Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Mar 9, 2012

Join Now

Prev	Professional Automotive Repair Technical Discussions for March 9, 2012 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
	2007 Audi A4 Quattro Avant 3.2L cam sensor VIN: WAUSH78EX7 It comes back a week later with the mother of all rod knocks. THEN the customer tells us that he drove up a huge embankment after the accident. (Once again thanks alot!) So no oil pressure resulted in cam skipping and rod bearing going out. We get a new (used)...	View
	2003 BMW X5 4.4i 4.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: 5UXFB33573 Hello, thanks for your attention: I currently have two codes that I can not figure out. The vehicle came in with a number of codes. I clear codes and focus on the codes that set after letting the client drive the car for two days. DTCs found: 16 O2 sensor 1 be... Trouble codes: 16 (O2 sensor 1 before CAT aging TV), 22 (O2 sensor 2 before CAT aging TV), P1168 (Undocumented code), P1170 (Undocumented code)	View
	1988 Chevrolet C1500 Cheyenne 5.7L Odor VIN: 2GCDC14KXJ Have serviced this truck for the last 3 years, Runs great. Customer brought it in this evening for a bad odor in the cab. Verified ordor in cab, is strong. Only happend twice in the last month. Could be electrical wire burning or something in the engine compar...	View
	1990 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1L Stall, no power VIN: 2C1WN54T8L Hi guys, Forgive me but I am not at the shop, on vacation in the country at a friend's house. His daughter's 90 Lumina began acting up one day losing power then just died. We got it to his house and began looking. It will start up easy and idle fine but if y...	View
	1998 Chevrolet C3500 Cheyenne 5.7L ignition switch security VIN: 1GCHC34R5W i am working behind many people . the vehicle starts and runs with a computer for another vehicle .not my doing . the passlock module has been replaced .the relearn procedure never gets past the security lifht flash . it never flashes .	View
	2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD WT 6.6L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCHK23618 Truck was at dealer and they recomended EGR cleaning for 800.00. Truck has no symtoms aside from MIL on. Customer wants me to do job and I've never done one before and would like some advice. Alldata and Mitchell have little info and our archives don't have mu... Trouble codes: P0401 (EGR insuficiant flow)	View
	2010 Chevrolet HHR LS Panel 2.2L abs/trac warning light/message VIN: 3GNBAADB8A Hello folks, above vehicle intermittently will set code C0035, which i cannot find a test procedure for this code for this car in alldata. description is LF WSS fault, so i scoped the lf sensor, has a nice clean sine wave, appears normal, checked against rf si...	View
	2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Dream 2.4L engine temp VIN: 3C8FY68B42 we replaced thermostat and filled coolant.replaced radiator cap,tested old one,held no pressure.ran engine till fans cycled and am shure all air out of system.let run next day temp maxed out at 203,test drove 15 miles and temp slowly went down to 133.heater di...	View
	1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2L No Start VIN: 1B7GG23Y0N Did most of this work other than crank sensor 10 days ago. Truck ran fine. Truck misfiring previously to that. While looking at chilton manual found discrepancy for sensor return wire location in the crank and sync generator unit connector compared to factory ... Trouble codes: 11 (no ign reference)	View
	2007 Dodge Sprinter 3500 3.0L all shifts VIN: WDYPF44597 Customer complaint of transmission slipping during first half hour of driving for the day. They had another shop check and top of the transmission fluid two weeks ago. Customer doesn't know how much was added but knows it didn't make any difference. Snap On Mo...	View
	2007 Dodge Nitro SXT 3.7L power window VIN: 1D8GU28K07 passenger power window does not go down. but goes up good. checked for power at the connection and we have power for up and down so i figured it was a defective motor so i replaced it and same symptom any ideas on this would be apreciated	View
	2009 Dodge Challenger R/T 5.7L Dead Battery VIN: 2B3LJ54T49 Intermittently, battery discharges completely within 12 hour sit time. I have driven and operated every imaginable system, and after shutdown, within 20 minutes my draw is less than 50 milliamps. Has been to Dodge 3 times. Owner of Dealership group handed it d...	View
	1998 Ford Ranger XL 2.5L flywheel to starter mesh Customer says that about a year ago the starter failed. He replaced it and about 5 months later, it was grinding on start up. Customer states that he has replaced the starter several times. The last time this problem occurred, he took it to someone and they re...	View
	1999 Ford E-250 Econoline 4.2L Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: 1FTPE2425X The idle surge up and down and sometime stall. Runs good under a load. No trouble codes. I did a smoke test, it didn't show any vacuum leak. Clean the throttle body, test idle air control valve. TPS .97v. O2S readings are lean. I still think its a vacuum leak,...	View
	2000 Ford Expedition XLT 4.6L severe thud sound VIN: 1FMRU1666Y This one has gone through my shop, now a transmission shop, and now asking for some help. Read all that we did so far. Transfer case has Auto 4wheel drive, 4hi,4low. When power braking and beginning to creep foward, a hard continous thud is felt throughout the...	View
	2006 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L Hard start /flooding VIN: 1FTYR10D86 When started engine wants to flood . Sometimes will start and run rough. Other times will completely flood and not start unless you floor the accelerator , and then will start and run rough for a little bit untill it clears out . Have checked the intake air te...	View
	2004 GMC Canyon SLE 3.5L incorrect mileage VIN: 1GTCS14664 This truck came in with.Interior lights staying on, and horn was inop.I replaced the bcm.Then the mileage stayed at 46876.So after testing everything,the ipc was bad.I replaced the ipc.Now the mileage is working, but it started at 0.I let customer drive it,bec...	View
	2005 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 4.8L engine VIN: 1GTEK14V55 customers complaint is engine starts and stalls immediately multiple times, once it starts and is running all is ok. check engine light on and codes stored are p0300 cylinder misfire, no ignition problems found performed crank variation relearn and that proble...	View
	2005 Jeep Liberty Sport 2.8L No Start No disrespect intended to my fellow mechanics i was ordered to leave the vehicle at chrysler to effect repairs they have had the car for four weeks, replaced fuel filter housing, timing belt and water pump and pulleys all 16 rocker arms and to this point... Trouble codes: P0340 (Camshaft position sensor missing signal)	View
	2003 Mazda B3000 DS 3.0L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 4F4YR16V93 we install new injector #6 and spark plug and the truck ran go for about five min and back to misfire and light is flashing - need help Trouble codes: P0306	View
	2003 Mazda 6 i 2.3L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1YVFP80C33 Please help me. I have exhausted all my talent into this car and I am ready to destroy it. I have done everything I can think of. This vehicle came in with mil on and misfire at idle and some surging. I checked for vacuum leaks and found none. Checked compress... Trouble codes: P0300	View
	2008 Mazda CX-7 Touring 2.3L Horn VIN: JM3ER293X8 Hi all. We have a Mazda CX7 that has an Intermittent horn function. If the steering wheel is in the straight ahead position the horn will not honk. Turn the wheel slightly and it will honk. We thought that a new clock spring would take care of the problem so w...	View
	1987 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL 4.2L Stall VIN: WDBCA35D0H Car will stall after about 15 minutes, it will usually restart and run for a short time after initial stall. Not very familiar with Mercedes, lacking proper adapters for fuel pressure test. Ignition system does not appear to lose spark. Just looking for some t...	View
	2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2.4L Radio VIN: 4A3AE45G42 Hopefully someone has had this problem before. The customers radio will lose FM reception only thing you hear is static or popping noises coming from the speakers. I have checked the antenna wiring , radio multi plugs and the power amplifier wiring and plugs w...	View
	2003 Mitsubishi Galant ES 2.4L horn light trunk VIN: 4A3AA46GX3 After changing spark plugs, wire & valve cover gasket. While clearing codes pluged in snap on solus then horn started going off, trunk popped open, and park lamps stay on. Tried disconecting battery reset modules and still same problem.	View
	2002 Nissan Xterra SE 3.3L No Start VIN: 5N1ED28Y82 Customer complaint is no start. Recently 3times in 2 days. I suspected the ecm connecter rust. I tried to take out the center facia panel to access to the ecm. I took out the lower mounting screws, but i could not find the upper mounting screws. Please let me ... Trouble codes: P0328	View
	2005 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4.0L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 5N1AN08W35 engine misfiring all the time at idle. power balance test results in same rpm drop with each cylinder, removed and flow tested injectors and they are ok, compression is 180 psi. tried new coils and no change, bank 1 fuel trim 15-20% while bank 2 right around 0... Trouble codes: P0300	View
	2008 Nissan Altima 2.5L warning systems VIN: 1N4AL21E58 Thanks for any & all help. I've never had to deal with a can problem so i might be a little lost on this one. 2 months ago this car came in with a fuel sender code & numerous U1000 can communication codes in pcm tcm tpm meter & ipdm. None were found in bcm srs...	View
	2002 Saturn SL2 1.9L w/bearings Hey all, sorry, didn't grab the VIN...Regular customer of ours has an 02 saturn sl2. In the past 80k we have put six front wheel bearings in it. We have tried different brands of bearings, the knuckles are clean, the bearings go in with no unusual effort. we h...	View
	2005 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4.7L Engine VIN: 5TDBT48A05 Wednesday I test drove a sequoia and pulled it in for some simple maint. work. Replaced the t-belt and water pump. I called it a day as I was close to being back together. When I returned in the AM, I realized that I had left the key on and the trans in Neutra...	View
	2006 Toyota RAV4 3.5L eps VIN: JTMZK33V06 Customer complained that while driving EPS light came on,power steering module.TSB say to replace steering module.My question is does the module have to be reprogramed after install?Alldata and Dealer are no help.	View
	2007 Toyota Avalon XLS 3.5L no spark, inj pulse VIN: 4T1BK36B07 We have only got it to start one time for the brief second then stalled. after going through this thing we have found why it would not start. initially we had only 4 codes. b2799 engine mobilizer malf.,b1423 refrig open press. abnormal, b1421,1424 solar sens. ...	View
	2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9L Misfire VIN: 3VWGT31K46 Customer reports that he filled the car up with GAS, but did not start the car - took it to another mechanic who flushed all the lines, replaced filter and filled with diesel. This car came to me after this with a misfire when hot, under load and an intermitta...	View
	2002 Volvo S60 T5 2.3L no throttle response VIN: YV1RS58D92 Originally, it had fault P2126 too (accelerator position sensor, analog signal faulty). Has a Bosch throttle module that doesn't need software if replaced. Throttle position, KOEO, shows correct values but with engine running in Drive won't go above 2% with h... Trouble codes: P2122 (accelerator pedal position signal too low), P2121 (accelerator pedal position faulty digital signal)	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2003 Audi A4 1.8L Temperature gauge VIN: WAULC68EX3 Thank you very much IATN! Got lots of great answers, and it seems the water pump went out. Told the customer he needs a water pump and thermostat, but he declined repairs at this time. Thanks again for the insight and have a great weekend!	27
	2003 Chrysler Town & Country Limited 3.8L No Start, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 2C8GP64L33 Hey Guys, I found the problem on this Town and Country. It turned out to be the cam sensor. After reading all the responses, I pulled the battery and checked the wires under it and they were extremely clean. No battery acid had boiled over onto those wires. I ...	28
	2004 Chrysler Crossfire 3.2L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1C3AN69L34 I did install the conductor plate as I had read on many posts for MB and Crossfire fixes and as mentioned by Larry. After replacing I did gain communication with the TCM. The speed sensor could have been bringing down communication. I did have to use MB SLK320... Trouble codes: P0715.	4
	2005 Dodge Sprinter 3500 2.7L Mechanical VIN: WD1PD94425 put new pistons in it. runs good. as for why they cracked, I would say its due to the fact that we are in the mountains, and this sprinter has a 20 foot utility bed plumb full of tools, parts etc. its a heating and ac service truck. turbo boost on this thing i...	5
	1997 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FMCU24X7V I put in new intake upper and lower intake gasket (the ford gasket under fuel rail). I installed #1 and 4 Injectors and engine still misfired.!@@##$%%%^ I thought lets go back to basics and tried another spark plug even though customer said they just put in ... Trouble codes: P0301 (1 cylinder missfire), P0304.	27
	2007 Ford Edge SE 3.5L Ptu VIN: 2FMDK46C57 I ended up refilling the PTU (power transfer unit a.k.a. transfer case) with new fluid and turning it by had until I had worked out the binding problem. My theory is that while draining the fluid through the fill hole, there is no drain hole (thanks FORD), som...	4
	1999 GMC K1500 Suburban SLE 5.7L No Start, Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out, Misfire, no cold start VIN: 3GKFK16RXX I have to thank everyone for all the very good responses..you all know how it is when you do so much work to a vehicle and get so tired of looking at it... the problem is that the customer loaded it with a little to much starting fluid then boom and timing jum...	19
	2000 GMC C3500 Sierra SL 5.7L Exhaust VIN: 1GDJC34R7Y Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Unfortunatlly the only pre made exhaust systems are for pick-ups and not cab and chassis and would not work. We went with the available muffler even though it was half the size, and had the other pipes made up.	8
	2008 GMC Canyon SLT 3.7L 4wd VIN: 1GTDT19E88 Well this one is fixed! It was funny because I had tested the 4/2 switch twice before and it tested good. I finaly got it to fail completely. I cracked it open and it was all green inside. The other issue was I had seen signs of someone else had been in th...	8
	2007 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5L transmission VIN: 5FNRL382X7 Thanks to all who took the time to reply to my post. This van is indeed covered by warranty though we are having trouble getting the dealer to take action with a problem that they can't duplicate (very intermittant) maybe with the help of your replies and the ...	8
	2001 Hyundai XG300 3.0L steering pump VIN: KMHFU45D61 Sorry about delay in closing but I wanted to be sure it was working good. I thought there may be a problem, as after flushing and replacing pump it worked fine but sounded just like a Ford with a slightly noisy power steering pump? We flushed though about 2 li...	4
	2001 Infiniti QX4 3.5L Pinging VIN: JNRDR07X01 Hello folks, well this was a tough one. I tried the trick that one of you suggested with by sucking in some GM top end cleaner, in addition to cleaning out the MAF sensor, and checking the swirl vacuum actuators that another one of you suggested. Disconnected ...	6
	2000 Isuzu Trooper Limited 3.5L drive position VIN: JACDS58X9Y Thanks for all the replies guys. The problem was fixed by replacing solenoid B apparently it was telling trans to shift in 3rd even when sitting still...	5
	2002 Lincoln LS 3.9L Abs VIN: 1LNHM87A82 I did a voltage drop test, even went so far as to run new temporary wires to the LF WSS. So, basically, everything to the LF WSS was new and we still had the same problem (shows eratic 1 to 6 or 10 mph when vehicle is at rest). Swapped wires at the ABS module ...	9
	2002 Mazda MPV ES 3.0L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall, Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: JM3LW28A42 Many thanks to all who replied! And a special thank you to Richard [...]. He nailed it. And I quote his post "The computer is seeing conflicting readings from the coolant temp sensor that does not add up with the reading of the iat sensor.The coolant thermostat... Trouble codes: P0111 (Intake Air Temperature Circuit Performance Problem), P0128 (Coolant Thermostat Malfunction).	9
	2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 5.0L compressor VIN: WDBUF70J23 The general consensus is the compressor is a common failure item with these vehicles, with the emphasis on replacing the compressor rather than trying to repair it. Several also noted that on the models equipped with a one-way alternator pulley (yes, alternato...	7
	2006 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 4.6L no workee VIN: 2MHFM75V96 I did get some helpful suggestions from my considerate virtual friends but no clear cut answer.Some cars may infer the speed sensor signal from the wheel speed and output shaft speed sensors, but its all way to fuzzy for me to sell.The PCM may send a signal fo...	3
	2004 Saturn Ion-3 2.2L Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G8AW12F84 I want to thank everyone who took the time to reply. Most of you thought that it seemed to be a ground problem. That made sense to me as well. So I cleaned and scuffed all the grounds that I could find. Still no fix. I finally decided to go after it by ch...	9
	1994 Toyota Camry XLE 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: JT2GK13E1R Thanks for all the replies, forgot to add that we had checked valve timing before sending the help, so we went to the computer and tapped the side and the check engine light came on (cam code)cleared the light tapped again and the light cam on (cam code) repla... Trouble codes: P0335 (crank sensor), P0340 (cam sensor).	9
	2001 Toyota Echo 1.5L timing chain VIN: JTDBT12321 Thanks to everyone for the help i didnt have any help at first and had to get the job done and i spent a good couple hours on line trying to get help. I could and had all the info i needed to put it back in the right steps except for witch mark to use on the e...	4

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