Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Mar 15, 2012

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	Help Request	Answers
	2000 Acura TL 3.2L Poor Idle Quality, hard start VIN: 19UUA5664Y Customer complaint is a hard start after about a 10 min. hot soak. Problem happened once in august last year and once in november last year. No problem all winter long until last week. Took car to florida last month and had no problem. Coolant sensor was repla...	View
	2005 BMW 330xi 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: WBAEW53435 Hello BMW techs. This vehicle came from a body shop and was hit in the right front and the air pump was replaced. Codes P0491 and P0492 keep coming back when cleared. I checked the pump when engine was cold and it comes on and has a good air flow. The pump lin... Trouble codes: P0491, P0492	View
	2005 BMW 330xi 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: WBAEW53435 Hello BMW techs. This vehicle came from a body shop and was hit in the right front and the air pump was replaced. Codes P0491 and P0492 keep coming back when cleared. I checked the pump when engine was cold and it comes on and has a good air flow. The pump lin... Trouble codes: P0491, P0492	View
	1999 Buick Century Custom 3.1L Lifters VIN: 2G4WS52M5X This car came in for the typical blown intake gasket problem, replaced intake gaskets, change oil and filter, engine runs fine cold, after about 10 miles of driving it starts missing at idle, check and found cylinders #1 and 2 have no compression, back off roc...	View
	2002 Buick LeSabre Custom 3.8L Stall VIN: 1G4HP54K32 Have read through knowledge base, tried other fixes, still continues to die at will. Looking for direction.	View
	2005 Buick Rendezvous Ultra 3.6L Powertrain Noise Resonating VIN: 3G5DB03705 On acceleration and normal driving around 1800 RPM there is a droaning noise heard in the passenger compartment that sounds like it is coming from the rear of the vehicle. The rear differential mount was cleared of any debris and the torque tube mount was clea...	View
	2004 Cadillac XLR 4.6L MIL Lamp on Hello fellow techs, here I have this weeks nightmare. I have a relatively low mileage XLR Caddilac which came in with no real running problem, but this P0171 lean condition code. Engine runs smooth with no hesitation or obvious power problem. At first I erased... Trouble codes: P0171, P, 174 (System runs lean bank 2)	View
	2006 Cadillac STS 3.6L Power Seats VIN: 1G6DW67726 Customer found dead battery one day. It was a old Delco battery. Battery was replaced with new Delco Battery. In 3 days battery was dead. He would charge battery and use vehicle 3-4 days latter dead. Another shop replaced battery again. Then would last another...	View
	2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LT 5.3L L/R window VIN: 1GNFK16Z72 I am ready to set fire to this truck.I obviously am not comprehending wiring schematic.L/R window motor runs constantly in down position.Unplug switch or window lock engaged motor does not run. With window lock in "go" position motor runs and with rear switch ...	View
	2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L Steering VIN: 2GCEK19TX2 I have a vehicle that turns to the left just fine but will not turn to the right with the engine running. The wheels turn very easily with the front end off the ground,engine running and not running, but with the truck down, turns very hard to the right. I can...	View
	2003 Chevrolet Tracker LT 2.5L Headlights VIN: 2CNBE63403 Hello everyone,Thanks in advance, I am pulling my hair on this one. I have high beam headlights when I pull headlight lever back toward me key on or off. I also have headlights durning the daytime while the engine is running only. I have no headlights at night...	View
	2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LT 3.5L starter VIN: 1G1ZU54865 The remote start has stopped working. The remote was just replaced and the dealer says that it is sending the signal to start the car with the remote. The other functions of the remote work fine. I scanned the car and found p0826 code saying the tap up/down sw...	View
	2006 Chevrolet Cobalt SS 2.0L engine prefo VIN: 1G1AP11P86 vechile runs fine at idle rev up to [...] then sets poo68 code goes into limp in mode reduced power flashes on dash.the area we are in is at sea level but baro reads 0 on scanner.also no rev limiter tried resting thru scanner only to have code come up and g...	View
	2005 Chrysler 300 C 5.7L Screen VIN: 2C3AA63H35 During a repair at our shop, the lcd screen for the radio, navigational system was cracked. I was hoping someone could help me find a source for a replacement screen, or a service that can repair these. The factory radio is extrememly expensive, and i am just ...	View
	1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.2L engine VIN: 1B7HF13Y4V Ok Techs...This is my own truck. In the last 30 days I have heard what I thought was a intermittent engine knock 3 times that would last for 3 seconds each time. According to the oil PSI gauge on the dash I get between 35 and 40 during normal operating temps a...	View
	1998 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9L Misfire VIN: 1B7MF3361W Hey Cummins specialists: 98 24 valve VIN 6 missing on cylinder #6 (verified with heat gun on exhaust manifold and with Snap-On scan tool) no change when #4 in firing order ("injector #6) is canceled. Verified and adjusted valve clearance, swapped #6 & #5 fuel ...	View
	1999 Dodge Caravan 2.4L wipers, Headlights VIN: 2B4FP25B2X After completion of wire repair it was noted that battery was failing load test and needed replacement customer declined cuase he just purchased it (blem) then since replacing battery now with key out and vehicle closed the wipers and headlights will come on a...	View
	2000 Dodge Neon ES 2.0L No Start VIN: 1B3ES46C7Y The vehicle has no start condition. The timing belt broke and bent valves in the cylinder head. Replaced timing belt and cylinder head. The vehicle still would not start, it has no ignition spark. Fuel pressure good, injector signal good and compression good. ...	View
	1998 Ford F-150 Lariat 4.6L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTZX18W6W this 4.6 runs good while running down the road and fuel trims stay +-5% but when you idle for a couple minutes fuel trims jump to 35% or more. i tried everything i can think of. it acts like a vacuum leak but cannot find any. I had a like vehicle so swaped maf... Trouble codes: P0171, P0174	View
	1998 Ford Ranger Splash 2.5L engine dies VIN: 1FTYR10C3W wheww what a day this truck is going crazy it came in with a dieing problem when u but it in gear it dies no matter if it drive or reverese so i was thinking it was it was a tcc solinod or torque tried tcc first then tourque no change atall i no im missing som...	View
	2002 Ford F-150 King Ranch 5.4L Cuts out, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTRX18L02 I have a 2002 f150 in the shop. P0308 misfire cyl # 8 and p0316 misfrire under 1000 rpm. Test drove and found bad misfire or more like cuts out under low rpm load, give agressive throttle and engine runs good. Checked coil with scope and found ramps look ok. A... Trouble codes: P0308 (Misfire cyl 8), P0316 (Misfire under 1000 rpm)	View
	2004 Ford Taurus SEL 3.0L pressure hose I have this for a power steering leak and the is the pressure hose from the pump to the rack. The engine is a 3.0L DOHC 4V and the hose runs from the right side of the vehicle to the firewall, through a shield on the rack (that has to be removed) and finally t...	View
	2006 Ford Fusion SE 2.3L Compressor VIN: 3FAFP07Z66 Thanks for your help. Auction car so have no history. Have a 2006 Fusion with Inop a/c. Initial system pressures in the 110psi range with out the a/c running around 75 degrees ambient (should be good enough to get the a/c to run). Changed pressure switch as it...	View
	2005 GMC Sierra 3500 SLT 6.6L Fuel rail pressure sensor, PCM VIN: 1GTHK33295 Replaced water pump in vehicle, after it wouldnt start. Has codes P0193 FRP sensor circuit high voltage, P0642 5 volt reference 1 circuit low voltage. Replaced FRPS with no change. The wires to the sensor have been all ran new bypassing the engine harness conn...	View
	2002 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5L Tie Rod End Alldata recommends removing the steering gear to replace the inner tie rod ends on this vehicle. Has anyone done this without removing the gear or is it necessary? Any special tools needed? Anybody experienced this one? All input will be appreciated. Thanks Ch...	View
	2003 Honda Pilot EX 3.5L Poor Idle Quality, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 2HKYF18583 Hey there, this Honda Pilot will intermittently stall (die) at stop lights after it warms up. It acts like the idle is too low, like the iac isnt working, so I replaced the iac with a deal part, and it test drove great for a day. Customer brough back with exca...	View
	2005 Hummer H2 6.0L Lock cylinder VIN: 5GRGN23U95 This H2 will at times now allow the key to turn. The owner stated that it took 30 Min's yesterday to get the key to finally turn. I have not been able to duplicate her complaint as of yet, but I do believe her. For me the key goes in like normal, turns like no...	View
	2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport S 2.2L emissions VIN: 4S2CK57D12 i have been trying to get this truck to set the readiness monitors.i have took battery cables loose and put them together for hours .it will not set any monitors.	View
	2003 Jaguar XJR 4.0L audio VIN: SAJDA15B53 fixed oil leak at connector now... trans over heats lite comes on when put in gear audio system also not working additionally turn signal clicking not heard because audio system is in-op, please help thanks, mark. cked fuses at r&l heal boards in engine compar...	View
	2004 Jaguar Vanden Plas 4.2L High beams VIN: SAJWA74C44 The high beams are not working. The flash position on the combo switch does work, so I know the relay, wiring and bulbs are good. I cannot find any diag info on this circuit. From the wiring diagram it looks like there is a series of resistors in the combinati...	View
	2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L out side temperature VIN: 1J4GX48S01 i have a 01 jeep cheroke wt 4.0L and the problem is that the anbient temp in side the car is reating -40 degees and i was wonderting if eny one run in to this problem or seen this proble i thank you for you good help	View
	2007 Jeep Commander Limited 5.7L headlights VIN: 1J8HG58247 This truck will turn the headlights on by itself after the vehicle is shut off and the headlight switch is in the off position (not on auto). This occurs approximately 30 seconds after the vehicle is turned off. I also noticed that the vehicle intermittently s...	View
	2008 Kia Spectra SX 2.0L undercarriage VIN: KNAFE12238 This car is making a racket from the right front that sounds just like a sway bar link. Constant clanky type rattle while driving slow on rough surface. Problem is that everything seems OK. I disconnected the sway bar links and the noise is still there. Remove...	View
	1995 Land Rover Range Rover SE 4.0L Blower motors VIN: SALPV1244S I just replaced the BeCM with a used one (price for a new one rivals the value of the car) for a no-start due to no security signal to GEMS ecu. Car now starts but blowers do not work at all. Using Rovacom, I pulled codes from HVAC and they are: (24) right han...	View
	1995 Lexus SC400 4.0L Power Steering VIN: JT8UZ30CXS Replaced fluid and pump could this be caused by bad rack?	View
	2001 Lexus ES300 3.0L No Start VIN: JT8BF28GX1 We aquired this vehicle about 4 months ago and have it on the lot for sale. When the vehicle cam in it ran great despite the high mileage but soon afterward it began to develop a hard start with poor idle. It quickly turned to a crank and NO start. I scanned f...	View
	2007 Mazda CX-7 Touring 2.3L compressor VIN: JM3ER29347 This vehicle has a locked up a/c compressor. I know that this is a known problem with these vehicles. I would like to know what else is affected when these compressors lock up. Do pieces go through the system? What else will need to be replaced when trying to ...	View
	2008 Mazda CX-7 Touring 2.3L Engine Oil VIN: JM3ER29308 Hello Guys. Need some input on this Mazda. This is a direct injection turbo 2.3l motor. Customer came in requesting some unrelated work and an oil change. On test drive noticed loud engine noise on test drive (timing chain chatter) under hard acceleration. I b...	View
	1993 Mercedes-Benz 300E 2.8 2.8L no fire no fuel VIN: WDBEA28E4P this car was brought to my shop because it had died while they was driving it. it has no fire at coils and no fuel. me nor anyone around here has anyway to scan it and the nearset dealership is 75 miles away. if anyone has anykind of info on this car it would ...	View
	2003 Nissan 350Z Track 3.5L Power Windows VIN: JN1AZ34D53 This vehicle has me completely baffled. When you turn the vehicle off and take out the key, both windows go all the way down automatically. There is no way to keep both windows all the way up. It started all the sudden.	View
	1995 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.3L engine VIN: 1G2NE55D7S Hello IATN! This is a 1995 Pontiac Grand Am with the 2.3L engine,and the 3 speed transmission. Customer complained that after a long drive (at least 1 hour) that the engine will stall coming to a stop and that it will not restart for about 30 minutes or so, or...	View
	1996 Toyota Camry DX 2.2L Cam seal VIN: 4T1BG12K2T Wonder if anyone has run into this.This Camry came in for oil leaks,of which there were many.Main leaks were cam seal and oil pump cover.Put in a t-belt kit,oil pump gasket and seal,crank seal and cam seal.Ran engine without timing covers to check for leaks,af...	View
	1998 Volkswagen Jetta GLX 2.8L Clutch VIN: 3VWTD81HXW Vehicle came in 2/20 with a toasted clutch. Flywheel machined, new Sachs clutch installed with new release bearing and guide sleeve, release bearing bracket inspected and ok. System bled, pedal sitting on floor next morning. Rebleed system thinking some air st...	View
	1999 Volkswagen EuroVan GLS 2.8L No Start VIN: WV2EH2702X Hello Friends I got yesterday that 1999 VW Eurovan, that got towed in for a no Start Condition when i got the Van in to the shop, the van did not start, i could not hear the Fuel pump so i pulled a Vacuum line off the intake and sprayed some Carb Cleaner in t...	View
	2001 Volkswagen Beetle GLX 1.8L Stall VIN: 3VWDD21C41 intermitently car will stall acts like ignition is shut off . happens at medium load and when on a slight grade very intermitent usualy will restart did not restart for customer but did restart after tow truck droped it off.	View
	2002 Volvo V40 1.9L camshafts VIN: YV1VW29512 Hi all you Volvo techs I am having some fun with this motor. Every thing is going fairly well but are getting close to valve timing. my problem is I do not have nor do I have access to the fancy special tool to hold the cams in place. I am sure I can build som...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	1982 BMW 528e 2.7L Front pump seal VIN: WBADK8300C This one is down the road with no tranny leak. Richard had the correct answer. Old style white seal pushed right out of the front. Everything else was in order so the car went back together with the newer style seal and has been gone for a couple weeks with...	8
	1992 BMW 318i 1.8L Head Gasket,Coolant VIN: WBACA5316N As I said, i gave the cazr back to the customer and told them to drive it for a while to see if the smoking reduces. The next day they took it on a 50 mile drive on the freeway at 70 mph and it cured the smoke coming from the tail pipe. I told them to keep waq...	20
	1992 Buick Roadmaster Limited 5.7L EGR System VIN: 1G4BT537XN Thanks for everyone that responded to my request - as recommeded we have replaced the speed sensor - the egr start working and ok at this time. Thanks again - speed sensor was the problem.	12
	2006 Buick Terraza CXL 3.5L Cuts out VIN: 5GADV33L06 Thank you to all that replied. The vehicle is fixed. It turned out to be the fuse block. The PCM relay powers many different sensors and the power feed to each one of them was dropping out for that quick second. The computer controls the ground for that re...	4
	1996 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3L timing cover MOST ALL RECOMMENDED DROP OIL PAN AND I AGREE AFTER DOING THIS JOB.BECAUSE GM USED A SINGLE PIECE SILICON GASKET YOU COULD DROP THE PAN AND REUSE THE GASKET OVER. THIS VEHICLE WAS HIGH MILEAGE AND LEAKING OIL AT THE REAR ALSO. WE ENDED UP RESEALING THE ENGI...	13
	2004 Chrysler Concorde LXi 3.5L Engine VIN: 2C3HD36M04 TPS fixed it, I also changed the IAC but didn't solve the issue. Although customer said it "runs" a little better. Thank you Gentlemen for all of your knowledgeable input, greatly appreciated!!	12
	1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2L No Start VIN: 1B7GG23Y0N The fix for this pos was another coil. Apparently The saying "Go back to where you started", Shines brightly again!! Trouble codes: 11 (no ign reference).	11
	2001 Dodge Durango SLT 4.7L Excessive Emissions VIN: 1B4HS28N71 Some of you used the Lambda formula to comfirm the engine was running in fuel control, a test I had forgotten to do. This pretty much confirmed that the reduction beds in the converters had stopped working. however, the decision was made yesterday to not fix t...	9
	2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 3.3L Surge, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 2B4GP44R41 WELL THIS VEHICLE IS FIXED. WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED TO ACT UP I NEVER LOST MY 5 VOLT REFERENCE. SO I FIGURED THAT SOMETHING WAS ALTERING ONE OR MORE OF MY SENSOR VALUES. ONLY A FEW THINGS EFFCT FUEL SO I STARTED WITH THE EASIEST TO GET TO WHICH WAS THE MAP SEN...	14
	1964 Ford Econoline 2.8L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Stall Most replies stated various items on or in the carb that could have caused the issues. I was surprised how clean this carb was and believe it was a reman. not too long ago. Took it all apart and went through it last night. New kit, float, etc. Blocked off carb...	22
	2002 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L Heater core VIN: 1FTSW31FX2 After reading an article online I believe we have a corrosion problem, not electrolisis. We flushed the cooling system with spring water and anticorrosive coolant designed to protect aluminum components. We checked all the engine and chassis grounds that we ...	10
	1999 GMC K1500 Suburban SLE 5.7L Misfire VIN: 3GKFK16R9X Thanks to all for the help. We went for a test drive with the scanner on it and the TCC was acting up. I could never duplicate this problem after we did the fuel pump and filter. The customer drives this vehicle up to lake tahoe almost every other weekend and ...	11
	2002 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.7L Fuel Tank VIN: KMHWF35H52 You all were right on with this one.My uncle bought the canister and valve and when he pulled off the old canister charcoal pellets were everywhere.He blew out what he could and replaced the parts and now it takes gas like a champ.Thanks guys.	20
	1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7L Stall VIN: 1J4GW58N2X HI, TO ALL. THE PROBLEM WAS ECM , REMAN. ECM AND REPROGRAMING FIXED THE PROBLEM. THANKS AGAIN TO ALL MATT	5
	2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1J4G248N6Y Unfortunately, vehicle has not returned for me to work my magic. I would like to impress is that the problem is primarially at idle and that trims get better the more foot you use. And drives just fine. Alot of you mentioned 'use only OE sensors' which I wo... Trouble codes: P0171 (Fuel System Lean).	16
	2000 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 4.6L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Misfire VIN: 2MEFM75W4Y After all the tips from everyone i decided to remove the valve cover and after thoughly inspecting the two valve springs i noticed one was in fact broken. I replaced it and after everything was put back and driven, so far so good no more misfires. Thanks again... Trouble codes: 304 (cyl 4 misfire).	22
	1978 Nissan B210 1.4L Alternator/choke VIN: HLB2106545 Wrong alternator to begin with did not have voltage regulator included in the box. Thanks for the info. MDT	11
	2000 Nissan Frontier SE 3.3L Unknown VIN: 1N6ED26Y0Y The oil in the differential looked fine and we didn't see any metal in there but evidently that was the problem because it never did it again after we changed the fluid. Thanks for the input but I didn't get the one about water in the muffler at all.	5
	1997 Pontiac Trans Sport 3.4L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GMDU06E9V Several Tech's had great advice but did not fix this condition. The customer had to have his car back sooner than I could really dig into repairs. Sorry for the delay and no useful fix information. Trouble codes: P1406 (Egr), P0300 (Multipal misfire).	4
	2003 Saturn L300 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G8JW54R43 Hi all, Thanks for the help. Vehicle was shipped with a new mass air flow and code has not returned. Trans r&r is next Trouble codes: P0174 (Bank 2 lean), P1811 (Trans shift adapt max).	7
	1995 Subaru Impreza L 4x4 1.8L not shifting VIN: JF1GF6354S Thanks to everyone who replies to my request. We did replace the PCM for the transmission with the one comming with the old trainy and the problem is fixed	4
	2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9L 1st gear VIN: 3VWSP29M91 after extensive testing and research have found that vw wired the controls for shift solenoids different then in previous years and only on the tdi. the common wire to the solenoids is actually a shared power and not a ground as in the past. that being said my...	7
	2006 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5 2.5L rough idle VIN: 3VWSW31C36 thanks guys.it was a vacuum leak but it was at the end of the cylinder head .it looks like freeze plug.it had blown out some how.	5
	2001 Volvo V70 2.4L No Start VIN: YV1SW61R31 Thanks for all of the help info, unfortunately the customer never brought this car back. If he does, you guys have definitely given me some avenues I didn't think about. I will repost with a fix if car comes back. Thanks	15
	2004 Volvo XC90 T6 2.9L Engine VIN: YV1CZ91HX4 Thanks for all the help. No one mentioned what the crankcase pressure spec should be so I am still looking for that. All the other advice was spot on. Removed the intake manifold and found the oil trap fittings plugged. Removed the oil pan and it had chunks of...	9

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