Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for May 23, 2008

Join Now

Prev	Professional Automotive Repair Technical Discussions for May 23, 2008 International Automotive Technicians' Network (iATN) - Members Only	Next
(Also Available: All, Asian, Chrysler, European, Ford, GM.)
Vehicle Owners: If you are seeking an automotive repair professional to service your vehicle, visit the iATN Repair Shop Finder.

Open Help Requests for All Makes and Models

	Help Request	Answers
	1999 Acura TL 3.2L left headlamps VIN: 19UUA5649X vehicle came in with left lamp burned out. system has the 25000 volt system. not very familiar with system. replaced bulb, and it burned out in a few minutes. there is an inverter, or ballast in line inside the bulb cover. cannot retrieve any related body code...	View
	2002 Acura TL 3.2L Excessive Emissions, MIL Lamp on VIN: 19UVA568X2 Honda/Acura techs, some help is needed! There is a reoccuring P1457 code for evap leak cannister side. Both of the solinoids (purge control solinoid and the cannister purge solinoid have been replaced) and we still have a reoccuring code. All lines appear to ... Trouble codes: 1457 (Evap leak cannister system)	View
	1993 BMW 325is 2.5L Hesitation, Cuts out VIN: WBABF331P3 Hello all hope everyones week is good, For all the BMW techs out therte I have a strange one. I have a 1993 bmw 325is that has a hesitation under a load and when warm. notice that the other day while driving it I made a left turn and the lights on the dash cam...	View
	1999 Buick LeSabre Custom 3.8L Cuts out VIN: 1G4HP52KXX got this buick that cuts out intermittenly the first day i ran it several hours with nothing doing,i then road tested it and it did cut out.it starts right back up with no problems.i let it run again in the shop for almost two hours with the scope hooked on th...	View
	1973 Chevrolet NOVA 350CID alternator VIN: 1X27H2L109 unsure of how to correctly wire in new alternator from 2 wire to 4 wire set up. i have had conflicting instructions on how to wire in correctly so as not to damage the internal regulator and to also turn off the alternator warning light in the dash. thouhgt i ...	View
	1988 Chevrolet S10 2.5L Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1GCBS14E75 Hope someone can offer some insite on a crazy one. This truck was brought to us by a long time customer for a pre purchase inspection. It is an extra vehicle and gets driven maybe 3-4 times a year the last few years. Had not been driven in a couple of months w...	View
	1992 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L No Start VIN: 1G1YY23P7N Car came for no start .When car is cold and has not been started for about an hour it starts okay.When you restart when hot or warm it doesnt start.When this happens there is no injector pulse.Owner replaced disributor assm, thinking that was it because he tho...	View
	1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS 3.1L No Start VIN: 2G1WW12M4T HELP HELP!!! WE have replaced the pump TWICE in the last 2 months, and it just was towed in with another one out!!! Any ideas???	View
	1999 Chevrolet K2500 5.7L No Start, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCGK29R3X Hi Everyone. I have this truck is in the shop for a no start. It started out not having spark. I fixed that problem. First i put a crank sensor in for code P0338. This took care of the code. There is also a tsb for that code. I also had to put an ignition cont... Trouble codes: P0338 (ckp Sensor Circuit High Duty Cycle), P1361 (Ignition coil control circuit low Voltage)	View
	2003 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3L compressor VIN: 1GNEK13293 This vehicle when it wants shuts the compressor of and when it comes in with the compressor off while I am trying to get a voltmeter on sensor and compressor clutch it starts working and is good for a short while and it happens again. It has automatic temp con...	View
	2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD LS 6.0L Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1GCGK13U23 When you just tip in the accelerator, this truck will take off so hard that it spins the tires. It has very little low end. It idles normal, no stall or surge. Must use the cruise on highway to keep throttle stable, touchy and hard to maintain cruise speed. Va...	View
	2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 5.3L Hesitation, Cuts out, MIL Lamp on VIN: 3GNEC12T44 Truck came in for ABS & Brake coming on & all guages dropping out. One code for ABS relay loss of power, cleaned grounds cleared codes & road tested. When hitting a bump Abs light comes on, speed-o & tach drops for a split second & slight loss of power, also A...	View
	2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LS 6.0L MIL Lamp on, reduced power VIN: 1GBHC24U64 This vehicle sets an intermittent P1125 code. This seems to happens on mostly on decel. The problem happens when the APP 1(V) drops to .4V, while APP 2 remains at .7(V). I have checked the wires and connectors, and have found no problems. I have replaced both ... Trouble codes: P1125 (The PCM detects a difference between APP sensor 1 and APP sensor 2)	View
	2003 Chrysler Concorde LX 2.7L front brakes VIN: 1CHG54LU3H while driving after about 15 minutes car starts to slow down on its own, front brakes apply by themselves. Let car sit on side of road and they release. Also sometimes when accelerate hard they release.	View
	1989 Dodge Raider 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: JB7FJ4354K Unable to get code out of this Raider with Modis. Runs good under load, but it idled too fast (over 2500 rpm) when it came in. After I cleaned MAF sensor, the idle dropped to 500 rpm when warmed up. Cannot get rid of high fast idle (cold) and warm idle is to s...	View
	1996 Dodge Neon 2.0L No Start VIN: 3P3ES47COT purchased vehicle cheap no start, no power to ign coil or injectors, auto shut down relay wont power up to ign circuit. My question is what will keep the pcm from sending signal to auto shut down relay? could I still have a bad crank sensor that is not letting...	View
	1999 Dodge Caravan 3.0L Cuts out VIN: 2B4FP253XX We have a caravan in our shop that quits on acceleration. This only happens when vehicle is warmed up. Van only quits when opening throttle over about 1/4 throttle. If you only accelerate slowly the van seems to run fine. I have checked fuel pressure, 48psi. I...	View
	2002 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L drivetrain VIN: 3B7KF23C52 Just out of the body shop, tech was driving our empty shop-truck back over 3000' pass (in 2WD) and the rear axle locked just as the descent started (float to backdrive condition). Vehicle skidded to a halt. Shift t-case to neutral allowed the vehicle to roll a...	View
	2003 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L Mode control in a/c head VIN: 3D7KA286X3 This is a single system. Truck came in for blower inop and customer stated mode controls had quit some time ago. The blower issue was a burned up ignition switch and wiring. This is fixed and working. The a/c head had no output to any actuators when selecting ...	View
	1992 Ford Ranger STX 4.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Misfire, Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1FTCR15X6N ok hello everbody thanks in advance for any help provided don^T know where else to turn.first thing we did read codes none came up said system passed.next checked fuel pressure both running and not both in specs.drop down test for regulator and leaking injecto...	View
	2002 Ford Explorer Postal 4.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FMZU62E02 This vehicle has come up from Florida, now it has an intermittant P0171. I have repaired all vacuum leaks (intake, egr, and pcv valve). The o2 sensors were replaced because of faulty heaters. MAF was missing the resistor when we first received this exploder. I... Trouble codes: P0171 (Lean bank 1)	View
	2003 Ford F-150 King Ranch 5.4L Unknown VIN: 1FTRW08L53 i have a customer that has a clunk while transmission downshift or you gun it hard from a stop and let off. i have read the tsb about greaseing the slip yoke and another shop has already did that and there is no change. we have overhauled the transission of a ...	View
	2003 Ford Crown Victoria 4.6L Stall, START/DIE VIN: 2FAFP71W43 vehicle intermittently will start/die after a hot soak of 30-45 minutes.(takes 45 minutes to an hour of operation under heavy load to get it to a point where it will act up after an additional 30-45 minute hot soak, & then will only act up for 2-3 starts..very...	View
	2005 Ford Crown Victoria 4.6L air bag VIN: 2FAFP71W25 air bag light flashes code 81 scan tool reading code b2293.possible causes faulty clock spring , drivers air bag module, faulty restraints control module. our air bag simulators do not work with this vehicle. this police car application.	View
	1998 GMC K1500 Suburban 5.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GKFK16R9W flow chart leads to distributor incorrectly installed or timing chain or distributor is at fault. im nervous, how do i verify timing chain slop? what is too much? any help would be very helpfull. Trouble codes: P1345	View
	1996 Honda Accord EX 2.2L comp VIN: 1HGCD5666T we have a honda thats kicking my techs hiney,vehicle came in with low presure on old comp would not cool at all,we think easy fix clean system replace exp valve and new ac delco comp wrong.With the correct charge and temp outside of 87 degreees we can only get...	View
	1997 Honda Civic EX 1.6L windshield washer VIN: 1HGEJ6168V Hi IATN members. I have this 1997 Civic that has a problem with the #26 under dash 20AMP wiper fuse that blows when using the windshield washers only. The fuse will not blow if only the wipers are being used at any speed. I have replaced the washer pump and ch...	View
	2003 Kia Sorento EX 3.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: KNDJD73373 kia techs! 3.5 po340,starter kicks back, feared out of time -pulled cover to discover that timing marks perfect. front of motor off, started and scoped cam and crank sensors, matches data base wafeforms exactly of a known good 2002 3.5. now it starts and runs ... Trouble codes: P0340	View
	2003 Lincoln Navigator 5.4L Steering Hoses VIN: 1LNCNNAVI2 Hello everyone. The steering rack is leaking at the connections for the steering lines. We removed & inspected the lines for wear & they looked good. Now these line ends are made up like Ford A/C lines where the seals are recessed into the line but without the...	View
	2004 Lincoln LS 3.0L Cuts out, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1LNHM86S94 Car came in with a missfire .Wrench light would come on and car would not accelarate.Had code P0306 replaced spark plugs and #6 coil.This seems to have taken care of miss but intermittantly wrench light comes on and wont accelarate still.Has codes P2107-TAC pr... Trouble codes: P2107 (TAC Microprocessor), P2110	View
	1991 Mazda Protege DX 1.8L engine VIN: JM1BG2233M Hello, Got this car from hell here that is driving me mad. Towed in for a no start. Car starts fine but it barely idles (very rough) and will not accelerate at all. Traced it down to a alternator problem. When I disconnect the main wire to the 80 A fuse/batte...	View
	2000 Mercedes-Benz C280 2.8L Windsheild Wiper VIN: WDBHA29G5Y The last two times this car was in the wind shield wiper motor had failed completely. This is a single wiper blade,dual action wiper system . The customers most recent complaint is that the wiper seemed to be dragging. When we first tested the operation of the...	View
	2002 Mercedes-Benz ML500 5.0L esp system VIN: 4JGAB75E02 Hello, I need some on this 2002 ML500.I am having trouble diagnosing code #1314.I am not really sure what the code means.The description reads"ASR ET ESP hydraulic unit [A7/3y7]solenoid valve voltage supply from N47-5". I am assuming this means that the ABS h...	View
	2003 Mitsubishi Galant DE 2.4L compressor VIN: 4A3AA36G23 Hi all, This car came in with complaint of intermittently blowing warm. With a/c on and compressor engaged, and condenser fans on, the low side drops into a vacuum of 25 inches and the high side is 70 lLBS of pressure. I evacuated the system and found it full,...	View
	2000 Nissan Frontier XE 2.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1N6DD26S5Y dear group , and Jimmy N , PO400 is wearing me out, customer replace Valve and temp sensor with oem parts , I checked EGR backpressure transducer , as per somedata , it wouldnt hold vacume so we replaced it , oem of course.The EGR ports have been checked and d... Trouble codes: P0400	View
	2002 Nissan Frontier XE 2.4L Air Bag Light VIN: 1N6DD262S2 When I got involved I was told to splice in terminal ends. When I first saw the car the terminal ends were physicaly damaged (conflicting stories on that but thats a different post) So I soldered & heat shrinked new ends from new harness then checked resistanc...	View
	2000 Oldsmobile Alero GL 3.4L No Start, will start at times VIN: 1G3NF12E2X this car will start at times,runs fine when it does start. sometimes will die while running or sometimes will not start after shut off. there is no security light on or flashing. the condition has gotten worse to the point it has to be found and repaired. Trouble codes: P1626	View
	1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.1L starter VIN: 1G2NW12MOT Thanks to all in advance, this car came in with a complaint that the key came out in any position, so we tore apart tumbler and found tumblers to be worn so we opted to replace the the whole key cylinder set with new tumblers.When we got it back together it wo...	View
	2002 Pontiac Aztek 3.4L all guages VIN: 3G7DB03E92 Ever since the intake was done the dash has not worked. All the illumination, the warning indicators, message center, all work fine. The guages do not sweep with the key on nor do they register while running. I am not sure if the intake would have anything to ...	View
	1993 Subaru Legacy L 2.2L No Start, MIL Lamp on VIN: 4S3BG6335P car came in with ck engine light on & very hard to start cold, and no power, I tried to extract codes by plugging wires together which turned the ck engine light out, now it starts fine I could not get it to flash the codes for me is there any way to get the c...	View
	1997 Subaru Legacy L 2.2L MIL Lamp on VIN: 4S3BD4355V The car has a flashing MIL and the fans turn on and off.as aoon as the key is turned on. Trouble codes: P0500, P1101, P1121, P1540	View
	1996 Toyota Corolla 1.6L engine cooling fan VIN: 2T1BA01E0T The car came in with an over heat condition, we found a seized engine cooling fan motor. After fan replacement the fan runs steady will not shut off, we have replaced both temp sensors, relay, power dist box, traced all wires in the harness & still no further ...	View
	2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0L Unknown VIN: WVWSK61J32 need some help on this vehicle-it has an ac vent fault im assuming-the far left vent blows 68 degrees-center left vent blows 50 degrees- the right center vent not blowing at all- the passenger vent blows 68 degrees-system is full on freon- my question is- is t...	View
	2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4 Motion 2.8L MIL Lamp on, p1176, p1177 VIN: WVWTH63B53 Car came in with p1176 and p1177. Cleared codes and adaptives and let customer drive. Came back with same codes. Monitored O2 operation and O2 sensors seem to work ok. Smoke tested sys. and found small vac. leak at the throttle body inlet and repaired. Also cl... Trouble codes: P1176, P1177	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	1993 Chevrolet Corsica LT 2.2L Stall VIN: 1G1LT534XP Well the over all response was a sticking TCC. The customer does not want to fix the problem at this time so I have unplugged the TCC as many of you suggested and they are going to take it after the weekend. I did also clean the throttle body and remove and ...	26
	1995 Chevrolet Astro 4.3L No Start, Stall VIN: 1GBDM19W2S I will close this now hoping that it is fixed. Although I could not get it to cut off and not start in the shop so that I could unplug sensors to see if the ref volts would return I replaced the map sensor, test drove and it did fine. Before I could go less th...	14
	1998 Chevrolet Express 3500 5.7L front pads VIN: 1GCHG35RXW As most of you know, we will not know if this is "fixed" or any better until 15,000 miles go by...I will try a fleet hd pad of somesort, I am searching for them as I write this. Generally, I have heard what I needed, that most evryone has had a premature wear ...	30
	1999 Chevrolet Malibu 2.4L cluster - turn signals - a/c - starting VIN: 1G1ND52T3X well I think this one is fixed - removed LH IP fuse block after finding voltage difference in the 2 pins as suggested - found no burnt,wet,or damaged wires - refitt block with a little dielectric lube and not a issue ever after. Thanks to all that helped. A/C ...	7
	1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.2L fog lamps VIN: 15W347TY11 Thanks Jesus, Wade and Kent -- all of you were certainly right on. I have been in this auto world for 30 years and have never installed fog lamps!!! Go figure. It was as easy as you all said. Thank you so much for your time in my petty matter. What a help you...	7
	1987 Ford F-150 Custom 5.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire VIN: 1FTCF15N3H A RUBBER BAND COULD HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB AS A TIMING CHAIN THAN THE WORE OUT, SLACK, STRETCHED CHAIN THAT WAS IN THIS TRUCK!!! thanks to everyone that took the time to respond to my request. just cranked her up about 5 minutes ago. idled like a charm and rev...	21
	1990 Ford F-250 Custom 4.9L fast idle VIN: 1FTHF25Y7L I have tryed all of the suggestions , they were grate , the one that fixed the problem was smoking the engine.I have never did that before but will do that more in the future.I am old school with the spaying tests , but it opened my eyes when I found it was ... Trouble codes: 23 (tps out of range).	7
	1993 Ford Tempo GL 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, high idle VIN: 1FAPP36U8P Thank you very much to all who helped. Despite powers and grounds appearing ok at the TPS I decided to remove and clean both ground connections at the radiator support. Several long road tests and a couple of weeks in the hands of the customer with no more pro...	10
	1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot Coupe 2.0L Mechanical VIN: 3FAKP1130W Thanks to all; I got a number of very quick replies. Almost everyone was of the same opinion, that the information indicates that this is an interference engine. But almost everyone had replaced a few without valve damage, as was the case with this one. The p...	12
	1998 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2FMDA5148W Thanks for all the replies, I had talked with the customer about needing more diagnostic time but they declined to have any further testing, I have a hunch that this van was going to need PCM replaced or wiring issue, due to the difference in voltages between... Trouble codes: P0303, P1512, P1513.	4
	1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTNW20F1X Sorry, I forgot to close with a fix. What had happen was, with the four cam sensor we replaced, three before me. I had found out that we had never replaced it with a ford sensor. With that I went out and bought my own Ford cam and put it on. Guess what. It fix... Trouble codes: P0344.	7
	2001 Ford Windstar SE Sport 3.8L electric rear windows VIN: 2FMZA57451 thank's everybody for you'r help and advice.the motors where bad just replaced them with new units from the ford dealer.thanks again jim	15
	2001 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L Oil Pan VIN: 1FTNX21F71 Many thanks to the 10 responders who have travelled down the same road. Pulled the front end off, popped the turbo out for clearance ( damn wiper cowl ) and yanked 'er like a loose tooth. Hope you all have a great Memorial Day weekend ! Carl	12
	2003 Ford Taurus LX 3.0L Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FAFP55U83 The vehicle was fixed by replacing the fuel pump. Thanks all. Trouble codes: P0191, P1233.	7
	1997 GMC Savana 3500 5.7L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire VIN: 1GTHG35R4V First of all I just want to say thank you to everyone who tryed to help me. I got alot of input. I checked the distributor again like suggested for signs of wear. Didnt find any but replaced anyway just to be sure. unfortunatly, didnt work. Swaped the distribu...	15
	2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 3.7L No Start VIN: 1J4GL58K73 thanks for the responces Lamont was probably correct i removed the valve cover as recomended and found 2 rocker arms that had some how fallen off,they were just laying there in the head, 2 different cylinders and both were for exhaust valves, cam looks ok, thi...	5
	2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L Excessive Emissions, Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1J4GW48S14 I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR INPUT. THE PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION COIL ASM. IT WAS CAUSING THE ASD RELAY TO GO CRAZY,SOMEHOW IT WAS BACK FEADING THROUGH THE DARK GREEN WIRE WITH ORANGE TRACER, WHICH IS A FUSED WIRE OUT OF ASD RELAY. IT IS THE 12V SUPPLY T...	9
	2002 Lexus LS430 4.3L Timing Belt VIN: JTHBN30F42 Thanks for replies. but this one seemed to stump everyone. Spoke to a few Lexus/Toyota techs and none has ever seen this problem. If the engine had more damage or the customer did not drive 300 miles before this happened I would say my tech installed the belt ...	5
	1996 Mazda 626 LX 2.5L Hesitation VIN: 1YVGE22D7T Thank you all for responding. It turned out to be the coil in the distributor. It took forever to get a yard distributor (didn't want to pay $600 for a new one with not being sure). But that was it. Car runs great! Thanks again everyone.	7
	1991 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 2.6L No Start, Poor Idle Quality VIN: WDBDA29D6M thank you for the info we replaced the over voltage relay and the fuel pump relay and problem has not reoccured yet..	2
	1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 5.0L door locks VIN: WDBFA68F17 well I believe that from the replies , and looking into the owners manual. Along with other internet searches. This vehicle does not have the option for auto unlock with key off or removed. I believe the customer has this confused with other vehicles that h...	6
	1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 3.2L Transmission VIN: 4JGAB54E9X Thanks for the help guys.This was an odd one.The position sensor/motor for the transfer case fixed it .So I tried putting valve body and module back and BAMM didnt work again.Changed back and everything fine.What is the odds of both going out at the same time....	4
	1999 Mercury Mystique LS 2.5L No Start VIN: 1MEFM66L1X thanks to all who replied,sorry it took so long but the customer insisted on finding a used pcm and now the vehicle has spark.	4
	2001 Nissan Sentra GXE 1.8L Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out VIN: 3N1CB51D71 We cleaned the injector and the customer tell me that the car run fine and it still ok for a week thanks for all the answer. Trouble codes: P0130, P0131, P0705.	4
	1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8L Fuel Gauge VIN: 1G2WP52KXV All had it right, and I knew that I would probably doing the fuel sending unit but the the fact that it all happened at the same time raised some questions with me. I did replace the sending unit and fuel pump assy. so it is all taken care of and I don't have ...	4
	1998 Volkswagen Beetle TDI 1.9L master cyl. VIN: 3VWBF61C8W Good morning everyone, Well this car has finally arrived.Supposedly another shop had put brakes on and when the customer received car back she had to pump the brakes everytime to stop.That is when she had the master cylinder changed.Now the vehicle arrives a...	7

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