Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for May 31, 2012

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	Help Request	Answers
	2003 Acura CL 3.2L drivers window VIN: 19UYA42483 The passenger window works fine from the drivers side but the drivers window does nothing at all. This is a 10-14 wire system going to the motor, control unit and switch. Going through all the alldata tests it comes out with telling me that it could be the mot...	View
	2007 Cadillac SRX 3.6L Alternator VIN: 1GYEE63737 Third alternator no charging	View
	1999 Chevrolet Express 3500 LS 5.7L Excessive Emissions, Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Misfire, Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GAHG39R8X van runs fine sometimes then step on gas hesitates stumble back fires thru intake hold to floor acts like cat conv plugged fuel trims way off then while holding gas pedal down it take off and runsfine take off and drive same thing fine step on gas falls on fac... Trouble codes: P0132, P0172	View
	2002 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.8L Starting VIN: 2G1WH55K02 Hi all.Got 02 Impala with an intermittent draw.Am testing car with a shunt and allowing modules to power down for at least 1/2 hr.When draw is present it shows 1.64a draw.Remove radio and draw goes to .68a.I do not believe radio is problem as I replaced with k...	View
	2004 Chevrolet Express 3500 6.0L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1GCHG39U54 Vehicle idles at 2900 rpm. Oxygen sensor readings appear normal but smoke tested vacuum system and found no leaks. TPS voltage normal and smooth. Removed throttle body and IAC pintle was pulled all the way back(open). Replaced throttle body with a used one(inc... Trouble codes: 0507 (Idle out of range)	View
	2004 Chevrolet Colorado LS 3.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCCS19684 am i missing something ? any help would be great ! Trouble codes: P0141	View
	2006 Chevrolet Optra LS 2.0L Safety VIN: KL1JD69Z66 Does anyone know how to read airbag codes in a 2006 Chevy Optra? Our OTC Genysis Scanner doesn't seem to support this vehicle.	View
	2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD WT 6.6L no crank VIN: 1GJBK34638 truck was parked friday afternoon, with no problems went to start tuesday and no crank,just a small municipal garage limited resources, i removed starter relay and jumped terminals and engine would crank but not start with key on	View
	2002 Chrysler Town & Country LXi 3.8L power steering return hose/line VIN: 2C8GP54L12 Vibration is felt by driver.Verified return line/hose vibrating causing noise and vibration.TSB repair made no change.Check routing and was correct.This only vibrates after complete warm-up and not with wheels in straight ahead position.Makes vibration noise @...	View
	2002 Dodge Durango SLT Plus 5.9L No Start, Cuts out, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1B4HS58Z82 Truck towed customer stating needs fuel pump.Went out and truck started.Saw check engine light on and found code p0601.Started truck up and that is when it stalled out.Tried to start back up and wouldn't start.Held gas pedal to floor and almost started but wou... Trouble codes: P0601 (Internal memory PCM failure)	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
	2007 Dodge Caliber SXT 2.0L Stall VIN: 1B3HB48B27 Hello all, for this dodge caliber, we are getting an intermittent stalling issue. When it stalls the light comes on the dash board for the throttle and a signal sounds to alert you to the dash warning. Previously, we had no codes in the computer. Last time we... Trouble codes: P0522	View
	1985 Ford F-150 XL 4.9L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTEF14YXF vehicle will not pass smog repaired evap leaks, repaired timing issue, i would like to know process of turning out the emission ligt before trying to resmog vehicle, i would appreciate the knowledge of solving this issue thanks	View
	1994 Ford E-350 Econoline 7.5L downshift and upshift VIN: 1FDKE30G5R Greetings fellow techs. This camper van has a shifting problem. Problem 1 is that it does start off in first but shifts to 2nd at 8kmh and then into 3rd at about 15kmh. Then no matter what speed you are at it will not downshift into passing gear. The tps, map,...	View
	1999 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L instrument cluster VIN: 2FMZA5148X Hi All. This Windstar keeps me awake and my customer walking. It came with tachometer needle entangle with PRNDL indicator. Customer complains that speedometer would occasionally flare 20 to 40 km/h above driving speed. I Removed the cluster tried to repair th...	View
	2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 6.0L Misfire, p0307 VIN: 1FTNX21P33 this vehicle came in with a p0307 cylinder seven misfire detected i ran a power balace test it passed ran a cylinder contribution test passed ran a relative compression test passed checked for arriated oil no trouble found i moved the #7 inj to #3 hole #3to #7... Trouble codes: P0307	View
	2004 Ford F-450 Super Duty XL 6.0L Unknown VIN: 1FDXF47P04 Thank you in advance for any help. This truck was towed into the shop with a no start condition. Customer had complaints that previously the truck ran poorly at cold start, with loss of power but would run fine once warmed up. This symtom gradually got worse u...	View
	2004 Ford Explorer XLT 4.6L heat VIN: 1FMDU73W44 had leak in evap core,r&r heater box assembly replace evap and heater core with aftermarket units.everything fit well.did not have to remove vac actuators or control unit. after assembly,will not go to heat can hear clicking and can feel arm on pass side of bo...	View
	2010 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 3FAHP0JG0A Hello to all and thanks in advance. This fusion has an intermittent loss of power, code 2111 is in history car has been to ford dealer for a reflash and customer not happy, will occasionaly loose power, have checked for wiring issues and unable to find any thi... Trouble codes: P2111	View
	1998 Honda Civic LX 1.6L System VIN: 1HGEJ6573W The original complaint was that cruising at highway speed with the air on the car would speed up and slow down and this would coincide with the compressor cycling. Put gauges on and ran; at idle pressures were normal L: 40 H: 225 temp from register 40° @ 1500 ...	View
	1995 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hard Start VIN: 1J4FY49S0S Customer brought vehicle in with a hard starting problem. I asked what happens and when. He did state that he installed a new distributor and ever since then it has issues. I went by Mitchell repair and treated it like a distributor being moved or engine rotat...	View
	1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L Misfire, cracked plugs VIN: 1J4FF68S7X we are having a problem with this jeep cracking cyl 3 spark plug. NO CARBON, we have done numerous induction cleanings in the past, thinking it was carbon. I'm stumped. The plug appears fine in color, very light brown, and the deep casing on the plug is closer... Trouble codes: P0300, P0302, P0303	View
	2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1J4FF48SX1 will intermittantly stall only at idle...doesn't seem to matter if it's hot or cold. One time when it stalled MIL came on and had code p0340-no cam signal at PCM. Tested waveform on both cam and crank sensors and pattern looks good for both of them. One time w... Trouble codes: P0340	View
	2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L sway/ shift VIN: 1J4GW48S74 road test jeep on hard excell/ decell feel shift in jeep . like rear end is moving.all is tight front and rear.	View
	2002 Kia Rio Cinco 1.5L Accessories VIN: KNADC16302 this car come on the tow truck for a no starts.when we try the car it starts and it run fine then sudently it hit the main relay and it dye.replaced the main relay whit another one and when i hit whit a screwdriver the relay it dye again. when it dye there is ...	View
	2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 5.0L top wont open VIN: WDBTK75G04 thanks in advance for your time. the customer came in, stated that the roll bars popped up for no reason, he reset them and the top worked ok for a few days then would not close, rear bow on top of canopy.we opened boot and closed the top, ran codes test and c...	View
	1998 Mitsubishi Space Runner 1.8L RH rear lights & Dash lights Does anyone have a wiring diagram for this model for all the exterior lights system, particularly the dash area. We have an earlier model diagram.	View
	1999 Mitsubishi Fuso FE-SP FE649 3.9L RPM shutoff VIN: JW6BBE1H7X Customer states that the check engine light comes on after a short drive. RPM will not go over 1800 once the light comes on. Our test drive verified that the truck runs great until the engine light comes on, then the engine will rev to 1800 and acts like it ha... Trouble codes: 12 (Pre-stroke servo)	View
	2005 Nissan Altima SE-R 3.5L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1N4BL11E45 I have this 05 nissan altima v6 3.5L that keeps burning coils (blistered). I have replaced 3 coils and neg. battery cable as per the tsb. The car ran fine for a day and customer brought back with same problem. Mil on and blinking with p0300 misfire code. I fou... Trouble codes: P0300	View
	2000 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3L Hesitation, Cuts out VIN: 1GHDT13WXY This vehicle came in with the driver saying he had to drive it two footed to get it here after buying it at auction. upon opening the hood its easy to see someone been chasing this problem. i drive truck and after warn up and upon deceleration it hesitates, st...	View
	2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.6L Leak VIN: WP0CA29992 Hey guys, this 2002 Carrera 2 wheel drive came in with a complaint about a leak. (excuse my lack of porsche knowledge) there appears to be a take-off off the non engine side of the transmission with a small driveshaft coming out of it to the differential. It a...	View
	2004 Saab 9-3 Linear 2.0L Steering Lock VIN: YS3FB49S24 Looking to get some help on this Saab that was towed in due to a "steering lock malfunction" problem. Customer states that they drove car to do an errand and when they got back in to start it threw up this message and couldn't turn the key or unlock the steeri...	View
	2002 Saturn L200 2.2L Hesitation, 1st gear sluggish VIN: 1G8JT54F52 Hello everyone, This vehicle was towed into the shop for a no-start issue and we found that the fuel pump needed to be replaced so the fuel pump was installed and the vehicle started up just fine; however, after initially road testing the vehicle the technici... Trouble codes: P0300 (Engine Misfire Detected), P0420 (Catalyst Efficiency Low Bank 1), P1599 (CC Power Management Mode or Engine Stall)	View
	2008 Scion tC Spec 2.4L brake pedal travel VIN: JTKDE16728 Road test vehicle found low and spongy brake pedal, we suggested brake inspection, brakes found to be good, bleed brakes slight improvement, replaced master cylinder and bleed system again, no obvious change, rechecked complete brake system and rebleed system ...	View
	2003 Toyota Highlander 3.0L no engagement VIN: JTEGF21A33 hey guys have a 03 toyota highlander that came into my shop the truck was in a front end collision now it wont move. checked fluid and was full and good. when you start the car and put in reverse it moves fine. when you shift it to drive you feel it engage but...	View
	2007 Toyota Prius Touring 1.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: JTDKB20U27 Hello everyone Currently i have Prius with MIL on code P0011 I'm trying to reset and come back on within one week. so far we test 1. manually activate OCV , RPM just drop a little, at least we know VVT controller is working but how low is good? 50 maybe 100 rp... Trouble codes: P0011	View
	2007 Toyota Camry XLE 3.5L Instrument Cluster VIN: 4T1BK46K67 The Toyota Camry has flashing warning lights in the dash while driving. The car does Not stall or act funny, but all the warning lights flash intermediatley while driving. It happens randomly so there is no telling when they flash. We have replaced the alterna...	View
	2006 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 1.9L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire VIN: 9BWGR61J66 This Golf came from a customer who racked up a lot of miles on it. Came in running very bad. Needed the usual camshaft and followers. Customer did not want to put any more money into this high mile vehicle so I took a chance on it. Put in the cam and followers...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2006 BMW X5 3.0i 3.0L Brake pedal VIN: 5UXFA13506 This one is fixed. This vehicle did not have a soft pedal when it came in. Jeff hit it right on the head. I hooked the flush machine up, turned it on with all 4 lines coming out of the ABS pump open with low pressure. Fluid was flowing then 2 lines popped air ...	14
	2007 BMW Z4 Coupe 3.0si 3.0L Lighting VIN: 4USDU53437 Thanks for your inputs-all helpfull, I could not get LCM (light contrl module) but got other systems, I recommended dealer diagnosis as I feel the module is at fault and if I did change part it would req programming at the dealer-thanks for your inputs-appear...	5
	2007 BMW 328i 3.0L No Start VIN: WBAVA33577 This was a back to basics fix. I finally subscribed to alldata and found in the wiring diagram that all of the items that I had codes for were on the same fuse. I had initially checked all the fuses and they were ok. The thing I did not check for was a missing... Trouble codes: 2A19, 2A94, 2D16, 2D0F, 2EA1, 2D5A.	6
	1992 Buick LeSabre Custom 3.8L Commpressor VIN: 1G4HP53L1N Hello everyone thanks for all the replies I thought I had checked everrything twice but I went over it one more time I I did find a broken wire up under the dash this car had been sitting for awhile I don't no if rat got it or just where someone else been mess...	25
	1999 Cadillac Eldorado ETC 4.6L a/c not turning on VIN: 1G6ET1299X Your answers about using the heater controls to read and clear ACM was correct. I just did not want to disconnect the battery. to many items to be programed afterward. Thanks Everyone!	10
	2004 Cadillac SRX 3.6L Spark Plug Tube VIN: 1GYEE63754 we determind that the leak was coming in from the bottom of the tube, and that the head would have to be pulled for repairs at a machine shop. customer declined repairs. thanks for all the help	5
	1978 Chevrolet G20 Chevy Van 6.6L Rear main seal VIN: CGR357U209 Thanks for all of the replies! I received a ton of good tips. We ended up loosing all of the main caps and unbolting the torque converter. We then were able to slide a wire tie between the seal and block. We did this on front and rear of the seal. That was eno...	27
	1989 Chevrolet S10 2.5L aldl VIN: 1GCBS14E2K Thanks to Mike,Alex,Gordon,Nick and Todd and Stan for you replies. The vin listed was from a 1989 2.2 / the wiring harness and engine (4.3z) was changed from vin# [...] And this is when I got it with no injector pulse and no ALDL data but I had spa...	7
	2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L Engine VIN: 2GCEK19BX5 Installed Updated LH Valve cover. Oil consumption Problem Fixed. Thank You For All The Help.	6
	2005 Chevrolet Aveo LS 1.6L Engine Assy VIN: KL1TD526X5 The insurance company sent a valve cover from a 2007 that does not have the crankcase breather tube. Everything else bolted up and engine runs without CEL, so far so good.	2
	2007 Chevrolet Equinox LS 3.4L Shift solenoid a VIN: 2CNDL13F27 Well after several weeks of driving I'm calling this one fixed. Wish I had a better summary but the only thing I really did was take off the prendle switch/TCM and clean the pins. Even though there was no real build up of corrosion on pins cleaning whith con...	4
	2007 Chevrolet Colorado LT 3.7L security system VIN: 1GCDS19E17 hi,all techs. i got the car fixed at last! i got a hint from a friend that the whole ignition cilinder needed to be replaced and it worked! i ordered a new cilinder from gm . thanks all you guys who responded .and a special thanks goes to Allen from South Caro...	7
	2008 Chevrolet Aveo LS 1.6L Cuts out, Lacks Accleleration VIN: KL1TD566X8 Thanks for all the help we got it running much better with a tuneup . Her problem still is their but she cant afford to repair all issues at once so we retuned vehicle after we got it running better. Noticed it set a code for the TPS right before we returne... Trouble codes: P0705.	8
	1997 Chrysler Town & Country LXi 3.8L Cuts out VIN: 1C4GP64L9V I thank everyone who replied since I ensured to check those items out, but also took my time going through the ALLDATA TSB's which I just purchased this past February and really enjoy. There was a knock sensor which had to be looked at and removed if it was da...	4
	2005 Chrysler Sebring 2.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1C3EL46J95 Customer could not afford the repair, but I will call this one fixed. After many replies and spending time on this vehicle I believe the number one failure and the first thing to look at is the check valve. The valves will stick in the closed position and will... Trouble codes: P0491 (Secondary air injection malfunction).	6
	1998 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L Steering VIN: 1B4GP44R6W Thanks to all that replied. I solved the problem. The power valve spring in the aftermarket pump was to stiff and too long. I replaced it with a shorter spring with less tension.That seemed to fix my problem. Once again thank you for your help.	23
	2005 Dodge Ram 3500 SLT 5.9L Run Away VIN: 3D7LS38CX5 This truck is fixed. In the end it was a simple connection issue at the rail pressure sensor. Being so intermittent made it difficult to pin point. Add to that the fact Cummins equipped Dodges have high thresholds for setting any codes also didn't help. Th... Trouble codes: P0251 (CP3 Pump Regulator Control).	9
	2006 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 5.9L gage pressures VIN: 3D7KS28CX6 I appreciate all of the replies.I replaced the condenser and orifice for good measure.Its working great now.	16
	1985 Ford F-150 XL 4.9L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTEF14YXF thank all of our iatn members all your info was right on target,after checking all basic what could be issues, number one i ended up finding the distributor rotor metal conductor too distributor cap conductive leads for individual spark too be moving around wh...	7
	1991 Ford E-250 Econoline Custom 4.9L Misfire VIN: 1FTFE24Y5M Thanks to all that helped with this Ford E-250. We pulled the valve cover to check for broken valve springs and/or bent push rods and found valve springs on #2 could easily be depressed by finger. Push rods appeared OK. One lifter on #2 could also be bottom... Trouble codes: P0332, P0116.	26
	1993 Ford E-350 Econoline 7.3L Rollover Valve VIN: 1FDKE30M2P After viewing the three replies I decided to follow up with the suggestion to look for one in a bone yard. I found a used tank in a bone yard and replaced the tank. The ambulance is now back to operating as is was designed from the factory. Thank you for all y...	3
	1997 Ford F-250 XL 7.3L Cuts out VIN: 1FTHX26F9V Thanks guys...Alex suggested to try another IDM and I went round and round with my parts guy on this. Anyway we purchased another IDM and that fixed this truck. I do not remember ever running into a IDM that will buzz test but not fire the injectors. A whole l...	5
	1999 Ford E-350 Econoline Club Wagon Custom 6.8L Misfire VIN: 1FTSS34S0X First off, thanks to all that replied, collectively, you were all right on the money with your suggestions. We're recommending a complete engine replacement on this due to low compression and compression variance. What led us down that rabbit hole was the sugg... 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).	11
	2006 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1FTYR14U16 Well its fixed ! Many responses were in reguard to the egr system but this vehicle is not equipted with an egr. What I did was install a new coil pack and it ran ok until it got hot so I removed the plenium again moved the #5 fuel injector to the #1 and the fu...	15
	1998 GMC Sonoma SL 4.3L Charging VIN: 1GTDT14X2W Thanks for the quick replies. I did get this thing to charge consistantly. Those who thought that the alt was bad were right. I did not mention in my original post that the alt had also been replaced by the other shop. I fact when I called the suppilier it tur...	8
	2002 GMC Sierra 2500 HD SL 6.6L Mechanical VIN: 1GTHK231X2 Found a stuck shift valve in the valve body.Because of the high milage the customer decided to install a new transmission.Thanks for your replies.	2
	2003 GMC Envoy SLE 4.2L Noise To start I think most where confused with my post I did edit it to say that the bearing was NEW the fix was the opposite side bearing which made no moise on lift but did have a bind when turning it by hand thanx you guys r the best!!!	15
	1998 Honda Accord EX 3.0L calipers, wheel cyl. VIN: 1HGCG2258W The master cyl. was a new one, came with reservoir. We try to use name brands I.E. CarQuest, Napa and OEM and stay away from the economy ones. We re-searched IATN for this type of problem and came acrossed one that suggested problems with the accumulator build...	28
	1999 Honda Accord EX 2.3L Excessive Emissions, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1HGCG5558X Thanks to everyone that contribute their time for helping. I thought it would be the evap system that's making the noise. The evap popping was not enough to be noticed while in the car. I disconnected one of the evap hose and run with it, still making the n... Trouble codes: 1457 (Evaporative system).	5
	2000 Honda Accord EX 2.3L Cuts out, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1HGCG6672Y I checked the voltage at pin 7 in the DLC and it was 9.93V. anything over 8.5 and the diagnostics said to replace the PCM. There where no shorts to voltage from pin 7 to the PCM. My training always said repair communication problems before attempting any repai...	10
	2003 Honda Accord EX 3.0L Monitors VIN: 1HGCM66523 I clicked yes I fixed it, but really just got around it. Most of you said battery, should have included that I tested the battery and the leads are clean. Near as I can figure what you and I would call keep alive memory is supplied trough the main relay coil. ...	8
	2005 Jeep cherokee 3.7L instrument guages Hi Guys, Sorry about the delay.The battery ended up failing when it was in the workshop.I replaced the battery and cleared all codes.I told the customer to drive the vehicle and return it when the problem reoccurs.The vehicle has not returned and it has been o...	9
	2003 Land Rover Discovery SE 4.6L Unknown VIN: SALTY16413 thaks guys for the help battery voltage was low when vehicle was brought in now that voltage is good we cannot duplicate symptoms advised customer to drive vehicle more frequent	3
	2002 Lexus ES300 3.0L Cuts out, Stall VIN: JTHBF30GX2 'Thank you guys this one is fixed',the key word here was abruptly',that was how the vac gauge was dropping from 20 to 0 hg. Just like rod from Arkansas stated the screw from the butterfly was holding the valve open at times which was making the compression f...	5
	2002 Mazda MPV ES 3.0L pcm VIN: JM3LW28J52 The vehicle came back in for further diagnosis and monitors had run without incident, so customer elected to get inspection which passed and has not returned.	17
	1999 Mercedes-Benz ML430 4.3L compressor clutch VIN: 4JGAB72E5X the wiring diagrams from alldata are very poor. from the info we could find the all activity module had failed. we sent vehicle to a specialty shop and our diag was correct. they replaced the module. many thanks to all who replied.	7
	2009 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic 3.5L compressor VIN: WDBUF87X59 Thank you all who replied to my post.As I thought from the beginning with equal pressures and no codes in any control unit,the compressor was faulty.The front center bolt on the compressor turn freely.Power to compressor.Sent vehicle down to Mercedes to take o...	9
	2007 Nissan Frontier SE 4.0L 1-2 shift hard and hunts for gear VIN: 1N6AD09U27 The problem was a defective input speed sensor assemby. It required removal of the pan and rear tailshaft to access the sensor as it is inside the rear of the transmission case. Thank you to all who responded.	4
	1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager 3.3L Serpentine belt VIN: 2P4GP24R6W Hey everyone, thanks so much for your input. I replaced the harmonic balancer as it was suspect but the squeaking was still there. I found if I nudged the belt a little toward the right near the crank the belt stopped squeaking so in fact yes, it is an alignme...	31
	2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: JT3HN86R6Y The problem is in the instrument cluster. the 6.0 volts was coming out of the cluster and the rest of the wires were ok. I checked the grounds for the lights in the rear and checked ok. when you turned on the lights the prndl lights would go out completely. I ... Trouble codes: P1780 (Nutrel prnd indicator).	8

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