Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for May 29, 2012

Join Now

Prev	Professional Automotive Repair Technical Discussions for May 29, 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 BMW Z4 Coupe 3.0si 3.0L Lighting VIN: 4USDU53437 No headlamps-low or high beam, swiching lamps on brings on small lamps uner headlamps and the driving/fog lamps will operate when headlamp switch placed to "lamps on" but no low or high beam lamps and a warning lamp on in car for bulb innop. have checked all f...	View
	1992 Buick LeSabre Custom 3.8L Commpressor VIN: 1G4HP53L1N This car came in with the commpressor not operating so i started checking everything well it doesnt have no power to the low side pressure switch the two pink wires at the realy are hot and if i jump the realy it will engage the compressor this car doesnt have...	View
	2004 Cadillac SRX 3.6L Starting VIN: 1GYEE63714 First Thanks For all the help, Vehicle came in with timing chain's broken we replaced with new design and vehicle started right up but vehicle will not turn off have to disconnect fuel injectors to turn off,noticed key could not be removed from vehicle replace...	View
	1993 Chevrolet K1500 Cheyenne 5.7L Daytime Running Lamps / Autolamps VIN: 1GCEK14K1P Daytime running lamps not working on this vehicle. They are required for provincial safety certification. They are supposed to operate the (inner) hi-beams at a reduced voltage whenever the key is on and the park brake is fully released. There is a green indic...	View
	2003 Chevrolet Express 1500 4.3L unknown VIN: 1GCFG15X93 With AC off, vehicle runs fine. When AC is turned on and vehicle is in gear it sounds as if it is dieseling. Starts out faint when cold and gets louder as it motor heats up. Replaced AC tensioner but no change. Noise is gone with belt removal. When it is makin...	View
	2006 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 5.3L No Start VIN: 1GNEK13T76 Vehicle came in for flames coming out of exhaust. Runs rough and hard shifts. Hooked up tech2 and scan for dtc's p0300 and p0455. Went to misfire graphics on tech2 and showed misf. On all cyclinders. Tested each injector and flow was at 105kpa at all injectors...	View
	2004 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT 5.7L Hesitation, Misfire, MIL Lamp on This truck belongs to a friend of mine.Its had no maintenance for 185000 miles.Check engine light on,scan for codes-showing multi cylinder missfire and p2320 on #7 and p2311 on #4. I figured this is a no brainer-185000 on the oridgnal spark plugs and #4 and 7 ... Trouble codes: P2320, P2311	View
	2005 Dodge Magnum SE 2.7L Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 2D4FV48T35 Help!! Vehicle codes state that I have lost comm. with several of these modules yet I can communicate fine with scantool on the "affected" modules. How can I tell the difference between the truth of what is happening? I can clear the code drive around for a wh... Trouble codes: U110A, U0121 (Lost communication with abs), U0141 (Lost communication with body cntrl mod), P0571 (Brake swithc a circuit)	View
	2009 Dodge Journey R/T 3.5L tires VIN: 3D4GH67V99 this car will ware the rear tires right off the rims in about 6000 miles, was wondering if anyone has seen this, don't know if the awd is not working right or if the diff fuild needs to be changed. any help would be great. thanks	View
	1994 Ford F-150 XL 5.8L Surge VIN: 1FTEF15H3R Hi Ford techs, this truck will run fine cold for a city block and then for the next 3 blocks it will stumble and fall on it's face unless you floor it and then run fine the rest of the time. All sensors have been checked, did try MAP and ECT. Replaced fuel fil...	View
	1997 Ford F-250 XL 7.3L Cuts out VIN: 1FTHX26F9V I have worked on many 7.3 engines but this one is beyond me. Truck came in with IDM missing (not there) from another shop. I installed reman IDM and ended up without cyls 1,3,5,7. I replaced injector harnesses and valve cover gaskets. Compression readings are ...	View
	1999 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2FMZA5142X thanks in advance cust complaints is cel on dtc p0174/p0171 checked for leaks none found cust replaced maf sensor fuel pressure with in spec checked o2 sensor ok switching and responding when a rich condition is introduced lower intake plenum seals also replac... Trouble codes: P0171, P0174	View
	1999 Ford E-350 Econoline Club Wagon Custom 6.8L Misfire VIN: 1FTSS34S0X Van was driven in running poorly, CEL was on. Immediately noticed PCV hose had been left disconnected after customer replaced heater hose. Plugged it in, pulled codes for cyl head overtemp active and overtemp sensed, H02S11 indicates lean, as well as random mi... Trouble codes: P1299 (Cylinder head overtemp protect active), P1285 (Cylinder head overtemp sensed), P1131 (HO2S11 indicates lean), P0301 (Cyl 1 Misfire), P0304 (Cyl 4 Misifre)	View
	2003 Ford Thunderbird 3.9L Hesitation, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FAHP60A93 Hello techs . About to two weeks ago boss's car came in with misfires. no codes so we replaced three coil on the left bank and left the newest factor coil in the cars left bank. It was ok for about 2 weeks. I did use advanced coils but never had a problem befo... Trouble codes: P0308 (misfire 8), P0316, P0351 (Ignition coil A Pri/Sec circuit fault), P0358 (Ignition coil H Pri/Sec circuit fault)	View
	2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 6.0L Hesitation, Misfire VIN: 1FTNX21P03 Vehicle came in for misfire under load. Power balance test on IDS shows #2, 4, 6 (driver's bank) missing regularly but not always. Condition only present with engine hot, 205-50% throttle. Idles ok with SLIGHT miss on #8 hot seldom/sometimes. Above 50% throttl... Trouble codes: P0284 (Cyl 8 Contribution Fault)	View
	2005 Ford F-450 Super Duty Lariat 6.0L No Start VIN: 1FDXX47P25 Truck came in a week ago with no start hot. Air checked system. IPR Seemed to stick when hot. Explained to customer about all the common failures. Customer opted for high pressure pump and IPR. Along with new feed tubes to the high pressure rails. Ran fine del...	View
	2005 Ford Thunderbird 3.9L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1FAHP60A85 This thunderbird came in to my shop the customer had replaced the battery and it would idle but not exelerate. I found two codes P2104 and P2112. the P2104 sends me to diagnose the P2112. witch i did and found a glitchy TPS. I replaced it and same problem. I p... Trouble codes: P2104 (throttle actuator control forced idle), P2112 (throttle actuator control stuck closed)	View
	2007 Ford Focus SES 2.0L Direct Clutch & Band VIN: 1FAHP36N47 This vehicle only has 41000 miles on it. Boss is in a hurry to get it out as it belongs to the local Judge's wife. Tore down and found Direct clutch fried as well as Intermediate Band. Pistons all still soft and pliable. Servo piston still soft and pliable. Ha...	View
	2000 GMC Jimmy Diamond Edition 4.3L No Start VIN: 1GKDT13W6Y now truck cold has no start problem all the time first crank second crank seem to remember fuel presure needing to be in spec range 60 to 69 psi to opperate poppet valves correctly can some one confirm pressure operation / has spark inj pulse and fuel 42 koeo ...	View
	1992 Honda Civic CX 1.5L Excessive Emissions VIN: 2HGEH2349N car failed both 15 and 25 MPH high HC`s, a new cat and o2 sensor was installed, we smog tested again at 15 MPH failed NOx are 2035, max reading can only be 859 passed at 25 MPH with 262 NOx, fuel pressure is at 32 PSI and timing was rechecked and timing belt w...	View
	1998 Honda Accord EX 3.0L calipers, wheel cyl. VIN: 1HGCG2258W Fluid didnt appear contamiated. Couldnt push piston back on left front originally till opened bleeder. Thought bad hose as lots of miles on car. That didnt help. Test drove after replacing master, felt good first mile or so, but short distance later could tell...	View
	2001 Hyundai Tiburon 2.0L draining VIN: KMHJG35F71 how do you drain this cooling system,petcock only drains radiator,still has three quarts of coolant in engine,where is thermostat,all three large hoses connect to same spot,how does this coolant circulate,i have mitchell data source but it does not cover this,...	View
	2003 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L Misfire VIN: KM8SB12B23 Customer came in with the same intermittent miss. Miss only occurs at idle and under load, only at idle. Again no codes. Watch what limited data is given to us with our genisis scanner. Nothing in mode six to related problem. Performed wiggle test for crank se...	View
	2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: KMHDN56D05 Hello all, i have this 2005 hyundai which came back after replacing the rear o2 sensor for code p0139. It has the same code 2 days after replacement. Anyone run into this one before? i suspect computer reflash or update but dont see any bulletins. I installed... Trouble codes: P0139 (O2 sensor slow operation bank 2)	View
	2005 Isuzu N NQR 5.2L Hesitation, Cuts out VIN: JALE5B1645 Diesel Techs please help! This truck has an intermittent hard stumble on accel. Exact symptoms vary. Sometimes while driving it barely produces enough power as though there was an exhaust restriction, which there isn't. When the engine runs well it produces gr...	View
	2004 Jaguar X-Type 3.0L Fuel inj. VIN: SAJEA51C74 The car came in witht he following codes: P0303 Cyl # 3 malfunction, P1313 Misfire, cat damage, Bank 1 , P1316 excessive misfires, P0182 EFT sensor low vtge, P0203 FI circuit malfunction. Owing to the dtc's referring to cyl # 3 in 2 of the codes and a mnisfire...	View
	2002 Kia Sportage 2.0L Driveline VIN: KNDJB723X2 This car shudders very bad when accelerating from stops in forward or reverse. As long as the vehicle does not move the shudder is not evident as in power braking. If the rear wheels spin while power braking it will shudder. Whoever installed the center bearin...	View
	2001 Lincoln Town Car 4.6L turn signals i need help understanding why the t/s fuse blows randomlly but never while working on or test driving.	View
	1998 Mazda 626 DX 2.0L Calipers VIN: 1YVGF22C6W This is another joy brought to us when other shop couldnt fix. When driven several miles and once brakes get warmed up, the front calipers will be stuck on. Let car sit in stall and check rears. They will spin ok when first brought back in- and fronts sticking...	View
	1995 Mercedes-Benz S420 4.2L Auxiliary Fan VIN: WDBGA43E5S I have a 1995 Mercedes S420 in here that I am struggling with. The customers concern is that after driving for a while the A/C is no longer cold. The first issue that I found was that on the initial A/C Turn on the Auxiliary fans do not turn on. I hooked an Pr...	View
	2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 5.0L sbc VIN: WDBUF70J33 i have owned this car for 3 years . lately the SBC has been making a very noticeable noise whenevery the brakes are applied. i know that Mercedes had some problems with these pumps and i beleive there is a 10/unlimited mileage replacement on them. i brough the...	View
	2003 Mini Cooper 1.6L drivers window VIN: WMWRC33413 We have a 2003 mini cooper which the drivers window will only work for a split second w/ the power window switch. Each push of the button takes about 30 attempt to roll the window completely down and the same for going up. The passenger window works fine. We h...	View
	2005 Mini Cooper S 1.6L transmission VIN: WMWRE33595 Hello, Need some direction. Transmission in limp mode. "EP" mode code #1792 mini code. Cannot find any info on this code or any diagnostic direction. Code desciption would be helpful.	View
	2006 Mitsubishi Fuso FE140 FE84D 4.9L Hesitation, Surge VIN: JL6BBG1S66 Vehicle goes into limp mode and sets P0251 after about 2 city blocks worth of driving. Trouble codes: P0254 (Fuel Rail Pressure Too High Before Repair), P0251 (Difference between target and actual fuel pressure too great after repair)	View
	2001 Nissan Altima GXE 2.4L Poor Idle Quality, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1N4DL01DX1 Car came in with an erratic idle condition. It would idle about 1000 rpm, slowly decrease to about 400 rpm, idle a little rough, then increase back to 1000 rpm. but it didn't stall. P0304 (#4 misfire) was pending but not current. After replacing intake gaskets... Trouble codes: P0300 (Multiple random cylinder misfire)	View
	1998 Plymouth Voyager 3.3L Hesitation VIN: 2P4GP25R8W Van came in with a code P1391 for intermitent cmp/ckp signal,and a hesitation under a load. ordered both ckp and cmp from dealer and replaced them after inspecting ckp and noticing alot of debri on magnet. problem was still present after installing new cmp and... Trouble codes: P1391	View
	2003 Saturn Vue 2.2L Mechanical VIN: 5GZCZ33D43 This vehicle was driven on about a 165 mile trip that goes through a canyon and other taxing uphill and downhill grades. When it reached its destination it dumped a bunch of transmission fluid on the ground (this is a CVT transmission). The owner towed the veh...	View
	2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8L Security VIN: WVWGH21J2Y Vehicle will intermitently go into theft lock. Codes 01128 and 01176 stored in the cluster. Unless Im looking in the wrong place I cant find any information on how to diagnose this issue. Has anyone seen this or have any advice? Thanks	View
	2000 Volvo S80 2.9 2.9L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire VIN: YV1TS94D4Y Thanks to everyone who participates in the iATN network. A heart felt appreciation is given every time I ask for a little help. No fuel in being delivered into cylinders # 4 and # 5. I see this to be true - by seeing that 1,2,3 and 6 all have carbon buildup...	View
	2005 Volvo S80 2.5T 2.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: YV1TS59215 4/05/2012 the car came in with a p0461 throttle position sensor fault and "reduced engine performance" message. We also had: P2135 - throttle unit potentiometer fault p2111 throttle valve fault p2108 Engine control module fault. We replaced the throttle body ... Trouble codes: 930B, 9270 (throttle valve), 9200 (throttle position sensor), 9210 (throttle unit), 9220 (throttle potentiometer), 925C	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2004 Audi S4 Avant 4.2L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: WAUPL68E04 After replacement of the right bank cat and all four O2 sensors, the vehicle running issues were resolved with one exception. At idle, we continue to have a very intermittent cylinder 5 misfire, which does not occur off idle. The customer has declined any furt... Trouble codes: P1136 (Fuel trim), P0305 (Cylinder 5 misfire).	4
	2001 BMW 740iL 4.4L egs VIN: WBAGH834X1 Thanks for all the great help. I ended up replacing the EGS. Had our local dealer program it and It runs like new.	4
	2003 BMW 325i 2.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: WBAEV33423 Performed a hard reboot, its been 2 weeks and all owner feed back is positive. However, I think its only a matter of time before the problem resurfaces ? thanks to all Trouble codes: P1500 (Idle speed control motor modis codes is a 211), 5E19.	3
	1991 Cadillac Eldorado 4.9L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G6EL13B6M iwhat i found was that i had a ground problem at the ground post,it was spining round and round.Also the aic moter was making a loud clicking noise,so i replced it and all is well,thanks to all of you for your help,this one is fixed. Trouble codes: 55 (throttle position sensior misadjusted), 52 (memory reset long term).	9
	2006 Cadillac DTS 4.6L battery VIN: 1G6KD57Y86 It ended up being 2 seperate problems. The interface module for aftermarket stereo was intermittently staying on and keeping a 235mA draw. the main problem was the driver door module (window and door lock switch) it was bad and back feeding power to BCM and tu...	14
	2004 Chevrolet Tahoe LS 5.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GNEK13Z14 WE REPLACED THE BACK KNOCK SENSOR AND RESEALED. FOUND NO WATER LEAKS. GUESS WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS. THANKS Trouble codes: P0332.	18
	1975 Dodge D300 Custom 5.9L No Start, warm only=no start VIN: D61FG5J012 Sorry guys for the poor follow-up, this was a "Back Burner" job I am using for fill-in work--since my help request to you all, I have not been able to get back to the job because of an extremely busy schedule. You all gave me very much needed info & tests to ...	14
	1996 Dodge B2500 5.2L Misfire VIN: 2B4HB25Y5T After chasing a misfire, it turns out to be something I thought we had eliminated early in the process...The Fuel pump. I had checked Fuel pressure as one of my early steps & had 46 PSI which is plenty, but after replacing many ignition parts to no avail I ... Trouble codes: P0301 (Cylinder 1 misfire), P0302 (Cylinder 2 misfire).	13
	2004 Dodge Durango SLT 4.7L Misfire VIN: 1D4HB48N04 took a chance and change intake gasket since all my tests come up neg for bad headgasket. been gone a while and so far its good Trouble codes: P0300.	10
	1989 Ford E-350 Econoline Custom 7.3L Long Crank VIN: 1FDKE37M5K Thanks for all the replies guys, a new injection pump fixed the van. Also installed a new low side pump as well to get the pressure up to spec.	7
	1997 Ford Econoline Super Duty Custom 7.3L Excessive Emissions, Hesitation, Surge, Misfire, Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1FDLE47F3V thanks for the many reply s, turns out the injectors were bleeding off so much oil cause they were shot. there was no way for the computer to have a reference when they all were worn out, so thats why power balance kept changing cylinders. cheap ass customer h...	6
	2000 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L Forward and reverse engagement VIN: 1FMZU73X3Y This one is out the door. I rechecked planetaries as suggested by Lane. The OD planetary pinion clearances appeared to be within spec but after rotating the pinions I found one of the brass washers had a chunk broken out. I double checked the apply chart with ...	8
	2005 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL 6.0L Cooling Systems VIN: 1FDWW36P45 Just want to thank everybody for your help owner doesnt want to repair at this time. I am 95 percent the heads have to come off what I did was plumb a gauge in the small hose coming from bottle and took truck down road under a heavy load the gauge would hit 30...	30
	2005 Ford F-550 Super Duty XL 6.8L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire, No Power VIN: 1FDAF56Y45 Well, Thanks again. Jesse from Virginia hit the nail on the HEAD! The passenger side head is junk. It apparently lost oil pressure too. I went to remove the cam cap and it was loose do to lack of cam & cap left. Thanks again.	9
	2008 Ford Explorer Limited 4.6L Compressor VIN: 1FMEU75898 This vehicle has not been fixed as customer is currently away. We shall continue working on the vehicle once further authorization has been given. Thank you guys for all the responses.	9
	2003 GMC Envoy SLT 4.2L not cooling VIN: 1GKDS13S53 Throttle body cleaning fixed the problem. Thanks to all	34
	2004 Honda Civic GX 1.7L Misfire VIN: 1HGEN26524 Customer will bring vehicle to Dealer for additional diagnosis. We replace all new spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel filter and perform valve adjustment. When misfire occur, fuel system pres- sure remains normal at about 3 Bars while lab scope revealed normal ... Trouble codes: P0300 (random misfire), P0301 (1 cylinder misfire), P0302 (2 cylinder misfire), P0303 (3 cylinder misfire), P0304 (4 cylinder misfire).	6
	1981 Mercedes-Benz 240D 2.4L Won't shut off. VIN: WDBAB23A6B Actually, I have partially fixed the vehicle. The transmission stuck in 2nd gear problem was fixed by removing the shift linkage from above, at the stick, and manually shifting the transmission into neutral by moving the lever thus exposed to the neutral posit...	10
	2008 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG 6.3L Wiring harness VIN: 4JGBB77E78 Not sure if I should say I fixed vehicle or not as it was never having a problem due to the issue posted. Never found source of oil at injector connectors. Did not replace oil temp sender because inspection of the sender revealed it is solid brass and could no...	3
	1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 3.0L Timing belt tensioner VIN: JA4MT31P6W We ended up getting another tensioner and installed as per manufacture's procedures. Before installation inspected the trigger wheels as suggested. Didn't find anything wrong with them, but was a good idea to check them. Just want to say thank you for all y...	9
	1994 Subaru Justy DL 1.2L water pump VIN: JF1KA7227R this one is still not fixed but I have learned alot from it. You do not have to take the front cover off to fix the water pump leak. this engine has got a chain that times the water and oil pump. by taking off the cover, the chain gets out of time and it makes...	3
	1996 Toyota Corolla DX 1.8L Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1NXBB02EXT WE CHECKED ALL WIRING AS SUGGESSTED, WE INSTALLED A USED BUT NOT REBUILT DISTRIBUTOR. WE SUSPECT THAT THE PROBLEM IS IN THE COMPUTER.ATTEMPTS TO SHIELD WIRES AT DIST. MADE NO DIFFERENCE IN SCOPE PATTERN. AT THIS POINT CUSTOMER WAS UNABLE TO DO ANY MORE WORK. T... Trouble codes: P0340 (Cam sensor code).	6
	1998 Toyota RAV4 2.0L shift interlock VIN: JT3HP10V2W We replaced the brake switch on the car and it left working as designed. We have not seen it return. Thanks for the help. We got pattern information from our friend at the Toyota dealership regarding this fault and went with his advice.	5
	2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: WVWPD63B93 i would like to thank everyone for their help. i had already rechecked or tried all of the suggestion before i posted my help request, but i rechecked everything again and even tried another timing chain tensioner. the fault code will still set after driving 4... Trouble codes: 16395 (Camshaft advance p0011).	10
	2002 Volvo S60 2.4T 2.4L Mechanical VIN: YV1RS58D72 dunno what happened, but it fixed itself. had my service writer drive it home one night with all the covers off, the next morning the cam gears were dry as a bone. what was weird is intake cam gear would be wet when hot but after it cooled off, it was dry... i...	6

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