Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Nov 16, 2011

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	Help Request	Answers
	1991 Acura Integra GS 1.8L Cooling Fan VIN: JH4DA9363M This car belongs to a family member and it has a intermitent problem w/ the cooling fan staying on after car is shut off. I am aware of the oil temp switch and fan timer failing on these models however the dealer claims that the 1991 model has no fan timer ( w...	View
	2003 Acura MDX Touring 3.5L Steering VIN: 2HNYD18773 This vehicle has a condition that causes the steering wheel to twitch randomly and erratically. This occurs at speeds under 35mph during light turns & gentle curves and sometimes while driving straight. If you take your hands off the wheel while driving you ca...	View
	2006 Acura MDX Touring 3.5L oil pan VIN: 2HNYD18876 I have this 06 MDX and have resealed the oil pan 3 times, with slightly different results, but no seal. Its been done with an aftermarket grey silicone, GMS grey silicone and the Hondabond brand. Originally had a very minor leak at the rear of pan. After first...	View
	1998 Buick Century Custom 3.1L Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on hello gang!!! i have a 98 buick cetury,3.1 engine, has code p0172 (rich) and code p0446 (evap vent problem) it gets bad fuel milage, i have seen on here that a bad ftp sensor can cause p0446 (it already has a new vent selonid) ftp pid is at 4.3 volts koeo, fue... Trouble codes: P0172, P0446	View
	2005 Chevrolet Uplander LS 3.5L fuel guage VIN: 1GNDV23L55 Hello, I have 05 Uplander that came in for customer stated the vehicle wouldn't start, he says he came out in the middle night the horn would honk and the side door would be open on its own. We found a bad battery and replaced that first, but never experenced ...	View
	1997 Dodge Stratus 2.4L No Start VIN: 1B3EJ46X8V Gentlemen We have this Stratus which will not start. The customer had a apt for a state inspection and when he went to start the car it would not start ( crank/no start ). It ran fine to that point. He had it towed here and we found it had spark ( new plugs )...	View
	2002 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L No power when cold VIN: 3B7KF23642 Hello Cummins guru's, I need help on this one. About 2 months ago, this truck came in with an occasional cut out of throttle response. (code: p0216 Inj. pump timing failure) I diagnosed the lift pump to have only 3lbs of pressure and very little volume. I repl...	View
	2007 Dodge Ram 3500 ST 6.7L Flywheel VIN: 3D6WG46A67 I read on this wonderful site about replacing the dual mass flywheel with a flywheel for an 04 and a clutch assembly for the same. Well we did this today and PROBLEM the starter will not seat on the bell housing as it will not mesh with the teeth on the flywhe...	View
	1989 Ford F-150 Custom 5.0L loud ticking this is my personal truck.truck sat for at least a year.bought and drove home.engine was quiet.went to start.long crank,finally started.ran rough and loud tapping noise from passenger side,lifter? started and ran several times over several days.now have noise ...	View
	1993 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L No Start VIN: 1FMDU34X9P This vehicle was towed in for a no start, crank but no start condition. When they off-loaded it from the wrecker, it started (of course) so I left it overnight and tried it the next morning. Next day, it would crank forever, but would finally start, so I pulle...	View
	1994 Ford Ranger STX 2.3L Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1FTCR10A8R Truck runs fine with scan tool attached in shop. All of a sudden vehicle will idle up, data will clear, it will go from closed loop to open loop, and then everything will come back. All systems test OK. Truck will run for another hour and then repeat pattern.	View
	1996 Ford Ranger Splash 3.0L Abs Light, Abs Module VIN: 1FTCR14U7T This has me floored. Truck has 4wabs. I am able to pull codes, but cannot get data or cannot clear codes. Ids says cannot communicate, but will get codes??? i replaced the abs module figuring it had an issue with the communication line. I still could not pull ...	View
	1999 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 5.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FMRU17L0X this unit is drawing down the fuel tank pressure under load and cruise speed as the evap purge duty cycle increases. when driving i see the evap purge duty cycle climb up from 0 to 100% and stays there as long as I continue to cruise and the ftp will slow draw... Trouble codes: P0452	View
	2000 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L n/a VIN: 1FMZU63XXY When the vehicle is put into any drive gear range other than reverse, the vehicle stalls the motor. We installed torque converter thinking that would solve the problem but still have the exact same issue.	View
	2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 6.0L No Start VIN: 1FTNW21P93 Has new ckp and cmp sensors. Hpop replaced within a year. Truck blew boost hose and eventually quit running. Suspect the pcm is bad but want to verify before replacing pcm.icp is intermittently low upon cranking (500psi with ipr @ 85%. Every 4-5 crank attempts... Trouble codes: P2290 (Icp low), P2614 (Cmp low), P2617 (Ckp low)	View
	2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L transfer cas VIN: 1FMZU74E73 To All, I have this explorer with an automatic 4x4 system. If truck is in 4whl high or low it will make a violent banging when turning even slightly left or right or sometimes when accelerating. When in auto mode problem is stil present at times but much less ...	View
	2004 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4L Mechanical VIN: 1FTPX14514 good morning, i know there was a recent post on this,but i wanted some ideas on this one. i followed some of the testing from identifix. back probed the solenoids for the phasers, you could here the engine bog down on each side. i had the scanner hooked up to ...	View
	2005 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch 6.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTWW31P55 Hey guys. I have another 6.0 here with problems. This thing came in with a blown intercooler and a turbo code and a p0402. we replaced the turbo and intercooler. Then i checked the egr with the scanner with egr removed. The valve did not move so i replaced it.... Trouble codes: P0402	View
	2005 Ford Escape XLS 2.3L Misfire VIN: 1FMYU02Z95 2005 escape 4cyl has a random misfire on very light throttle aplication on decel or no load only,happens in any gear manual transmission,problem speeds are 2nd gear 20mph,3rd gear 30mph,4th gear 40 mph and so on this is the only condition and speeds the proble... Trouble codes: P0300, P0301, P0303	View
	2007 Ford Edge SE 3.5L abs module VIN: 2FMDK36CX7 we replaced the abs module, had it programmed and the steering calibrated. test drove the vehicle, and same symthom, and same code. while driving, we did not see any of the speedo sensors drop out. actually, the code (B1342) retrieved is not from the abs side,...	View
	2007 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor 4.6L condensor VIN: 2FAFP71W37 I am employed working with a municipality, with a fleet of over 375 vehicles. from the very beginning of recieving the 2007-2008 crown vic.squads, we've experienced the cooling fan running after about a half an hour of driving, and continuies to run for the of...	View
	1999 GMC K1500 Suburban SLE 5.7L Intermittent Charging VIN: 3GKFK16R2X This 99 Suburban is very frustrating. It will charge just fine for a while, and then the charge light will come on, and the voltage will drop as the battery starts discharging, then it goes back to charging - charge/discharge/charge/discharge, etc. I have veri...	View
	2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0L Clutch have installed a new auto zone clutch kit and can't get the throw out bearing to lock into the pressure plate. have removed the trans for a second time and is installed right. from what I read after the trans has to be installled then I need to push the lever ...	View
	1989 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4.0L Power Steering VIN: 1J4FJ78L4K Thanks in advance for any help. I have this old 89 cherokee thats giving me hell. IIt came in to do a laundry list of previously recommended work. In that list was to replace the power steering gear box and pump because they were both leaking severly. After th...	View
	2004 Kia Optima LX 2.7L Unknown VIN: KNAGD12814 I have an odd one here. I'm really not sure if this is the transaxle or not. This lady was going down the highway at around 60mph and she said it was just like somebody slammed into the rear of the car. She pulled over and her and the lady with her got out to ...	View
	1994 Land Rover Defender 90 3.9L Excessive Emissions VIN: SALDV2282R This land-rover runs horrible and the gas readings are as listed until the check engine light comes on and code 44 is stored in the memory. After the light comes on I think it is in limp mode and it runs much better. Hc's come down to about 200 C.O's to 1.0 th... Trouble codes: 44 (left bank lambda sensor)	View
	1986 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL 4.2L No Start VIN: WDBCA35D8G I'm getting no power to my cold start injector.The overload protection relay isnt popped,ive replaced the fuel pump relay and ive banged my head against a brick wall for hours.There is a vio-wht wire that connects the gear select switch to the fuel pump relay(...	View
	2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 2.6L Stall, Hard Start VIN: WDBRF61J64 This seems like it should be so easy amd I'm beating my head on the wall finding a solution. This MB starts very hard when cold. It will crank and fire like it is trying to start but then doesn't. After a few minutes of cranking and messing around with the th...	View
	1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser S 3.3L No Start, Cuts out VIN: 1G3AL54N6N This ciera has been acting up for a few weeks now.intermittent stall like someone shut the key off.would always start right back up.it never did it in my possession! the other dayshe calls me to tell me it's becoming more frequent,and that she won't drive it a...	View
	2003 Saturn L300 3.0L ABS controller VIN: 1G8JW54R13 OK- just bought from auction. ABS light on constantly- trans delayed going into gear-drivers seat inop [dont think related]. scanned/found: p0601-memory error, p0604-ram error, p0716-input sensor circut range, p0717-no/low turbine sensor signal, p0752-shift so...	View
	2002 Toyota Camry LE 3.0L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality VIN: 4T1BF32K02 please looking for help from you toyota guys. this one has me stumped? thanks in advance. this car came in with a int fluder as the customer put it. could not get it to do it. we did normal maint on the car and when done it wont get out of its own way.i have c...	View
	2008 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L Coolant level VIN: 5TFDV54108 This Tundra is loosing coolant somewhere that cannot be determined, customer has checked it randomly and it takes about a quart of coolant every couple weeks, has very little heat from heater unless reved up but probably because it's low, pressure test and che...	View
	2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0L Limp Mode VIN: 3VWSA29M4Y Hello fellow VW tech's. This little Jetta is killing me. A long time customer got this car about a year ago and all was well until about a month ago when he comes in with a complaint of a clunk in the drive train and we found that the differential portion of t...	View
	2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 3VWRK69M04 Car came back with p1142 code again. Obviously i do not want to install another mass air flow sensor, what should i be checking for. Smoke test, negative for leaks car runs and drives normal no drivability concerns. Could not get to act up while in the shop. ... Trouble codes: P1142	View
	2004 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 2.0L EPC Light On VIN: 3VWCK21C14 Does anyone know how to scan for a Electonic Power Control (EPC) lamp code using a OTC Genysis scanner.	View
	2007 Volkswagen GTI 2.0L wiper motor VIN: WVWGV71K77 Car came in with broken wiper transmission, replaced transmission and wipers will not function. Hood closed. I have switch input to steering column module, but no parameter change in central electronics module wiper parameter. Communication issue I believe DTC...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	1996 BMW 750iL 5.4L No Acceleration VIN: WBAGK2324T We replaced the throttle sensor and throttle assemblies but we still have to send the vehicle to the dealer to program these parts to the car. The customer agreed that we try this and boy do I hope it fixes the problem. If not, I told him he will have to leave...	7
	1999 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3L T Case VIN: 1GNDT13W0X I purchased a new transfere case switch to just try it, as I suspected it did not cure problem. Removed and inspected encoder motor and found it all corroided. Replaced motor and now the transfere case shifts properly but the auto 4wd light is alway on, will n...	10
	2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L Cranking time Well, Thanks a lot for all the help and suggestions. Especially the one about the fuel filter housing seal kit. After much checking and use of clear tubing, the rubber hose from the filter to the engine was allowing it to suck air. This hose was not even wet o...	19
	2009 Chevrolet Equinox LS 3.4L computer monitors VIN: 2CNDL13F09 Thanks to all replies. Ended up driving the vehicle for 1,100 miles and re-did the 18 step monitor reset proceedure (without scanner) before O2 monitor reset. Only needed 1 monitor to pass NYSE. Still had EGR code but was able to get NYSE sticker with 1 monito...	4
	2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Dream 2.4L Electronic VIN: 3C8FY68B32 I HAVE CLOSED THIS REQUEST BECAUSE THE OWNER DECLINED REPAIR BECAUSE OF THE COST.I BELIEVE THAT A NEW COMPUTER WOULD HAVE FIXED IT.	6
	2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Van 5.9L Misfires VIN: 3B7HF13Y8Y Thanks for taking the time to help guys. I replaced the oxygen sensors and all is well. The converter is marginal as well but he has three months to absorb the cost for that. Now he can drive it without it misfiring all over the place.	9
	2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 2.7L intercooler hose VIN: WD0PD64445 Sorry guys but due to the 469,000 miles on the vehicle the customer opted not to spend the needed funds for proper diagnosis and hence sent vehicle to salvage yard.	7
	2008 Dodge Avenger SE 2.4L Misfire VIN: 1B32C56K48 We drove the vehicle for a while and the light went off so we called the customer to come get it. The next day he called to tell us the light was back on and blinking again. We sent it to the dealer to have the latest update done and a relearn for the crank/ca... Trouble codes: P0301.	16
	1990 Ford Bronco Custom 5.8L Engine Stall VIN: 1FMEU15H6L Well Chris from California nailed this one on the head. Checked transmission fluid level and noticed some airation. Pulled pan and sure enough filter was laying at the bottom of the pan. I tried installing old filter to see if the seal was bad and it wouldn't...	11
	2001 Ford Expedition XLT 5.4L 1-2 Shift VIN: 1FMPU16L91 Thanks to all that replied on this. Determined that in was in fact an internal mechanical failure. Customer opted for a used trans. All worked out well. Thanks again	7
	2005 Ford E-350 Club Wagon XL 6.8L Hydraulic Motor circuit VIN: 1FBSS31S55 I got 3 replay thank u for Ur time;one of you ask motor include with unit?yes. Carefully diagnose each circuit even I test motor with my modis it works. This is learning for me and for all tech,I did replace another unit brand new Still the same problem .c1095...	3
	2006 Ford Freestyle Limited 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FMDK03196 Identified intermittent TCM failure when hot. TCM is integrated with the Mechatronics (valve body/control assy) Reman assy available from Ford. Customer declined repairs and ready to trade in (AC compressor weak, who knows how long trans will last if only re... Trouble codes: P0641 (ECM Voltage Out of Tolerance), P0659 (Actuator Supply Voltage A Circuit High), P0701 (Trans Control System Range/Performance), U0001 (High Speed CAN Comm Bus Error), U0101 (Lost Comm with TCM), U0401 (Invalid Data Recieved from ECM/PCM).	3
	1988 Honda Accord LXi 2.0L Struts VIN: 1HGCA6287J Thank you for all the responses. I was able to remove the strut with out removing the wishbone. Unbolting and removing the ball joint allowed the suspension to drop down enough and the knuckle arm to swing out of the way allowing room to pull the strut out of ...	9
	1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L 1-2 Shift VIN: 1J4GZ58S0R Thank you for all the replies and i did find the correct port above the servo on the right side rear of the transmission. Sorry I had to ask but without the proper information rather be safe than sorry. Thanks again all.	9
	1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.2L fan clutch VIN: 1J4GZ78Y0V After trying 3 different fan clutches, including one for a Duango (as 1 reply suggested) all to no avail. Someone suggested that chrysler had an economy line but @ $160.00 my cost I wouldn't call that economy when the exact Hayden clutch from O'reilly"s is $53...	12
	2005 Land Rover LR3 SE 4.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: SALAE254X5 Sent to dealer for an ECM Flash which corrected the issue.	4
	2008 Land Rover LR2 SE 3.2L Shifting VIN: SALFP24N48 I want to thank Carlos from Virginia for the link to Land rover tech page. The land rover page helped a lot. Interesting enough the P0725 code hasn't come back yet. The diagnostic procedure for this code according to land rover is to check for communication f...	3
	1995 Mercedes-Benz S500 5.0L Trunk VIN: WDBGA51EXS RESTESTED FOR LEAKS- NO LEAKS FOUND. DISASSEMBLED PUMP AND ADJUSTED PRESSURE SWITCH TO SHORTEN RUN TIM [...] TO 4 SECONDS AFTER DOOR HAS CLOSED. SO FAR SYSTEM HAS BEEN WORKING W/O PROBLEMS. WEBLINK LISTED IN RESPONSES WAS VERY USEFULL.	11
	2005 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor 1.8L no crank no start VIN: WDBRF40J45 Relay broken in 87 slot causing no power to modules.	8
	2003 Mini Cooper 1.6L Starting VIN: WMWRC33433 Thank you guys for the advice.The connector below the fuse panel in the driver's kickpanel was severely corroded and even had some pins broke off.The sunroof drainhose was off on the driver's side.Repairing the connector fixed the battery draw and the dead ta...	3
	2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 3.8L #4 cylinder VIN: 4A3AK34T67 Thanks for the responses. My stupidity is showing. I just didn't like the compression numbers. Too even. Tried another guage. Bingo. Pulled the head. Broken piston. Sorry for troubling you over something I should have caught. Posting the request and reading th...	6
	1991 Nissan 300ZX Turbo 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Surge VIN: JN1CZ24H6M Thanks for all of your helpful information. We have double checked everything. Changing the fuel temp sensor finally allowed the idle to remain even enough to get the car through state inspection, but it's still not 100% right. The car owner is happy that he h...	5
	1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 3.0L Misfire VIN: JN1CA21D8T AFTER CHECKING EVERYTHING I KNEW TO CHECK WE FINALLY REMOVED THE TIMING CHAIN COVER AND GOT ALL THE MARKS AND DOTS TOGETHER,WE FOUND THE CRANKSHAFT GEAR OFF 1 TOOTH,REMOVED THE CHAIN AND RETIMED,STARTED THE ENGINE AND ALL WAS GOOD, I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL THE ... Trouble codes: P1335 (Crank shaft postion sensorref sensor).	9
	2005 Nissan Altima SE 3.5L Transmission, cluster, signals VIN: 1N4BL11D05 Sorry this post was not finalized any sooner. I was waiting on a final fix from the Nissan dealer where this vehicle was hauled to after customer ran out of patience on me. Before it left my shop, I replaced IPDM with no difference. That was an error on my par...	4
	2010 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4.0L heat VIN: 5N1AR1NB2A SORRY FOR THE LONG DELAY IN REPAIR. The heater core fix problem. could not believe that core was problem. We used CLR lime remover and soaked core over night had better heat. we then felt confident in our daig. installed new core no problems bleeding better he...	8
	2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 3.8L blower VIN: 2G2WS52234 This car is fixed. When I read Bills message about tapping the blower motor, I finally had a chance to do that when I picked up the car to recheck it. The blower finally didn't start and when I bumped it, it took off. I did replace both the motor and module an...	13
	2005 Pontiac GTO 6.0L Poor Idle Quality, MIL Lamp on VIN: 6G2VX12U25 Thanks to all who replied.After checking for loose /crimped wires, vacuum leaks,aftermarket intake & air filters & all other suggested possible issues,and not finding anything, we determined that throttle body must be bad. Unfortunately body shop decided to le... Trouble codes: P0121 (Throttle Position Sensor or APP Sensor 1 Problem), P0507.	4
	2001 Porsche Boxster Roadster S 3.2L Intermediate shaft chain tensioner rail VIN: WP0CB29821 Customer has decided to get a second opinion on his broken tensioning Rail. He is looking for that magical cheap fix, Gave him two options to open the motor up and replace rail and do all necessary updates or get a replacement engine. Thanks for the hel...	4
	2007 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 2.5L MIL Lamp on, cruise light flashes VIN: JF1GG63677 Hey Folks! Thank you all for the help. Reading your replies reminded me that the rear o2 was switching too fast, so even though the afr sensor never dropped below 2v the cat must be lame. Possibly due to the air/fuel ratio sensor's constant high Voltage. My cu... Trouble codes: P0420.	7
	1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited 3.4L Steering VIN: JT3HN87R4W Another one back on the road, bad pump. But most of you were correct, it should have had a rack. The chunks I showed the guy in his pump reservoir did not look good... He had to leave the next day, so I put the pump on and flushed five plus quarts through the ...	15
	2005 Toyota Prius 1.5L battery VIN: JTDKB20U55 Hello guys, thanks for all the replies I got from this posting, it really make my life easier, you guys know about the safe connector for the batteries, it was on but I needed to slide the connector down a little bit and that made the trick now, on the battery...	19
	2001 Volkswagen Cabrio GL 2.0L No Start VIN: 3VWBC21V11 CAR HAD TWO KEYS ONE WITH THE CHIP AND ONE WITH OUT IT GOT THE WRIGHT KEY AND THE CAR STARTED UP THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP OUT THERE.	6

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