Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Apr 18, 2011

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	Help Request	Answers
	1998 BMW Z3 M Roadster 3.2L Unknown VIN: WBSCK9339W This car has a noise which sounds like a bad ball bearing or sometimes like a scraping of a rotating part against sheet metal. Before I raplaced the clutch the noise seemed worst with cold engine and was quieter as it warmed up.After replacing the clutch the n...	View
	2001 BMW 750iL 5.4L Edc VIN: WBAGJ03441 Hi ! I apologize in advance for the vague nature of this post. I have no information, not even trouble code definitions. The ride of the rear suspension is rough, like its in sport mode ( not like bad hydraulic accumulators ) and these are the EDC codes i came...	View
	2002 BMW 325i 2.5L No Start VIN: WBAEN33482 About a week ago customer had key system changed by the dealer as there were no more extra keys for the car. This would include locks, keys and immobilizer.	View
	1991 Chevrolet RV 7.4L Steering VIN: 1GBKP37NOM Could someone please tell me how to get all the air out of the power steering system, I have tried to bleed the park assist underneath of the vehicle, I have also jacked up the front wheels off the ground and turned the wheels back and forth, I have started it...	View
	1993 Chevrolet C1500 Cheyenne 5.7L Cuts out, Misfire VIN: 1GCEC19KXP truck came in no power on hard accell.truck feels like lack of fuel or plugged exhaust. new parts installed.fuel pump,injectors,new distributor(not reman) ,coil,plug wires,map sensor, knock sensor,new fuel,spark plugs,adjusted ign timing both ways, checked ex...	View
	2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 8.1L No Start VIN: 1GCJK39G11 Hello, I'm looking for a little advice/tips on replacing the crankshaft sensor on this 8.1L. I have soaked it for 4 days with Kroil and still can not get it out. The top of the sensor is breaking. So I stopped before I break it off all the way. If I do break...	View
	2001 Chevrolet Astro 4.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GBEL19W41 Customer came back with the vehicle cutting out intermittantly at 60+MPH after at least 15 miles of driving. They did tell me that it did this proir to the fuel pump replacemant. I took the vehicle on a drive to recreate customers complaint. The vehicle cut ou... Trouble codes: P0300 (Misfire detected)	View
	2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LTZ 5.3L No Start VIN: 3GNFK16337 Customer lost all key just received new key and fob from dealer. Can someone tell me what's involve to program key and fob...Do i just do reflash on the theft detterent module?	View
	1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.2L No Start VIN: 3B7HC13Y2W ram had no start, no pcm or trans module communication. i tested for powers and grounds to pcm, found all ok and condemned pcm. i replaced pcm, now have proper comm. with pcm and trans, no fault codes on either. i have not cranked to check for start as new pcm...	View
	2003 Dodge Neon SE 2.0L Stall VIN: 1B3ES56C93 Hi there everyone. I have this Neon in doing some funky stalling. The customer came for me to go on a drive with him. When I pulled it into gear to start maneuvering out of a parking space, the engine idled then began to lug down and shudder severely and was g...	View
	2002 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL 7.3L 4x4 VIN: 1FTWX33FX2 4x4 will not engauge, code C1728 and 4x4 indicator dose not light up. ckecked fuses ok can not find fuse #59. Has power to relays. dose not have power going to motor on transfer case. no vac to front hubs, pump works. Is 4x4 module part of gems	View
	2002 Ford Escape XLS 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: IFMYU04212 Hi. Smoked the system from service port, vapor hose near canister and the filler neck. Checked gas cap, replaced gas cap. No leak found. Checked vapor management valve and vent valve and hoses. No problem found. When I run EVAP self test w/scan tool it fails e... Trouble codes: P0455 (EVAP gross leak), P0457 (EVAP leak fuel cap)	View
	2003 Ford Escape XLS 3.0L MIL Lamp on, No speedo VIN: 4F2CZ96193 This is actually a mazda tribute but i havent gotten much help from the mazda post so i thought i'd try the braintrust in the ford camp. Speedo never works. Odo disappears on first acceleration after startup, goes to dashes on display. O/d light flashes contin... Trouble codes: P0720 (Output speed sensor ckt), P0722 (Output speed sensor no signal), U1041 (Scp invalid data for vehicle speed), U1123 (Scp invalid for odometer), B1352 (Ignition key-in circuit failure)	View
	2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat 6.0L No Start VIN: 1FTNW21P93 HELP PLEASE! Hi all, this is my own personal truck & my only ride at that. This truck intermittently will crank & not start after a few mins. shut down hot. It has happened twice now. The last time it happened, I was at my shop & quickly hooked up my scanner. ... Trouble codes: P0284 (Cylinder 8 contribution), P0341 (Cam position sensor), P2291 (ICP too low engine cranking)	View
	2005 Ford Mustang 4.0L Power Window VIN: 1ZVFT84N95 The passenger window will open 2/3 of the way after the door (passenger door) has been opened and closed. Checked wiring at pillar for cracks or breaks, none found. Disconnected battery and tried re-indexing windows afterwards. Problem still persists, windows ...	View
	2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L vent VIN: 1FMZU63E45 This explorer was driven in with a complaint of trans fluid leaking. We observed ATF leaking from the bellhousing. The trans fluid was not burnt, so we did not think it was coming from the vent and assumed it was the front pump seal. We removed the trans and i...	View
	2005 Ford Ranger XL 4.0L noise VIN: 1FTZR15E95 customer came in with a belt sounding noise. at 65000 miles and 6 years motorcraft belt no brainer, also has cracks. noticed alignment marks out of range replaced belt and tensioner ,noise right there. checked TSB's none. called friend at ford dealer,he said b...	View
	2007 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTPW12V67 vehicle came in with an intermittent rough idle. After checking DTC's, found both cams not returning to retard position (poo12 and p0022) as well as a cam position error code. Checking the solenoids with a lab scope, can watch duty cycle of solenoids when adva... Trouble codes: P0012 (cam overadvanced 1), P0022 (cam overadvanced 2)	View
	1995 GMC C2500 Sierra SL 5.7L hard 1-2 shirt VIN: 1GC29K0E53 The truck has 4L80E has a hard 1-2 shift the feedback on the 1-2 will have a falt after it shift into 2nd. I have replace harnes,shift solenolds, (TCC PWM),(PC),(TFP),(TFT),and the (ECM). the press are running 140psi. and will not move from there at any speeds...	View
	2002 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L interior electrical VIN: 1GTGK13U82 Hello, this vehicle came in and the customer stated he had smoke "barrelling" out from his dash and his and drivers door area. He had put a battery in several days ago and we made sure he had the cables on correctly the first time and he was sure that he did. ...	View
	1998 Honda Accord LX 2.3L starter/ign VIN: 1HGCG5648W I need a touch of direction here. After reconnecting the battery, I have a no crank condition. (Original Honda key) There is a green dash light with a key icon that lights up at key on, goes out during crank, and flasher 5 times upon key off. Question is this;...	View
	1998 Honda Civic LX 1.6L No Start, Cuts out VIN: JHMEJ6553W Vehicle originally came in for trouble starting while cold. Scanned vehicle and found codes for the ect sensor. Looked on the data and found that the coolant temp was out to lunch. Also found that the rad fan was inoperative. Determined that both the ect senso...	View
	2009 Honda Accord LX 2.4L power steering VIN: 1HGCP26719 vehicle has no power steering assit,steering gear was removed and transfered over to new cross member and fluid topped off.	View
	1995 Infiniti G20 2.0L Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall VIN: JNKCPO1D8S This car came into our shop serging really bad when in drive and if the car is in park, rev, netural there is very little serging. We have checked for vaccum leaks and found none we also smoked tested and found nothing. We did find the plugs and wires pretty b...	View
	1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L top end VIN: 1J4FJ28S4L have a customer that said while driving there was a loud pop noise and then valve train noise, almost like a lifter is bad, pull valve cover off looked for bent push rod,backed out rocker bolt, broken valve spring,oil pressure and compression ck to be within v...	View
	2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 5.0L auxillary water pump VIN: 4JGAB7583A Hi all I could use some mercedes benz help! I have a customer who states that the auxillary water pump for the hvac runs all the time that the vehicle is on. I am having a hard time gathering info on this system ie when is it commanded on and off. Could someon...	View
	2007 Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 4JGABB22E2 Vehicle came in with Check Engine light on and code 2355-002 stored. No other symptoms - vehicle ran fine. Before repairs we did automated egr test as guided by DAS system. Results indicate Lambda value and Air mass value slightly above max value at 95% EGR on... Trouble codes: 23550	View
	2006 Mercury Monterey Luxury 4.2L coolant reservoir VIN: 2MRDA222X6 car does not overheat and no smell of antifreeze evident.car loses pressure and antifreeze.	View
	2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8L hvac VIN: 3N1CB51D34 Vehicle came in with poor heat at idle, heat warms right up above 1000 rpm's. Flushed heater core and found high hydrocarbons in coolant so we replaced head gasket which was split. We still have no heat at idle. Any suggestions? Engine comes right up to temp a...	View
	2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0L #4 cyl compression low 60 psi VIN: 3N1AB61E38 e mail at [...]	View
	1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2L Starting VIN: 1G2JB1249W ignition lock cylinder wouldn't move past run to operate starter. replaced lock cylinder and now will crank with key but won't go into long tamper mode to relearn passcode. first code p1629 theft fuel enable/incorrect signal will come up. then after a couple m...	View
	2008 Saturn Astra XE 1.8L tensioner VIN: W08AR67118 This vehicle has a vibration sound coming from the drive belt/belt tensioner area/timing belt. I watched the drive belt tensioner and it seems to vibrate a little, it really sounds more like a timing belt hitting the cover, but with only 40K, it just seemed od...	View
	1998 Subaru Forester 2.5L Cuts out, Stall, Misfire VIN: JF1SF6356W We have an intermittent cut out and stall on a 1998 Subaru Forester 2.5/Auto. The customer has been fighting this for well over a year. The first shop installed a Mass airflow sensor, which did not cure the problem or change symptoms. A second sensor was insta...	View
	2000 Volkswagen Cabrio GLS 2.0L Hesitation, Vibration VIN: 3VWDC21V6Y This car came in for 100k service. I replaced tbelt,spark plugs,oil and filter and new front tires.Cust picked up vehicle and stated it was "jerking" on acceleration. What this thing does it feels like it surges on accel then when you get going,25-45 mph only ...	View
	2000 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2.0L Surge, MIL Lamp on VIN: 3VWDC21V8Y Thanks in advance to everyone that helps me out on this. Veh. Came in with 14 codes originally codes in vw format 13846 maf circuit low input 16725 cam sensor range performance 16795 secondary air injections incorrect flow 16839 evap system large leak 17633-17... Trouble codes: P0341 (Camshaft posi sensor range performance)	View
	2002 Volkswagen Golf GL 2.0L Excessive Emissions, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 9BWFB21J52 This car needs to pass emisions tests, had bad misfire condition. Did a tune up and convertor after replacing the MAF sensor the code I had was p0102 Mass air vloume circuit, that code went away. but the p0113 code pops up, cannot seem to get rid of it. Not to... Trouble codes: P0113	View
	2005 Volkswagen Golf GL 2.0L Noise VIN: 9BWGL61J15 Hey guys. I need some help with this one. This car came in w/ a loud grinding/ rattling type of noise for 2 seconds right after start up. It will do it every time, and louder when cold. I got my stethoscope on every part of the engine, and the noise seems to b...	View
	2004 Volvo XC90 2.5T 2.5L Ignition Key VIN: YV1CY59H14 Hello electric brain... This Car came in with a bad shift knob. It wouldn't shift into reverse or park. Replaced the shift knob and now the key will not come out of the ignition when the vehicle is in park. The customer told me the key wasn't an issue before t...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2001 Acura MDX 3.5L 2nd gear VIN: 2HNYD18661 These trans are similar to a manual trans with hydraulic controls. 2nd gear had recalls for overheating and chipping or breaking. It is easy to inspect one of the two gears by removing the speed sensor. This one has a broken gear. Thanks to everyone who re...	8
	2000 BMW 323i 2.5L turn signal,door open inicator VIN: WBAAR3349Y I disconnected the cluster & waited 10 min before reconnecting, checked the connectors for looseness & corrosion, working fine now.	4
	1987 Chevrolet S10 2.8L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCCS14R3H After checking out everything I could think of, including a new ECU the customer took the truck and a week later came back to let me know that it seems about 90% better. He says the CEL almost never flashes anymore (remember it would come on but have no codes...	13
	2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 LT 5.3L ABS Pump VIN: 3GNEK12716 It took a while for customer to bring this back so I apologize for the wait. I did clean the sensor mounting surfaces which did not solve the problem. I had previously removed ABS fuse so I was pretty sure WSS would be the problem. I was unable to record an...	16
	2006 Chevrolet Cobalt LS 2.2L Accessories VIN: 1G1AJ55F86 I got the car fixed.there was wire shorted together under the carpet,under the driver seat.it was very hard to see.Thanks for the help.	7
	2008 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2G1WT55K68 i am sorry it is so long after I posted for help. I really do not like closing without a fix or something useful to add. The customer stated he was going to the dealer for a reprogram, and he would contact us. I gave him a few weeks then called him, he told me... Trouble codes: P0172 (Bank 1 System too rich).	12
	2004 Dodge Dakota Sport 4.7L ball joint VIN: 1D7HG38N94 well i took everyones suggestion and changed the lower control arm. this was a weird one thanks for all the help	12
	2006 Dodge Charger SE 3.5L Misfire VIN: 2B3KA43G96 Thanks for the info guys. This was my first time replacing a PCM using the StarScan. It was very easy. Put the PCM in, downloaded the PCM calibration on the StarScan, loaded file onto the PCM, then went to the WCM and selected "PCM Replaced", then put in the P... Trouble codes: P0205, P0305.	9
	1969 Ford Mustang 5.8L charging system VIN: F10230E106 FIrst, thanks for all the help guys, special thanks to Scott [...], he went the extra mile. After having a closer look, I found that the S terminal had been jumpered from the I terminal, and there was no wire to either the stator nor to the A terminal to th...	33
	1994 Ford E-350 Econoline Club Wagon XLT 5.8L Poor Idle Quality, Cuts out, Misfire VIN: 1FBJS31HXR Four replies, This one ended up being the PCM. Found a used unit with exact #s. Van runs great. Two of you suggested that the van was running lean. My comment on detonation would lead to that. This van would not always ping, more of a random spark knock. I did...	5
	1997 Ford Escort 2.0L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1FARP14J0R Hello everyone and thanks for the help. I finally got this one fixed and the process was much harder than it needed to be. We tried almost everyone ideas including blocking off the iac. that did cure the problem so i replaced the iac. no difference. anyway, i ... Trouble codes: P1506 (Idle air control).	20
	2003 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer 6.0L No Start, Misfire VIN: 1FMSU45P73 Thanks to all of you, this one is in the books finally. It seems I jumped the gun a little after improperly air checking and tearing down this 6.0, I discovered the air leak I heard was from the IPR!!! Oh well, after reinstalling the cover, intake, turbo, an...	11
	2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty FX4 6.0L No Start, hard start VIN: 1FTSW21P45 Sorry for the delay. Lots of excellent replies and most hit the fix on the head, Quick Connect Fitting on the HPOP. I don't work on too many diesels and I was not patient enough for that thick oil to drain out of the system for a proper air test. Thanks a lo...	18
	2006 Ford Expedition XLT 5.4L torque convertor VIN: 1FMPU15556 Fixed! I pulled the valve body and removed the separator plate and found a check ball in two pieces.I replaced all the check balls with new ones from trans o-h kit.Its fixed.I ve been building transmissions for 25 years and have never seen this before.I need t...	10
	2000 Isuzu F FTR 7.8L parking lights VIN: 4GTJ7C138Y We found that the circuit breaker for the parking lights was a 15 amp breaker and the system was drawing 12 to 14 amps.We disconnected the lights one at a time and there was not one circuit that reduced the amp draw to a lower level.It looks light more lights ...	4
	2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.0L does not shift out of first gear VIN: 1J4GW48S13 I recieved several replies and closed this post but must have hit a wrong key somewhere down the line. I took the car for a ride with the scanner on it. The desired governor pressure was 0 and actual was 235. This is proof that the governor is malfunctioning. ...	7
	2003 Kia Sedona EX 3.5L CV joints, wheels VIN: KNDUP131U3 During our inspections, we noted the right front wheel bearing which we installed prior had developed some noise. Upon removal, a close look revealed the steering knuckle was bent. I believe this was due to the fact when we installed the first one, the old a...	6
	1996 Land Rover Discovery SE 4.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: SALJY1240T The great thing about using iATN is that when you've gotten lost in a problem (like this one) people will give you common-sense answers and help you not be lost anymore. With this issue I had two good suggestions that I should have (but didn't) think about: ...	6
	2004 Mini Cooper 1.6L EHPS fan VIN: WMWRC33484 Unfortunately customer has not yet returned with vehicle to continue diagnosis, one may note that it does not make car undrivable although we suspect fan will fail eventually. We do appreciate your replies since they gave us some overall info to start with.	5
	2011 Nissan sentra 2.0L No Start, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1234545677 sorry it took so long was waiting on insurance to make up their mind weather to replace pcm with a new one or total that thing. well installed new pcm and all is better they come preflashed from nissan 900 dollars later purs like new.	9
	1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.8L Unknown VIN: 1G2WP1213W I tried to get it to act up by braking and revving the motor. Could not get it to jump. Tried to get it to act up in 1st gear and now it won't even do the "hop" at all! Got lucky Sunday morning at breakfast at a local tavern, hit a machine for $1670.00 with a ...	22
	2004 Saturn Vue 3.5L Unknown VIN: 5GZCZ53424 I appreciate all of the help all of you have provided. Since most of the replies indicated potential internal transmission issues, and I shared that with the customer, he has decided he is going to trade the vehicle off. He did not feel the vehicle was worth p...	11
	2007 Saturn Vue Green Line 2.4L B.A.S. starter/generator VIN: 5GZCZ33ZX7 Well, process of elimination solved this one. I had checked to see that the recall was "preformed" perfomed on this vehicle. There is a recall on the battery packs. I called GM the starter generator control module (SGCM) is on national back order with a month ...	10
	2000 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, MIL Lamp on VIN: 41AWN72N0Y First thanks to all members for taking the time to reply. Oddly enough this truck was fixed by rust. After making the post we contacted the owner because we noticed the frame was rusted out. He had recently recieved a letter from Toyota saying his truck was ... Trouble codes: P0120, P0136, P0141, P0172, P1130, P0171.	10
	2005 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 2.0L won't rev over 3000 VIN: 3VWCK3K31C The cam sensor from VW took care of the problem. One of the bad sensors was a napa and the other was a bosch from robbins. We seem to get a lot of defective aftermarket parts these days.	6
	1998 Volvo S70 GLT 2.4L Heater Hose VIN: YV1LS5672W Well, we fixed it in that we installed another Volvo heater hose. Per suggestions, we checked for bad motor mounts - OK; checked for heater core blockage - OK; replaced cooling system pressure cap. Did not want to "cut" the crimp to replace it with a hose clam...	6

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