Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Oct 31, 2011

Join Now

Prev	Professional Automotive Repair Technical Discussions for October 31, 2011 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
	2001 BMW 530i 3.0L Radio VIN: WBADT634X1 Hi, Have E39 sedan with basic radio, single in dash CD player, no DSP ,video or telephone handset.The problem is no audio output and the radio unit has no radio reception( field strenght 0). Amplifer, radio unit and antenna amplifier are good(subsutited), good...	View
	1984 Buick Regal T-Type 3.8L No Start, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1G4AK4796E I have a car that was brought to me by a guy who put an engine in and could not get it running. It’s a 1984 Grand National. He put a 1987 module and coil with an updated harness adapter on it. I found he just stuck the cam sensor in without timing it. I correc...	View
	2005 Buick LaCrosse CXL 3.8L headlamps VIN: 2G4WD53205 This car intermittently looses headlamps. Fuses good. Anyone run across this particular problem? We do very little repairs on domestics. Sounds to me like a posible bad contact inside headlamp switch. Any help is greatly appreciated.	View
	2003 Cadillac CTS 3.2L whine VIN: 1G6DM57N73 see repair history-definately from the pump but why only with engine running? does this have a secondary pump on the driver's side or just a tube?	View
	1995 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, mild exhaust backfir VIN: 2G1WL52M4S Customer brought in this 1995 Lumina, 3.1. They had the orginal engine replaced with one out of a 1997 Buick Century, 3.1 The car runs rough at idle but seems to smooth out as you accelerate. While cruising at 30 MPH you will get an occassional jerk or sputter...	View
	2000 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LT 5.3L Heat Control VIN: 3GNFK16T3Y Vehicle came in with no heat control. Replaced blend motor with aftermarket. Heat control then works but is backwards. replaced with OEM with same results. It works fine...except backwards. Thanks in advance	View
	2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 4.2L Air Distribution VIN: 1GNDT13SX2 Trailblazer, kicking my butt. This thing came in to be serviced for sale on the lot (trade in) it sat in the shop, the battery went dead, jumped it off, serviced it, noticed the vents were not operating correctly. Unsure if it was this way before the jumpstart...	View
	2007 Chevrolet Uplander LS 3.9L no foward drive VIN: 1GNDV23167 Scanned vehicle with over 20 transmission codes and 12 engine codes in codes failed since last ignition cycle. has P0722 speed sensor keeps coming back up. Also had many codes in engine side of data. Had many codes in body data side. Vehicle runs fine and has ...	View
	2001 Chrysler Town & Country LX 3.3L brake pedal travel VIN: 2C4GP44381 Brake pedal goes soft, has air in system. Happens after about 2-3 weeks of driving. Van is not driven a lot. First 2 times we bled air out of RF caliper, last times it was the LF with air. Thought caliper problem, until we had air in the opposite side the last...	View
	2003 Chrysler Sebring LXi 3.0L ECU immobilzer VIN: 4C3AG52HX3 HELP!!! Hello and thanks for any input you might have. I replaced the evaporator in this car. Forgot the plug in the ECU immobilizer. Cranked it a couple of times. Realized what I had done. Plugged up the immobilzer. Car started right up. Let it run while I to...	View
	2000 Dodge Dakota 4.7L transmissoin VIN: 1B7GG22N8Y customer complaint of erattic shifting with engine light transmission code p1793-torque management circuit sense. NO OTHER CODES PRESENT. REPLACED TCM AND PCM. LOOKING FOR OTHER IDEAS THANKS JAMES	View
	2003 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L tcm VIN: 1D7HU18D33 Truck came in last week with no communication with TCM and in limp home mode. Did some pin out test and it led us to replace the TCM. After replacing the TCM It will intermittently communicate. When it does the PRND21 is lit up. Other wise it is not. If you mo...	View
	2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 2.7L theft alarm VIN: WD0PD54415 Need help; Dealer Connect no help and Sprinter kept me on hold for two hours without answering. No start/No Crank; start error displayed in cluster. Allready replaced transponder ring and module per dealer connect. Transponder made no difference in data, but ...	View
	2006 Dodge Sprinter 3500 2.7L front air conditioner VIN: WD0PD544X6 This van has two completely seperate compartments, the cab and a "mobile banking" office in the rear. It came in AC not cooling. Low side @ 60psi, high side 150psi. Front and rear air not cooling. 1st thing we did was recover refrigerant to see how much was in...	View
	2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 4.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 188GU58647 thanks in advance, this nitro has codes for both intake runners,have checked power and grounds but not gone any further because of a lack of info.some other mopars require a reflash for this repair but i dont find that info for this car.Anyone seen this befor... Trouble codes: P1004, P1005	View
	1994 Ford Taurus GL 3.8L No Start VIN: 1FALP5241R Thanks in advance for the help. I have this Taurus that came in on the hook. The customer stated that it would not start and that the cooling fan would run anytime the ignition was on. The fuel pump would also not cycle, but ran continuously while the key was ...	View
	1995 Ford F-350 XL 7.3L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Stall, Misfire VIN: 2FDKF38FXS Customer complains of hard start/no start and poor performance. Black smoke out the tailpipe. Missing at idle. We tested glow plugs and wiring. Found 6 open glow plugs and several opens in wiring harness for glow plugs. Replaced 7 glow plugs (left rear glow pl...	View
	2000 Ford Focus ZX3 2.0L No Start VIN: 3FAFP3131Y Hi all got another hand me down car, car came in cranks ok very poor idle then a no start still cranks ok though. Spark and injector pulse not there. Has new crank sensor in it already. Tried another sensor real quick no change.still no codes. Now ck engine li...	View
	2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L only the door locks work. VIN: 1FMDU63K33 Hello hope you Guys can help me. Vehicle showed up as a no crank/no start. I get in the turn the key and I get nothing no power. no lights on dash,no light on inside.Performed a few quick test all pass. Ok time to speak with the customer. His story is the f...	View
	2004 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL 6.0L accelerates by itsel VIN: 1FTSW31PX4 This diesel will intermittantly accelerate by itself. It will happen at stop lights, or on the freeway. When it happens it only lasts about 3 seconds, and the customer has to stand on the brake to control truck. he has tried snaping the gas pedal, but no diffe... Trouble codes: P0603, P0470	View
	2004 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4L Engine VIN: 1FTPX14514 The truck was brought in for misfire at idle. Cyl. Contribution on solus scanner showed #2 and 4 misfiring. No codes. Replaced all coil boots and wires, switched spark plugs and coils to other cylinders - misfire followed spark plug from #4 to #5. Customer too...	View
	2004 Ford Freestar 3.9L brake lights parking lights VIN: 2FMDA52234 Hello folks, i have a 2004 freestar 4.2, came in with fuses 65 and 62 removed from the bussed electrical center (bec) and a complaint of front parking lights staying on as well as the brake lights, killing the battery, hence why the fuses were pulled. If the b...	View
	2007 Honda Accord EX 2.4L compression VIN: 1HGCM72617 Hi guys. Goofy one here. sorry abt the mileage, odometer is inop. car came in on the hook as a no start after cust said hit a water puddle and car died. compression is 25 psi on all 4 cylinders. we have removed frt cover and verified timing chain intact and al...	View
	1999 Isuzu Trooper S 3.5L Transfer case/TOD system VIN: JACDJ58X3X This Trooper came in w/"check" light flashing in TOD Info center,Pulled codes:12/13/14/24/35.Replaced both speed sensors on transfer case and cleared codes.Now only resets code 14, front speed sensor open or shorted.The check light starts flashing several seco...	View
	2004 Jeep Liberty Sport 3.7L Electronic VIN: 1J4GK48K04 came in with compressor clutch smoked. replaced compressor w/clutch all new. pressures just keep getting higher and higher. the fan will not run continually. it starts then quits. I can fully operate fan w/scan tool. not sure if this is part of the problem but...	View
	1999 Mazda Miata 10th Anniversary 1.8L Misfire VIN: JM1NB3535X this vehichle came in new plugs wires plugs black has anybody ran into this Trouble codes: P0300, P0300	View
	2003 Mazda 6 i 2.3L antitheft VIN: 1YVFP80C13 mazda changed their key programming from the ford pats using two keys to a system that requires "incode/outcode" passwords. The only source to get the codes are from the dealer. My request is primarily for the mazda dealer techs. Is there any way i can get any...	View
	1971 Mercedes-Benz 220 2.2L Hesitation This car came it hesatates just off idle punch to floor ok we rebuilt the carbs ck vacume adfance all working if you look in the carb front dose not squart in good fuel like rear acc pump has new thanks for the help	View
	1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500 5.0L fuel tank VIN: WDBFA67E2R Hey guys, I have a 2 part question for all you Mercedes Benz dudes. I have a 94 SL500 in here that has been sitting for ages, and now the customer wants it running so he can sell it. I took the fuel line to the pump off, and it is literally filled with tar, th...	View
	2005 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor 1.8L no crank no start VIN: WDBRF40J45 Car came in on my day off. Our parts hanger replaced a battery in the car. The next day it came back because battery drained down over night. The Technician did a parasitic draw test showing 1 amp (too much). He the began to pull all the fuses out to find out ...	View
	2006 Mercury Mountaineer Luxury 4.0L Front Differential VIN: 4M2EU47E06 We have a complaint of vibration or resonance in front end at various speeds. Test driving the noise comes and goes as the pressure of the tranny shifts to different gears. The noise doesnt seem to change if you swerve from side to side. Noise is also still th...	View
	1991 Nissan 300ZX Turbo 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Surge VIN: JN1CZ24H6M This is a twin turbo. The car failed state inspection, the first time no test was done because of the idle. The second time, emissions were high. Now, the remaining issue is the idle. Car starts fine cold, idle for cold start is ok, engine warms up, starts idl...	View
	2007 Nissan Altima S 2.5L Drive-axles VIN: 1N4AL21E07 Vehicle has a throttle and coast produced high pitched whine from 15mph & up that sounds like a differential bearing noise. Being as how this is a CVT transmission, is it prone to a center bearing or equivelent noise like a Mini Cooper? Also on occasion it wil...	View
	2008 Nissan Titan XE 5.6L No Start, No Crank VIN: 1N6AA06A88 Vehicle came in on a hook. No Crank No Start. Guages and Accesories working properly. Load tested battery just for the sake of knowing that the battery was good. Found the batttery able to hold a load using the AVR load tester. Checked fuses and all fuses are...	View
	2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 2.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation VIN: YS3FB45S74 Customer came in with a MAF sensor code p0101. We replaced the MAF. Customers concern was that the car was sluggish and had no power. The car will operate totally normal until you drive in for a while. (Seems to be at a consistent speed when it occurs) Then th... Trouble codes: P0101	View
	2005 Saab 9-3 Linear 2.0L code VIN: YS3FB49S75 I tested solinoid and diaphram. I only found bypass not moving while power braking. Im not very experienced on saab so any test points would help. I would belive that the bypass should move. Thanks in advance. Trouble codes: P0033	View
	2003 Saturn L200 2.2L Dome Lamp, 3rd Brake light VIN: 1G8JU54F93 This Saturn came in with no dome lamp and no 3rd brake light. I know these vehicles had a lot of problems with BCM, can anyone give me some help on this one.No B+ to either. Fuses good, lower brake lights working.	View
	2002 Subaru Legacy GT 2.5L Cooling Systems VIN: 4S3BH64512 Good Morning Techs, Vehicle came in with severe overheat problem, we replaced thermostat, water pump and radiator, seems to be OK idling in the shop as soon as we road test it will peg the gauge. We did a block test with the blue dye and beaker in the radiator...	View
	2001 Toyota Avalon XL 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 4T1BF28B91 Thanks for the help. This vehicle has a reoccuring code p0446. I have replaced the charcoal canister, canister closed valve, and gas cap. There are no leaks found on this system with smoke machine-less than .020 on meter indicated and no visible leaks. The que... Trouble codes: P0446	View
	2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8L Mechanical VIN: 3VWSD29MB1 Install new cylinder head, came back in with oil leak, leaking a both cam seals, when replacing cam seals remove valve cover font cam housing install subaru sealant up to cam bearing and put back together, went for test drive, came back and recheck for leaks, ...	View
	2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0L 3-4 shift VIN: 3VWSK69M43 This fine gem shifts 1-2, 2-3 just fine. When it shifts 3-4 it feels like it binds up for just 1/2 second. If you run up to speed in shift position 3 then let off the gas and upshift to drive the 3-4 shift is normal. I only feel the bind up with foot on the ga...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2006 BMW 530i 3.0L radio nav customer took vehicle and never brought it back but it appears this model has the power module built into the gateway module.thanks for all the help.	11
	2007 BMW 335i 3.0L evaporator drain VIN: WBAWL73577 Since this vehicle was just out of warranty, I suggested the customer go fight with BMW about the repair since it looked like the evaporator case needed to be loosened or removed(14 hours).I asked that he inform me of the results and when he does, I will updat...	3
	1992 Cadillac Seville STS 4.9L fuel enable VIN: 1G6KY53B7N Most responding mentioned the key cylinder which we had eliminated already-the problem ended up being the ECM-the signal was at the ECM from the pass key module but apparently it could not read it internally-installed a delco reman ECM and all is well-Thanks f...	9
	1999 Chevrolet K1500 Suburban 5.7L Starting/ignition VIN: 3GNFK16R9X Sorry for the delay in posting this. After putting in the circuit breaker, we never had another problem with it starting. We switched out the breaker for a fuse a few times, but still started every time. My best guess is that in moving around all the wires, s...	20
	1999 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3L No Start VIN: 1GNDT13W7X Hello and thanks to everybody i apreciare you guys help. Well i finally Found my problem with this truck, it turn out that the cam is broke right where the distributor gear slides in and makes contact with the camshaft, that explains Why it wasn't getting...	43
	2001 Chevrolet G3500 8.1L Brake Pedal VIN: 1GBJG31G11 Well thanks for all of the suggestion. As it turns out there are no leaks anywhere and we took everything apart. Master Cylinder passed all of our testing. All of the ABS parts are fine as well. It would seem the customer uses the brakes how can we say, too mu...	13
	2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 6.0L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCHK29U72 Paul from Oklahoma was dead on.Cylinder #7 was the main misfire causing #2 to also misfire.I found this by checking misfires 3 ways.At an idle,under load and at 2000 rpm.First 2 ways show misfire,at 2000 rpm the cylinder #2 misfire went away and just #7 was mi... Trouble codes: P0300.	15
	2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L No Start, No communication VIN: 2D4GP24R55 I want to thank everyone that helped & offered input to my problem. I also felt that the PCM was at fault & sent the reman unit back to the company for rechecking. Their claim was the unit is good & even checked my origional one which they claimed was good. I ...	16
	2004 Ford F-550 Super Duty XL 6.0L No Start, Cuts out VIN: 1FDAF56P34 Problem is now fixed! Could not find anything wrong with all the tests I performed. Checked pin outs on PCM for cmp, ckp, and bus2 to ficm. Back probed bat+ and grnd on both pcm and ficm. Monitored wave form for cmp,ckp at ficm. Was able to perform inj. buzz t... Trouble codes: P0113, P0261, P0299.	8
	2008 Ford E-150 4.6L Instrument Cluster VIN: 1FTNE14W88 instrument cluster took care of the problem.when the cluster was installed the security light came on and van wouldn't crank so the cluster and pcm had to be reprogram, the keys had to be programmed even though the keys were the old style keys but all is well,...	7
	1995 GMC K3500 Sierra SL 7.4L Low power VIN: 1GDHK33N7S Thanks to Bob,Dan and Paul with your fuel info. I happened to find a spec chart on Delphi website for fuel pump specs like volume and such and this vehicle requires 29 GPH of volume and dead heads at 65psi. I rechecked pressure after replacement and pressure w...	16
	2000 Honda S2000 2.0L rev limiter VIN: JHMAP1146Y Thanks for the help and I am sorry for the late closing. It took a little while for me to get the special tools from Honda. What I did was follow the instructions in the manual. Testing oil pressure. The engine oil pressure was text book perfect. With the adap...	7
	2005 Jaguar X-Type 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: SAJWA51C05 Thanks for all replies, iant is an awesome forum and resource. Like a few suggested, Fuel injection service performed by a freind's shop cured this vehicle. After the service fuel trims drop to: bank one +3 bank two +2. Thank you all. Trouble codes: P0171, P0174.	5
	1997 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L differential VIN: 1J46T37628 Thanks for the help, guys. Some said pinion bearings, some said ring and pinion gears. Almost all said the same thing I was gonna tell my customer-that the best thing would be to either overhaul the whole thing or find a complete, low miles assembly. I was out...	13
	2002 Mazda Millenia S 2.3L Cuts out, Stall VIN: JM1TA22232 Yes, we did it. Thanks to IATN and all the techs that took the time to get involved we fixed this one. All the input I received was great, however, Michael from British Columbia and Jeffery from Pennsylvania both hit the nail on the head. The timing belt was o...	5
	1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.0L Right T/S VIN: WDBGA51E0N thanks for the replies although no one responded with the info requested. only needed a complete wiring diagram. bulbs and correct switch position were already confirmed. but thanks for the response. after getting the appropriate information the combination re...	3
	2004 Mercedes-Benz E320 3.2L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: WDBUF65J14 So first I changed the OE wires and did find number 3 wire broken. Road tested vehicle and still failed, again I never feel a misfire. So I reset the sensor adaptation like you guys said. Vehicle is no longer failing. What gets me is we have replaced a million... Trouble codes: P0300, P0303, P0305.	11
	1973 Plymouth Duster 3.7L vacuum hoses Thank you to all who responded. John was the first to send me the diaphragm I needed. The thermo vacuum switch draws it's vacuum supply from the driver's side of the carb.	9
	1999 Saab 9-5 SE 3.0L Lighting VIN: YS3EF48Z4X As several people suggested, it was indeed the ignition switch. Removed it, cleaned and bent contacts to get good connections in all positions and closed the previously riveted switch with self tapping screws. Time to repair switch itself, less than 15 minut...	6
	2002 Saturn L300 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G8JW54R02 well this job was pretty straight forward,thanks to everyone that replied,you were right about the tube on the t-stat housing had to be real carefull to remove it Trouble codes: P0128.	6
	2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0L Abs VIN: JTEHF21A73 AFTER RECHECKING MY LEAD MECHANICS DIAGNOSTICS AND TESTING I DECIDED TO DO MY OWN TESTING. I INSTANTLY FOUND THE AC SIGNAL AT THE RIGHT REAR SPEED SENSOR TO HAVE ONE DROP IN SIGNAL EVERY ONE REVOLUTION. UPON INSPECTION OF THE TONER RING THAT IS INSIDE THE KNUC...	14
	2000 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 2.0L Differential Vent Tube VIN: 3VWCC21C0Y Hi everybody! Thanks for all of your help! Found the problem - When my tech R&R'd and resealed the diff cover he used silicone and normally you wouldn't think that would be a problem, however this 2000 Beetle's diff case has a small cut out at the gasket surfa...	6
	2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 2.8L valve cover VIN: 3VWTG69M31 We went back with the old V/C. The car has not returned for oil leaks, yet. Time will tell. Thanks for the tips, Rick	7
	2007 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5 2.5L A/C Compressor VIN: 3VWFF31Y37 Thanks to all for the help. What end up fixing the vehicle was flushing the oil out of the a/c system,(THERE WAS TO MUCH OIL IN THE SYSTEM) After hunting down all the correct information on the vehicle. Vehicle had body damage left front at one time.(Hood, ...	9
	2002 Volvo S60 2.4L No Start VIN: YV1RS61R52 This car went to the dealer where they replaced the Vehicle Computer (ECM) & suggested it may also need an Antenna Ring (which in the end it did not). The Check Engine Light flashing/flickering was indicative of an ECM problem in my mind however that could pro...	4

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