Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Aug 8, 2012

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	Help Request	Answers
	2000 BMW 740i 4.4L trunk lock VIN: WBAGG8344Y We have a 2000 BMW 740 that the rear trunk will not close fully. it has the automatic locking feature. attempted to read the diagnostics but unable to communicate. (HKM?) (module?) checked fuses. checked the wire harness through the trunk. no breaks found. che...	View
	1997 Buick Park Avenue 3.8L Power window - Passenger and both rear windows VIN: 1G4CW52K2V Passenger power window and rear power windows do not function, up or down, from either their own switches nor the driver's master switch. Power door locks do function correctly. No codes stored. Using the special functions commands in the Tech 2, all window...	View
	1995 Cadillac Eldorado 4.6L Water pump housing VIN: 1G6EL12Y5S Car was towed in wit water running out of the water pump when adding to the coolant reservoir. Like a simple job until I tried to remove the pump with the water pump removal tool. Pump would not budge. On close inspection I found that the pump was badly corrod...	View
	1996 Cadillac DeVille 4.6L Misfire VIN: 1G6KD52Y8T No spark from cyl #6 & #7 coil. Vehicle came in for an engine misfire. Upon inspection found 2 spark plugs wires arching. Customer said its been years since replaced, we replaced still had problem. Customer said plugs was replace 3 yrs ago, we replaced all and... Trouble codes: PC030, PC138	View
	1999 Chevrolet K1500 Suburban 5.7L p0154 VIN: 3GNFK16R7X Truck came in few weeks ago with a list of codes, found that it needed a pcm. Replaced pcm came back with code p0154 low activity b2 s1. Replaced that oxygen sensor, no fix, wires are all good going from pcm to oxygen sensor, pcm good, oxygen sensor is new, it... Trouble codes: P0154 (Low activity b2 sensor 1)	View
	2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 4.2L Cuts out, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GNDT13S02 Hi guys. This was on a post I thought I had fixed. Intermittent ses light combined with pedal position sensor problems resulting in power loss mode. I found out about the fan clutch problem spiking and replaced it. Seemed good for a week and came back. Warrant... Trouble codes: P1271, P1275, P1280	View
	2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GNFC13J07 Thanks ahead of time got this truck shows a p0121 code but i find cylinder number two and seven misfiring. I swap coils and put plugs in still the same. Check injector balance checked good checked compresion checked good. Sprayed carb cleaner around intake and... Trouble codes: P0121 (Tp sensor 1 performance)	View
	2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.4L Power Steering VIN: 3C4FY4BBX1 Need a little help here guys... We just replaced a timing belt and water pump on this 2001 PT Cruiser. After the job was done, the power steering was not working. We checked TSB's and performed the procedure listed. (vacuum, add oil wait three minutes, etc...)...	View
	2003 Chrysler 300M 3.5L Forward gears VIN: 2C3AE66G83 Car came in with a P0992 code in history (2nd &th gear clutch, O/D clutch pressure switch circuit). No driveability concerns were noticed. Just a MIL light on. I was advised to replace the solenoid /switch assembly in the transmission. My tech replaced the sol...	View
	2000 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L Abs VIN: 3B7KF26Z0Y HELP, This 2000 dodge 2500 pick up 4x4 has ABS and Red light on. Scaned for codes. had 81 brake switch stuck.And 84 mis match veec ID number. Cheched brake switch with scan tool. Working good. Found third brake light bulbs burned out. Replaced bulbs. And road...	View
	2003 Dodge Dakota Sport 3.9L right singaling too fast VIN: 1D7HL38X83 Right signal circuit flashing at extremely high speed left side signals normal all bulbs are good and operating as they should like i said right side only very rapid signaling	View
	2006 Dodge Ram 1500 TRX4 5.7L Coolant VIN: 1D7HU18206 Hello again techs. The owner of this 5.7L OHV was doing a routine fluid check under the hood and found engine oil in the cooling system reserve tank. Looks like about 1/4" of oil floating on top of the coolant and there's also some in the radiator. Looked thro...	View
	2007 Dodge Caliber R/T 2.4L Pressure Control Solenoid VIN: 1B3HE78K57 This vechicle came in with the trans slipping badly and code#p0963 for pressure control solenoid circuit a high and sometimes [...] for torque convertor clutch circuit high. We replaced the transmission and now we still have the same codes. We have checked...	View
	1990 Ford F-150 Custom 5.0L temp gauge VIN: 1FTDF15N4L This one came in temp gauge not working staying on cold. Replaced temp sensor,still nothing. Pulled cluster and grounded out the gauge went to full hot. So gauge is good. My biggest problem is I am an import guy, so I don't have a wiring diagram for the cluste...	View
	1999 Ford F800 5.9L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 3FENF80Z0X I am working on a Cummins 5.9 with a rotary injection pump and electric transfer pump. Truck came in with a surge at idle. It would surge about 14 times and then die. It had 4 PSI of fuel pressure at injection pump and fuel filter was full of metal. There was ...	View
	2000 Ford Ranger XL 2.5L master cyliner and control valve VIN: 1FTYR10C7Y The control valve fitting on the side of the master cylinder is leaking. The new o-ring provided with the new master cylinder was installed, but it's still seeping brake fluid. The next size larger cross section o-ring is too large, but the o-ring seems to be ...	View
	2002 Ford F-150 XL 4.6L engine VIN: 2FTRF18W62 I received truck with a bad misfire on cylinder 7. The spark plugs had never been changed before so we decided to change those and change the coil on cylinder #7 with a new COP. We started the truck up and immediately there was a bad knocking noise almost soun...	View
	2005 Ford Escape XLT 3.0L Misfire VIN: 1FMCU03155 ive got a 05 escape that can into shop with codes p0353,p0354.replaced coils and plugs on all cylinders and still had misfire.checked coil firing and they were firing.checked injectors with noid light and they showed fire.so i replaced injectors on those two c... Trouble codes: P0353, P0354	View
	2010 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor 4.6L AC Clutch engagement VIN: 2FABP7BV1A The AC clutch will not engage after I charged AC system(it was not working defore). It was not very low. Check all fuses & relays. I can ground the ground terminal on #201 (owners manuel calls it a AC clutch relay) relay and the AC clutch with engage. I have a...	View
	1998 GMC K3500 Sierra SL 5.7L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Stall VIN: 1GTHK34R3W Hello, We are battling with this 98 GMC 3500 pickup. Customer came in 2 weeks ago complaining of intermittent idle surge & occasional stall. We could not reproduce the problem at that time. Performed a throttle body service to clean out all deposits and sent h...	View
	2007 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2L ride control VIN: 1GKFK63807 Greeting fellow techs. Customer states that air suspension compressor comes on every time they start vehicle and comes on while driving which it never used to do before. On the scanner when the compressor comes on the actuator commands are all at zero. The pos...	View
	2001 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5L Instrument Cluster VIN: 2HKRL18571 Customer drove vehicle down highway, after about 45 min of driving, instrument cluster gauges began to bounce and warning lights began flickering on and off. Coming off highway, vehicle stalled. Had to be jump started 6 other times to make it back home. Last 2...	View
	2005 Honda CR-V EX 2.4L Radio Serial Number VIN: SHSRD78885 trying to retreave a radio serial number I did the radio off key off press buttons 1&6 key on radio on will not give me a serial number just flashes code Ive done this radio serial number retreave on other Hondas with no problem any one run into this problem I...	View
	2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7L Transfer Case VIN: 1J4GW58N9Y I have a question about this jeep I am working on The customer brings it in and the transfer case is nearly empty. On a TSB 21-014-07 from Chrysler, it states to use ATF+4, well I did and now it shuddered and grinds on a sharp left turn. Was this TSB wrong? Do...	View
	2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade 3.7L Hesitation VIN: 1J4GL38K13 Thanks in advance for any help. Vehicle came in with Hesitation after start up Hot. We scanned and found 4 codes. The P0320,P0700,p1299(Engine Computer) P0725(Trans Computer) I was sure were all related to the Crank/Engine Speed Sensor. We replace the Crank Se... Trouble codes: P0320 (Crank sensor), P1299 (Vacuum leak), P0700 (Trans fault), P0725 (Engine speed)	View
	1996 Kia Sportage 2.0L Excessive Emissions, Monitors VIN: KNDJA7238T Car has been driven on Kia approved drive cycle repeatedly over the last 100 miles and the monitor status is still 5 monitors not complete. CA law requires no more than 2 not complete for this year of vehicle. Can not get the monitors to run. I suspect that hi...	View
	1999 Lexus ES300 3.0L Cooling Systems VIN: JT8BF28G1X Hi, thank you in advance. This Lexus is currently overflowing coolant into the overflow bottle. It will fill the overflow bottle to the top, and it will than begin to over heat. It first arrived a few weeks ago via tow truck. It had overheated, and melted the ...	View
	2001 Mazda Tribute LX 3.0L Cuts out, Stall, Misfire Hi all, The car runs fine until it warms up. Then it starts running rough. Restarting the engine helps for a bit but only for a short while. The timing and spark are heavily erratic! I took a stab at changing the Crank sensor but to no avail. Any help would b...	View
	2004 Mazda RX-8 1.3L radio VIN: JM1FE17N74 I just got through replacing the heater core in this car and went to run the a/c after charging the system. I now have no radio or temp contols. I do have the blower motor, but nothing comes on in the control. What could I have done for this to happen. I have ...	View
	1997 Mercury Sable LS 3.0L pats/security system VIN: 1MELM53S3V Car came in as a no start (engine cranks), and injectors clicking with KOEO. The check engine light blinks with the injectors clicking and the theft light is blinking fast.. Customer states that fuel pump was replaced and had 2 keys programed at ford dealershi...	View
	2000 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0L engine VIN: 4M2DU86P5Y Hello fellow grease monkeys, I have here a v8 mountaineer which overheats after several minutes of running. Upon initial inspection I found overflow jug chocked full and had obviously overflowed several times. After cooling off the contents of jug gets sucke...	View
	1997 Nissan Maxima GLE 3.0L No Start VIN: JN1CA21D7V Towed in from other shop without spark, checked both crank sensors and have signals at pcm from both as well as injector pulse, engine rpm indicated on both tach and scanner during crank. Scope shows pos sig as 4.6 to .78 volts-squarish( I have to use my maste...	View
	2005 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4.0L Hesitation, MIL Lamp on VIN: 5N1AN08U85 2 1/2 years ago vehicle came in with CEL on and a code P0605, reset system, code came back about every 6 months (only code) then this February CEL came on after vehicle had a no throttle response, after cycling the key throttle respond returned but CEL remaine... Trouble codes: P0605 (Ecm)	View
	2003 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L oil pressure guage VIN: 1G2HX54K33 I have this Bonneville I just picked up thats a good runner. No engine noise and no coolant in the oil. It does have 1 issue or maybe 2 depending... Oil pressure gauge is pegged at 120 psi and fuel guage will fluctuate so actual fuel level is unknown. My Solu...	View
	2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.8L 1st gear VIN: 2G2WR52434 Ok, tranny experts, got a potential purchase here I need some advise on. 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. When gear selector is in the DRIVE position, engine will rev but no forward movement. Not even a shudder. If I drop the selector down one more into manual shi...	View
	2001 Saab 9-3 SE 2.0L torque converter VIN: YS3DF78K61 very rough idle when in gear, smooth in park & netural,feels like torque converter will not slip. have replaced the converter lockup selenoid, and checked power to selenoid,when in gear at idle.I feel the torque converter is not slipping at idle but not locked...	View
	2003 Subaru Outback L.L. Bean 3.0L Unknown VIN: 4S3BH80673 I have been trying to solve this issue for about a year now. This Subaru Outback has what to me feels like a driveline Vibration ( You feel it in the seat ). You feel it on take off moderate acceleration you get a vib in the seat, let off and it go's away. The...	View
	2002 Toyota Camry LE 3.0L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 4T1BF32K92 Hey guys I've got a good one here. I'm working on a 2002 toyota Camry 3.0. The customer complaint is a flashing check engine light and no power, sounds like a simple problem ... The vehicle has multiple misfire codes for 3, 5 , and 6. when under a load I can a... Trouble codes: P0300, P0303, P0305, P0306	View
	2004 Toyota Avalon XL 3.0L steering VIN: 4T1BF28B64 Hi techs, Have a curious problem with this car.This customer brought this car to me about two years ago complaining of steering wheel shimmy while driving. Checked inner and outer tie rod ends, ball joints and wheel bearings and found everything to be nice an...	View
	2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 1.8L drivylity VIN: 3VWPE69M13 WE found a few codes relater with accelerator position sensor. Found ecm burn. customer brough a used ecm cranks but won't start inmobilizer light blinks. Have aftermarket key programmer to get a pin but not luky. Any one can tell me what to do it. Here that I...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2001 Audi S8 4.2L No Start, no communication VIN: WAUGU54D31 I thought I had all the wires I needed and I did. I happened to have an A8 come in and went through the ecu wiring diagram on it and one of its pins was different for my jumpers. Locating the correct pin I was able to jumper the ecu's between the cars and ve...	6
	2004 Audi S4 Avant 4.2L Tensioner? VIN: WAUPL68E64 It is the cam adjuster and Audi says that this is normal unless it does it warmed up and they have no updates as of yet. I did a little research for aftermarket parts and JH Motorsports does offer an updated adjuster kit. A little spendy depending on which kit...	7
	1997 BMW 328i 2.8L convertor clutch VIN: WBABK8321V well, i dont know what i did, but customer ran out of time for this go around, i put it all back together and lockup worked fine! the info i was specifically looking for did not come thru the replies, but i sincerely appreciate the suggestions i did get! thank...	4
	1999 BMW 528i 2.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: WBADM634ZX Thank you for all the replies. The customer has decided not to fix anything on this vehicle at this time. He says this fan has not been working for over a year and doesnt care that his a/c pressures are going to high. I did check all your suggestions. Many fel... Trouble codes: 125 (Coolant fan ckt), 144 (P1747 can buss monitoring).	7
	2001 BMW 330i 3.0L starter VIN: WBAAV53471 Thanks to everyone for the advice.Just about everyone agreed that the key was probably bad.I noticed that when the car would not start I could pull the key out,tap it on the shifter and then the key would work.The customer did not have another key.They took t...	9
	1990 Buick LeSabre Limited 3.8L lifters VIN: 1G4HR54C1L Thanks as usual for the great replies. Most were right, the #3 cam bearing had turned about 90 degrees reducing oil supply to a few select lifters. We opted to not install new bearings and replace with a used engine. The customer was happy and the car is down ...	19
	1993 Cadillac Fleetwood 5.7L lean condition VIN: 1G6DW5271P have passed the information to owner, he has decided to drive it and see what happens.	17
	2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L Camshaft VIN: 2GCEK19T6Y Well, we learned a lot about the 5.3 on this one and here's the summary of what we found during the engine autopsy. We pulled the engine, removed the timing cover, and found a broken timing chain which had some odd wear marks on one side...but what caused it t...	21
	2003 Chevrolet Astro 4.3L assist VIN: 1GCDM19X63 I received several replies about booster failure, as well as pump shaft breakage, belt or tensioner problem, even restricted hose. I will have to call the fault in the reman steering gears (both) being restricted. I was unable to get another one quickly, so I ...	7
	2005 Chevrolet Express 2500 4.8L Airbag light on VIN: 1GCGG25V35 Well, many thanks to everyone who responded with valuable advice. As everyone pointed out, & as I had suspected, it was indeed the front end sensor that failed & replacing it (this van only had one) caused the light to immediately go off when I turned the key ...	10
	2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 5.3L controler VIN: 1GCEK19B56 Gentlemen We installed the left side air temp actuator and the owner said he has had no problems since. I want to thank all who took the time to respond. We were leaning it that direction and it is nice to have your backup.	11
	2010 Chevrolet Equinox LS 2.4L MIL Light VIN: 2CNALBEW0A Hello,Thanks To All Who Replied.I Found Out It Was Covered Under GM's 7/100 Powertrain Coverage & Was Informed By My Friend Who Is The Acting Shop Foreman @ Bob Pulte Chevrolet That the Cam Actuator Solenoids Were Replaced & This Fixed The Problem & The Light ...	3
	2001 Dodge Dakota 3.9L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1B7GG26X41 Thanks for all the replies men and gals. No joy on a fix. After all the testing and diagnosing the customer declined the suggested clock spring replacement and took the truck. Unfotunately we had it last so he spent all his dollars elsewhere. It came down to ... Trouble codes: P0123.	12
	2002 Ford Thunderbird 3.9L fan assemblie VIN: 1FAHP60A22 This one in now fixed, As your replies suggested I did vacuum bleed the cooling system with no help. I also tried to clean reservoir to make sure the reservoir filter was not clogged. But after all failed we went ahead and tested the voltage to solenoid at ...	4
	2005 Ford Expedition XLT 5.4L Engine VIN: 1FMPU16535 thank you for all your input, we confirmed we have a oil pressure issue by putting in 20/50w and test driving for 2 hours during which time we had no issues.at that time we had 80 -100 psi cold on acceleration-70 at idle. after 2 hrs we had 65 psi on accelerat...	18
	2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty FX4 5.4L spark plugs VIN: 1FTNF21565 I used the carb cleaner method and let it sit overnight used a 3/8 impact and crossed my fingers all 8 came out without a hitch.Its unbeleivable that I got so many suggestions AWESOME	56
	2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 6.0L high pressure VIN: 1FTSW21P36 First of all thanks for the responses. The air flow thru the condensor and radiator is very clean. I recovered the freon and check the orfice. Found early signs of compressor failure [a few metal flakes and a few piston seals]. The fan clutch can be controlled...	12
	2001 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out VIN: KMHDN45D91 After 3 days of waveform analysis I have come to the conclusion that this thing has a bad computer. I double and triple checked the mechanical timing and everything appeared to be correct. The fact that the P0340 would immediately reset even with KOEO and the ... Trouble codes: P0340, U0D00.	4
	2005 Infiniti FX35 3.5L No Start VIN: JNRAS08W65 Thank you all for the information you have provided, I have recommended to the customer that we replace all the ignition coils, ground cables, and the ECM. Unfortuantly I am still waiting for the customer to decide what they want to do. When we have the approv...	6
	1986 Jaguar XJS 5.3L Hesitation, Stall VIN: SAJNV5840G well guys thankyou for all the replies and for the call i recieved but yesterday i ordered a new rotor the one in there was brand new owner but on but after installing are new one fired right up and runs great go figure right back to the basics thankyou again...	6
	2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7L Front Diff VIN: 1J4HR58N95 I checked eveything suggested [except the spider gears] .When the customer came to go for a ride with me no noise at all .HE SAID HE WOULD DRIVE IT AND LET ME KNOW	5
	1990 Mazda MX-6 DX 2.2L electric window VIN: 1YVGD31B9L took some time to get the parts to repair this one, First thing I foind on closer inspection of fuse block was the conection at the fuse was good at the power side but looked buened on the load side, After cleaning the conector and replacing the fuse I had pow...	6
	2009 Mazda 5 Touring 2.3L hazzard lights VIN: JM1CR29329 After rechecking all the circuits again, it turned out to be a faulty switch(new switch). New hazzard switch should click to on and stay on but did not. Thanks for all the help	2
	2001 Nissan Maxima GLE 3.0L Suspension VIN: JN1CA31A31 thanks for all replys. customer is not fixing it at this time. yes, the fix is to replace complete axle with arms and bushings as a assembly. thanks bruce	4
	2006 Nissan Altima S 2.5L Engine idle speed VIN: 1N4AL11D66 After trying the Nissan Bulletin twice with no luck I decided to take the other route that was suggested. I had my friend who owns a shop and the scanner to relearn the idle repair vehicle. Our computers at work only access Toyota - Scion - Lexus. Once again...	12
	2007 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.8L low beam lights VIN: 2G2WP55257 Thanks guys this car is fixed. Turns out it was the head light driver module. New dealer part and the lights work like new. Again thanks for all the help. Tony	9
	2000 Saab 9-5 2.3t 2.3L Mode door operation VIN: YS3ED48E1Y thanks for all of the help. As stated by replies that had 2 issues. Repair kit for blend door and the TSB repaired the mode door operation. Thanks again to all that replied	3
	1993 Toyota Land Cruiser 4.5L Cylinder Head VIN: JT3DJ81W7P We made a small mark on the upper gear and tied the chain to the gear in that position while the repairs were being made. When installing the head this made sure that it was just as it was before teardown!	5
	2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8L speedometer VIN: 3VWSE69M12 Car was not repaired, belonged to used car lot and they declined to go any farther	5
	2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 2.0L engine VIN: WVWAE63B05 OK I REPLACED THE INJECTOR O RINGS THEY WARE 65 FOR EACH FROM VW AND CAME WITH EVERYTHING EVEN THE PIN AND NUT FOR ROCKERS. ALSO ORDERED A tandem pump FROM VW AND REPLACED IT LOOKS ALOT HARDER THAN IT IS HAVING NEVER DONE ONE BEFORE STILL TOOK HALF THE TIME BO...	4

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