Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for May 2, 2012

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	Help Request	Answers
	1997 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8L alarm hi.. customer complain's of alarm sounding on warm days if she locks doors, has not done it at shop and appears to function normally whenever its here in the shop. i'm not familiar with this type of car but suspect one of the door switches, but could be anythi...	View
	1996 BMW 328i 2.8L starter VIN: WBACD3328T vehicle was towed in for a no start condition, customer stopped to get gas. put key in and no start had vehicle towed to shop tech found that fuse 31 blown replaced and depressed clutch and vehicle started but then will blow fuse while running can change fuse ...	View
	1997 Buick Park Avenue 3.8L engin run bad VIN: 1G4CW52K7V Came in with miss fire and mil flashing. Wires and plugs old and replaced. No help and can smell cat.Dropped cat no help. Checked compression on #5 170 psi.Indexed #1 and checked timing with light and looks good.Checked wiring of plugs and good,done one at a t...	View
	2005 Buick LaCrosse CXL 3.8L evap. system VIN: 2G4WD53225 this buick has dtc po442, small evap leak. smoked system, no leaks found. for some reason i cant get my scanner to command the solonoids to open and close. just wondering if anyone seen common problems with these lacrosses. someone already replaced the fuel ca...	View
	1998 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3L No Start VIN: 1GNCS13W5W Hello everyone, Have a vehicle in the shop which loses fuel pressure quickly after start-up (when only turning on ignition switch without running engine). Shutting off the switch we lose the fuel pressure instantly to zero psig. We initially recommended to re...	View
	2003 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1L No Start VIN: 1G1NE52J83 anti theft light was flashing, pass lock data was invalid, after clearing code u1000, engine started and ran. no codes in bcm, abs, or srs, u1000 shows up on engine and trans only. can't find iny info on this code. mitchel shows a code u2000, are they one and ... Trouble codes: U1000	View
	2006 Chevrolet Malibu LT 2.2L Brake Lights VIN: 1G1ZT51F16 Hey All, I had this vehicle in today and can not get my Tech2 to calibrate the brake sensor. It gets hung on the "in progress' screen and will not continue. (how long does it usually take?) In the data stream you can see it is unlearned, it sets a calibratio...	View
	2005 Chrysler 300 Limited 3.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2C3JA53G25 hi guys. i have this 05 300 in here tha tvery intermittantly will set these two codes. (sometimes it only sets a p0455). i have replaced a faulty cas cap last month with oem. the code usually sets within a month of clearing. i have smoke tested system several ... Trouble codes: P0456, P0455	View
	2006 Dodge Magnum SE 2.7L abs VIN: 2D4FV47T26 to all chrysler techs out there. got this dodge magnum that has no speedo operation, brake, ABS & skid lights are on. scanned the pcm and has codes:- U1120:- lost wheel distance message, U1417:- implausible left wheel distance signal received, U1418:- implausi...	View
	2008 Dodge Ram 5500 SLT 6.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: 3D6WC76A58 Vehicle came in with diesel particulate filter codes above (P242F, P1451) We used a Solus pro to run regen and reset regen interval timer. It appeared to work according to scan data. We then attempt to clear codes. Scanner says codes cleared. We then (KOEO) re... Trouble codes: P242F, P1451 (diesel particulate filter system performance)	View
	2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 4.0L ecm VIN: 2D8HN54X79 ih guys i have this 2009 dodge grand caravan.we clean the battery cable . now is time for nyc state inspection. the cat and 02 monitors did not complet . the guy drive almost 400 miles still the same. no codes in system .data look ok. this is the 3rd vehicle i...	View
	1989 Ford F-250 Custom 7.5L Excessive Emissions, No Start VIN: 1FTHF25G1K Ok. Motor was rebuilt inhouse first start up vehicle runs and idles fine. Set timing, and test drive. Following day try to start the truck, and it will start for a second, spit and sputter and die out. Pulled plugs and they are soaked with fuel. Dried of the p...	View
	1991 Ford E-250 Econoline Custom 4.9L Misfire VIN: 1FTFE24Y5M customer brings van to shop with a miss upon diagnosis ableto determine n02 cyl. not firing did a cylinder leak test exh valve not seating remove valve cover find collapsed lifter replace lifters and springs and reassemble.now we have intermitent spark on 6,5,... Trouble codes: P0332, P0116	View
	1997 Ford E-350 Econoline 6.8L Torque convertor clutch VIN: 1FDLE40S0V Vehicle came into shop with a complaint of harsh shifting and the O/D light flashing. Comm with engine and find P1741 for convertor clutch slipping. Customer stated that when the old engine was removed, they failed to unbolt the torque convertor. Opps. They al...	View
	2000 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L Misfire VIN: 1FTSW31F2Y this vehicle has a constant misfire or loping on cyl. 3, cold or warm, it never goes away. ive tried everything i can think of to diagnose or remedy the problem besides pulling the head. all 8 injectors have recently been replaced with Jasper reman units. if t... Trouble codes: P0269 (cylinder 3 contribution or balace malfunction)	View
	2001 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L No Start VIN: 1FTNX20F61 Thanks in advance to everyone! I am looking for a second opinion before I install a new IDM. the truck was towed in. the cd dirve on my computer quit so I have no Mitchell so I am not sure of diagnostic info.The truck has codes p1271 through p1278=high to low ... Trouble codes: P1271, P1272, P1273, P1274, P1293, P1294	View
	2002 Ford Expedition XLT 5.4L Starting Ford Techs, A problem that I have recently been dealing with is a Ford Expedition with an intermittent no start condition. The vehicle will intermittently not start and when it's not starting the theft light is blinking. If you sit and mess with it for a few...	View
	2004 Ford Focus SE 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FAFP34364 No communications with OTC Genesis scan tool vehicle specific or generic-has latest update done yesterday. I called OTC, they have one other complaint of no scan tool communication from lat 2010, is at engineering but no fix yet. Seems to be specific to 2004 F...	View
	2004 Ford Explorer NBX 4.0L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1FMZU73K44 this explorer has a rough idle. plugs and wires were changed about 2 months ago. i pulled the plugs and checked for cracks and i checked the coil out for cracks and everything looks fine but it doesnt really seem like an ignition misfire. i hooked up the scann...	View
	2004 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4L Valve Train VIN: 1FTPW14514 Well here we have the wonderful, but noisey 3 valve Triton engine! This truck came in three quarts low on oil, changed oil twice and added quality syn-blend 5w20 oil and premium filter. Customer complaining of a loud ticking noise in engine, Test drove vehicle...	View
	2007 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0L Hesitation, Stall, Misfire VIN: 3FAHP02107 the car came in and would heardly run,it had code p2198 checked for vacuum leaks couldn,t find any, when you try to accelerat it sounds like pop-corn popping in the intake ,removed intake and valve covers ,couldn,t find any cracks or anything wrong in valve tr... Trouble codes: P2198	View
	2007 Ford Fusion S 2.3L No Start VIN: 3FAHP06ZX7 Vehicle immeadiately went into anti theft. IPC has lights anti theft is flashing when key is on, when you attempt to start the vehicle the anti theft light flashes faster. All fuses have been tested. Attempted to use a snap on scanner to retrieve codes, there ...	View
	1999 GMC K1500 Suburban SLE 5.7L Driveshaft VIN: 3GKFK16R6X We have a ’99 4X4 GMC Suburban that is making noises. The history is as follows: 1.) The noise is a rattle / ratchet coming from the xfer case and/or the differential. 2.) The front driveshaft was replaced (by another shop) and the noises started. 3.) The fron...	View
	1998 Honda Civic CX 1.6L 2nd gear VIN: 2HGEJ6324W This car was brought in for a drivers side axle. Backed car up outside and when clutch depressed the front wheels locked up. It would not go forward in 1st gear but would in 2nd. If you put it in reverse now it will move but jumps and any other gear other than...	View
	2004 Isuzu Axiom S 3.5L MIL Lamp on, Lack of power VIN: 4S2DE58Y54 Have this axiom with mil light, reduced power light on. Code p1239 constantly sets. No other codes present. Engine cranks and runs fine at idle when you proceed to take off it has no power. With scan tool fuel pressure reads 80 psi. Spec is 44-55psi. Checked t... Trouble codes: P1239 (High fuel pressure system)	View
	2000 Jaguar S-Type 4.0L abs module VIN: SAJDA01DXY The ABS lite originally came on intermittently when warm. L/F speed sensor code. Live data shows L/F speed sensor 0mph and other sensors were off also. Found l/f wheel brg loose, and r/f brg noisy. Replaced front wheel hub assemblies which come with new sensor...	View
	2005 Kia Sedona EX 3.5L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Stall, Poor Fuel Economy VIN: KNDUP13165 This vehicle arrived with a P0102(MAF Low Frequency)and it would barely idle.I found the MAF sensor dead and I replaced it.The DTC did not reset but the running bad was not affected.Here's what I have.The vehicle is running rich as it can.The fuel trims are pe...	View
	2000 Lincoln LS 3.9L air bag VIN: 1LNHM87A5Y have a code B1932 driver air bag resistance high. found wire under the ds seat broken so replace with a update from ford, clear code now and flashs light on dashs and resets same code,. I do see from live data ps air bags 2.5 ohms ps frt air bag 2.5 ohms ds si...	View
	2003 Mazda MPV ES 3.0L Engine VIN: JM3LW28AX3 After changing chains guides and tensioners engine quited down but p0340 code came back replaced cam sensor for quick fix but code comes back. Other related symptoms are poor performance when code comes active engine idles fine and at low speed runs fine	View
	2004 Mazda 6 i 2.3L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Stall VIN: 1YVFP80C04 Thanks in advance for any help you may have. The primary problem with this car is a very bad cold start condition. Once it sits over night, it has a really tough time starting. Sometimes it will not start at all. When it does start it will run extremely rough,... Trouble codes: P0340	View
	1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor 2.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: WDBKK47F4X Vehicle emissions test is due. Readiness codes not set with pending code 0455. Tested purge valve function, valve working. Performed smoke test for air leak, found leak from fuel shut off cannister, replaced cannister. Check engine light does not come back on ... Trouble codes: 0455 (purge control system major leak or voltage supply of fuel tank pressure sensor B4/3)	View
	2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 5.0L radio VIN: WDBSK75F83 radio buttons do not light up all fuses ok cluster lights up and can be ajusted ac lights up and shifter lights up. hard to see what button to select at night when no back ligh. supect radio defective in detecting signal u58d	View
	2005 Mini Cooper 1.6L Alternator VIN: WMWRF33445 had a mini cooper come in for battery going dead, found alternator not charging even though no light on in dash. initial testing, with what little data could get from all-data, showed 2 alternators, a 2 wire valeo, and a 3 wire denso, our engine harness had 3 ...	View
	1996 Nissan 240SX 2.4L clutch VIN: JN1AS44D2T Hey fello techs, this car came in for a clutch replacement Oct. of last year. They just bought it and prior owner told them that an aftermarket clutch had been installed, but there was no movement when put into gear and let clutch out. We found the clutch lini...	View
	2004 Nissan Maxima SL 3.5L abs VIN: 1N4BA41E84 This vehicle sets c1126 as soon as it goes over 5mph. Or more specifically as soon as the right rear wheel sees more than 5mph from the wheel speed sensor. The right rear inlet solenoid circuit is entirely contained within the ABS pump module, so I'm inclined ...	View
	2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT 3.4L pressure control solenoid VIN: 3456789E92 hello and thanks in advance. This car came in with shutter on. the shifts, fluid burnt lots of material in pan. We removed the trans and replaced it with a totally different unit. it still shutters on the shifts.All pressures are good in all ranges sitting sti...	View
	2004 Subaru Forester XT 2.5L outside temp reading VIN: JF1SG69634 Help Subaru Techs! This Forester came in with a damaged ouside temp sensor and an outside reading of 120 degrees. We installed a new sensor and now it shows ---F and has stayed this way for days. Subaru gives no info on this system. Has anyone run into this? T...	View
	1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX 2.8L Ignition Switch VIN: WVWEE83A7V Ignition switch failure. Initial replacement switch lasted for a few months. Second replacement switch lasted sbout 3 weeks. Aftermarket swiches were used both times. Have not found any shorted wires. There is an aftermarket alarm system tied into the harness,...	View
	2003 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8L MIL Lamp on This car is killing me! Last year car came in for coolant loss and overheating. I did t-belt water pump,stat,coolant outlet at rear of head. Also plugs and chain tensioner gasket. The car has been running great till last week. Here's what happened, customer wa... Trouble codes: P0011	View
	2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 2.5L Ignition lock c VIN: 3VWSF71K76 I am trying tom change the ignition lock cylinder on this Jetta. I am following the procedure from Alldata. I have all of the components removed except for the cylinder. Alldata says to insert a 1.2mm wire into the hole next to the key, while it is in the ru...	View
	1996 Volvo 850 GLT 2.4L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire VIN: YV1LS5542T Hellow all volvo techs any help or insight would be appriciated. This volvo has got me at the end of my ideas I have replaced plugs wires cap rotor with oe parts tried diffrent maf crank sensor have checked compression and did injector balance test and still n... Trouble codes: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305	View
	2002 Volvo S60 T5 2.3L Shifting,intermittant VIN: YV1RS58D12 Intermittantly when warm trans will have irregular shifting. Will down shift to soon and be harsh, will flare on upshift (mostly 3-4), will feel like in neutral when going around corner then engage harsh when gas applied, will feel like drag or load on car mos...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2001 BMW X5 3.0i 3.0L Oil in Coolant VIN: WBAFA53511 First thanks for all the quick responses. Andrew and Mark were right on it. I removed the trans. cooler and pressure tested it. And sure enough its leaking. Going to have a happy customer, no head gasket here. Again thanks to all, Pat	10
	2002 BMW 325Ci 2.5L convertible top VIN: WBABS33452 Thaks for all the info, I want to thank Dick he was a huge help he spent the time on the phone with me to sort out the problem it was a broken wire in the top where it folds at the drivers head. I fixed the wire and the top opens and closes the way it should. ...	7
	2001 Cadillac DeVille 4.6L power windows and locks VIN: 1G6KD54Y81 Got it!! It turned out to be one of the small gauge orange battery feed wires at the "B" post plug. It was broken inside the wire casing and when tugged on did not give any. When checking voltage I was doing so with the B post plug pulled out of the jam area a...	6
	2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV 6.2L Ride Control VIN: 1GYFK66867 Thanks to all who helped me/our shop with your responses. Turns out the customer ended up trading in his Cadi for a Dodge Diesel. Sorry I couldn't help with any other solutions or answers to his problem Cadi.	3
	1994 Chevrolet P30 7.4L Fluid VIN: 1GBKP37N8R practically all u members were correct n it was full of air i just could locate that little bleeder as it was @ right side towards rear n bleeder was so small.guess i was lookin for a #10 r 3/8 size but it was covered w/stuff a piece of tape i`m thinkin somone...	14
	2000 Chevrolet Malibu 3.1L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G1ND52J1Y Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. Several of you were correct, it was the fuel pressure sensor keeping me from running my tests. It just so happens that the pressure sensor solved the DTC problems as well. I was able to run the evap monitor t... Trouble codes: P0443 (Evap Purge Ctrl Valve CKT malfunction), P0446 (Evap Vent Control malfunction).	9
	2002 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.8L Oil pres.guage VIN: 2G1WH55K92 Looks like we had 2 problems 1 the sending unit was hemoraging oil and the ground at the trans was bad,ther is only one sensding unit and thats for the guage If the guage indicate low oil pressure the DIC lights the low oil pressure waening light, Thanks to Al...	9
	2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 5.3L Reverse gear VIN: 3GNEC13T13 Hi again guys, it took me a while to figure this out on my own 4L60E (2003) tranny, all that replied were right. somehow the lo & reverse clutch support assembly retainer pop out and went in between the case and the sun shell and lock the shell and completely ...	8
	2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS 3.4L radio VIN: 2G1WW12E14 Well, customer opted to not fix and we got busy with other things. Indeed the tech 2 does need update to flash bcm. Thank you to all who replied.	10
	2007 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LTZ 5.3L Lifter VIN: 1GNFK16337 Thank you all for your advice. I put both options to the customer and he opted not to marry me. We are going to get an updated engine from GM and install it for him. You all are the best!	9
	2001 Chrysler Town & Country LXi 3.3L Dash display VIN: 2C4GP54321 Good morning I hate to close this without any repair, but I am about out of time, customer has not returned with van I am sure when the temp goes up and they want ac they will be back. Lots of good suggestions so far, about rechecking power and grd. Hopeful...	16
	2003 Chrysler Town & Country Limited 3.8L No Start VIN: 2C8GT64L03 found when I grounded the cam sensor the vehicle would start. Checked the ground into the computer -good- Checked the ground out of the computer -no good- Replaced computer and the vehicle starts now but have a p0402. Checked wiring to the injectors and found ...	12
	2006 Chrysler 300 Touring 3.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2C3KA53G26 Reboot, reboot, reboot, love iATN! 5 of 7 replies nailed it, thank you Paul, Dan, Simon, Gilbert and Rick. When customer finally returned today with DTC and symptom still present, I disconnected battery for an hour, came back and road tested. EGR command ne... Trouble codes: P0405 (EGR Position Sensor Voltage Low).	7
	2006 Chrysler Pacifica 3.5L headlights VIN: 2A4GM48436 Thanks to all who took time to help me, it was the large ground wire at left front corner of transmission the bolt had rusted into, repositioned ground and no more problem	14
	2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.9L No Start VIN: 1B7HF13ZX1 I finally got a used PCM from wreckers, installed it and it fired right off. Most replies to my request said that it was most likely the PCM, but to check power and grounds to it first to verify. All powers and grounds checked out so ordered PCM. Thanks a mill...	13
	2003 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L cruse control VIN: 3D7KU28673 It was a stock band that rubbed a small hole in the air line .	4
	2010 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L Steering VIN: 2D4RN4DE2A The fix was to put new tires on! The tires had about 4/32" left and I would have thought by moving them around, especially side to side, would have at least changed SOMETHING. After I closely checked the motor mounts, trans mount, all steering and suspensi...	8
	1993 Ford Aerostar Eddie Bauer 4.0L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1FMDA41X1P Oxygen sensor was testing good, but looked like it was original. I replaced the oxygen sensor and it brought the vehicle down to fuel control, during the replacement of the catalytic converters I found the rear catto be plugged becuase of the front cat. Trouble codes: 538 (cylinder balance test failed).	10
	2002 Ford F-150 King Ranch 4.6L Pcm VIN: 1FTRX17W42 I got several replies to this, but not much help. It seems that no one has run into this type of failure before. Most people seemed to think that it was a power supply issue, but turned out not to be the case. We finally decided that the PCM was the problem...	8
	2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 6.0L Excessive Emissions, Misfire VIN: 1FTSW21P56 sorry for the wait guys.this customer is one that i have to get [...] from up front.so any ways thanks to everyone who replied.we put a new ficm on and number 3 injector.after talking to customer found out he had put a used programmer on it then the trouble be... Trouble codes: P0269, P0611.	16
	2004 GMC C7500 Topkick C7C042 7.2L Abs VIN: 1GDJ7C1C14 Well, I had to give the truck back to the customer because he still has to use it. He is supposed to bring it back but since I do not know when, I will close this and update if/when I find something useful. I had already checked the ground on the frame under t...	4
	2007 Hummer H3 3.7L Draw VIN: 5GTDN13E17 Thank you to all that replied. We didthe battery test over night and both batterys held firm at 12.7v. So we put her battery back in and with the help of a TSB that stated the Onstar modules can make random unwarranted calls at times we pulled the fuse for Ons...	11
	2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 2.7L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 5NMSG13D38 I replaced oil filter with new hyundai filter with the same oil pressure results. I removed cvvt oil pressure control valves and did resistance test and 12v test - good - no signs of sticking. When this is driven under hard accel it pings and boggs down- gut f... Trouble codes: P0300 (random misfire), P0301 (cyl 1 misfire), P0302 (cyl 2 misfire), P0303 (cyl 3 misfire).	6
	2002 Jaguar X-Type 3.0L Stall VIN: SAJEA51C32 The next day the shop called me up saying that they were on the car till midnight the night before with a friend in the UK strange midnight here is 5:00 there. Well anyway he stated that there is a scantool less procedure and it is listed in the owners manual ... Trouble codes: P1229 (p1224-), P1224 (p1582-), P1582.	9
	1973 Lincoln Mark IV 7.5L Turn Signals VIN: F3Y89A9130 THANK YOU TO AL [...] THE MEMBERS THAT SEND ME SO MUCH SUPPORT AND HELP TO GO THROUGH THIS,I FOUND THE PROBLEM,THE BLUE WIRE THAT FEEDS THE POWER FOR THE HAZARD AND THE TURN SIGNAL HAD AN OPEN INTERNALLY OF COURSE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE SINCE IT IS 1973 SO WHAT I DI...	18
	2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350 3.5L Forward Gears VIN: 4JGBB86EX6 First, thanks to everyone who took the time to share some great info about these transmissions. The consensus seemed to be that a used transmission cannot be reprogrammed to work with a new vehicle, and that the valve body would have to be swapped over. Since ...	7
	1997 Plymouth Voyager 3.0L Misfire, Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 2P4FP2531V First I would like to thank to all that posted. This help request was posted to find help on these crazy codes a scan tool found in the PCM. I have checked the injector wiring harness it was not secured and hanging close the exhaust but undamaged. This van wil... Trouble codes: P0134 (Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 Signal Remains At Center), 071C, 071D, 071E, 071F, 0720 (system rich R-Idle adapt at lean limit U3F).	10
	2000 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8L starter VIN: WVWMA23B5Y Mukesh [...] you so much removed the padding and found that one wire was broken with loom and causing the problem .	4
	2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0L starts and dies VIN: 3VWSK69M42 Thanks to noah,jay,jim,norberto,trevor,justin,nicolas,roger,antoine for the suggestions and replies, a co-worker posted this request, he did not end up fixing the vehicle. But we did establish(without the proper equipment not 100% sure) we believe it was the d...	9
	2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: WVWVE63B84 So this car is finally fixed. The company that we bought the turbo from ended up sending us another turbo and we put a timing belt on it. So somewhere between the new turbo and the timing belt it fixed the problem. Guess that goes to show you can't even trust ... Trouble codes: P0299.	9
	2008 Volkswagen Golf City 2.0L headlights VIN: 9BWEL41J38 as previously stated i found the hazard switch to be faulty and both low beams burnt out. thank you al for the help	2

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