Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for May 24, 2010

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	Help Request	Answers
	1999 Audi A6 Quattro 2.8L Driveline Vibration VIN: WAUBA24B5X We recently purchased an Audi A6 Quattro for a loaner car for our shop. After performing the above mentioned repairs the car has a high frequency vibration most noticeable from 30-40 mph and then again at 55-65 mph. The vibration is felt most in the back seat ...	View
	2000 Audi A4 1.8L oil temp gauge VIN: WAUAC28D8Y where is the oil temp sensor locate	View
	2006 Audi A3 2.0L Hvac Blower VIN: WAUMF78P36 Hvac blower not working at any speeds. Hvac code 01273 fresh air blower -v12 short circut. Before i start to confirm it needs a blower motor i would like more imfo. On diagnostics and replacement of motor thank you.	View
	1997 BMW 318i 1.9L No Start, No spark VIN: WBABH8320V Good morning everyone, I have a 97 BMW 318i that a customer brought to me along with another 318i just like it. He wanted us to remove the good engine from one car and transfer it to the other car. After the engine swap the car suprised me and started immediat...	View
	1991 Chevrolet Cavalier VL 2.2L Unknown VIN: 1G1JC5443N Ive got a 1991 chevy cavalier vl 2.2l automatic trans once stated runs great dies and no spark	View
	1998 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L Blower VIN: 1G1YY22G3W We have no blower motor control. On the display the speed bars change when selected, but no blower or change on the techII desired speed counts. When run to high there is no change until the button is pushed two more times. Then speed goes to high. The same fo...	View
	2002 Chevrolet Impala 3.8L No Start VIN: 2G1WH55K12 i have a 02 impalla that will strand customer at random tomes with no start,always startes when i get there. finaly went to their house when problem present.scaned trans,engine,bcm and found b2958/b2960 present.car started fine,drove to shop.customer stated th... Trouble codes: B2958, B2960	View
	2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3L rear temp door actuator VIN: 1GNEC13Z62 Hi Fellow Techs, We have this Tahoe(the shop owners brother's)which is giving us fits with the rear A/C temp actuator. We are able to scan codes (BO434) but cannot get data from our Genesys. We found a bulletin #06-01-39-015A pertaing to a controll module tha...	View
	2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 6.0L MIL Lamp on, Power loss VIN: 1GBJC34U24 Reoccurring P1125 This truck first arrived an intermittent Reduced Power Light and the customer reporting power loss. A code check found a P1125. We went right too the APP sensor and compared sensor 1 and sensor 2. The two matched up perfectly. The connector t... Trouble codes: P1125 (APP sensor 1 2 out of correlation)	View
	2005 Chevrolet Express 2500 4.8L Hesitation, Cuts out VIN: 1GCGG25V65 Hello all, Customer brought van in for normal service, L.O.F., check over and whatnot. He also stated that occasionally the van will fall on its face when he hits the throttle after the van has set awhile. I have only had it do it to me twice, but had fuel pr...	View
	2001 Chrysler Concorde LX 2.7L No Start VIN: 2C3HD46RX1 We just got this car from another shop.they installed a used engine and could not get it to start.has good fuel pressure and injector noid. But has no spark. We have power to all coils and continuity from coils to ecm.has good signal from crank sensor at the e...	View
	2002 Chrysler 300M 3.5L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire VIN: 2C3HE66G02 This 300M has an unstable/rough idle (almost a misfire). Genisys shows no misfires. No trouble codes. At highway speeds feels like hard miss on different cylinders. At one time car would not free rev over 2000 rpm. (like rev limiter) At this time it would set...	View
	2002 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 5.9L axle shaft I have a 2002 dodge pup that I am trying to remove the shaft from the front differential(drivers side stub) without using special tool 8420A but I have had no success. It need replaced because it is so worn that it will not let the drivers side cv shaft stay o...	View
	2006 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L oil pressure VIN: 1D7HU182X6 Greetings techs. This vehicle is a repaired rollover from a body shop. It started out as check gauges inop. The tach and oil pressure gauges didn't work properly. Doing the instrument cluster self-test showed the cluster to be defective. We replaced the cluste...	View
	1988 Ford Escort GT 1.9L Alignment VIN: J9JW385761 called napa and checked parts number parts are for all 86-90 just looking at it it looks like lower control arms are 2 inches too short. do I need to use ford parts? Looking to see if anyone else has seen this problem. tryed inverting sway bar. no chane and co...	View
	1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 4.6L MIL Light ON VIN: 1FTDF1767V DTC P0708 present, vehicle shifts normally, OD light does not flash, reverse lights work, vehicle only starts in P&N as it should. Scan tool only shows vehicle in overdrive or man2 no matter what gear is selected. Cycling the overdrive switch changes the scann...	View
	2002 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L Stall VIN: 2FMZA51422 This vehicle came in for cranks no start at times. Performed fuel pressure test and found fuel pressure slow to reach specification. ( cycled key 3 to 4 times) Replaced fuel pump and filter fuel pressure now reaches specification on first cycle. Test Drove ok....	View
	2002 Ford F-150 XL 4.2L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTRF172X2 This is a problem we've had with a number of ford trucks, f150's ,rangers, different engines. customer has a code p0171, p0174, engine lean bank 1 bank 2. Fuel pressure is in spec, but filter changed anyway for good measure, fuel injection cleaned, unable to f... Trouble codes: P0171 (Engine lean bank 1)	View
	2003 Ford Expedition XLT 4.6L radio/pwr windows VIN: 1FMPU16LX3 Very intermittement. When radio goes so does power windows. Cust says fuse panel starts clicking before problem and after it starts working again. No blown fuses. Has had to Ford dealership and they can find no problems. Nor can I. Any help would be great. Tha...	View
	2005 GMC Canyon Z71 SL 3.5L timing chain VIN: 1GTDS13675 after installing all parts truck ran fine for 500 miles.He then returned with a noise. Found a loose timing chain so replaced the tensioner. Truck ran fine again for 20 miles now the chain is loose again.Talked to the local dealer and they have one with the sa...	View
	1989 Honda Civic Si 1.6L Mechanical VIN: 2HGED736XK Hey, just purchased a 89 civic hatchback si. We are not getting any spark. changed distributor, cap, rotor, plugs wires. vehicle has been sitting for a while. It does crank fine but wont turn over. It did have an aftermarket alarm but I had that pulled out. Th...	View
	2004 Honda Civic Hybrid 1.3L End cover VIN: JHMES966X4 Vehicle returned this week with a crack in the end cover near the lube oil pressure test port? Is this a common problem? Has anybody else ran across this? I have a hard time believing it was cracked when it left (used installed in 11-09) and took all this time...	View
	2006 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0L shift 2-3 VIN: KMHDN46D06 hi everyone. driving this 06 elentra either normal or hard driving and it will buck or hesitating 2nd to 3rd consistently every time. will buck once or twice but will drive fine before and after with no issue's or slippage. i have no clue on this one. any help...	View
	1999 Jaguar XK8 4.0L Battery drai VIN: SAJGX2048X Help Jaguar Techs!! This XK8 has a 150 ma draw on fuse 5 for the Body processor module. This module controls the security system, interior lighting, ect. Has anyone seen this before and what may be the root cause- we have done all that we can think of to pin i...	View
	2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L fuel gage VIN: 1J4GX48S31 Hi to all teat,this jeep came in with the fuel gage not working ,we ran a diagnostic and there is one code po463 so we got a new sending unit pull the gas tank and replace it,clear the code ,put five gallon of gas and turn the key on and the gage not working ,...	View
	2006 Kia Rio 1.6L oil control valve VIN: KNADE12316 Timing belt broke bent valves in engine. replaced valves and resurfaced head. installed head with new timing belt, tensoiner and idler pulley. runs fine but p0016 comes on with cam and crank correlation incorrest. double checked timing belt and cam chain. chec...	View
	2005 Land Rover Range Rover HSE 4.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: SALME11616 The truck came with codes for Thermostat (Hard code), O2 sensors (2 front and 1 rear). I send the customer to Range rover for warranty over craked catalitics. They replace both the same day. Then I replace the thermostat, The truck came back with codes for bot... Trouble codes: P2A00, P2A03	View
	2000 Lexus GS300 3.0L No Start VIN: JT8BD68S1Y i just did a timing belt ,cam seals & water pump on this gs300 after the job was finished the car would not start .it acts like the belt timing is off[back fires through intake like way retarded] i double checked the belt timing it is spot on . i did have the ...	View
	2003 Lexus RX300 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: JTJHF10U33 HELP!!! This 03 lexus come into our bay two weeks ago with a p0500 in the computer.. after basic testing you can clear the code and once the vehicle has reached 10 mph the code comes back immediately.i noticed that the speedo does not work until the ses light ... Trouble codes: P0500 (Vehicle speed sensor a circuit fault)	View
	2002 Lincoln LS 3.9L Hydrolic Cooling Fan VIN: 1LNHM87A62 The vehicle came in it was overheating, the temperature is getting up to 234 but the fan never changes speed, it is hydrolic with a hydraulic fan pump seperate. The fan is also leaking oil. How can i test just the fan to se if it is working properly	View
	2004 Lincoln LS 3.0L Misfire VIN: 1LNHM86S34 We have this lincoln that will start to missfire on number 4 cylinder. After pulling coil found water in spark plug tube where coil sits, blow out water and runs fine. Approx a month later car is back with misfire and water in plug tube, also noticed water in ... Trouble codes: P0304	View
	2003 Mazda MPV EX 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: JM3LW28JX3 van initially came in with codes p0442 & p0660. we replaced purge valve & leak detection pump & plugged in i.m.c.c. actator back in (we prob. left unplugged when tuned up 1k ago). van is now back with code p0446 & p2404. there are 0 battery volts @ the blue/pi... Trouble codes: P2404, P0446	View
	2003 Mazda 6 i 2.3L vvt/compression VIN: 1YVFP80C73 mornin mazda techs. this car was towed from another shop who bailed on it.cust says it hiccuped twice and died.other shop found code p0340 cam sensor problem.he replaced the cmp.no help still shows p0340.he got as far as checking 5v.ref and found all ok except...	View
	1994 Mercedes-Benz SL320 3.2L Alarm VIN: WDBFA63E6R Vehicle had a short and burned some wiring to brake light switch ,rear brake light,and grounds,was blowing fuse #5 to under hood fuse box. I repaired those circuits.fuse isnt blowing now,but fuse 1,2,3 have no power.could some one please fax or email wiring di...	View
	2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 3.2L Alignment Specs VIN: WDBUF65J83 We had the vehicle from a body shop due to rt side impact. Replaced bent rt rear spindles, wheels and subframe. Now pulls and "tracks". The question: the caster is 5.5 degress both sides, camber is at rt 1.0 and lft 1.2 both positive. The measured SAI is lft 5...	View
	2004 Mini Cooper 1.6L Input shaft seal VIN: WMWRC33474 Aloha, friends. Three weeks ago, this CVT Mini came in for a bad trans leak. Input shaft seal was found to be leaking. Seal was replaced, car had no leaks when it left the shop. Three weeks later, it has returned, same issue. Has anyone else had a recurring...	View
	2009 Nissan Altima 2.5L EXhaust VIN: 1N4AL21E29 This one is ugly. My fiance's car been back to the dealer 4 times same complaint. LAst time I took it in and forced service advisor to ride with me. Previously they refused to drive with her(claimed it was against insuracne regulations) Every time they claimed...	View
	1998 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3L No Start, Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GHDT13W3W After replaceing the crank sensor the truck ran good for the next two and 1/2 months and then conked out again, replaced the crank sensor under warrentee and it lasted the day. now it will not start and i am at a loss what to look at and what to do next.	View
	2001 Pontiac Aztek 3.4L a/c VIN: 3G7DA03E01 hey everybody!i had this new costumer with the mil on at his car,he had a whole bunch of codes so i recomend to do the basic stuff first wich was a tuneup,after that carstart running beautiful and the owner happy.so i told him:ok i reset the light for now but ...	View
	2003 Saturn Vue 2.2L Differential VIN: 5GZCZ33D43 We did the axle seal and found the fill cap on the top of the transaxle just do not know how much of this special GM fluid to put in or check it. it is a FWD 4 cyl not sure what type of automatic transmission is in it. all data no help Help Please Thanx Tom	View
	1988 Toyota Pickup 2.4L No Start, Stall VIN: JTR4RN50A6 This pickup will start and run fine for about 15 to 20 seconds then it dies and will not restart for up to 10 minutes.When it won't start I am not getting an injector pulse.These vehicles are all greek to me and alldata doesn't offer a trouble tree.Are there a... Trouble codes: 12 (no rpm signal to ecu), 13 (no rpm signal above 1500 rpm), 21 (oxygen sensor fault), 51 (no idl TPSinput to ecu)	View
	2002 Toyota Corolla LE 1.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2T1BR12E72 We have the Masetrtech scan tool with the Toyota software. What I am looking for is some information on the 12 step evap system check in the scan tool. Does anyone have a diag. chart or rundown on this test. Im unsure as to what im looking at when I run this t... Trouble codes: P0441	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2000 BMW 328i 2.8L abs VIN: WBABM5343Y Well most of you said it was the different tire diameters. I mentioned it to the customer. We measured the tire depth. The new tires are 8mm the other 2 are about half (4mm). He said he has always changed tires two at a time without a problem. He is going to ...	9
	2001 BMW 740i 4.4L Rear brakes VIN: WBAGG83401 Thanks for all the help guys. I drove the vehicle many times, but could not duplicate the problem. We decided to first try and flush the entire brake system again. It was then that I found the rear brakes had almost no pressure. I then checked pressure at the ...	5
	2004 BMW 530i 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: WBANA73534 We installed a cold weather kit (crankcase ventilation) and all went well this turned out to be about a $600 repair and is very common a manometer is a tool to help in the diagnostics on this repair and can be checked on all cars with this system would be a go...	8
	1999 Buick Regal LS 3.8L dash lights VIN: 2G4WB52K1X You guys where right about the headlight switch assy. Replaced that and all is well again.	12
	1984 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L reverse lamp switch VIN: 1G1AY0781E Vehicle fixed, but I never really got to the bottom of it. I have no Idea still where I'd get a new switch if it had been my only option. I wound up finding a guy who parts out Corvettes and he had one that worked. Hopefully I won't run into this again. Th...	7
	1999 Chevrolet Express 1500 5.7L differential VIN: 1GBFG1SR1X Thanks for all the replies, sorry about the late closing. After doing everything it turns out it must of been bad gears. we put in a complete used differential and everything is now good.	10
	2007 Chrysler Sebring 2.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1C3LC56RX7 Haven't heard back from customer after putting on a new gas cap and clearing the codes so that must have took care of it. If anything else developes with this later I'll post an update. Thanks for all the replies. Trouble codes: P0456 (Evap Emission System Small Leak Detected).	14
	1997 Dodge Dakota 2.5L Monitor resets VIN: 1B7FL26P5W A couple of the replies shows a lack of talent as for the last reply we did check all power and grounds replaced computer 3 times and even updated the last one because it did not have the newest update it still is not fixed	4
	2001 Dodge Grand Caravan EX 3.8L Cluster VIN: 2B8GP74L31 after extisive research i started looking at the wiring under the vehicle found wires rubbed through at the trans soleniod pack the bus line and the starter excite wire were rubbed through on the corner repared wires everything works norml. thanks for all the ...	12
	1998 Ford Mustang GT 4.6L No Start VIN: 1FAFP45X6W thank you all for the help. in the end i replaced the ecm and had the ford dealer ship flash the key codes in to it. after that all was good. thanks again Trouble codes: U1147 (Scp data fault for vehicle security).	6
	2002 Ford Mustang 3.8L Hesitation, Cuts out, Holds back VIN: 1FAFP40412 first i want to thank everyone who answered. well i checked several things that everyone suggested. it all checked good.i finally decided to check pressure right out of the tank.removed fuel filter and there was no pressure drop out of tank.has brand new filte...	13
	2003 Ford Escape Limited 3.0L no communication VIN: IFMYU02183 well this one is strange. one guy said to check pins in 6 and 14 for can none found other said will not communicate with a can car. that was tru a long time ago not any more. tried a sun machine no comm either. I have a dlc extention cable I switched scan tool... Trouble codes: B1352.	5
	2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 5.4L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Misfire VIN: 1FTSX21596 ALTERNATOR... we are calling this one fixed thanks to all who offered ideas. The Ford dealer indicated a "frequency" interference concern with these vehicles (he said this is however the first one that did not set a code) my theory is since we replaced the PCM...	7
	2006 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4L Poor Idle Quality, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTVX12556 I now have it all figured out. I removed the cam phazer that was setting the code and found the roll pin behind the phaser that plugs into the cam had come apart and broke the cam where it would sit. I did both sides and double checked the timing chain links... Trouble codes: P0021.	6
	1998 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4.0L Hard start VIN: 1J4FY49S1W Alright finally got time to post the fix on this one.After talking with the customer again he told me that the coolant temp sensor was replaced and the temp gauge never worked right after that so I did some investigating and the actual coolant temp verses what...	10
	2006 Kia Spectra EX 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: KNAFE12116 Thanks for the responses, you led me right to the problem. Removed actuator and plugs and cleaned passages, took care or problem. Thanks again Trouble codes: P0011 (Intake camshaft position).	3
	1991 Lexus LS400 4.0L engine VIN: JT8UF11E6M The problem turned out to be a timing issue due to a failed tensioner,it leaked down and allowed the belt to jump.This was a new tensioner that failed.It was a used engine that had been resealed,with new water pump,timing belt, and timing hardware.The tensione...	9
	2005 Lincoln Navigator 5.4L gages VIN: 5LMFU28585 Thanks to all those who replied,what I finally found was that the DVD player was not installed properly.Further investigation determined that bumping the passenger side kick panel would make the gages and DVD player act up.I pulled the panel,removed the previo...	4
	1989 Mazda B2600 SE-5 2.6L No Start VIN: JM2UF6146K Thanks for all the help. I had perfomed a voltage check on the 1M terminal at the ecm. I had 12v which is good according to the pinpoint test. I then scoped it and had no pattern. I scoped the signal to the coil, which was found to be good. I tested the coil p...	9
	1992 Mercedes-Benz 300E 3.0L 4-2 shift VIN: WDB1240302 Thank you for great reply's. Fix was in the second part of the valve body, a little bit of dirt build up in the filters. Works great now. When the car first came to us the trans had next to no oil in it.Replaced the little black vacuum pod on the side of the t...	10
	2000 Mercedes-Benz CL500 5.0L Ridecontrol VIN: WDBPJ75J6Y I apologize to everyone because the customer picked up the vehicle shortly after I put in this help request and has not returned, or called to inform us if the vehicle was fixed at the dealer. Thanks again to everyone who replied, your time and input are great...	4
	2005 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4.0L Accessories Thank You Brian and Keith. The connector plug is where you said it would be--Nisssan #[...]--I have it on order. Per the Nissan parts fellow,when you buy the hitch from Nissan,this kit comes with it. My customer bought the vehicle used w/o the hitch. Thank...	3
	2000 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 5.7L Spark Plugs VIN: 2G2FV22G6Y A couple of you guys gave the correct help I needed to accomplish this spark plug replacement. The drivers side was a no brainer, out in the open. The passenger side was buried and a lot of work, required egr removal, air pipe removal, all four coil packs remo...	8
	2003 Saturn Vue 2.2L unwanted ABS engagement VIN: 5GZCZ33D93 Sorry to reply so late, but here's the over all picture - ruled out parking brake cable by disconnecting, lab scoped speed sensors(tested ok), bore scoped RR tone ring(perfect) - all tests point to hydraulic pump. Customer has now declined repair due to financ...	14
	2006 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 4S4BP61C46 Hello again, The general consensus is that there was a lower than normal voltage supply to the starter at some point. This was never noticed by the owner and he never had any starting issues. We checked all connections and the condition of the battery and foun... Trouble codes: P1518 (Starter circuit low).	4
	1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8L Hesitation, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: WVWNA63BXX We have had many great tips with this car, but due to time issues I will close it without a total fix. The TCM was full of water from a leaking window and we replaced that. We reset the Throttle control and the car will accelerate great, but now we have an iss...	10
	2002 Volkswagen Beetle GL 1.9L Erratic Shift VIN: 3VWCP21C52 Thanks to Charlie we did find the MAF sensor acting up after warmed up, changed and test drove and is now working ok	3

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