Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Dec 5, 2011

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	Help Request	Answers
	2002 BMW M3 3.2L Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall VIN: WBSBL93472 code p1603 and loss the power after accident Trouble codes: P1603	View
	2002 BMW X5 3.0i 3.0L Height Control VIN: 5UXFA53592 Hello all, This vehicle was brought to me with a "Inactive Suspension" message displayed on the cluster. The customer stated that it had come on a couple of day prior, and the morning he brought it in the battery was dead. I scanned it with my PC Retreiver an...	View
	1994 Cadillac Commercial Chassis 5.7L Cuts out VIN: 1G6DW52P7R 1994 Cadillac Brougham with the LT1- These have Traction control-- symptom came to me as "car bogs down when going on expressway" from the elderly owners. Disabled the TC with the glovebox switch, and problem goes away. This TC I believe, by design does not ki...	View
	2000 Chevrolet C3500 6.5L No Start VIN: 1GBKC34FXY Hi I don't usually work on diesels, this one belongs to a good customer. It was towed in, only pulled the one code. I can get a full data stream checked basics. Lots of fuel to pump none comming out at injector tubes. I ran through alldata no start tree and ca... Trouble codes: P0380	View
	2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCHC231X2 I replaced the valve cover gaskets for a leak with no problems after firing it up and test driving the truck is very sluggish. It fires up good every time. Have gone over the job 3 times today and found nothing. I dont have the adapter for vacuum test will hav... Trouble codes: P1093, P1094	View
	2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Classic LS 6.6L alternator VIN: 1GCHK23D47 I have a 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic and keep getting a p0621 code for battery not charging. Sets after about a minute of the engine idling. Voltaged dropped form battery to battery and from battery to alternator. tested the two wires that go to the alternato...	View
	2007 Chevrolet Equinox LS 3.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2CNDL13F97 This vehicle came in with a complaint for a mil and intermitent high idle. We pulled codes, found codes p0121 and p2135 stored in pcm memory. Proceeded to check throttle body with labscope (snap-on vantage) and confirmed that voltage at idle and wide open thro... Trouble codes: P0121 (Tp sensor or app sensor 1 problem), P2135 (Tp sensor 1-2 correlation)	View
	2008 Chevrolet Colorado WT 2.9L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCCS14998 The code usually sets on initial start-up. Initially the vehicle actually ran bad on stat-up. The freeze frame shows the code setting at idle. The code represents a crankshaft position -Exhaust camshaft position correlation. I checked for TSB but did not see a... Trouble codes: P0017 (Crankshaft position - exhaust camshaft position correlation)	View
	2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD WT 6.0L Speedometer VIN: 1GCHK73K19 Vehicle came in with Service 4x4 message and inop speedo. Has Tcase code C0569 System configuration error, calibration not learned. Sent to GM for module reprogram but did not help. Have good power and grounds into module as well as 8v for encoder motor and 5v...	View
	1999 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9L low power VIN: 3B6MC3661X Once again I would like to thank everyone for their time. This truck has low power, veh had a code p0216. But once cleared has not returned. I have checked fuel pressures wich seem good. Fuel restriction seemed high so I removed sender and found no restriction... Trouble codes: P0216 (Inj pump timing)	View
	2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L asd relay VIN: 2B4GP44G0Y hello vehicle came in on hook,,,no fuel pressure or injector pulse,,,found #3(engine) fuse blown,,,replaced fuse started right up,,owner sed he was trying to pass someone and thats when it died...so i punched on test drive and sure enough it died,,blown fuse,,...	View
	2005 Dodge Ram 1500 ST 5.7L Heater VIN: 1D7HU18D95 Hi All, Customer came in with his heater cool/cold, would warm up a little with more engine RPM. Replaced thermostat, then flushed Heater core. Still cool. Was checking air flow thru floor, floor-vent & defrost positions, found that right side of dash would be...	View
	2010 Dodge Avenger R/T 2.4L blower motor VIN: 1B3CC5FB9A the blower does not work at all in this car.i have checked both wires,i have power on both.i am assuming one wire is supposed to switch to ground.i can put ground on the blue yellow wire and the blower runs.what is supposed to switch this wire to ground?alldat...	View
	1997 Ford F-150 Lariat 4.6L Transfer Case VIN: 1FTDX1869V Personal truck, transfer case is badly corroded around bolt heads that hold case halves together letting it leak. My question is am I going to get into a mess trying to take bolts out to replace rear half of case, ie broken bolts , stripped holes ect? Would a ...	View
	1998 Ford Ranger Splash 4.0L No Start VIN: 1FTZR15X7W I posted here a couple of months ago and determined that this Ranger died due to a bad battery, alternator, and ECM. When this first happened, I spent a week and a half diagnosing and checked grounds, and hot connections. Found no problems. New battery, rebuil...	View
	1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat 5.4L Misfire, No MIL, no codes VIN: 1FTNF21L7X PLEASE HELP! This truck came to me with an intermittent misfire under load. I scanned with my OTC Genisis, no codes found. I have road tested this vehicle and can make truck miss very bad, enough that the check engine light should flash I would think. I have t...	View
	2000 Ford Excursion XLT 6.8L interior lamps I fixed the windshield leak but I need to replace the GEM . Working in a Ford dealer all avenues have been exhausted on this end. The module is obsolete and I am having difficulties locating a used one. Does anyone know of a repair facility? Thanks in advance ...	View
	2001 Ford Windstar Limited 3.8L Rev. Clutch VIN: 2FMDA58451 Seeking some knowledge for 2001 ford ax4n transmission . In my reverse clutch drum i have 1 wave ring, 5 steels @ .059" thick, 1 pressure plate, 4 firctions(all thats called for)and selective snap ring. I'm have trouble getting the stack to clearance spec of ....	View
	2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 5.4L Cuts out, Misfire VIN: 1FTSX21566 vehicle stumbles/almost stalls when put into gear and throttle depressed immediately after start up. COLD ONLY. When throttle is depressed in Park- OK. Problem persists for less than 1 minute. Sometimes associated with cylinder misfire. Truck needs to sit for ... Trouble codes: P0301 (1 miss)	View
	2006 Ford E-350 Super Duty 6.0L Cylinder 6 VIN: 1FTSE34P86 The vehicle devoloped a puffing noise that could be heard from the engine compartment. The air cooler hoses that was routed from the turbo to the cooler back into the intake. The puffy noise was heard. Also from the air cleaner to the turbo was heard. The exha...	View
	2008 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTPW14V18 The repair for the vent control was a simple broken wire on the control side to the PCM. The problem I am having is with the fuel level sensor. I have a very erratic signal (FLI 70-100% back and forth like an 02 signal) both at the PCM (multiplexed signal) and... Trouble codes: P0446 (EVAP vent solenoid fault), P0461	View
	1994 GMC Safari SLX 4.3L No Start, Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1GDDL19W8R Let me preface this by saying that it may go bye-bye, so there might not be a fix. This "clean one owner" was towed in as a no start. It had a bad fuel pump, plugged solid fuel filter, and a melted down fuel pump relay and connector. All applicable parts were ...	View
	2009 GMC Yukon Hybrid 6.0L Brake Assist VIN: 1GKFC13569 I found a document in identifix that relates to this code setting after the vehicle has been in the key on engine off mode for an extended period. The identifix document number is 2463259. The instructions say to use a Tech 2 scan tool and relearn the EBCM. My...	View
	2000 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5L ing.sys. VIN: 2HKRL1865Y This is my own car and I can not belive I can not fix it! first I am a honda tech. My ody.is my 2ed ride do not use it much a couple weeks ago I went to use it on vet. day it started but the idle was high and set a code for IACV so I used it for the day and pa...	View
	2004 Honda Civic EX 1.7L Charging VIN: 1JCEM22064 Car came in battery light on, low charging output at idle. Replaced the Alt. with a aftermarket unit. At idle no load 14.2v with the blower, lights, ac on the voltage drops to low 12 volts to high 11 volt range. Give it gas and the voltage jumps high 12 volts....	View
	2003 Infiniti G35 3.5L battery light, parking brake light VIN: JNKCV51E03 Hey guys, this is a strange one. I have a few suspensions other than having a possessed car hehe. As seen in the history - there was a random horn problem - the owner wanted to just pull the fuse and leave it be. Now the parking lights will turn on and stay on...	View
	2001 Jaguar XJR 4.0L Seal VIN: SAJDA15B51 Vehicle came in with trans leaking at right frint corner of trans, this is a mercedez trans, typical harness connector seal , have replaced dozens of them on mercedez . To get the part from jag dealer they have to special order it, and costs $100+ , so we get ...	View
	1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1J4GW58S0X the jeep is coming from a dealership they say nothing wrong with the car. the car just start and die p1685 on the pcm dealer program a new key saying that will take care that. when that happens sometimes no computers on the bus however from 0 to 2.5 v on pin 2... Trouble codes: P1685	View
	2004 Mazda RX-8 1.3L Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: JM1FE17N04 This rx8 came in the shop with a stalling problem. Had a code p2070- intake manifold tuning valve stuck open but it worked properly- cleared the code and hasen't come back.The car has a slightly low and rough idle and stalls at times when you come to a stop an...	View
	1998 Mercedes-Benz ML320 3.2L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 4JGAB54E7W Vehicle runs good, the only concern is that the check engine light comes on and then there is a miss until you cycle the key off and back on again, then the miss is gone. We have driven the vehicle for several days and it is always the same, it will act up on ... Trouble codes: P0306	View
	1994 Mitsubishi 3000GT 3.0L Lifters VIN: JA3AM54J4R This is a 1 owner car, well maintained. It's my personal vehicle, I just purchased it yesterday. I drove it from Cleveland OH to Morgantown WV with no problems. The lot I purchased it from had the oil changed yesterday before I picked it up. It wasn't tapping ...	View
	2001 Nissan Sentra GXE 1.8L Horn VIN: 3N1CB51D21 This should be a simple repair...but it's not. The horn isn't working. According to the wire diagram: The switch connects the ground through clock spring(spiral cable)A WHT/GRN wire goes out to relay post #1(before that it branches off to the antitheft system)...	View
	2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R 2.5L No Start VIN: 3N1AB51D02 I hesitate to post this but really need some guidance on this as I rarely work on Nissan vehicles and this one is off-site so it will be especially difficult. What I have is a rebuilt engine installed. It cranks over great, has fuel pressure and injectors are ...	View
	2001 Oldsmobile Aurora 4.0L Won'T Crank VIN: 1G3GS64C91 Complaint that the vehicle will start with remote but not with key. It will start every time with the remote feature. Once it arrived we started it several times with the key and the remote and called the owner to tell him so. Drove it back to the front of th...	View
	2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 3.8L Starting VIN: 2G2WS52244 Have college kid's car. 4 times in last week would not crank over. When she puts key in car each time the dic displays: Key in ignition. Each time this happened the car did not crank. She waits 30 minutes each time & the car cranks right up. The key is NOT in ...	View
	2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP 5.3L Electronic VIN: 2G2WC55C28 ok guys i got one here its a 2008 Pontiac grand prix GXP and the trans slips intermittent and checking it out i got a list of codes for this one u0073 Control Module comm bus off co240 pcm traction cont not allowed po562 sys voltage low po572 cruise control/br...	View
	2006 Saturn Ion-2 2.2L ignition VIN: 1G8AJ55F16 This is a followup for the previous one which I had to close for lack of ability to update. The ignition switch did not cure the problem. TSB states that if the switch has been replaced that the BCM should be replaced. At 500 dollars, I hate to just throw this...	View
	2006 Subaru Outback XT 2.5L engine VIN: 4S4BP67C76 hello i have a 2006 suby 2.5 turbo did a valve job about 800 miles ago car came in for an unrealated problem on test drive car made a noise and died upon further investigation found that intake cam on drivers side to be scored like it lost oil pressure removed...	View
	1998 Toyota Camry LE 3.0L Ignition VIN: JT2BF22K7W Car came in Complaint was stalling at low speeds Code P1300 (Igniter Circuit Malfunction) was never able to duplicate stalling , replaced the igniter (wild guess) cleared code and released the car about a week later it returned Same issue/code still have not d...	View
	2001 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 3VWDC21V81 New customer came with check engine light no running complaints, pulled out 9 codes for circuits shorted to ground, no shorts found, found tsb for fuel pump relay causing this problem, installed new relay, cleared codes, test drove and rescanned, found p1255 t... Trouble codes: P1225 (Cyl. 1 fuel inj. Circuit short to ground), P1226 (Cyl. 2 fuel inj. Circuit short to ground), P1227 (Cyl. 3 fuel inj. Circuit short to ground), P1228 (Cyl. 4 fuel inj. Circuit short to ground), P1255 (Engine coolant temp circuit short to ground), P1451 (Secondary air system circuit short to ground)	View
	1998 Volvo C70 2.3L Excessive Emissions VIN: YV1NK5372W This vehicle came in failing smog for high nox and check engine light on. Had codes p0172 bank 1 too rich. P0455 evap gross leak. P0102 mass air flow low. We repaired a vacuum leak on #5 intake runner area, decarb treatment and cleared the codes. Retested but ...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	1985 Audi Quattro 2.2L No Start VIN: WAUDC0854F Thank you very much for all your comments, we went through all the systems as suggested. Although the Audi had a hot start - hard start issue, it did run and perform very well once started. We did a timed fuel pressure test of the system and it was maintaining...	22
	1997 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9L MIL Lamp on VIN: 4USCH7320V Hello all FIXED...After checking everything over and over I pulled the trigger and ordered a new DME from the dealer. Programmed it and drove it almost 100 miles. No more faults detected. Thanks for all your help. Happy Holidays, Tom [...] Trouble codes: P0325 (knock senor 1 BMW code 210 detected 74 times), P0330 (knock sensor 2 BMW code 211 detected 222 times).	11
	1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.5L Poor Idle Quality ok so as I said before the first thing I did was to ensure that the crank pully timing mark was correct and it was i was shocked to see that the crank and cam timming marks were correct. so i pulled the cam and found 2 numbers and a clay smith stamp on the cam...	55
	2003 Chevrolet C4500 Kodiak C4C042 6.6L No Start, Hesitation, Stall VIN: 1GBE4E11X3 Well after finding how to find out the injector that was bad replaced with new injector and new pump vehicle was fixed and ran great Thanks to Martin [...] figured out how to diagnosis properly plus everyone that helped had me on the right track. Thanks Again	9
	2000 Chrysler Concorde LX 2.7L Mechanical VIN: 2C3HD46R8Y To all who responded, Thanks! Yes, I am keenly aware of the oiling issues this engine has had, as well as other problems. In this situation, the customer chose to replace the engine with a 3.2L unit. Not exactly my choice of options but a doable deal. So, afte...	10
	2002 Chrysler Town & Country LXi 3.3L Misfire VIN: 2C4GP44342 Cust chose to take vehicle at last visit and wait for info from you all or condition to worsen. I will put your info to work when van comes back! thank you!	17
	2003 Chrysler Town & Country LX 3.8L No Start VIN: 2C4GP44L73 thanks to all who replied.This van is fixed.We replaced the engine computer,flashed new computer and she fired right up.It was my original thought,but with the help of you all It made my decision much easier.We still checked all power and grounds and also chec...	11
	2001 Dodge Stratus ES 2.7L no cranking VIN: 1B3AJ56U11 Thanks to all that replied. since we could not duplicate the problem, we don't know if any of the replies have had fix the problem, or problems. we dit tried them all but did not find anything that could have being the problem.Did removed the ASD relay and ins...	12
	2001 Ford Ranger Edge 4.0L battery VIN: 1FTZR15EX1 thanks for all the wonderful replies... unfortunately we never were able to duplicate the no start the customer had complained about. The owner is a regular customer, I feel the problem will show up again soon.. I will update as soon as I have new data. T...	21
	2002 Ford F-150 King Ranch 5.4L gauges & cluster VIN: 1FTRW08L12 Well, the Used Car Dealer is sending the truck out for a new cluster. Apparently, this all started after they jump-started it once. (good to know all the details!!!) I retested all the circuits from the ignition switch (all passed) with a halogen headlight as ...	14
	2005 Ford Mustang 4.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1ZVFT80N55 Finally repaired, after replacing a defective brand new part from dealer. Had replaced the throttle body assembly, car would at least start and run, but would not accelerate. Finally found that new part was defective, replaced throttle body with another new on... Trouble codes: 2195 (Oxygen sensor lean), 2197 (Oxygen sensor lean).	6
	1997 GMC Yukon SL 5.7L pedal VIN: 3GKEK18R4V Thanks to all that have replied. What I ended up doing was several things. I tightened up the rear shoes,did not help I plugged the outlet of the master cylinder for the front brakes. The pedal was solid. I then plugged each outlet of bpmv. I found that the ri...	12
	2003 Jaguar S-Type 3.0L Excessive Emissions, Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: SAJEA01TX3 This problem is fixed. The first reply from John had the solution. He asked if I had cleared the KAM. Since I speak Bosch and my Ford is a little rusty I had to look it up, and no I hadn't. So I unhooked the battery for a while and tried it again, the pressure... Trouble codes: P0191 (Fuel rail pressure sensor range/performance).	5
	1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7L Battery VIN: 1J4GW68NSX Thanks to all that replyed, to my dismay the customer thuoght that I was going the repair this batty drain out of the kindness of my heart. I had to inform him that he was wrong. He said that he could live with the drain. Evey body has to try	6
	2007 Jeep Compass Limited 2.4L 4wd VIN: 1J8FF57W67 Customer returned to original shop to replace wheel bearing under warranty and the wheel speed sensor, which the shop thought was the problem. Customer called two days later to let us know the light has no returned and the 4wd system has been operating. Thanks...	10
	1994 Lexus LS400 4.0L Timing VIN: JT8UF11E6R A big thank you to all who replied. As most of you knew, with this non-interference engine it wasn't whether the valves were bent that was an issue, it was getting the timing set perfectly. The marks on one cam pulley were non-existent and I ended up finding w...	17
	1995 Lexus LS400 4.0L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: JT8UF22E1S I believe I have found the problem. I was standing by the fender while the key was on, and I heard the injector pulse a few times. I put a noide light on it and it was shining bright as a flashlight. I pulled the ECM down, with every vibration or movement th... Trouble codes: P0300 (Random misfire), P0302 (Cylinder 2 misfire), P0308 (Cylinder 8).	6
	2007 Lexus IS350 3.5L Hesitation VIN: JTHBE262X7 Per my last update, most likely a bad crossover pump and/or line from pump to fuel pump bracket- will update when customer takes off road for winter. Thanks Trouble codes: P0300 (Multiple misfires detected).	12
	1978 Mercedes-Benz 450SL 4.5L compressor/heat VIN: 1070441204 thanks to all who replied. sorry it took so long been waiting on the kit. all the diagrams were helpful...also the comment about whacking it with a wrench or mallet identified my culprit atc..	17
	2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 Guard 5.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: WDBNG75J61 I am going to consider this car fixed. I replaced both front 02 sensors and 1 rear (thats all the dealer had in stock) on the rear sensor, I replaced the one on the right that was full of oil from the previous trans connector leak. I drove the car 110 miles. a... Trouble codes: P2110, P2083, P200F, P2082.	12
	2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 3.2L Hesitation VIN: WDBJF65J81 Thanks to all who replied, some very good suggestions. The customer picked up the vehicle without repairs and will return later when possible. I will recommend a new throttle sensor at that time based on the replies you have provided.	8
	2006 Mitsubishi Galant LS 3.8L starter VIN: 4A3AB36S36 we found that after starting the engine and letting it warm up that engine had internal problems. advised customer she needs motor.. Thanks for all the replies.	6
	2003 Nissan Murano SL 3.5L Wipers Sorry, not fixed. We believe it is the intelligent module. The customer doesnt want to spend the money. Sorry I was late in closing I never thought I would be that guy. Thanks for all the help. We felt we had eliminated any grounds or wiring issues because we ...	4
	2001 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 5.7L security light VIN: 2GZFV22G91 I hate to do this but customer has decided to not chase this problem any further. I really appreciate the help that was offered especially the explaination from Rex on how the system operates. I am confident that we could have repaired this for him but I am no...	6
	2003 Saturn L300 3.0L ABS controller VIN: 1G8JW54R13 well, got a used ABS unit, bled it out, system funtions perfectly, but still the ABS light. it has NO codes in any vehicle systems.. further investigation, found instrument cluster software dated to 2001, and the part# shown in scanner, fits a 2000,-2002, mode...	6
	2006 Saturn Ion-2 2.2L ignition VIN: 1G8AJ55F16 For some reason I'm having a hard time finding out how to update this again without closing it, so i guess we're closing it without a fix. After replacing the ignition switch last week Friday, this morning Monday it wouldn't start. Same deal, security light ...	11
	2005 Subaru Outback i 2.5L door open indicator light in dash display VIN: 4S4BP61C95 Thanks to all of you who replied. It was a broken wire in the harness where it flexes between the gate and the body. I appreciate the help. Thanks, Michael	8
	1987 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2.4L No Start VIN: JT4RN62S4H thank you everyone new ignitor and coil and runs perfect	8
	1994 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0L Oil Pan VIN: 3VWRA81H9R I decided to go with the fatory replacement and use the baffle plate with the gasket attached. Since the baffle is supposed to keep the oil pump from drawing air during turns and stops I decided it was best to stick with a OEM repair. Thanks for all your input...	10

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