Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for May 6, 2011

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Open Help Requests for All Makes and Models

	Help Request	Answers
	1997 BMW Z3 Roadster 2.8L Clutch VIN: 4USCJ3324V Hello BMW guru's: We have another winner...the hits keep on coming! Ok, this one is back for the same problem? After driving for awhile the clutch pedal sticks down and doesn't return unless you pull the pedal back. The time before this visit about this same p...	View
	2005 BMW 545i 4.4L Module I tried to scan with launch tool but cannot get communication. Tool says i must use bmw 20 pin connector. I have connecter but cannot find any info on where the plug is. Under the hood there is no power distrubution center like mitchel says under hood. Please ...	View
	1999 Chevrolet Metro 1.0L No Start, Poor Idle Quality VIN: 2C1MR2267X This vehicle was towed into our shop as a no start. Customer stated he thought the timing belt jumped, it died at a stop light and he managed to get it started long enough to limp it off the road. He tried moving the distributor to get it to start with no luck... Trouble codes: P0108, P0420, P1500, P1510	View
	2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 5.3L 4 Wheel Abs VIN: 3GNEK12T54 I,m trying to help a fellow shop owner. This is his brother truck and once in a while the brake pedal goes to the floor. No codes no lights. Thinking it's the HCU but I'm a Ford Tech. and would hope someone with more experience can shed some light to confirm t...	View
	2004 Chevrolet Epica LS 2.5L intermittant wipers VIN: KL1VB52L74 the intermittant wipers work but only go approx half way then stop and then it will wait a sec and bo approx the same distance again and stop and it wnds up randomly stopping in diffrent spots on the windshield,, some times it won't work at all, the high and l...	View
	2007 Chevrolet Cobalt LT 2.2L Misfire, MIL Lamp on, harsh shift VIN: 1G1AL55F77 First, thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions. This is a coworkers daughters car and has a salvage title. The car runs fine above idle but intermittently and regularly begins to misfire. When this is occuring, the trans will begin harsh shifting and che... Trouble codes: P0301	View
	2001 Chrysler Sebring LXi 2.7L fans VIN: 1C3EL55U31 Friday afternoon, customer asks if we can check a leak really quick. Found the water outlet leaking on this sebring. Quick and easy right? Replace the housing and refill the system. Vehicle over heats and the cooling fans do not run. Come to find out this is n...	View
	2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L Unknown VIN: 1B4GP44G8Y I have this 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan that is having HVAC problems. To start with the Pass. Temp wouldn't work and the Mode wouldn't switch from foot. We put a Pass Temp Actuator and Mode Door Actuator on it because both of them were junk. (proved this even off...	View
	2001 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L overdrive VIN: NO VIN after a good 30 minute r so drive will lose overdrivecustomer mentioned when driving above 80 mph will not lose o/d.has a couple of codes,one is voltage/charging system is low n the other was losing communication w/pcm.will scan again after clearing codes.all ...	View
	2002 Dodge Durango SLT 4.7L No Start, Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1B4HS58N32 Hey Guys, So i have a 2002 Dodge Durango in the shop. The engine begins misfiring and running very rough after about 10 - 15 min of idling with the hood down. Engine idle quality will continue to diminish until it dies as vehicle continues to get get hotter. A...	View
	1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire VIN: 1FTCR10A4R vehicle came in with misfire, hessitation, backfire, on acceleration. we scaned ecm, no codes. we scoped maf ,ok, we scoped tps, ok, we unplugged tps, same symptoms. we scoped crank sensor, have a good pattern even when messing up. we loose spark, still have n...	View
	1999 Ford Taurus SE 3.0L ignition switch actuator VIN: 1FAFP52U4X does anyone know how to remove the actuators that connect the ignition lock cylinder to the ignition switch. this one is broken but i have no idea how to remove them from the column. thanks in advance.	View
	2001 Ford F-350 Super Duty XLT 7.3L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTSW31F11 Truck came into shop running roughly with no power. scanned and found code 1670 idm failure. inspected wiring and connectors and found no problems. replaced idm module and truck still ran poorly. however, this time it had code p1316 idm fault code stored. rein... Trouble codes: P1316 (IDM codes stored)	View
	2001 Ford Taurus SE 4-Valve 3.0L No Start VIN: 1FAHP56S61 Thanks in advance. Looking for some input, replaced fuel pump at 129,000 with Motorcraft pump,approx 3 months ago,and then again 2 weeks ago thinking it was a defective pump. Tonight no-start again no fuel pressure. Is there a common issue with this vehicle in...	View
	2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat 6.0L injectors? 03 6.0 powerstroke, Starts, misfires, smoke steady,stalls. On restart attempt hydro lock, wait 1/2 hour repeat same thing all over? Any hints Thanks Xerx.	View
	2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty FX4 6.0L Surge, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1FTSW21P45 Hey guys I have a mess. Really want to see how well this diesel would survive a direct hit with a train but don't think my customer would agree. Sorry for the long post but here goes. It will cut out like you just shut the key off momentarily driving down the ... Trouble codes: P0272 (Cyl 4 Contribution / Balance)	View
	2006 Ford E-450 Super Duty 6.8L guages,power windows, radio VIN: 1FDXE45S96 after starting vehicle guages power windows and radio become inoperative after 10-20 second run time. no codes or blown fuses found	View
	1990 GMC C6000 Topkick C6H042 6.0L Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: 1GDL7H1PXL Medium truck guys? idle fluctuates up and down, worse when cold but will do it a little bit when warm. Cant seem to get the truck to idle right and evenly. I can partially cover the hole for the iac motor and can get the idle to lower and become more even. I h...	View
	2007 GMC Sierra 3500 HD SLE 6.6L cruise contr VIN: 1GDJC34D97 hey guys,i am looking for a wiring diagram for this sierra.the truck is a cab and chassis and the cruise control is inop.i am not looking for a fix all i need is a decent wiring diagram.i have shop keys and alldata and none of the wire colors match up.it may b...	View
	1998 Honda CR-V EX 2.0L Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: JHLRD1865W This CRV came in as a intermittent stall and hard restart. The check engine light came on as she was bringing it to the shop. I did a quick code read and one code was set. Catylyst effiecency below minimum threshold. I am aware of the usual suspects of stallin...	View
	2000 Honda Accord EX 3.0L oil pess. light VIN: 1HGCG1652Y car came in with oil press. light blinking checked oil levl ok. replace oil sender, oil and fiter did not help. checked fuses for dash gauges ok. oil light dosn't stay on all the time just blinks	View
	1998 Isuzu Rodeo S 3.2L Hesitation, Surge, Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: 4S2CK58W0W Hope someone can help point me in the right direction. Problem: driving steady speed on road, or dyne, 45 mph, 2000 rpm, system goes rich for a few seconds co 9.60% hc 400+ ppm stft b1 and b2 go -35 then ltft b1 and b2 go -37.5 and p0101 is set in pending co... Trouble codes: P0101	View
	2000 Jaguar XK8 4.0L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: SAJJA42C1Y Help Jag Techs. 2000 XK8 with an intermittent P307. I have swapped plugs, coils, injectors and smoke tested. Keep getting P0307. The bad thing is I dont feel a misfire at all when the code sets. Code normally sets around 20% throttle 194 temp 2200RPM. It norma... Trouble codes: P0307	View
	2002 Jaguar X-Type 3.0L Cuts out, Stall, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: SAJEA51C22 vehicle has 6 new coils and spark plugs [towed in like that] i can clear codes while runnuing and in seems too run on 6 for a few seconds then goes back too cylinders 2-4-6 only,checked for power on red wire at all coils and there is battery power,checked grou... Trouble codes: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P1316, P1582	View
	1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 5.2L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, int. high idle VIN: 1J4GZ58Y6S when I inherited this car it barely ran , vacuum leaks , plugs worm and fouled ,cap and rotor shot ,wires arcing , tuned up and it ran good (did not know it had a cold problem , customer waited ). came back in 2 weeks later , plugs fouled , new o2 fouled , cle...	View
	2002 Jeep Liberty Limited 3.7L Lifter VIN: 1J4GL58K92 Help Chrysler techs! This jeep 3.7 came in 2,500 miles ago - it had spit out the #5 exhaust rocker. Based on IATN/ Identifix and our testing we replaced the lifter, flushed the oil and sent it out quiet as a church mouse. Out of the blue with no other symptom ...	View
	2008 Jeep Patriot Limited 2.4L No Start VIN: 1J8FT28W58 Sorry that I don't have much info to go on here. I don't know if this code, P161b, has anything to do with the no start or if the alternator replacement has anything to do with it or not. Researched iATN and couldn't find this code listed anywhere. According t... Trouble codes: P161B	View
	2001 Mazda 626 ES 2.5L Overheating VIN: 1YVGF22D31 Car overheats on long grades.Timing belt and water pump replaced at another shop about a year ago and that's when this symptom began. I replaced the thermostat and customer states the problem is still there. There are no other drivability problems, the fans co...	View
	2002 Mazda Millenia 2.5L Fuel Smell VIN: JM1TA22122 This is a fuel/vapor smell issue coming from under the hood. There is no real visable leaks but you can smell the gas around the injectors, regulater, and the fuel lines coming up. But again no visable leaks. Is there something else I should be checking? I did...	View
	2003 Mazda MPV LS 3.0L Trnsmission VIN: JM3LW28A03 Have tested this vehicle with IDS scan tool and Fluke meter. Sometimes drives ok for a while, other times never shifts out of 1st gear.When shifting ok scan tool and Fluke(back probed into output shaft speed sensor wires at TCM harness connector)will both read...	View
	1995 Mercedes-Benz E300 3.0L Compressor VIN: WDBEB31E4S 95 E300 diesel that the customer's complaint is the A/C is inop. We found the compressor will not run and the cooling fans are running all the time. If we jump ground from the heater control head to the pressure switch the compressor will run and make cold air...	View
	1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 4.2L Limp Mode VIN: WDBJF72F2V I think this vehicle is snake bit. It came in on a rollback. Owner complained of transmission going into limp mode when hitting bumps. His regular tech cleared codes and it was normal until another bump. I drove the car and it was normal until i hit a bump, th...	View
	2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Kompressor 5.5L Cuts out VIN: 2304751F03 Customers complaint is that the car quits running after short period of driving but only happens approximately every 4-5 days.Driving speed makes no difference. He says he thinks he hears the fuel pump become noisy before the car dies. No codes stored. Replace...	View
	1990 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 5.0L All Shifts VIN: 2MECM75F6L Just went through this AOD completely, Transgo shift kit installed, bushings, seals, clutches and steels replaced. Came in with 1st and 2nd only. The little nylon bushing at the throttle body was most likely the original cause of death. I've built a lot of the...	View
	1996 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 4.6L high idle VIN: 2MELM7566T This vehicle has high idle about 1000rpm at idle hot.Checked vacuum leaks none,checked EGR pipe for holes ok,checked PCV pipe ok.Cleaned throttle body no change .Any ideas	View
	1998 Nissan Altima GLE 2.4L No Start VIN: 1N4DL01DXW wont start after engine replaced. code p1320 have checked grounds and all connectors. no fire plenty of fuel. wondering if I have converter miss indexed or have to reset something I only have obd 2 on this vehicle, due to lack of proper cable. Trouble codes: P1320	View
	1987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2L Compressor VIN: WPOEBO911H We have no power to AC compressor. Wiring diagram is confusing. It shows the compressor getting power from the control side of the AC relay?? I can get the compressor to run by bypassing the red round relay(AC relay) in the front fuse box. I am having trouble ...	View
	1999 Saab 9-5 2.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: TS3ED48E1X Need some help here on a saab I'm using obd2 scanner for this car so I dont have a lot of scan data. Had a code for random misfire and slow o2 sensor response. checked spark plugs and are in good shape, test drove and is not missing so replaced the o2 sensor a... Trouble codes: P0300, P1171	View
	2001 Saturn SL2 1.9L rod/main bearings VIN: 1G8ZK52751 Hello everyone, 01 sl2 came into shop other day customer complaint of excessive oil burning. We diagnosed, clogged oil control rings, and valve guides excessivly worn. Head was sent out for rebuild, done by a very reputible machince shop. All rod bearing an...	View
	2002 Saturn Vue 3.0L Fuel Gauge VIN: 5GZCZ63B52 Car came in with fuel gauge inop,needle starts to move when key turned on then stops,replaced both rear senders per svc bulletin,still no gauge looking at scan data I have fuel level voltage at 1.60 volts when you shake the car to move the fuel in the tank vol...	View
	2002 Toyota Sienna LE 3.0L water in passenger floor VIN: 4T3ZF13C72 Water gets in passenger floor when it rains. April was very rainy here and when the customer came in we referred her to the local auto glass shop. They in turn sent her back to us to remove the cowl to inspect the drains which we did and they were clear and dr...	View
	2003 Toyota Echo 1.5L Starting VIN: JTDB123X30 Have a 2003 echo in, it is a no crank, headlights won't shut off, no communication with scanner(solus pro with 11.2 update)in vehicle specific or global OBD2 mode. If I unplug the E4 connector, the lights go out, if I unplug the cluster(type A)the lights go ou...	View
	2004 Toyota Sienna LE 3.3L dome light draw VIN: 5TDBA23C44 This very clean Sienna van (with no add-ons) has a draw on the battery of .08 amps (almost a full tenth of an amp) when the dome lamp switch is in the "door" mode, the dome lamps light when the doors are open. One mode is off, no dome lamps, and the draw drops...	View
	2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0L Instrument Cluster VIN: 3VWSB69M72 I/C and radio illumination remain on past an hour. Armed immobilizer, unplugged all modules, and ecm ; I/C remains active. Checked fuses. Removed fuse 15 (all data describes the fuse as "Instrument cluster/automatic transmission 5A"). Once fuse is removed the ...	View
	2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8L 1-2 Shift VIN: 3VWSE69M62 Will not shift out of 1st gear when cold ( overnight or 8 hours ) reverse is fine. If you idle the car for 5 minutes when cold it will shift fine. Has 5 spd auto/manual transmission. It is a car i bought for my son & our shop does not rebuild transmissions. Co...	View
	2002 Volvo S40 1.9L Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: YV1VS29582 Has a miss fire on cyl 3 under slight or heavy load. We have swapped injectors - coils - wires - spark plugs - and always stays on cylinder 3 - performed leak down on cylinders ok - all pids ok - short term fuel trim 18 % lean - cam and crank sensor reading ok... Trouble codes: P0303	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2003 Audi TT Quattro 1.8L Ride Control VIN: TRUWT28N92 We replaced the torn axle boots on both side of the car. While doing the axle boots we found the outer CV joints to be binding up. We cleaned up the burs on the CV ball cages and freed up the CV joint movement. We then put a new set of tires on the car and the...	7
	2007 BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0si 3.0L Blower VIN: 4USBU535X7 Well this one is fixed. Thansk to Ken at SAS German in Pleasanton for letting me use his Autologic. It ended up being a problem with what the dealer did. They never intialized the battery, and this put the vehicle inito transport mode. Re-initialized the batte...	2
	1997 Buick LeSabre Custom 3.8L abs VIN: 1G4HR52K9V sorry for the delay and thanks for the replies. my problem turned out to be a rear wheel sensor. why it would affect the trac and not cause abs to actuate is still a mystery. only the computer knows for sure	18
	2003 Cadillac CTS 3.2L transmission VIN: 1G6DM57N13 many thanks again to juan.. we purchased the wiring harness connector from a/c delco, wired it up and all is good, no CEL, no Drivability issues,,, THANKS for everyone's help cheers,	3
	1997 Chevrolet Express 1500 4.3L No Start, No cel, no spark VIN: 1GCFG15WXV THANKS FOR ALL OF THE HELP FROM FOLKS OUT THERE... VERY HELPFULL, CUSTOMER DECIDED TO NOT FIX THE ECM. HE FELT THAT THE VAN IS NOT WORTH DOING, BUT HE WAS VERY HAPPY WITH OUR KNOWLEDGE AND HELP THANKS TO ALL OF YOU...	26
	2000 Chevrolet Cavalier 2.4L No Start, Cuts out VIN: 1G1JF52T2Y hello all and thanks for all your advice,I ran this car for 50 miles while monitoring fuel pump amps.5.7-5.9 all day,told customer I suspect fuel pump,Customer declined repair says its time for a new car Trouble codes: P0171.	24
	2001 Chevrolet Impala 3.8L no upshift VIN: 2G1WH55K91 Well, this ones fixed. As many of you stated the problem seemed to be internal. rather than spend money and time on tear down and diag. the customer decieded to go with a GM remain. after insallation everything worked flawlessly. thank you for all of your help...	11
	2004 Chevrolet Aveo 1.6L No Start VIN: KL1TJ52634 new pcm was fix,inj drivers quit working when hot.tnx 4 replies	14
	2007 Chevrolet Malibu LT 3.5L window regulator VIN: 1G1ZS57N17 The answers to my questions are as such. To remove the window switch,the tab release is at the front of the switch. Using a thin blade gasket scraper pushing to the rear of the switch will allow you to pry the switch and release it. To remove the door handle...	5
	2010 Chevrolet hhr 2.2L Misfire VIN: 3GNBAADB7A it is a bad injector. Owner is taking vehicle to dealer under warranty. Switched injector from one to another and problem went with injector. Thanks to all that helped, saved my time and customers. Trouble codes: P0300, 172 (rich), 1174 (trim balance).	10
	1995 Ford E-350 Econoline 7.5L Poor Idle Quality, Surge VIN: 1FTJS34G8S Unpplugging the MAP sensor cleared everything up. Customer got antsy and whats his van back. Sorry IATN i have to put this one back and give it back.	6
	2000 Ford F-150 XL 5.4L Misfire VIN: 1FTRX18LOY I appreciate the offers of help on this one but sorry to say no one got this one correct. We smoked this vehicle and found a cracked intake manifold. This was creating a lean condition and misfiring all cylinders. As the engine warmed the intake crack expanded...	11
	2002 Ford F-550 Super Duty XLT 7.3L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FDAF56F02 Thanks for everyone how replied. It turned out to be the brand new fel-pro valve cover gasket was shorting number 6 injector ckt. Thanks again everyone. Trouble codes: P0277.	4
	2003 Ford Expedition XLT 4.6L Parking brake cable VIN: 1FMRU15W33 Thank you all and yes the vehicle is fixed. The ratcheting mechanism appears to have shifted and could no longer engage the e-brake. This is part of the pedal assembly so yes the fix is to replace the e-brake pedal assembly. Again thank you all for your help. ...	4
	2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty XLT 6.0L No Start, Poor Idle Quality, Stall, Misfire VIN: 1FTSW31P73 Well I was way off. 5 of the 6 replies zeroed in on a "combustion gas leak". That was indeed the problem. After doing the bubble and balloon tests, we found that #3 injector had a failed copper seal, likely from undertorquing the hold-down bolt. It IS critical... Trouble codes: P0269 (3 contribution/balance fault), P0263 (1 contribution/balance fault), P132B, P0562 (System voltage low), P1378 (FICM supply voltage circuit low), P2617 (CKP signal output ckt open).	6
	2008 Ford F-150 XL 4.2L Poor Idle Quality, Cuts out, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTRF12228 The fix was a new coil pack. The lean condition was due to the miss fire on cyls 2 and 3 . The computer then tried to add fuel to bank 1 which was the +15 to +20% in the STFT. I should have scoped the ignition first but I did not because the companion plugs an...	3
	2001 GMC Sonoma SL 4.3L Misfire, MIL Lamp on, No misfire felt VIN: 1GTDT13W91 WE DIDNT FIX THIS PICKUP THE OWNER SAID HE WILL PICK IT UP I HAVE TRYED ALL OF THE IDEAS FROM THE OTHER GUYS TO NO AVALE THE OWNER WILL TRY AND FIND THE PROBLEM AT HOME I THINK THAT IS WHERE ALL HIS PROBLEMS STARTED THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP Trouble codes: P0300 (Random misfire).	15
	2002 Honda Civic LX 1.7L A/C inoperative, brake light on dash VIN: 2HGES15522 Thanks for the help, guys. I learned some more about Hondas. I had 2 seperate problems, the dash lights were on because of the multiplex controller. The A/C was inop because of the fan switch. I am a little confused, because everyones advice said if ANY positi...	6
	2003 Kia Sedona LX 3.5L Misfire VIN: KNDUP13143 Turns out the tech miss read firing order. Swapped coils around and missed moved also. Replaced the correct coil and miss went away. Thanks for the replies. Trouble codes: P0302 (Misfire cylinder 2).	5
	2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 3.5L Timing Chain? VIN: WDBUF56J66 THANKS FOR ALL THE REPLIES. YES I BELIEVE THE ENGINE IS SLUDGED DUE TO CLOGGED FILTER. HOWEVER I MUST SAY I DID NOT DO MY DUE DILIGENCE WITH THIS ONE. I 'ASSUMED' ENGINE WAS OKAY SINCE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. WE ALL KNOW ABOUT 'ASSUMING' LOL. WAS AB...	3
	2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS 3.5L p1860 VIN: 1G3WX52H94 thank you to everyone, my stubborness gave way pulled pan and all kinds of goodies, rebuilt trans time thanks again! larry	8
	2000 Toyota Echo 1.5L No power VIN: JTDBT1236Y found tps voltage only going to .58v and throttle cable out of adjustement or streched,adjusted it and customer says its much better.It now goes to .80v. thanks for the replys.	7
	2003 Toyota Corolla CE 1.8L Remote door locking VIN: 2T1BR32E33 To all that asked me about having the correct remotes, thanks but although I MIGHT have had the wrong remotes, I could not make the system go into a learning mode so I was never able to determine this. I was able to determine that this was indeed a Toyota i...	6
	1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8L cruise control VIN: WVWMA63B7X Have not had time too finish this vehicle. But it seems like the culprit is the Cruise Control Module. Had it rebuilt and tested, but it seems like it's still not working. (No "click" from the relay when turned on). When it comes to the two switches on the b...	4
	2005 Volvo XC90 2.5T 2.5L No Start VIN: X511812840 Thanks to those who replied.Followed the harness going up the C pillar,removed rivets from right rear inner spash shield.Found Fuel control module.Harness connector corroded,module corroded replace both.New harness 3 ft shorter -mounted inside vehicle. Concer...	2

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