Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Nov 19, 2010

Join Now

Prev	Professional Automotive Repair Technical Discussions for November 19, 2010 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
	1991 BMW 325i 2.5L Poor Idle Quality VIN: WBAAD231XM Car came in with a busted timing belt. Did a valve job and now when I start it cold the idle fluxuates from 200 to 850 for about 10 seconds and then idles fine. Changed the temp sensor and the IAC valve no help. Because it idles fine and runs fine after the fi...	View
	1999 BMW 328i 2.8L Trunk button,License plate lights,trunk mounted ta VIN: WBAAM5331Y Trunk release Button{electric] License plate lights, Trunk mounted tail lights all inop.All fuses ok,trunk opens by remote and by key lock and I can command trunk open with Launch scan tool,checked wiring harness to trunk and no apparrent wiring damage to harn...	View
	2001 BMW 740iL 4.4L Starting VIN: WBAGH834X1 After battery going dead and then recharging car would not crank. All modules report but the DME and ZKE. EWS had code F5 "Key 5 not recognised". My question is this..If I purchase a new key from the BMW dealer will the car start given that the DME and ZKE are...	View
	2001 BMW 525i 2.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: WBADT43441 I'm lost. BMW 525 2.5L came in with very low power at low RPM's and hard code p0011. Ran smoothly but low power and mil light on. I know this maybe a vanos problem, so on a hunch I removed the double vanos and resealed the vanos pistons, cleaned the valves mad... Trouble codes: P0011, P0014	View
	2003 Buick Regal GS 3.8L started door locks gauges VIN: 2G4WF52153 this car was towed in when u turn the key on it starts itself with out having to turn it over when it starts u cant take it out of gear the gauges dnt work windows dnt work etc thought it be in igntion but didnt help any ideas	View
	1996 Cadillac DeVille 4.6L Stall, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G6KD52YXT coustmer brought this in with a random miss and stalling after scann found codes for randum missfire and ih historw it seemed to be mostly #6 cylinder scoped ingition and all lookeg good. after much checking and testing found just befoe it goes into miss it ma... Trouble codes: P0300	View
	1997 Cadillac Catera 3.0L temp gaurge VIN: W06VR52R3V Temp gauge was erratic on this vehicle. then quit working all together. We replaced the temp sensor with a known good one, replaced cluster with a known good one, replaced the wiring between the cluster and it still doesn't work. the cluster works in another v...	View
	1982 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L Stall, high idle- at times VIN: 1G1AY078XC Hey fellow enthusiasts ! This car is very clean, has plenty of power, accelerates smoothly and is fun to drive. PROBLEM IS with the idle- sometimes over 1500 rpm in drive and sometimes so low that car stalls. Customer not sure what has or has not been done pri...	View
	1996 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1G1YY22P2T This Idles fine until hot, have checked evrything. no missfire code, when theres a missfire the engine surges to compensate for loss of idle speed. have checked all components with ohm meter. and pulled one plug at a time, and still get missfire nomater which ...	View
	1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.8L #6 Cyl VIN: 1GCEK19VOX Thankyou all for your time... This sounds like it should be simple but its kicking our butt. Cust brought in for noise check eng light and rough run. He just had heads replaced for an "exhaust noise" by someone from craigslist. They replaced head gaskets and m...	View
	2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 3.8L Abs Pump VIN: 2G1WX12K2Y car came in with the initial customer complaint of "dash lights on" checked and vehiole has the abs light on and the trac off light on. scanned for codes with our genisis and came up with a C1242-Pump motor circuit open. Did some searching on here using all th...	View
	2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 5.7L Steering VIN: 1GCHG39R51 Have this Express 1 ton van in the shop. Cust states steering gets hard on turns while braking. We replaced the Pump and Bleed the svstem. Also had a loud click when the brakes were applied and the back brakes were hanging up we replaced all the brakes and als...	View
	2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.3L Ducts VIN: 1GCEC14W72 This Silverado had good airflow from the center ducts, but poor to none from the defroster or floor ducts.On the drivers side is an actuator that responds when moving the controls. There is a large gear plate that seems to move through its full range, but the ...	View
	2002 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3L No Start VIN: 1GNEK13Z92 Hello All Techs,this truck was towing to my shop with no starts customer complaints,when the tow truck drop it down i going to try it starts right on, and i asked customer what happened and he said this morning he go out to work he get in the truck it crank ov...	View
	1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.9L brake lights VIN: 3B7HC12Y7X the brake lights on this thing are always on when you turn the key on, they work normally key off, the white/tan wire off of the breke light switch is powered even with it unplugged, unplugged combi switch same thing, unplugged the comb connector under dash an...	View
	2005 Dodge Dakota SLT 4.7L Trabsfer case VIN: 1D7HW48N05 Thanks in Advance for all help. We have a 2005 Dodge Dakota 4wd that came in on the tow truck. the customer stated that the truck would intermittently go into nuetral and 4wd low on its own without requesting it. we test drove the vehicle and found no problems...	View
	2008 Dodge Sprinter 3500 3.0L Cuts out VIN: WDWPE84538 This Ncv3 Sprinter is the first of this series we have been presented with having really concentrated in T1n's up to this point. The rig was presented to us from another shop that has thrown their hands in the air---So it up to us to get it working. The compl... Trouble codes: P2978 (EGR Cooler position sensor open circuit), P2051 (Fuel rail pressure sensor max pressue exceeded), P2017 (Fuel rail pressure monitoring too low), P2953 (Intake swirl port actuator open/sensor value too low)	View
	1993 Ford F-250 XL 5.8L No Start VIN: 2FTHF26H9P Hi all, and thanks in advance. This truck came in with a no start. The fuel pressure was below spec, and the current ramp wave form was bad on the pump. Changed pump and filter. The filter had come apart internally, and sounded like a baby rattle. Suspect this...	View
	1996 Ford Taurus GL 3.0L incomplete montiors VIN: 1FALKP52U7 Cannot complete following montiors O2-heater O2 Egr Evap does complete misfire,component and fuel check power at pin 55 fuse for horn was blown but replaced and still is ok when you drive it none of the four listed will complete. suspect pcm may be cause of co...	View
	2001 Ford Focus SE 2.0L steering VIN: 1FAFP34331 I have a customer with a 2001 Focus. The car will vibrate while turning right. The vehicle has to be in gear for the vibration to occur. The vibration happens at any speed, even while sitting still. The problem is worse in the morning, after about 15min of dri...	View
	2004 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L Transfer Case VIN: 1FTZR45E14 Truck has been back to dealer several times with same problem, when driving at speeds above 40mph the transfer case has self shifted into 4 wheel low. Ford dealer replaced what they called the 4wd module and test drove without being able to duplicate. On other...	View
	2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat 6.0L Dead battery VIN: 1FDWF34P26 We have a small fleet of 2006 e350's with the 6.0 diesel with dual battery's and single alternator. They all have excessive battery draw, seemingly caused by the radio. When the radio is disconnected the draw is gone. The 1.5 amp is enough to drain the battery...	View
	2006 Ford E-350 Super Duty 6.0L Abs Light On VIN: 1FTWW32P36 This truck came in our shop with the abs light on. We scaned for codes and found only code u1900. Customer states if you drive it, the light comes back on after approx. 50miles. We checked for damaged wires and incorectly installed fuses, as per tsb 05-11-14 a...	View
	1995 Honda Accord LX 2.2L Hesitation VIN: 1HGCD56685 car idles fine, runs ok on flat road but going up hill it dogs.it seems to get worse when it drops a gear to accel. engine is in good running condition otherwise, no codes in ecm. dropped catalitic converter, visualy inspected-okay. drove with cat off and runs...	View
	2001 Honda Civic LX 1.7L Heater Core? VIN: 1HGES16551 Start up engine when cold after sitting all night, during regular acceleration a "Sloshing/Gurgling" noise is heard from passengers side behind dash panel. Coolant is full, thermostat works normal and heat in car is good.	View
	2002 Hyundai XG350 3.5L power steering VIN: KMHFU45E12 recently i replaced a slightly leaking power steering pump on a 2002 xg 350 with another aftermarket pump drove 25 miles,when custumer pickup lost power power steering and belt squeel,tighten belt,i work fine for 2 weeks,it started leak badly through return ho...	View
	1998 Infiniti QX4 3.3L No Start VIN: JNRAR05YXW Hey, i've been working on an QX4. This vehicle cranks but dosen't start. If you spray starting fluid directly into the intake manifold the vehicle will start. Once vehicle in warmed up it will start by itself. Have put a new distributor and crank shaft sensor ...	View
	2000 Isuzu Rodeo S 3.2L Misfire VIN: 4S2DM58WXY At the end of my rope here. Mostly has sharp misfires at cruis or slight highway accelleration and sometimes at idle. Always is #1 cyl. The P0351 code from what I have read refers to the coil circuit for #1 cyl. When I ran it with #1 coil disconected I did not... Trouble codes: P0300 (multiple random misfire), P0351 (coil circuit)	View
	2000 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.2L light on always VIN: 4S2CK58W1Y Hello and thanks for help in advance all of you Isuzu Gurus! I have this stubborn Rodeo that has an abs light on and of course my snapon scanner will not read the abs. It instructs me to flash the codes out by jumping pins 4 and 12 of the obdII connector. I di...	View
	1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SL 5.0L Poor Idle Quality VIN: WDBFA66EXN This car has a rough idle until you put a load on it. Ac on idle gets smoother then put it in gear and its dead smooth. No missfire just rough and shaking. One other thing when you drive it it has gobbs of power but at high rpm the tach quits over 4500 rpm. I ...	View
	2003 Nissan Murano SL 3.5L brake pedal VIN: JN8AZ08W73 This vehicle has an intermittent hard brake pedal. Only happens once in the morning (first thing) and once at night after sitting for more than 4 hours. It feels exaclty like no power assist from the vacuum booster. Can't reproduce it at our shop so the vacuum...	View
	2005 Nissan Frontier Nismo Off-Road 4.0L Safety VIN: 1N6AD06U75 Truck has code C1729 Battery voltage low / rear right this is displayed on the scanner. Cannot find any info on this. Also the air bag light is on with no codes, I cleared them anyways and the light went off and is staying off.	View
	2008 Nissan Rogue S 2.5L blower motor VIN: JN8AS58V48 I need to replace a blower motor on this vehicle and the labor guides have mixed information.It says you must remove the ac unit and then swap the blower. This is a total of about 7 hours labor. Seems alot for a blower motor. Has anybody had any experience wit...	View
	2002 Saturn SL2 1.9L Fuel Supply Line VIN: 1G8ZK52732 The customer was driving on the highway when the fuel supply line suddenly ruptured from the fuel rail. Has anyone ever seen this before? Why would this happen? We can replace the fuel supply line but believe something else caused this such as the fuel pressur...	View
	2003 Saturn Ion-1 2.2L No Start, Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: 1G8AG52F33 Came in a few days later owner complaned of no start. Started it buy giving it a little gas. Starts and idle will rise and fall like normal, then it will rise to about 1700 RPM. Tried to do a crank cam relearn with Snap-on Modis, but the ECT reading is -18C/0F... Trouble codes: P0509 (IAC fault), P0507 (IAC circuit high)	View
	1992 Toyota Pickup 2.4L noise VIN: JT4RN81A7N This truck is makeing a very loud high pitch niose at idle. Cannot locate sorce of noise. Noise starts about 5 min after start-up and only at idle.Smoke tested intake for vacuum leaks cannot find any.Has any body ran into this promlem before? All replys are he...	View
	2000 Toyota Tacoma Pre Runner 2.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: 5TESM92N0Y Truck Came in with p0402 EGR Excessive Flow Code. VSV Solenoid opens and closes properly. EGR Gets Vacuum and Opens and Closes. Engine Doesnt hesistate,shutter,or Stall. FuelTrim Longnever outside 7 short never much outside 3-4. Temp rises 315 on long cruise w... Trouble codes: P0402	View
	2001 Toyota Corolla LE 1.8L Vibration VIN: 2T1BR12E31 One of my fellow techs here at our shop just had this vehicle in for a horrendous vibration! We strongly believed it was a motor mount issue. Loose change would actually vibrate across the dash! Anyhow we replaced all but one motor mount with Toyota OEM mounts...	View
	2005 Toyota prado 4.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: JTEBU25J00 Hello, I have this Prado in my shop from another workshop. I have fitted a new crank shaft sensor and found the EML light is still on. I have scoped the crank and found it reads O.K I think the Toyota vvti systems is not in sync with crankshaft. Any help would... Trouble codes: P0335	View
	1998 Volkswagen Beetle TDI 1.9L stops running VIN: 3VWBF61C6W Got car running pretty well after these initial repairs were made. Customer took it home and started having this no-start problem. Towed it back in and found that the injection pump was loosing it's prime. I can draw fuel from the tank with a suction gun, fill...	View
	2007 Volkswagen Rabbit 2.5 2.5L High RPM btwn shfts VIN: WVWAR71K07 Is this a common issue...is it just a characteristic that when shifting under hard accel RMPs raise a bit & slowly drop off between shifts unless back off throttle abnormally soon before shifting?	View
	2000 Volvo S40 1.9L No Start, Poor Idle Quality VIN: YV1VS2552Y Engine requires 10 seconds of cranking to start after sitting 1/2 hour or more. Also idles low for a few seconds. Occasionally sets misfire codes. Otherwise runs great. Fuel presure holds 30 psi after 1/2 hr. Had injectors out - no leaks. Trouble codes: P0300 (p0303-), P0303 (testing and results)	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2004 Acura TL 3.2L Ride VIN: 19UUA655X4 We replaced both axles and there is no longer any driveability problems. No shaking vibration or otherwise. Thanks for all the help. The customer provided the parts on this one. They were both aftermarket and we informed the customer before repairs began that ...	34
	1997 Buick Regal GS 3.8L Cluster & Shifter VIN: 2G4WB52K9V Thanks to all of you who responded, the vehicle is FINALLY repaired. The ignition switch was replaced and the problems seem to be resolved. We were able to replace the switch without the removal of the steering wheel as suggested.	18
	1997 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3L Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: 1GNDT13WV2 I fixed this blazer a week ago but wanted to be sure. The fuel pressure was not the problem as many said to keep looking at this, but it never dropped when I was having the problem.No leak from regulator or poppet injectors after several checks but I still re...	30
	1999 Chevrolet K1500 LS 5.0L driveline VIN: 1GCEK19V5X this truck is fixed.after posting out to the group about my situation,most of the consenus was to change out the transfer case chain.it was not bad to look at bbut it must have been stretched just enough to cause it to jump the sprockets under a hard load.its ...	19
	2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 6.0L Prndl VIN: 1GBJG31U54 After the repairs we made (range sensor replacement) the PRNDL display now reads all charaters but just is slightly delayed. Thanks for the replies from Richard from Wa, Harold from Fl, Alex from GA, Greg from TX and Rob from MA. We double checked the sensor r...	5
	2004 Chevrolet Express 3500 6.0L Misfire VIN: 1CBJG31U94 thanks to all for there help, sorry it took awhile to close we got busy with snow tire change overs, found this truck had a bad cam, replace cam and lifters, runs great Trouble codes: P0300.	11
	1993 Dodge D250 5.9L ABS light is on VIN: 3B7KE23C1P Sorry it took so [...] to close this request, the customer finally returned. And I feel like a bit of a fool, I overlooked the simple stuff. It turns out there was a blown fuse going to the brake lights... It just shows that when stuff stops making sense, start...	4
	1979 Ford E-350 Econoline 5.0L Ignition VIN: HHFE37HHAD Hi everyone, I had contacted the customer and he was having financial difficulties and could not pay for the eventual repairs after doing some initial troubleshooting. But at least, Learned what could be the issue with these systems that could help me in the f...	27
	1996 Ford Econoline Super Duty Custom 7.5L neautrals out midgear VIN: 1FDKE30G3T thanks for the suggestions and help, tore trans down and found it was the forward clutch, burnt but holding until load overcame it, spin up and would not regrip until almost stopped. trans tester boosts line pressure so it masked the problem and made it seem l...	5
	1996 Ford F-250 XLT 7.5L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Misfire VIN: 1FTHX26G3T In regard to the problem - spark plugs were regaped properly - no head gasket leakage at all - fuel pressure was good (Iforgot the number) - this engine only has MAF and no MAP as Baro is a calculated number. One of the IATN history post gave me a clue & I wil...	6
	1999 Ford Ranger XLT 2.5L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1FTYR10C9X this one is fixed and gone, the head had beed repair about a year ago and new plugs, timing belt,intake gaskets and valve cover gasket had all been installed, what i did was smoke check the intake and found the gasket for no1 cyl was leaking, don't know why i ...	14
	2000 Ford Taurus SE 2-Valve 3.0L Surge, Stall VIN: 1FAFP53U4Y Thank you all for the great info. It all came down to clearing the KAM memory. I had unhooked the battery but that was not good enough. I had to go into with the scanner and clear the KAM to make it effective. After a few miles of driving all is good. Thanks a...	7
	2003 Ford Explorer XLS 4.0L blendor door actuator VIN: IFMZU72K13 Well this one has been quite the experience. I did remove the dash, steering colum etc and replaced the blend door actuator. Since removing the dash entails completely disconnecting the harness, there was no way to check the operation of the new actuator. ...	9
	2004 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTPW125X4 again thanks for all the replies, it turned out there was a burnt exhaust valve in cylinder number two we had a faulty leak down tester. turned out to have 50% leakdown on cylinder #2 out of the exhaust. customer declined repairs. Again thanks for all the help... Trouble codes: P0302 (Misfire cylinder 2), P0316 (Enigine misfire detected on startup).	27
	2005 GMC Sierra 3500 SLT 6.6L Unknown VIN: 1GTHK33275 The cust requested the vehicle to be towed to the dealer. We suspect the tranny computer should be the next step in the repair but we do not have the equipment to re-program. The cust has not contacted us to let us know the final result. If we do hear back fro...	14
	2005 Honda CR-V EX 2.4L front driveline VIN: JHLRD78935 Thanks for all the input. The solution was staring us in the face the whole time. It wasn't the front axles, but the front intermediate axle shaft bearing that was causing the vibration.	6
	2002 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 2.7L a/c VIN: KMHSC81DR2 Thanks to each and every one who responded. The Hyundai is fixed!! Had a note from our Australian friends and they are thrilled. They had the SYSTEM RE-CHARGED and everything works well. They also checked the drain which was open and clean. Don and Hann...	4
	2003 Jaguar X-Type 2.5L preesure plate VIN: SAJEB52D43 This vehicle is fixed but not the way we would all prefer to fix it. Customer didn't want to spend the money to have it taken back apart and have new pressure plate installed to match new disk that was installed. Customer was not upset because he was told som...	6
	2003 Jaguar X-Type 2.5L Gearbox/ Throttle VIN: SAJEA51D43 Customer in limbo trying to decide whether to fix or get another vehicle.He says he hasn't had any more episodes and has not used the cruise control either. I will add an admendment if we persue this complaint.	6
	2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7L Accessories VIN: 1GNDT14856 The reason I requested help is because it is actually not clearly shown in the owners manual or on all data how to shut off this service indicator. All of these reminders make it challenging and time consuming to be a mechanic anymore. Anyway to clear it I t...	9
	2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4.6L rocker arms-pushrods VIN: SALTY16433 Thanks for everyones input. Everyone had something of value to add to the subject and I'll look at two particular areas in particular from now on. This one and another both happily don't need rocker arms, A third coming up may though so we'll see what happens...	7
	2002 Lexus RX300 3.0L power Steering VIN: JTJHF10U62 Thanks for all the replies. We did replace the pump and flush the system. I was finally able to get the noise long enough to pin point the pump as the problem. As a good measure we lubed the bushing at the column. Thanks again for the responses. Bob	5
	2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 5.0L alternator VIN: WDBSK75F93 Thanks for all the great information and replies. The customer needed the car so I had to release it but he is returning. The charging system is working. I had the alternator bench tested. I found that I could get the code B1828 to set by just turning the ...	8
	1996 Mercury Sable GS 3.0L heat VIN: 1MELM55U5T The general consensus was a bad water pump. I checked with the heater hose disconnected from the water pump and there was no flow. What was also happening was the coolant tank was filling with a sludge like I saw on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico this spri...	18
	2006 Mini Cooper 1.6L No Start VIN: WMWRC33576 Thanks for the replies, we ended up sending the car to another shop with the Autologic tool, who then performed the DME/EWS realignment.Could not do it with our Launch. Car started and runs fine. Customer had left the sunroof open during the rainiest week that...	4
	1987 Nissan 300ZX 3.0L Charging VIN: JN1HZ1453H You guys are great. You all said to check the bulb in the dash and you were all correct. Changed he bulb and all is good. Thank you very much, I have a happy customer and we learned something.	6
	2005 Nissan Titan XE 5.6L Carrier assembly VIN: 1N6BA07B85 Thanks for the replies.After a conversation with the people at Dana,the rear driving gears are propritary to Nissan for the Titan and will not be offered for aftermarket sale anytime soon.Could not find any aftermarket from the posts as well.We ended up gettin...	3
	1996 Other GM T 300 5.9L Engine power VIN: 3NKHMH87X0 I removed the turbo because where it is, access to waste gate actuator is nearly impossible. Upon inspection, the actuator was junk so I cut it open. The diaphram was torn from the rusty spring pushing on it (the push plate was disentigrated). This caused t...	3
	2001 Saturn L300 3.0L No Start, Lack of power VIN: 1G8JW54RX1 After doing all that I listed and reading the replies the vehicle was down to a 10 second start time. The customer decided that they needed the car this weekend and picked it up. I dont know if they will be bringing it back but if they do I will post the fix. ...	7
	2003 Subaru Forester X 2.5L Surge, Misfire VIN: JF15G6373H my fuel pressure readings led me down the rong road. car ran a lot worse after several days. tryed fuel pressure hooked up agian and test drive. lost preesure after about 20 min drive. replace fuel pump and filter. runs good. in close thank you all for help ... Trouble codes: P0304.	10
	2006 Toyota Avalon Limited 3.5L Blower Compressor VIN: 4T1BK36B66 THANKS TO ALL WHO REPLIED THE BLOWER MTR HAS 3 WIRES ONE IS POWER SOLID WHITE ONE IS GROUND WHITE W BLACK CENTER IS RED FROM AMP THAT IS A DUTY CYCLE PUT A LAB SCOPE ON THAT WIRE @ 2VOLTS AND HAD A SQUARE WAVE FORM SO REPLACED BLOWER MTR AND CAR IS FIXED THE B...	4
	2001 Volkswagen Golf GL 1.9L No Start, Stall VIN: 9BWGP61J41 Thanks to every response about this nightmare vehicle looks like problem was the aftermarket fuel filter , we tried a new bosch fuel filter and had to bleed the fuel system a lot , however there was still some bubbles flowing on the line but engine did not sta...	7
	2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8L B+/ground to components VIN: 3VWSE69M12 This ones Still Acting up. ECM relay was replaced. Inspected the ignition switch and contacts.It runs good for me. I returned it to its home 200+ miles from here and started to act up again... Hot days seem to be the key. I wont see it again for a while so I ...	7

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