Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Oct 11, 2011

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	Help Request	Answers
	2004 BMW 525i 2.5L Cuts out VIN: WBANA53574 This car is cutting out at idle this is the 3rd week it has been hear I was not able to duplicate the fault untill today. 2 weeks ago I replaced the throttle body for throttle codes and not revving up last week I checked the battery it failed the load test. Wh... Trouble codes: 28B2, 5F77	View
	2006 BMW 550i 4.8L radiator VIN: WBANB53586 Hello BMW Techs New customer came to us and said another shop told her that the thermostat needed to be replaced, due to the radiator had two different temperatures at the top and at the bottom and engine had been running hot, we could not duplicate problem, ...	View
	2007 BMW 335i 3.0L evaporator drain VIN: WBAWL73577 Car came in with a/c draining into car. Found BMW SBI # 64 05 09 stating that a updated plastic retaining ring needed to be replaced on the bottom of the evaporator case. The bulletin wasn't real clear on how to do this.The ring looks like it goes thru the flo...	View
	2005 Buick Terraza CXL 3.5L cruise control VIN: 5GADV23L75 Hi Everyone, I hope someone can help teach me something. I have this Buick that came from a used car lot with ABS light on and Traction control system message. After finding a missing fuse in the underhood fuse box that got the above problems fixed I took it f...	View
	1999 Cadillac DeVille 4.6L Starter VIN: 1G6KD54Y7X When ever i try to crank this cat, the ip says starter disabeld remove key. Anyone seen this before/\?	View
	1996 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado 5.7L transfer case shifter VIN: 2GCEK19RXT Customer had this towed in for being stuck in 4WD low. The fuse in the inside panel (25 amp) will blow every time you touch the transfer case electric shifter switch on the dash. If you push any button on that switch, the fuse blows. The 4WD low indicator ligh...	View
	1997 Chevrolet Express 1500 5.7L Hesitation, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GBFG15RXV Came in for check engine light.customer was out of town when the light came on.it was diagnosed as needing fuel pressure regulator.after repairs light came back on within 20 miles so customer drove it home and here it is.fuel pressure running is at 49 psi 58 k... Trouble codes: P0171 (Fuel trim lean), P0174 (Fuel trim lean)	View
	1998 Chevrolet S10 LS 2.2L Stall VIN: 1GCCS1444W i could sure use some help here. This s-10, 2.2 stalls after start up, and sometimes stalls when putting into reverse. However, it does it intermittently, and of course i'm swamped. I also noticed that when it doesn't start, it has no fuel pump, no crank sens...	View
	1998 Chevrolet C3500 Silverado 6.5L Excessive Emissions VIN: NO VIN owner states that engine starts up n engine revs to 3500 rpms up hi idle n down to idle,goes up on its own n lots of black smoke.this truck is still out n country n am tryin to find a easier fix.it is hittin rev limiter so i`m thinkin thats cause of black smok...	View
	1999 Chevrolet Camaro 3.8L Hesitation, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 2G1FP22K2X Hello and thank you for reading my request. Ive got this camaro that was towed in as a No Start. It was running rough so the customer called her dad and he told her to fill it up with fuel so she put as much fuel as she POSSIBLY could in it. It continued to ru... Trouble codes: P0440 (Evap system)	View
	2003 Chevrolet Express 2500 6.0L starter VIN: 1GCGG29U34 Well starter did not fix it. Reinstalled orginial starter.I have check wires from the relay to the computer yellow and black wire, 1.8 ohms. The wire from the ignition switch and from the fuse block to the relay I check at the same time that whole circuit has ...	View
	1997 Chrysler Town & Country LXi 3.8L Bleeding VIN: 1C4GP64L7V Hello and thank you in advance for your help. This van came in with rusted brake lines at the in side of the ABS unit. I made 2 lines from the master to the ABS. Did manual bleeding following the proper sequence. I used my Gensis scan tool to activate the in a...	View
	1996 Dodge Stratus 2.4L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1B3EJ46X9T I have this 96 Stratus that has a rough idle. There are no DTC's and once off idle runs fine. I started with the basics. Long term idle trim is -17 to -20% but once you get off idle into a part load the fuel trims straighten out. I have 13 in. of vacuum at idl...	View
	1997 Dodge Caravan LE 3.3L No Start, Stall VIN: 1P4GP44R0V This regular customer of ours brings his caravan in today stating about once a week, he will go to start his van and it will start and stall after about 1 or two seconds. He will sit in it for up to 15 minutes trying to start it by cycling the key and repeatin... Trouble codes: P1695 (No body ccd messages), 36 (Unable to transmit bus msgs abs unit)	View
	2004 Dodge Ram 2500 ST 5.9L No Start VIN: 3D7KU28CO4 Customer is owner of another shop and he came in asking for help diagnosing his truck. Intermittently doesnt start. lift pump is FASS aftermarket and has 20 lbs pressure but truck under cranking does not produce the required 4500 psi to start. Checked injector...	View
	1988 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat 5.0L Auto Loc hub VIN: 1FTEX14N0J Hello, Our truck tech is on vacation and we are doing this without his expertise. We believe the assembly for the self locking hub is bad. We can turn the axle but the wheel does not lock. We took the cap and bearing out, removed the locking ring and spring, b...	View
	1993 Ford F-350 XL 7.3L Stall VIN: 2FDLF47M3P we have a 1993 F-350 with a 7.3 ltre that has a idle problem when cold. I have narrowed it down to the cold start timing advance solenoid, it has 11.6 volts when cold. If i unhook this sensor when cold it will idle fine, as soon as i hook it up it will stall. ...	View
	1997 Ford F-150 4.2L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1FTDX1726V When this truck is started it runs rough for 20-30 seconds and them smooths out. Test drove and at idle it will run rough, has no loss of power and runs great under load. Come to a stop or idle and runs rough. Heads were removed and sent to machine shop to hav...	View
	1997 Ford internationa .0L low performance VIN: 1HTSCAAL3W truck came in,customer stated it dies,pulled codes found app sensor dtc and p0108 baro code,scoped app,found glitch in wave form,replaced it,cleared dtc's,p0108 came back.tested ground,5volt,and signal return at baro.ground good 5volt present,but no change on ...	View
	1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 6.8L No Start VIN: 1FTNX21S8X Fuel injector pulse works for two seconds , then dims to nothing, we have rpm signal, we have spark, we have fuel pressure. You can see the fuel trim on the scanner go to nothing, we did try a used pcm with no luck. Oxygen sensors were not shorted	View
	2004 Ford Freestar 3.9L Stall VIN: 2FMZA50664 This van will stall intermittently at just off or at idle. In addition it will act at highway speed as if the ignition was cycled off resulting in a hard jerk.It will also stall at low speed(20mph). Restart may require up to 10-15 seconds of cranking to restar... Trouble codes: P0401	View
	2004 Ford E-350 Super Duty 6.0L No Start, Stall VIN: 1FDSE35P84 truck towed in for "no crank" which, in the country here, actually means cranks but does not run. They always kill me with "it won't crank". First test batteries, dead, replaced both with new Interstate. Cranks great, does not run. Of course, dead batteries le...	View
	2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty XL 5.4L No Start VIN: 1FTNF21555 Thank you in advance for any help you can offer. Vehicle came in, replaced engine due to timing chain guide came apart inside engine. Installed remaned long block new. The truck starts for approx 2 seconds and immediately dies. I am unable to find if the truck...	View
	2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL 6.0L engine VIN: 1FDWW35PB6 I have another POS here to figure out. I need a little help on this one. This truck came in with a complaint of smoking and cutting off. First test drive it happened. Found EGR valve sticking open. Came back to shop, pulled EGR and found all coked up. Cleaned ...	View
	2008 GMC Sierra 2500 HD SLT 6.6L erratic fuel gauge VIN: 1GTHK29658 The customer states that the fuel gauge reads empty and fuel level lamp illuminates. This truck has a secondary tank in the bed of the truck. He has been leaving the valve on that automatically keeps the OE tank full. According to the code definition, this can... Trouble codes: P0461 (Fuel gauge sender performance)	View
	2000 Honda Accord LX 2.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: JH10CK01PY the owner replaced the alternator, I have omed out the wires from the edl to the computer and replaced the green and red wire, oms were high, still no help, Trouble codes: P1298, P1166, P0141, P1768	View
	2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0L 15 amp Room LP fuse - drivers side fuse block VIN: KMHDN46D15 Thanks in advance for the help. Customer jumpstarted vehicle backwards.15 amp fuse for room lamp blows as soon as installed. Radio,domelight,OBD2 inop. Vehicle needs to go to New York State inspection and needs to have hook up to connector otherwise customer w...	View
	1987 Jeep Wrangler 4.2L brake system VIN: 2BCCV8142H Cannot get a brake pedal. From factory vehicle had disk/drum setup. Customer replaced rear brake drums with calipers from a ford explorer and left the original master cylinder and proportioning valve in vehicle. Vehicle had good brake pedal drove car prior. Cu...	View
	2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1J4GW48S51 This jeep has a CEL on and runs great. The DRB will not communicate with any module. There is no message on the odometer of no bus. When I try going into the module scan it comes up no modules on the bus. The bus voltage is fluctuating from .5v up to 1.6 and b...	View
	2001 Lexus RX300 3.0L Display VIN: JTJHF10U61 Hello, this Lexus RX300 had the sunroof left open during a 1+" rainstorm. Since then the HVAC display is blank, although the radio display works, & the controls do nothing. I have verified power & ground at combination unit. At this point Mitchell says to repl...	View
	2002 Lexus LS430 4.3L Temp from vents VIN: JTHBN30F62 CLIMATE CONTROL OWNER REPORTS UNIT WILL BLOW COLD AIR WHEN WARM IS SELECED. ALSO DOES NOT SEEM TO RESPOND TO TEMP REQUESTS UNTIL 3 TO 4 DEGREES ABOVE OR BELOW ACTUAL TEMP. Scanned and found B 1424 Solar sensor circuit Drivers side B 1421 Solar sensor circuit ...	View
	1999 Lincoln Navigator 5.4L Ride control VIN: 5LMPU28A2X Hello l have this navigator that likes to sit down in the back. Will sometimes work but it mostly stays down. I have power to all fuses and the compressor will come on if i jump the relay. Its like it is not getting a signal that it is sitting down in the back...	View
	2007 Lincoln Navigator L Luxury 5.4L air suspension VIN: 5LMFL28517 This vehicle came into the shop with the rear suspension slammed to the ground. The dash tell-tale says "air suspension off" Battery has been dis-connected as it was at the body shop. Compressor does not come on. I am trying to locate the feeds for the compres...	View
	2004 Mazda RX-8 1.3L Poor Idle Quality, Stall, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: JM1FE17324 i have a rx8 that came in not running. put a new set of plugs in got it running, but only on number 2 rotor is firing. checked spark on number 1 rotor no spark either coil, any suggestions or common issues with ecm, wiring, etc? thanks Trouble codes: P0301	View
	1989 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL 4.2L ignition leads VIN: WDB1290662 Hi all, i have this 500sl towed in with a no start problem, tested and replaged a faulty crank angle sensor, but will not start, i do have fuel and spark now, it has a new set of leads fitted and it appears they are wrong, i need to know the firing order, cyli...	View
	2004 Mini Cooper 1.6L Poor Idle Quality, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: WMWRC33404 Code sets immediately. Will not idle.really can't find any info on this code. Any help will be greatly appriciated Trouble codes: 1689 (Electronic Throttle Control Monitor Level 2/3 Torque Calculation Error)	View
	2007 Mini Cooper S 1.6L Cooling Systems Hi all I just need someone to help me clarify Code p0597 Thermostat Heater Control open or short. Can someone please tell me what the Thermostat heater is I can't find any good info on this code. Just some background info would be awesome. Thanks in advance Tr...	View
	2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8L Engine VIN: 3N1CB51D64 This 2004 has the QG18DE 1.8 litre Calif. motor. I have a used federal model with the same engine code. Is there a difference in the motors or is it just tuning/programming? I'd save some serious change if it would work. Wrecking yards list them as different b...	View
	2005 Saab 9-7x Linear 4.2L Starting VIN: 5S3ET13S85 this saab want a be has an intermittent no crank condition that we have only seen once briefly. Originally was towed to our shop when it wouldnt start. Once here it started fine. Customer stated that last time this happened the tow truck driver banged on start...	View
	1999 Saturn SW2 1.9L Slow to refuel VIN: 1G8ZJ8279X Hi there everyone and help. I have this Saturn wagon in with a complaint of it taking nearly 10 mins to refill the tank from empty. It kicks the gas pump off unless he barely lets it trickle down into the tank. I have taken the neck vent junction apart and can...	View
	2003 Saturn Vue 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Cuts out, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 5GZCZ53B53 Hello fellow techs. I need your assistance! i put a timing belt on this saturn vue 3.0, for preventative maintenance. Now i have multiple misfires in cyl 1,3, and 5. My timing is dead on. I checked and rechecked it several times. And i have the timing kit for ... Trouble codes: P0300 (p0301-), P0301 (p0303-), P0303 (p0305-), P0305	View
	2004 Suzuki Verona S 2.5L Poor Idle Quality, Cuts out, MIL Lamp on VIN: KL5VM52L34 Thank you for any help with this. And yes all of those codes were stored when it came in. Ok it came in for a jerking/bucking. when driving if you drive below 10 mph car would stall but start back up. Finally the dash and tail lights are not working... Ok figu... Trouble codes: P0121, P0171, P0174, P0300, P0102, P0562	View
	2000 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8L engine VIN: WVWNA23B7Y Veh came in with severe engine vibration. We found that the timing belt was one tooth off and replace it. The front, side motor mounts were weak and we replaced them also. Engine still vibrates at all engine speeds. It is not as bad as when it came in but is s...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2003 Chevrolet Impala 3.4L abs module VIN: 2G1WF52E83 rechecked all powers & grounds all good replaced with a nother new abs module been 4 days no return all is well so far if change will post, thanks again for your help.	2
	2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L Fuel leak VIN: 1GCHK24134 THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP. WHAT I FOUND WAS NOT WHAT EXPECTED. WHEN I FINALLY GOT ENOUGH OTHER PARTS OFF OF THE TOP OF THE ENGINE I FOUND A BOLT LAYING ON THE FRONT OF THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP ON THE MOUNTING FLANGE. WHEN PRESSURED UP THE FUEL WAS COMING FROM THE ...	11
	2006 Chevrolet Equinox LT 3.4L monitors VIN: 2CNDL13F06 Thanks for all of the replies. It turned out that it needed more driving. For some reason, the monitors just didn't want to run. The customer drove it for over 600 miles and then we drove it another 100+/-, and then they finally set.(at least one did and th...	8
	2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 5.3L Surge VIN: 1GNFK18730 looks like a connection was the problem. the maf connector. thank you for your help. iatn is the best. we are better than any tech line i ever used. ty again	20
	1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.9L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire VIN: 3B7HF13Z0X After consulting with the customer again, he said he has an oil consumption problem. This triggered an idea about the numerous replies about the intake manifold belly pan. Even though I could not diagnose a leaking belly pan gasket with the pressure differen... Trouble codes: P0420 (Catalyst system efficiency below threshold).	8
	2002 Dodge Ram 3500 Van 5.9L No Start VIN: 2B5WB35Z12 Thank you everyone, you all helped me in this minstrocity.The pcm was the problem the whole time. Even after three replacements from a reputable company they were unable to help this one. NPC in Texas is my new supplier for all pcms.Thanks again every one. Trouble codes: P0505 (Idle control system malfunction).	7
	2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 3.8L Stall VIN: 2D4GP44L03 thank you for all the help ended up cleaning the iac port and replacing the iac have not heard back from cust. thanks again	21
	2004 Dodge Stratus SE 2.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1B3EL36T44 well we used a bosch sensor all 4 sensors were the same part #,we originally replace bank 1 sensor 1,we ended up installing the original back into its original place and putting the new o2 in bank 1 sensor 2 place. and within 10 minites of the cat drive cycle ... Trouble codes: P1195.	13
	2006 Dodge Charger 2.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2B3KA443R6 The fix to correct the P0016 resetting condition was correcting the basic cam timing. Somehow during the installation the crank sprocket became off by one tooth. Resetting the chain corrected the problem. Thanks for all the suggestions. Mike Tonelli Trouble codes: P0016 (cam/crank correlation).	5
	1999 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 4.6L Oil Leaks VIN: 1FAFP46V0X Thanks to everyone that took the time to respond to my help request. As it turns out we removed the compressor on the right side of the engine to get a better view of the head and timing cover. It was evident that the cylinder head gasket is indeed the sourc...	11
	2002 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L OD light VIN: 2FMZA51472 First I would like to extend a big thank you to Brian [...] for his excellent help. Brian steered me in the right direction to fix this vehicle. After grounding pin 64 at the PCM and the fact that the codes were still present, it was determined that the PCM ...	9
	2003 Ford Focus SVT 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 3FAHP39523 i removed the belt and locked the 2 cams and turned the vct gear al the way and reinstall the belt so far lite is out thanks to all you guys are awsome Trouble codes: P1381.	7
	2005 Ford Taurus SEL 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FAFP56S65 The electrified Taurus is out the door today! I'd like to thank everyone on their input specially the Snap-On rep Robert for showing me the self test for the instrument cluster. I probably would have gotten there eventually but he sped the process up. The f...	7
	2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty XL 6.0L Starter VIN: 1FTSW21P26 Okay, so the problem ended up being with the reflash procedure. We were following the procedure as outlined on the Motorcraft Website (as we have done before) and it would not work. We contacted a local Ford Dealer we have a great relationship with and asked...	5
	2009 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4L Unknown VIN: 1FTPW14V39 hate to do this but close w/ no fix. Customer stated truck never acted up after last left shop, 438 miles later and nothing. Still going with 4x4 kicking in by its self. Customer stated if the problem comes back will just trade it in. Sorry fellow tecks, Wish ...	13
	2006 GMC Sierra 1500 SL 4.3L No Start, Stall VIN: TGTC14XX6Z Ok we feel stupid as we looked further many were right ! the wires looked fine going to the coil but when we pulled harder on them sure enough one was broken inside the insulation! Thanks so much its fixed! Rick and Kevin Trouble codes: 128 (coolant temp out of range).	11
	1992 Honda Civic DX 1.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1HGEG8540N Sorry for delay in closing ~ had to wait for customer OK to proceed ($$...). Thanks for educating this old guy that a good ohm reading from a sensor doesn't mean a good scope pattern. Crank and TDC sensors scoped OK, Cam sensor failed. New distributor fixed it... Trouble codes: 9 (Cam Sensor).	8
	2002 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5L alarm system VIN: 2HKRL18682 Looks like it was the hood switch thank you for your help	5
	2008 Land Rover Range Rover HSE 4.4L Comp/Fans VIN: SALMF15488 Turns out this bad boy had a problem with the low side pressure hose. The low side hose has a pressure cut-off switch built into and is not s replaceable component. The pressure switch would not allow the compressor to activate even though it was charged to sp...	3
	2000 Lexus GS300 3.0L No Start VIN: JT8BD68S4Y Thanks to all who replied! It turned out the mouse chewed thru another coil signal wire. It appears that this car will not run with an open to one of the coil circuits. Trouble codes: P1300 (Igniter circut).	3
	1999 Mercury Sable GS 3.0L Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1MEFM53S4X upon reading all the suggestions, i put a fuel pump in the vehicle and gave the customer back the vehicle. as of today no problem. thanks all for your help	6
	2000 Mercury Villager Estate 3.3L Power Seat, Power Windows, Power Mirrors VIN: 4M2XV14TXY Hey, Thanks to every one who took the time to help out. The customer decided over the weekend to not spend any more money on this vehicle. So, Thanks again to everyone. Ron [...]	5
	2008 Mini Cooper S 1.6L Glass VIN: WMWMF73518 Thank's to all , The customer called and said the window is fixed. I can only hope he did what I told him to do,hold the switch in the up position for 3 sec. then down. Thank's G.T.	4
	2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2.0L steering VIN: JA3AH86D94 t-case viscous coupler no good and not repairable. Had to get new one from dealer, but LA has a company that remans them!	4
	2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4.0L timing chain noise VIN: 5N1AR18W25 thanx for all the replies, all were very helpful, i ended up replacing the secondary chains and shoes and also the primary chain, tensioner and main chain guide. it turned out fine it is alot of work and very time consuming.	4
	1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera S 3.3L No Start, Surge, Stall VIN: 1G3AJ54N7M Yes I also have had bad injectors short out.But the ecm was bad.when the cooling fans came on.Its like it shorted something inn the drivers out.	10
	2001 Oldsmobile Aurora 3.5L Stall VIN: 1G36R64H41 Well, The car is still sitting out back, We are getting the PCM warrantied from the ebay store we got it from as I suspect that is the fault due to the extremely erratic data that I'm seeing and random intermittent MAF code even with new MAF sensor and wiring ... Trouble codes: P0101 (MAF sensor performance), P1106 (MAP Sensor voltage intermittently high).	16
	2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.4L No Start VIN: 1G2NF52E33 Thanks for all of the replies to my problem. I live about 70 miles from the nearest GM Dealer so I didn't get there right away. But I took my ignition switch, key and cylinder to the dealer and they replaced the pass lock sensor and did what they needed to do.... Trouble codes: P1626 (Theft deterrent fuel enable signal lost).	12
	2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.7L t-case VIN: JS3TD94742 Thanks for the quick replies everyone. We finally got this one fixed. Turns out there was an inductive kick coming out of the coil primary power circuit into the switched 12v feed to the 4wd module. Even though we had previously scoped that circuit and saw a s...	5
	1993 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.0L Alarm VIN: JT3VN39W4P HELLO GUYS WELL WE FINNILY GOT IT TAKEN OUT ONE WIRE AT A TIME AND THEN SOME REROUTING EVERYTHING WORKS NORMALLY. I WOULD SEND THE NEXT ONE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE REMOVED. WAY TO MANY HOURS ENVOLVED WITH OUT A DIAGRAM. THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP	5
	2004 Toyota RAV4 2.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: JTEHD20V24 I am closing this post because the Check Engine and VSC have not reoccured and the customer has not returned so i could see if the monitors keep resetting. When i did scan the vehicle i always did a "All Systems Scan" and there were no codes in any modules as ...	10
	2004 Volvo S80 2.5T 2.5L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: YV1TS59H34 Thanks to Paul from VA for pointing me in the right direction. At the end of the day it was simply a seized turbo. It had been to 3 other shops where they eventually threw their hands up on it. No codes relating to lack of boost pressure stored and apparentl... Trouble codes: ECM, 982A.	3

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