High speed blower VIN: 1G8JW52R41 Happy holidays everyone. The problem I'm having is that now the high speed blower does not operate, and I cannot find the high speed relay or fuse. Wiring diagram from Shopkey say's kick panel where fuse panel is located. Need help! Where is the relay and fuse...	View
	2000 Toyota Celica GTS 1.8L fuel trim -20 VIN: JTDDY32T2Y Hi members, I have this celica custmoer says it had alack of power so another shop cleaned the maf he says it helped ,but still say every so often it will feel like someone is holding the car back ,I have checked fuel pressure 40-46/ and everthing seems fine B...	View
	2001 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 3VWCK21C81 Hello techs, I have a new beetle with the following codes- 16610 po226 throttle/pedal position sensor/switch 'c' circuit range/performance. 18560 p2128 throttle/pedal position sensor/switch 'e' circuit high input. 18565 p2133 throttle/pedal position sensor/swi...	View
	1996 Volvo 850 GLT 2.4L No Start VIN: YV1LW5543T Hello , Happy Holidays And a good new Year Have This volvo Towed in A no start/Customer drove This car home went To Leave and would not start.I have A cam sensor code/I Changed the cam sensor after talking To the guys A t volvo/Still A no start/I have read ... Trouble codes: P0340	View
	1999 Volvo V70 X/C AWD 2.4L Surge, POOR PERFORMANCE VIN: YV1LZ56D9X This car seems to have poor performance.seems sluggish on acceleration and idle surges just abit.It also has been loosing coolant but will not leak under pressure,or at all when at our shop.Customer has not seen any in his garage.this car is also run low on oi...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2006 Buick Lucerne 3.8L pulls Thanks for all the replies, I got a great response. The only thing that made any difference was inflating the original tires to 44 psi. Several different sets of tires were tried at different air pressure settings. The car specified 30 psi. But only the origin...	20
	1991 Cadillac DeVille 4.9L Surge, popping VIN: 1G6CD538XM Thanks for all the help. We had to wait for the car to come back in and it was as simple as adjusting the throttle cable to correct the problem. Trouble codes: 30 (isc circuit malfunction).	10
	1996 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1L high idle VIN: 2G1W152M0T sorry for the late reply, my email has been on the fritz. after scouring the wiring on this lumina, i found a chaffed wire on the back side of the upper intake plenum that sends signal to the iac. when this wire would ground, the iac would fully open, causing ...	10
	1998 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1L tcc VIN: 2G1WL52M7W Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply! I am very sorry that it took so long to close the post, mother-in-law recited Shakespeare for two and a half weeks (to fix or not to fix, that is the question). Pulled trans and cut torque converter for inspect...	9
	1998 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3L 4wd system Well sorry have taken so long to reply but customer took vehicle without fixing it had to manually put into 2wd. The problem was this that the tccm had shorted internally which would cause the act fuse to blow and the heavy draw was the tccm trying to put powe...	7
	2000 Chevrolet Malibu 3.1L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1G1ND52JXY First of all,I want to thanks every one.With that help it was an easy fix.Have changed the TPS and the idle is O.K..Before the readings on scan was TPS 0.98 volt,Throttle opening 5%.After fix TPS 0.60 volt, Throttle opening 0%. Thanks again. Trouble codes: P0341 (cam sensor).	7
	2002 Chevrolet Express 3500 LS 5.7L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GAHG39R82 I want to thank everyone who replied to my help request. Let me first tell you that ultimatly I ended up installing an updated injectors in this vehicle to take care of this problem. The style where they get rid of the poppets and go with electric injectors do... Trouble codes: P0300 (random misfire).	20
	2002 Chevrolet Venture LT 3.4L heat VIN: 1GNDXD3E52 Thanks to all who responded. Many said to replace both heater cores, but they were running freely when flushed. They were getting no flow. Tom & Dave said to check the X in the inlet quick disconnect fitting for a blockage. I did & there was no blockage or X o...	16
	1998 Chrysler Town & Country LX 3.8L harsh downshift VIN: 1C4GP54L8W The consensus of all replies was that the trans needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The CVI numbers indicate the bands are worn excessively. One reply stated that the input or output sensor likely has metal shavings on it, causing the sensor to drop out at low R...	10
	1991 Dodge D150 5.2L oil filter adapter VIN: 3B7HE13Y7M The only fix we could come up with after consulting every dealer within about a 75 mile radius and the responses from this site(greatly appreciated) was to bond 3 thick gaskets together with engine silicone.This was one of the stranger ones we've come across.	9
	1993 Dodge Intrepid 3.3L engine VIN: 2B3ED46TXP Turned ot to be timing chain.It was not off but real loose.I guess with SFI it has a reference notch on cam gear and if timing chain is loose enough it can get out of sync.with crank sensor.Different than multi-port.The timing cover has the oil pump and pickup...	9
	1994 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2L Stall VIN: 1B7HC16Y3R thank you for your help,however the problem turned out to be the EGR valve. i disconnected it and drove it the next day cold and no stall,r&r egr assembly and no further problems.	5
	1996 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.5L No Start VIN: 2B3HD56F5T You know if I cut down these trees I could see the forest. Thanks for all replies. Took balancer & covers completly off & found bad tensioner pulley. Crank gear was 4 teeth off when cam gears line up. Initialy only looked at cam gears. New Tensioner & belt did...	12
	1996 Dodge Neon High Line 2.0L Stall, MIL Lamp on, lacks power VIN: 3B3ES47C3T This Neon has gone back home since my original posting, owner says it is running good, but I'm not convinced. There were 9 replies to my help request. 2 said timing belt could be off a tooth, a few others mentioned manifold vacuum above 1500rpm may be low, ano... Trouble codes: P0172 (rich).	9
	2002 Dodge Intrepid ES 3.5L Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: 2B3HD56MX2 It seems of all the replies, everybody thinks the evap business above the tank has a problem and needs a smoke machine to properly diagnose. I agree. F it. It's going to the dealer. Thank you all for your time. Trouble codes: P0441 (Evap. small leak detected), P0456 (Evap. system malfunction).	7
	1994 Ford F F800 5.9L Starting VIN: 1FDNK72C2R it wormed up here and it started after charging the battrys and pluging it in the school told us thay are getting rid of it. I'll beleave it when its gone. thanks for the help. I learnd to stay away from F700's.	8
	1995 Ford F-350 Special 7.3L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: ZFDKF38F6S Thanks to everyone who replied. I started thinking that I had not seen this feed truck for service this year. I checked the sticker the next day, the best I could tell it was due for service Aug 04. Changing the oil fixed the miss. Don't know why it was only o... Trouble codes: P0267.	4
	2000 Ford F-450 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L intercooler VIN: 1FDXF46F6Y Thanks for all that replied. It was blow by vapors/oil pulling into air intake thru drivers valve cover. I did replace the intercooler hoses at the intercooler and replaced the turbo due to rounded impeller fins. Also changed the oil and added additive. So far...	5
	2001 Ford Windstar SE 3.8L Misfire VIN: 2FMZA524X1 Excuse the delay in closing this help request, I've been out of town for the last two weeks. Prior to leaving , I reassembled the vehicle and shipped it to the local dealer due to the fact that our shop does not do internal engine repair. The dealer kept the v... Trouble codes: P0301 (Cyl. 1 Misfire).	17
	2002 Ford F-150 XL 4.2L MIL Lamp on VIN: 3FTRF17222 Well guys it looks like you did it again. It's been a week now and the truck has yet to return. All of you who said intake gaskets and isolator bolts were right. I knew of the intake gaskets and isolator bolts on the Windstar 3.8l but didn't realize the 4.2l w... Trouble codes: P0171, P0174, P1131 (p1151-), P1151 (testing and results).	15
	2001 Honda Civic DX 1.7L evap VIN: 1HGEM21221 Special thanks to Daniel and Tim. I could not find the drain inside the car. From under the car and now knowing exactly where to look I found a nipple with plug. Removed plug--needed a shower anyway. The installer of the a/c unit simply overlooked this step.	6
	2000 Jaguar S-Type 4.0L interior heat VIN: SAJDAO1D4Y First of all thanks to all the guys who tried to help.The customer was not a regular cust and I has let us down because they would not bring the car back,I thought I could win them over by being honest(asking for help) and not throwing money into the car but t...	7
	1993 Lincoln Town Car Jack Nicklaus 4.6L No Start VIN: 1LNLM82W7P After performing all the tests that made sense and some that didn't . I came to the conclusion that the computer must have been the problem. After replacing the computer I then realized that just because the computer is in a reman box doesn't mean it is perfec...	23
	1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 3.2L stop lights VIN: WDBEA30E5S Many thanks to Frank fr Nevada. Bill fr California, Sleiman fr Nigeria and specially to Darren fr Arizona, You were right on center with the poor solders in the ext lamp monitoring module. Somehow the colors of the wires didn't match, but looking close at the ...	4
	2001 Mercedes-Benz C320 3.2L abs/esp VIN: WDBRF64J01 Thanks for all your fast replies.ABS/ESP not available meesage were reset by turn steering wheel from left to right end & with engine's running. Car still has bat. current draw & get totally empty over night. This morning i turn key on & notthing was left. I'd...	10
	1999 Mercury Villager Estate 3.3L Misfire VIN: 4M2XV11T4X Thankyou for the few who replied to my help request. I replaced the #4 injector. What threw me was that all the injectors have the same resitence, harness was pulsing and the voltage is right. Thanks again.	3
	1996 Nissan 300ZX 2+2 3.0L Misfire VIN: JN1RZ24D4T thanks to everyone that responded to my request for help.we pulled injectors and had them tested.they where plugged slightly and cleanable.but after reinstalling injectors performance was 80%improved.ended up cleaning maf also.let owner test drive before payin... Trouble codes: P0300.	7
	2000 Nissan Sentra XE 1.8L Stall, MIL Lamp on, high idle VIN: 3N1CB51DOY Thank you for all the responses we spent more time on this car then it paid we believe the problem was the ecu customer declined repairs thank you for your time Trouble codes: P0505.	6
	2001 Nissan Xterra SE 3.3L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 5N1ED28Y71 This one was just a pain because of holidays and lack of parts. This knock sensor is located under the intake and makes it tough. After extensive testing i decided to replace the knock sensor with an OE one. Put it in and the customer picked it up. Have not ha... Trouble codes: P0325, P0300.	4
	1994 Oldsmobile 88 Royale 3.8L No Start VIN: 1G3HN52LXR I have not fixed this vehicle yet,but I have checked several of the help messages, such as the coil packs,fuel pump relay,the CTS,cam and crank sensors,and they allseem to check out ok. I have narrowed the problem to no fuel on cold start. The customer had to ...	30
	1988 Other European Esprit 2.2L Pressure plate & disc VIN: SCCFC20A2J Hello everyone, First, my opologies for not getting back to you all sooner!! I don't get too much time to work on this car since it's mine. John form Great Britain recommended I check the crankshaft end play. I did just that and found aprox. 1mm movement back ...	7
	2001 Pontiac Montana 3.4L heater controls VIN: 1GMDX03E91 It appears that the actuator linkages were trying to move ,but there was so much grease on them [built up with dust and dirt] that when it got real cold, they couldn't move properly! Cleaned and relubed with w-d 40))) and so far so good! Didnt get much info on...	3
	1996 Saab 900 SE 2.5L Mechanical VIN: YS3DF58VDS 'The V6 engine on this car ingested the timing belt cover seal into the timing belt and caused it to jump time. All the valves are bent and possible other damage. I have repaired a few of these engines over the years and do not want to do anouther. I need an e...	6
	2000 Volkswagen Beetle GLX 1.8L smoke VIN: 3VWDD21C8Y This vehicle is getting a low mile used motor due to the extent of damage to the head & a worn out turbo.	12
	2003 Volvo XC70 X/C 2.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: YV1SZ59H13 Thanks to all who replied. Mark from Wiscoson said start with gas cap. Well I know these systems well enough to know that if a code is set that says a device is not working, like for example when you get 02 heater open code it is a fairly dependable code. When... Trouble codes: P2407.	6

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