Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for May 11, 2011

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	Help Request	Answers
	2000 BMW 323i 2.5L Coolant Fan VIN: WBAAM3334Y Coolant fan runs continuously at all times even with engine off, key out of ignition. Must unplug to turn out.	View
	2000 BMW 528i 2.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: WBADP5348Y Reoccuring code for leak detection pump solenoid. Code resets as soon as it is cleared. Suspect a power issue but fuses and connections check out. Have searched archives with no luck. Before tearing the car apart was hoping to find out if anyone has had a simi... Trouble codes: 126 (BMW code-tank leak detection solenoid), P1470 (Manufacturers auxillary emissions controls)	View
	2005 BMW 330Ci 3.0L Aux Cooling Fan VIN: WBABW53465 BMW Techs, please help! 2005 E46 330Ci. Body Shop referral. All has been repaired between the headlamps. Everything working, including the Auxiliary Cooling / Condenser fan. Every time I start the car the cooling fan comes on full speed and runs continuously, ...	View
	1997 Buick Park Avenue 3.8L Entire System VIN: 1G4CW52KXV Hey fellow Technicians, This car has been in our shop several times over the last two months. First complaint was not cooling. Hooked up machine and no pressure. Vacuumed down with leak test, leak test passed. Recharged w/dye, cooling great. Came back a wee...	View
	1999 Cadillac Escalade 5.7L alarm VIN: 1GYEK13R3X alarm will go on anytime you arm the alarm with the key fob, it could take 2 hours or couple of days but it will always go by itself with no one even near the vehicle , also everytime we try a repair and arm the system we have the key hanging in the office and...	View
	1991 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L Tach Hi guys. My first time with this "one owner" Vette. It is very clean and ALL stock. When driving I noticed that the tach seems to read high. You reach redline way too easy and its got a lot more. Idle is also high around 1300 rpm. I'd say it's about twice what...	View
	1956 Chrysler Imperial Crown 5.8L Power Steering I am looking for technical info on this PS system. PS pump (with reservoir and an internal filter) bolts to the rear of the generator - this connection appears to be adjustable. PS hoses then run to "PS unit" on the steering column. This car had one-finger PS ...	View
	2001 Chrysler 300M 3.5L schrader VIN: 2C3AE66G41 Hey guys, I have a weird one here that is just eating my lunch. I got this thing in for A/C not working. Found schrader valves leaking. No problem, right? Replaced the high side and the low side and did a vac for @45 minutes. It uses the "JRA" (as the A/C box ...	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 Caravan Sport 3.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1B4GP44R3Y Vehicle came in with PO455,smoke tested and found faulty filler pipe. Replaced filler pipe & gas cap.Through my modis,I did and evap test to finish job.I keep getting P0442 now. I have isolated the system.into sections.I have the canister plugged off leading t... Trouble codes: P0442	View
	2001 Dodge Durango 4.7L Stall VIN: 1B4HS28N41 After going through diagnostic procedures it's looks like this vehicle needs a crank sensor. The problem is that it's froze in the block and i'm quite sure it's goint to break if I keep at it. What's the trick to getting it out before it breaks or after it's b...	View
	2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 3.8L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out, Misfire VIN: 2D4GP44L65 Vehicle runs poorly only after refueling for a short period of time.	View
	2004 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L No Start VIN: 3D7KU28C24 While not a diesel tech, I usually fix them ok. But this one has been strange. Truck was towed in. Died on the road. Customer reports the truck was exhibiting hard start and rough idle prior to failure. I found it cranking ok. Initially when cranking the motor... Trouble codes: P0480 (Fan clutch), P0243 (Waste gatecontrolcircuit)	View
	2000 Ford F-550 Super Duty XL 7.3L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire VIN: 1FDAF56F6Y hello to all iatn members,have this 2000 f550 diesel 7.3,this thing runs like it has a misfire,im not real good on these diesels,when you drive it has no power starts smoking real bad, seems to get worse as the temp gets to the operating temp,tried a new fuel ...	View
	2001 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor 4.6L No Start VIN: 2FAFP71W31 This car was running four days ago. No problems. Old police car, recently had all the extras removed. wires cut everywhere but veh was running fine. was miss Diagnosed by a tow company as a fuel pump. Has new pump installed by them.Cranks fine. No comunication...	View
	2004 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTPX14504 Our problem is low power, dieseling, and 3 Mil P0012, P0340, and P0345. Phasers check out OK After clearing codes, truck runs fine for 5 miles, then bogs with MIL lighting up. Then low power. Does run with VCT unpluged, but low power. Trouble codes: P0012 (Bank 1 over retarded), P0340 (Bank 1 CPS malfunction), P0345 (Bank 2 CPS malfunction)	View
	2004 Ford F-350 Super Duty XLT 6.0L Overboost sound VIN: 1FTSW31PX4 We ahve this beast here with coolant in the exhaust system, diagnosed and found EGR cooler leaking and creating the above issue. We put this engine together adn now when the boost valve in the turbo get's plugged in it feels like it is a 85% boost, diconnect a...	View
	2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L CV Axle VIN: F1TF342HTC Hi Group I used the wrong vin. Sorry. The problem is after 2mt, and [...] the nut came loose again! I checked the rear end and suspension, found nothing wrong! called the dealer they say we never heard of that, checked all data, and archives, found nohin...	View
	2001 Isuzu Rodeo LSE 3.2L timing VIN: 4S2CK58W61 i was reading mitchel procedure for timing belt is wrong. so im looking for the right stuff to time it.the factory way to time it	View
	1997 Lincoln Continental Spinmaker Edition 4.6L Poor Idle Quality VIN: ILNLM97V3V Hi everyone..Stomped need help I have97 Lincoln Continental 11/96 production date, four days in the shop Owner of the vehicle is an old lady and complaint is as follows: when in reverse car is running away have to apply great amount of brake pressure to stop i...	View
	2000 Lincoln LS 3.9L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1LNHM87A4Y Vehicle came into shop with misfire codes and lean bank 1 and rich bank two. Performed tune up to include cops on affected cylinders. Good fuel pressure. Has injector pulse. On bank 1 none of the plugs are firing on the whole bank. Still has code for number fo... Trouble codes: P0304	View
	2001 Lincoln Continental 4.6L No Start VIN: B2H4S63JG4 i need some help please i have a 01 lincoln contiental and its a no start i dont have any spark good fuel press and the noid light is working and the plugs are wet so it is thoughing the fuel at it i did have two anti theft codes but i have folwed them on the ...	View
	1995 Mercedes-Benz C220 2.2L No comm VIN: WDBHA22E6S Thanks in advance...HELP,,,I have this c220 come in, the complaint is no speedo or fuel gage...very intermittant. I tried to commucate with the PCM but it won't talk to a modus or a autologic. I can't give you any codes or reading's and the problem is so inter...	View
	1997 Mercedes-Benz E300 3.0L No Start VIN: WDBJF20F0V Here's the problem, key on power supply to fuel shut off okay, we can here the shut off click. Crank the engine and the shut off clicks again and closes not allowing fuel to pass through IP. Fuel supply to IP is good, filters are new. We have signal from the C...	View
	2007 Mercedes-Benz Vito Van 1.9L MIL Lamp on VIN: WDF6396052 Hello Everyone, I Have a Mercedes 109cdi vito van with fault p2623, the s owner has two vans the same and i was able to swap mafs thinking it was a simple lazy maf, not so. Fault stayed with original car, i have since checked rail pressure (same on both vans)... Trouble codes: P2623	View
	2001 Mercury Cougar V6 2.5L Surge VIN: 1ZWFT61L11 Ok I have a problem with this cougar. It came in with a couple of codes. Lean bank 1 and 2 and egr insuffence flow. I check for vacume leaks and I didnt find any. Went and checked the fuel pressure why driving and found the pressure would not go over 40 lbs. S... Trouble codes: P0171, P0174	View
	2002 Mercury Cougar V6 2.5L No Start VIN: 1ZWFT61L72 This Cougar came in as a no start a few months ago. It was determined that the fuel pump was bad and it was sent to the dealer because the Electronic Returnless Fuel Pump system pump was covered by an extended warranty. 2000 miles later the car came back again...	View
	2002 Nissan tino 2000CC tie rod,lower arm VIN: JN1TCAV10A I am having difficulty in finding spare parts for these vehicles, among other packing valve cover, axle seals, lower arm, wheel bearings, tie rod and tie rod long, then packing charter transmission. I beg his help for this vehicle knows where I can buy spare p...	View
	2005 Nissan Altima SE 3.5L a/c VIN: 1N4BL11D55 Hi experts, I have this vehilce for not cold condition. it was not cold even with the right amount of refregernt in it. no hose would get hot or cold at condensor or evaporater and presuure stays steady for both side high side at 100 psi and low side 30 psi. ...	View
	2006 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4.0L AC and recirc flash VIN: 5N1AR18W56 No TSB's, tips or notes or proceedures regarding this issue. No codes in BCM etc, put in new controller unit but problem persists, put old control head unit back in. Very frustrated at this time, scanned as best as can with our Solus, but don't have a Consult ...	View
	2001 Subaru Outback 2.5L Mechanical VIN: 4S3BH66511 Customer started his own Head gaskets and got lost, asked if I would do them for him I said sure. He towed the car to me about 5 miles on a 2 wheel dolly (front wheels up car in neutral). As soon as he pulled in I told him his transmission was in question. He ...	View
	1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4L Rpms VIN: JT3HN86RXX When vehicle under load between 3500 and 4500 rpms the vehicle starts to surge. When not under a load the vehicle drive fine.	View
	2004 Toyota Camry LE 2.4L MIL Lamp on, No acceleration VIN: 4T1BE32K54 Driving down the road and all of the sudden no acceleration. Check Engine Light Came on. P2121 Code. Turned Engine off then restarted it then Pedal Acceleration was responsive. Toyota has a TSB for a Throttle Body issue but I don't think it applies this this p... Trouble codes: P2121 (Throttle/pedal position sensor/switch d circuit range/performance)	View
	1998 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0L No Start VIN: 3VWRA81H2W HELP! This jetta came in for an oil leak. I found the Oil pressure sender on the end of the head was the problem. I got the part on it's way and thought I'd get all the oil cleaned up that was pooled on top the trans-axle. I used my pressure washer to clean it...	View
	2000 Volkswagen Beetle GL 1.8L Electric Fan VIN: 3VWCD21C7Y Client bought her vw beelte to shop, her complaint is that the cooling fan runs at all times when the key is turned to the on position. Problem just started a week ago. Replaced the black temp switch at top of radiator hose with updatted white temp switch. Pro...	View
	2000 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8L reverse, 3rd gear VIN: WVWNA23B2Y The scenario is as followed: when put in reverse, the RPM rev up to about 1300rpm, it will slip out of reverse and will not go in until revs drop to about 900rpm. While driving normally, during the upshift in 3rd gear, you can notice some slippage, then the t...	View
	2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 3VWSK69M71 Well the check enige light is on with a p0113. It has 12 volts at the input wire at the maf. The problem is the there is a odd digital signal coming from either the computer or another wire on the return signal wire. I tried cleaning all the grounds but didn't... Trouble codes: P0113 (Intake air temp)	View
	2001 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0L Left Brake Light VIN: 3VWSP69M51 Conection good and clean, Voltage and voltage drop on power and ground side good. What could be causing failure on this circuit alone?	View
	2003 Volkswagen Golf GTI 1.8T 1.8L Radiator Fans VIN: 9BWDE61J43 Does anybody know where I can find a wiring diagram for the fan control module? Fans don't come on with AC (pump runs) nor with elevated engine coolant temperature. Fan control module gets power from battery on larger of the t4 wires. jumping it to one of the...	View
	2004 Volkswagen Touareg V6 3.2L shift lock VIN: WVGBC67L44 Hi all!This vw came in for stuck in park situation. I checked fuse C29. It had power and not blown. From the wiring diagram i see that the tcm supplies pwr to the shift lock as well. There are two solenoids there to release shifter. The other fuses involved ar...	View
	2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9L Driver memory seat VIN: 3VWDT71K66 The drivers memory seat feature is inop. I am using the VAG-COM scan tool. There are no DTC's stored in this modules memory. When viewing Group 008, field 2, memory function, reads "Inactive" & field 4, initialization, reads "erased". When viewing the memory s...	View
	2005 Volvo S40 i 2.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: YVIMS38215 need some help with this volvo.this code is intermittent.the engine oil is full and clean,the engine looks maintained(not sludged up).i tested the solenoid and the resistance was 5 ohms (within specs) cam timing is on,i replaced the ripped o rings at the botto... Trouble codes: P0026	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2003 Buick Century 3.1L starter VIN: 2G4WS52J73 I have fixed the buick thanks to all of you that posted and offered your expert advice!! I found a wiring print for the pass lock vtd circuit on identafix tthanks to the free trial that iatn has given us. It showed that the vtd circuit and the auto on head lig...	28
	2006 Buick LaCrosse CX 3.8L Flexplate VIN: 2G4WC58266 Thank you to all that replied. Most mentioned the bulletin concerning replacement of torque converter. I will read bulletins much closer in the future. We removed trans and replaced flexplate and converter. Only charged for new converter and no labor. It has b...	9
	2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS 5.3L Misfire VIN: 1GCEK14T92 we put valve springs in #2 cylinder and it fixed the miss on that cylinder and now started to miss on #6 so we are going to put valve springs on that cylinder too Thanks everybody for the useful information Bob Trouble codes: P0300.	21
	2004 Chevrolet Express 1500 5.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCFG15T84 Well i received alot of good replies on this one, what i failed to mention in my original post was the i did also check the intake for leaks with a can of carb cleaner. So after being 100% sure that i had no vacum leak i swaped the MAF and still no change. I t... Trouble codes: P0171 (Lean condition bank 1), P0172 (Lean condition bank 2).	12
	2004 Chrysler Pacifica 3.5L engine VIN: 2C8GM68454 INSPECTED BLOCK REAL CAREFULLY, AND FOUND THE REAR HEADBOLT BOLT HOLE THAT LETS THE OIL TO THE HEAD(CENTER TOP) HAD CRACKS IN IT AND LET OIL GO INTO THE COOLANT, WE FOUND THIS BY CLEANING BOTH HOLES, THAT HAVE THE THREAD ON THEM, AND FILLED THEM WITH BRAKE CL...	2
	1994 Dodge Dakota Sport 3.9L Revers VIN: 1B7GL23XOR I haven't finished it yet but can get by till I find more time.I did try another valve body with no luck.I feel like the problem is the front shaft seals where the pump fits around it, the aftermarket seals would not fit right and I used the same one. It looke...	11
	1997 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.0L runability VIN: 2B4GP4433V thanks to all for various input,after checking injector wires found that the resistance was high on most of the injectors to harness connector on back of intake,these where left hanging over valve cover,the one i replaced it with was routed on closer to intake...	7
	2005 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 5.7L Cuts out VIN: 1D7KS28D35 Well im scratching my head !! thanks for the help guys this truck was low on trans fluid ... as a few of you replied check the fluid level and sure enough it was low . topped it off and it is fine ! thanks guys . but could someone explain why low trans fluid ...	9
	2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat 6.0L No Start VIN: 1FTNW21P93 Thanks for all the help, I ended up removing the left valve cover & running the engine, found o-ring blown on top of #7 injector. The warmer the engine got the worse it was. Unfortunately, Ford told me that these o-rings are not replaceable. Due to time res... Trouble codes: P0284 (Cylinder 8 contribution), P0341 (Cam position sensor), P2291 (ICP too low engine cranking).	28
	2005 Ford E-450 Super Duty 6.8L Shifts Fine No Codes VIN: 1FDXE45S15 Sorry about this request for help. One of pour transmission builders posted this because he disassembled the transmission and could not find anything wrong. Fred from Georgia had a great idea of where we could have checked unfortunately the transmission was re...	5
	2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty FX4 6.0L Surge, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1FTSW21P45 Well gentlemen the truck never met the freight train. Thank you for all the help. All oil and fuel pressure PIDs remained constant. I finally managed to find this by grabbing the harness at the FICM and pulling on it. The harness for the injectors did nothing ... Trouble codes: P0272 (Cyl 4 Contribution / Balance).	12
	1992 Honda Accord LX 2.2L D4 Light VIN: 1HGCB7259N THANKS FOR AL [...] YOUR HELP, I REMOVED THE COVER FROM THE TCM AND FOUND IT WAS FRIED, CUSTOMER HAS DECIDED NOT TO FIX THE CAR.	18
	2006 Honda Ridgeline RTS 3.5L abs VIN: 2HJYK16256 Yes the bearing was in backwards, the [...] seal is the pickup for the sensor. Thanks to all who helped out	19
	1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 5.2L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, int. high idle VIN: 1J4GZ58Y6S Thanks Guys The intake was leaking when cold , drove me nuts , thanks for the help	14
	2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 3.7L steering VIN: 1J4GL48K33 I want to Thank to everyone that answered to this call, as always IATN rocks!!! Mario, Douglas, William and Rick hit the nail right on the head, it was needing a tire rotation, it did the trick, as i said before thanks to every one who took their time to answe...	11
	2002 Kia Spectra 1.8L Master Cylinder VIN: KNAFB12142 thanks for everyones help with this one,went back and reinspected brake sys front to rear verified again that there was no restriction in brake lines.the replacement proportioning valve ended up being the problem replaced valve again vacuum bleed brake sys ret...	6
	2005 Land Rover LR3 SE 4.4L compressor VIN: SALAA25405 Great replies. Thank you. The Rover did return on a hot day for testing. At 90f, temp pulled down to low 40s. It repaired itself. We told her to return is it acted up again. Thanks again.	10
	2005 Lincoln LS Luxury 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1LNHM87A65 Thanks for the help. I replaced the seemingly good MAF with a known good unit from another car. That fixed the lean condition. The original MAF was showing almost the same data as the replacement, but night and day difference in driveability. The missfire was ... Trouble codes: P0171 (Lean bank 1), P0174 (Lean bank 2), P0300 (Multiple misfire), P0316 (Missfire on startup).	6
	2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 4Matic 5.0L Cooling Fan VIN: WDBUF83J85 Hi Everyone, this one is back on the road. Just as I suspected the aftermarket fans two of them supplied by the customer, where defective. The first one went up in smoke, and the other one was death on arrival. Not been able to do suction fan activation with m...	3
	2006 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG 5.5L Abc VIN: WDBNG74J46 Although i have fixed the numerous other problems with the vehicle I sent the shock change to another shop with SDS. At the end of the day everybody was happy. Thanks to everyone for the help.	5
	1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE 3.3L power assist VIN: JN8AR05YXV this thing apparently fixed itself. I pulled it out of the shop the next morning WITH power assist. I checked the reservoir and had good flow but dirty fluid. whatever had plugged a line worked itself loose. I flushed new fluid thru until it was clear and went...	2
	1999 Saab 9-5 2.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: TS3ED48E1X First I would like to thank all of you for the great replys and all of them where good! We had cust. take car for the weekend and just returned today scanned again and the only code i had today was p0300, but o2 voltage was a .003 so i just added a ground to ... Trouble codes: P0300, P1171.	10
	2001 Saturn SL2 1.9L rod/main bearings VIN: 1G8ZK52751 Thanks for all the input, the bearings/crank were ruined due to paper towel. After tear down, there was not towel found, but some small peices. Engine rebuilt and now running great.	17
	2005 Scion tC 2.4L 1st gear VIN: JTKDE17715 Alright, got the trans tore down, and found 1st gear on the output shaft to have some abnormal tooth wear, which was presumably causing my noise in 1st. I also found excessive final drive backlash, which could have been contributing to the noise(but this would...	5
	2000 Subaru Forester L 2.5L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Stall, Misfire VIN: JF1SF6358Y Thank you everyone for your input. After going through just about everthing we realized that we could make it run on 70psi of fuel. Tested the fuel and there was sugar or some sort of syrup in it. Never would have thought of bad gas... Trouble codes: P0133.	10
	2003 Subaru Impreza WRX 2.0L Misfire VIN: JF1GG29633 Whether it's a fix or not is in the hands of the customer. I did a leak down test and all cylinders were leaking 15-20%. Weird. I don't think it's a gauge issue, but I was looking for one cylinder low, not all 4 so I disregarded it. I flushed the injectors... Trouble codes: P0031 (Front A/F sensor heater-replaced sensor no change in performance).	7
	1995 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.0L . VIN: JT3VN29V75 sorry it took as long as it did,we orderd a a guage to check the pressuse comming off the new pump and it was low, can you believe after replacing 2 pumps from AZ they both were bad.bought one from the dealer put it on and it fixed the problem.thanks to all of...	7
	2004 Volkswagen Touareg V6 3.2L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: WVGBC77L94 THANKS ALL, IT WAS THE BREATHER VALVE THAT FAILED. REPLACED IT AND PROBLEM WAS SOLVED, CLIENT HAS BEEN DRIVING VEHICLE FOR AWHILE AFTER REPAIR AND IS HAPPY.. THANKS. Trouble codes: P1152 (Upper limit exceeded), P1090 (Upper limit exceeded), P1914 (Implausible signal), P2279 (Lower limit exceeded), P1151 (Long term fuel trim too lean).	7

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