Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Dec 4, 2009

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(Also Available: All, Asian, Chrysler, European, Ford, GM.)
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Open Help Requests for All Makes and Models

	Help Request	Answers
	2004 Audi A4 Cabriolet 3.0L roof VIN: WAUDT48H14 Here's one for all of the Audi experts, I've got an A4 cabrio soft top malfunction. When opening the top, the front fabric bow unlocks and comes up, the rear bow then raises completely, then the roof compartment lid unlocks and comes up halfway and stops, pump...	View
	2004 Audi A4 1.8L starting VIN: WAUJC68E24 Hello Audi Techs I would have to repair the wire loom in this car, being damaged due to the electrical systems control unit short, I have to repair the wire loom in different sections by replacing sections of wiring,when I tried to order wire and crimp connect...	View
	2004 BMW 325i 2.5L power mirrors VIN: WBAEV33494 Hi Techs: My problem with this one is that power mirrors doesn´t work well. I replace the mirrors switch but the problem still there. I touch one click al the switch in aany direction an the mirror moves all the way from one side to another and doesn't stop un...	View
	1999 Buick Regal GS 3.8L No Start VIN: 2G4WF5214X This car apparently died while it was driving down the road. It cranks fine but will not start. We have good spark, and good fuel pressure, but no injector pulse from PCM. When first attempting to start after the car has been sitting for a while, the injector...	View
	2002 Buick Rendezvous CX 3.4L warning light VIN: 3G5DA03E12 I thought that after replacing the lights that the light would go off,is there a reset proceedure for this light? Thanks,	View
	1986 Chevrolet Caprice 4.3L runs poorly VIN: 1G1BN69Z6G Vehicle came in "died on the road". Towed in, started right up but ran poorly. Set timing and checked vacuum, steady @ 20. Test drive and it would only run well if I had the timing so advanced it pings terribly. Found out that customer shot a halon fire exting...	View
	1993 Chevrolet K1500 WT 4.3L Hydraulic System VIN: 1GCEK14Z4P The pedal feel and clutch actuation bleeds off over time and won't release the clutch. If you pump the pedal the pressure and feel comes back, for a little while. This truck initially came to me because the roll-pin that retains the fluid line into the master...	View
	1994 Chevrolet G20 Chevy Van 5.7L Stall VIN: 1GCEG25K1R Engine stalls with rapid application of throttle in neutral or with any throttle application with vehicle in gear. All ignition has been replaced including 2 new distributors. Fuel pump is new with 14 psi that remains constant when engine stalls. Vacuum is 18 ...	View
	1999 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3L tcc module VIN: 1GNDT13WXX This Blazer will not stay in 4wd above 10 mph. Above that speed it reverts to 2wd and sets the service 4wd light. It sets speed sensor code, but all three speed sensors show good. Have replaced front speed sensor and swapped the 2 in the back with the same res...	View
	2000 Chevrolet K3500 7.4L Hesitation, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCHK33J6Y Gentleman, I have a difficult problem here. the truck misses and lacks power under heavy acceleration. On scanner it shows constant misfire on #3 cylinder, yet only code present is p0171. When I look at fuel trim it shows only 5% long term fuel trim on bank 1.... Trouble codes: P0171 (lean condition)	View
	2000 Chevrolet Express 3500 5.7L Filling with fuel VIN: 1GCHG35RXY This van came in after another repair shop put in a fuel pump cannot put fuel in without spilling out no codes set for a vent valve or canister removed filler neck did not see any kinks in tube if anybody has ever run into this please let me know thank you.	View
	2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L wipers VIN: 2GCEK19TX1 wipers operate on high only--we replaced cover /circuit board due to high failure pattern. wipers then worked fine-for 5 minutes--now they are back to hi only--i subscrice to shop key , but diagnostic info is vague--any help would be great	View
	2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LS 5.3L Misfire VIN: 1GNFK16792 hello hope everyone ok. well we replace intake gaskets,spark plug wires, plugs,clean injectors, and still have random misfire, 2002 suburban 5.3 flex fuel. apreciate any help tnx. Trouble codes: 300 (random misfire)	View
	2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.0L monitor will not se, VIN: 1GCHK29U64 thanks to all in advance. This one has been giving me a hard time for 3 days. Vehical came in with po442 code and po455 code, smoked system three times and no leaks found.Changed gas cap and vent solenoid, still no monitor set and tighten gas cap will display ...	View
	2006 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.2L steering VIN: 1G1ZS51F46 when making hard turn , when returning whell back to center , hear a clunking sound. found nothing loose in the front suspension. feels like play in tie rods both sides (but there is really no ply in tie rods). also steering to the right is really hard and to ...	View
	1999 Dodge Dakota 3.9L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Stall, Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1B7GG26X8X I work for a public school system and I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota that has a intermittent runnability problem. It will loose power and start popping throw the intake out of the blue and you have to pull over and let it idle maybe a minute maybe 5 and it will co...	View
	2001 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L converter? VIN: 3B7KF23621 customer had a stalling in gear problem and when it didnt stall in gear the truck wanted to pull when not giving any gas iv had this problem before on dodge trucks have replaced the converter and fixed problem i have replaced the converter on this truck it see...	View
	2001 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 4th(OD) VIN: 3B7KF23651 47RE transmission has no 4th gear. The scan tool shows a 4th gear is commanded, but it doesn't shift. Lockup seems to be working. All other shifts are good and are not late or hard. I tapped into the brown wire from the ECM and it does indicate that the comput...	View
	2003 Dodge Neon SXT 2.0L clear codes VIN: 1B3ES56C73 Helo iv got a real brain stumper 03 dodge neon has salvage title bodyshop fixed frontend damage ( pass side ) car runs and drives good but wen you turn the headlights on their is alot of drag from the battery and the batt light comes on inside the vehicle we p...	View
	2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 2.7L Driveline VIN: WD2YD74273 Greetings, we have this Sprinter that came in with complaint of vibration "like a bad u-joint" the customer stated. We drove it and sure enough seemed like u-joint. Pulled drive shaft assembly found two joints locked up. Slam dunk right? $900.00 reman drive sh...	View
	2004 Dodge Durango ST 4.7L transfer case VIN: 2VF3DT1U78 i have a 04 durango with a 4.7 it has the switch on the dash that is either in all wheel drive or you can lock it in customer says when it is locked in it binds up when turning test drove with him and you cant even turn the car it comes to a hard stop have to ...	View
	1997 Ford Escort 2.0L Convertor lock up VIN: 1FALP15P5V Hi everyone, I'm not a tranny shop but I'm trying to help a buddy out. He's got this Escort that will stay locked up when you come to a stop. If you don't put the trans in neutral it will stall the engine. Would be the same effect as a manual trans that you d...	View
	2001 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 6.8L Unknown VIN: 1FTNW21S31 the truck will vibrate in the steering wheel between 30 & 40 mph, it almost feels like you are driving over the grooves along the side of the road. does not change in 2wd or 4wd, applying the brakes or turning the wheel back and forth. we have also turned off ...	View
	2002 Ford F-150 Lariat 4.6L alternator VIN: 1FTRX17202 Hello all, Have a students truck here that keeps eating up alternater bearngs. Originally he installed a radio and amp, shortly after he had a charging issue and battery drain problem. He replaced alternator and removed amp. Now charging system works ok but th...	View
	2002 Ford Explorer XLT 4.6L 4 Wheel drive VIN: 1FMZU73W62 Customer states that intermittantly, when she starts the vehicle first thing in the morning, the 4 wheel drive engages by itself. She is able to switch it out of 4 wheel drive with the selector switch, but says it is starting to happen more frequently. I found...	View
	2004 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor 4.6L Transmission VIN: 2FAFP71W94 Good morning and thanks in advance we have this patrol car in for trans problem found fuse 20 was blown this is to the trans and evap system o2 sensors We replaced the fuse and wow the car worked fine for 2 shifts for them We then rescanned for codes again and...	View
	2006 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor 4.6L No Start VIN: 2FAHP71W66 2006 crown vic officer fills up at fuel house drives 1 or 2 miles engine starts to spit and sputter and dies, checked fuel pump relay works fine jumped relay fuel pump not working, replaced fuel pump still not working. I have power going to the inertia switch ...	View
	2006 GMC Sierra 2500 HD SLE 6.6L engine? VIN: 1GTHK23D26 Have a vibration in neutral or in gear at 1500-1900 rpm coming thru floorboard.Can feel very heavy at throttle and brake pedal. Seem to have gotten worse in the last 4k miles,started at 1600-1800 rpm and has since expanded 1500-2000rpm.Have removed belt and ra...	View
	2002 Infiniti Q45 4.5L Stall VIN: JNKBF01A02 The issue with this car now is that occasionally after backing out of a parking spot or stopped at a stoplight, he will go to apply gas and realize the engine is not running. Every time with a bump of the key, it fires no problem. Sometimes it will be days bet...	View
	2001 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 3.2L Control arm/sway bar VIN: 4S2DM58WX1 This is my brothers car. He called and told me his wife was complaining about the handling and that something seemed wrong. When I looked underneath I found that the rear frame has completely rotted away where the control arm attaches. I told him to call Isuzu...	View
	1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7L Mechanical VIN: 1J4GW58S9X This Jeep makes a noise that sounds like a baseball card in a bicycle spoke. It can only be heard driving down a fairly steep hill while braking below 30mph. The pads and rotors have been changed twice and the noise is still there. It does it in drive or neutr...	View
	1997 Lexus LS400 4.0L Heater Cable VIN: JT8BH28F0V Hey All, Cat came in for no heat. Found heater valve was not moving when adjusting temp at panel. Found broken heater control cable. Now here is the problem, my dealer says that it is only available as a complete heater box assembly. Now for my questions. A...	View
	2005 Lexus LX470 4.7L ahc VIN: JTJHT00W85 Customer states that from time to time that the RF suspension dips down/drops while driving (mostly on slow speed cornering). There are no codes in AHC system. We have a Mastertech w/ Toyota/Lexus software. We are watching scan data and can see no glitches in ...	View
	2006 Maserati Quattroporte Executive GT 4.2L MIL Lamp on VIN: ZAMCE39AX5 I have a 2006 Maserati Quattroporte with a check engine lamp on and states engine control failure on cluster. My scanner will not allow me to communicate with the pcm. Is there a special scanner to communicate with this vehicle. Any help will be appreciated.	View
	1993 Mazda Miata 1.6L Hidden Headlights VIN: JM1NA3514T Hi Guys, I do not know where to start on this one. The owner tells me that intermittently while the car is parked the hidden headlights will start cycling open and closed until it kills the battery. It had a theft system in it but it has been removed. Anyone...	View
	2001 Mazda MPV LX 2.5L Misfire, no spark cyl.3&4 VIN: JM3LW28Y11 After three weeks of trying, this problem has been handed over to me. This engine never fires #3 & 4 plugs. They share same side of the coil. According to alldata diagram pin 52 at ecm, a red wire is the trigger, wire color changes to white somewhere between e...	View
	2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 5.0L front struts VIN: WDBNG75J81 Customer complained that the rear end was high, once the car was here it appeared normal. When the car was lifted we immediately heard an air leak. Found both front struts leaking air. Looking in the archives found that a repair kit is available. Yet most post...	View
	2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 3.5L MIL Lamp on, melted VIN: JN8DR09Y22 Any help on this one would really be appreciated.Heres the situation customer needed to pass state inspection and had originally came in with p0455,and p1448.After hooking up evap system fogger it was bypassing vent solenoid so I quickly blocked vent solenoid ... Trouble codes: P0455, P1448, P1491	View
	2003 Nissan Murano SE 3.5L no heat at idle VIN: JN8AZ08W03 Customer came in with no heat at idle. I usally have good luck by flushing heater core by its self. I flush it and then reverse flush it. Most people that have been told that they need a heater core, I usally can get them heat. Well this one dosent seem to be ...	View
	2004 Nissan Titan SE 5.6L ac/ hheater VIN: 1N6AA06A74 well customer say the ac wont come on and the heater wont come on i check fuses and relay what i can see is the intereor contral theres 3 one for the bi level and the one for heat hot to cold the othere to change to from ac to heater the one dose not lite up t...	View
	2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL 3.4L class 2 bus line VIN: IG3NL12E83 HI and thanks for all your help. This car came in on a hook as a no start no crank.No radio and the ipc runs key on bulb test but it does not cycle the gages or have a theft light when trying to start in crank mode. Battery good tested all fuses and found that...	View
	2005 Other Asian xb 1.5L unknown VIN: JTLKT33475 have this scion that the customer is complaining that after starting a cold engine (first start of the day) and coasting slow (foot not on the brake) the tracion control light comes on and the brakes feel like they are dragging or engaging for a few seconds, t...	View
	1995 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.3L Fuel Pump, Ignition Coils, Injectors, Console Indi VIN: 1G2NES5DXS Car came to us with a no run situation, humming comming from the center of the engine. One relay clicking. Check engine flashing and gear position indicator light flashing. The check engine light, gear shift indicator light, relay all flash at the same time, r...	View
	2000 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.4L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G2NW12E9Y Hello, thanks in advance! I starting working on this following alot of repairs. Random Misfire @ 2100-2600 RPMs, in any gear of the transmission. normally occurs at highway speeds. Won't misfire accept when driving not even when under a load in shop. This unit... Trouble codes: P0300	View
	2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.8L hard start VIN: 2G2W552234 This customer is complaining of hard start. It takes multiple attempts for the engine to start. We experienced three key cycles. The puzzling thing is when we first hooked up the fuel gouge the pressure was zero. Turn the key on but not start the pressure is 1... Trouble codes: P0128	View
	2000 Saab 9-5 SE 3.0L Engine Noise ?? VIN: YS3ED48E0Y This vehicle has been meticulously maintained and always used synthetic oil. Came in with coolant leak (no signs of over heating), due to broken radiator. Customer noticed wiff of smoke and stopped driving immediately. Upon repair of cooling system and ensurin...	View
	2004 Saturn Vue 2.2L cruise control VIN: 5GZCZ33D84 The problem I'm haveing is I know that I have good power to the ecm but I don't no where to go to next. Shopkey has left me at a dead end. I believe there is a problem in the ecm causeing the cruise control to not work. The powers for the cruise control are go...	View
	1994 Subaru Legacy L 2.2L Starting VIN: JF1GF2443R Hi all tech friends : Customer has his car towed in for no start after he did the engine swap. The engine he put in is from 1993 Legacy 2.2 L Turbo with the whole engine harness and ECU as well. He did all the re-wiring by his own wiring diagrams informations...	View
	1999 Toyota Avalon XLS 3.0L Cooling Systems VIN: 4T1BF28B2Y I am looking to install a block heater and cant find any info on where it goes. I cant find the freeze plugs not too familiar with these cars. someone please any info would be appreciated.	View
	2000 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.7L head gasket VIN: 4TAWM72N3Y Fellow techs, This 2000 Tacoma was brought in with the customer complaint of coolant having the appearance of "Strawberry yogurt". He indicated no driveability problems or other recent issues. Vehicle is well maintained. Our inspection reveals engine oil is...	View
	2003 Toyota Highlander 2.4L Excessive Emissions, MIL Lamp on VIN: JTEGD21A03 vehicle came in last week with check engine lite on-p0420-p0430-p0171--the owners had the converter replaced-looks like one big manifold cat--the maf sensor was soo dirty it would not clean up-so i replaced it for the code p0171-but i go to sniff the car and i... Trouble codes: P0171 (lean bank one)	View
	2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8L solinoid valve 10 VIN: 3VWSE69M33 checked wires replaced sol valve switched computer out of ideas any help would be welcomed	View
	2003 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9L Glow Plugs VIN: 3VWRR69M34 This car is eating glow plugs and me. Dealer has replaced glow plugs under warranty/recall. Customer brought to us a month after with check engine light on and two glow plugs open circuit. Took back to dealer they replaced glow plugs and one week later same s...	View
	1994 Volvo 940 2.3L Excessive Emissions, MIL Lamp on VIN: YV1JW8313R engine is running lean 16.3 to 1 failing NOX. Replaced MAF and 2 of 3 codes went away. Cold it runs like its starving for fuel and stalls when put into gear. Once warmed up it runs pretty good, a little rough at tip in throttle. Fuel pressure is good, What kin... Trouble codes: 231	View
	2004 Volvo S60 R 2.5L brake squeek VIN: YV1RH52Y14 SO, we told her that this is a common problem and the fix is usually replacing rotors and pads with OEM parts. The OEM pads comes chamfered with a built in backing plate,and the OEM rotors comes with this anti-squeak coating on them. Our shop has never had a s...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2007 Acura RDX 2.3L Navigation VIN: 5J8TB18527 Anthony was right about it being swapped. The serial number on the DVD drive was different than the one on the card. I called and got the right code with the number off of the DVD drive.	7
	1995 Audi 90 2.8L tcm, ecm, brakes VIN: WAUBA88CXS thank you to all that replied. i disconnected the abs module and was able to communicate. i replugged back in and everything works perfectly. thank you.	6
	1996 Buick Regal Custom 3.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2G4WB52K3T Perhaps I jumped the gun! I decided to borrow my jobber's illustrated parts guide (NAPA) and located the part in there. Part WAS NOT listed in application catolog for Echlin, Standard or Delco.Part number was good; will be here Monday. Thank You, Guys and have... Trouble codes: P0441.	None
	1995 Chevrolet K1500 5.7L intake VIN: 1GCEK19K7S believe it or not I think the odor was the brake cleaner i used to clean the sludge out of the engine.	24
	1997 Chevrolet C-Series Kodiak C6H042 7.0L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, HARD START WARM VIN: 1GBJ7T1PVJ Thank you all for the help! It was the wrong fuel pump, I assumed the cross reference was correct-wrong! when I tested pressure for the new pump it was very low. Once the correct pump was installed all was well. Thank You!	3
	2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.4L Misfire VIN: 3C4FY48B14 Unfortunatly I have not fixed this one. I checked the timing belt and tensioner, all OK and in time. I did have a training manual that talked about the cam crank relationship on these vehicles and how critical it is. It states that many problems can arise from... Trouble codes: P0300.	15
	2006 Chrysler Pacifica Touring 3.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2A4GM68406 i found the problem on the harnness pcm, i aprecciate all of you'll help amigos tnx alot! Trouble codes: P0135, P0138.	9
	2002 Dodge Neon SE 2.0L No Start VIN: 1B3ES46C22 Thanks for your replies. I did manage to borrow a drb3 and fire the coils. Results: coil and harness okay. Faulty pcm. Replaced pcm and vehicle starts.	6
	2007 Dodge Charger 2.7L engine VIN: 2B3KA43R57 thanks to all for the help i guess dodge built a rotten motor and thats all there is to it	8
	1996 Eagle Talon 2.0L No Start VIN: 4E3AL54F8T after all voltage and ohm tests, found ecu at fault. replaced ucu and problem was corrected.	6
	1995 Ford E-150 Econoline 5.0L No Start VIN: 1FMEE11N9S Sorry for the long delay in posting this fix. Because of the nature of the beast I wanted to wait as long as I could to post the fix to make sure it did not happen again. Well it has been back in service sense the day after I posted the request and has not fa...	12
	2001 Ford F-550 Super Duty XL 7.3L Mechanical VIN: 1FT1234567 We took everyones advice about installing a larger cooler to reduce heat and customer has not had any problems since. Thanks for the replies.	15
	2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL 6.0L No Start, Surge VIN: 1FTSW31P93 I got It fix seen like one of the new injectors was bad but did not show a code so we order 4 new injector and replace all 4 on the left bank and all is well now	16
	2005 Ford E-250 Super Duty 5.4L Misfire VIN: 1FTNE24L85 After doing a lot of tests and a lot of hair pulling we have got this figured out. I would like to thank every one for their suggestions including checking compression and leak down. One of you said to check for melted wire. We did all the tests and checks as ... Trouble codes: P0304 (Misfire 4).	8
	2005 Ford Escape XLT 3.0L radio dispay VIN: 1FMYU93185 Well we did not pull the radio, ford does not list a bulb and form the responses we could spend over a hour fooling around with out success. The display is not fluorescent green. It is black and I am think it should light up the back ground [not 100% sure]. W...	7
	2002 Honda Passport LX 3.2L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 4S6CK58W32 We have found the harness to be broken somewhere inside by the fender well. When you wiggle it a certain way the problem occurs. I contacted an Isuzu dealer and they said that Isuzu is out of business. Is this true ??? I am looking for a harness... Trouble codes: P1515, P1295, P1125, P1221.	3
	2002 Honda CR-V EX 2.4L harsh downshift VIN: JHLRD68442 most replies were yes the tps sensor will cause this problem. which is what i was expecting. we ordered tps from napa. the only way to access tps is to pull throttle body. found the screws that hold tps to throttle body are not removable(have to drill them out...	17
	2004 Mazda RX-8 1.3L Excessive Emissions, No Start, lackof power VIN: JMIFE17N94 Installed low mile use engine.Old engine had been severely overheated and internal seals were damaged.Thanks to all that replied, Al	2
	2000 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L No Start VIN: 1MEFM55SXY well to my dismay and with the help of jason,jean,and marty i have fixed the car.turns out that when i initially was diagnosing car i left the inertia switch connector disconnected and never reconnected it after R&R of the pump.so after reading my help replies...	6
	2005 Nissan Altima SE 3.5L airbag VIN: 1N4AL11D05 i'll call this one fixed, but i really don't have any answers. i did finally find a little info in mitchel. the code indicates a problem with the passenger airbag off indicator light. it's working fine right now (the off light comes on when the key is on and g...	7
	1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser SL 3.3L Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1G3AM84N8L Thanks again to everyones help!! I found 3 injectors that were way out of spec on resistance. I replaced all 3 and the olds never ran better!!! Thanks again!	9
	1996 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G2JB1247T upon further inspection found leak between one and two.finaly got further info on customer had head gasket put on car in 2004 for same concern customer is unloading car n ow than k for everyones replies the where helpful Trouble codes: P0301 (missfire on one).	11
	2001 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G2HX54K61 turned out new aftermkt egr valve causing trouble! when commanded on worked but not opening enough , why this didn't set a pintle position code baffles me but none the less a new valve fixed the problem. Trouble codes: P0401.	8
	2000 Toyota Camry LE 2.2L Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: 4T1BG22K2Y i took the head off because the gasket was bad,compression blowing coolant out radiator.well we ordered the correct shims from the dealer after exhausting all machine shop shim supplies.everyone had the same thickness of shims that were allready installed.mick...	15
	2003 Volkswagen Beetle GL 1.9L fuel out of exhaust VIN: 3VWBP21C43 thanks to all, vw is fixed. several replies were about timing. alot of special tools to do the job. the only tool that i think is really needed is the correct scan too to set the dynamic timing, you can use things around the shop in place of the other tools(dr...	9

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