Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Aug 31, 2012

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	Help Request	Answers
	2000 BMW 323i 2.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: WBAAR3345Y Hello group,2000 bmw 323i with code 119 throotle valve mechanical fault.vehicle came in oil in cooling system ,vehicle drove fine no ck engine no symptoms.after repairs engine runs fine idle perfect every thing is set cleaned and addaptations set.the moment th... Trouble codes: 119 (thrttle valve mechanical fault)	View
	2003 BMW X5 4.4i 4.4L air suspension VIN: 5UXFB33583 This truck came in with the suspension collapsed. We attempted to raise and lower vehicle. Pump for air suspension will come on and run for 30 seconds. After running the pump sits for a minute and then the pressure relief valve opens and bleeds out any air pre...	View
	1988 Cadillac Eldorado 4.5L A/C Clutch VIN: 1G6EL1156J This car came in to us with the A/C inop due to a leaking compressor. It has been converted to R134A. We replaced the compressor and recharged the system. After driving about 10 miles the display shows Low Refrigerant Pressure and eventually shuts down the sys...	View
	2000 Chevrolet Impala 3.4L ignition switch VIN: 2G1WF55E8Y THE car came to my shop with other ignition switch (used) the firs problem on the car was the mechanic part of the ignition switch the client change by itself but now the car dont crank. I alredy try the reprograming procedure for new key but the security lamp...	View
	2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 6.0L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCHG35U83 Hello and thanks in advance. I am having trouble with this van at idle it will surge and run terrible, equal amount of misfires on all cylinders, code comes on for maf sensor, replaced with known good and hasnt changed.(had old good one at the shop)fuel trims ... Trouble codes: P0101 (Maf sensor performance)	View
	2006 Chevrolet HHR LT 2.4L 1-2 shift Vehicle has intermittent "T/C off" warning light (indicating Traction control problem/system disabled) During this time harsh 1-2 shift and harsh engagement shifting into drive from neutral. Other upshifts are OK. Next drive cycle will normally have no light a...	View
	2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LT 5.3L rear lift gate VIN: 3GNEC16Z36 Howdy Boys N Girls, Happy LABOR$ Day! It looks like I will be giving mine away for free next week. This Suburban came in and the lift gate would not open or allow the glass to open, there no resistance on either the latch lever or the button as if it were lock...	View
	2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie 5.9L No Start VIN: 3D7KS26C15 Ok guys we have a real good one here. What I have going on is, when we hook up the scanner. The communication, comes and goes like a turnsignal switch. The fuel pump relay clicks just like the communication comes and goes.All powers and grounds to pcm are good...	View
	1993 Ford Bronco Custom 5.0L No Start VIN: 1FMEU15N9P towed in from another shop and now I have it, crank and no start / NO Spark. , no codes and live data normal and as you see in history everything is new. power to coil. what am I over looking? any ideas? thank in advance for any input.	View
	1994 Ford Taurus GL 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FALP52U6R Hi all.I have this 94 tarus [3.0 u motor]that is giving me a real problem.Usually when it gets warmed up good it will loose comm.w/computor and starts running poorly.Sometimes car can be driven for a week or more before problem appears.The cust drives 50 mi. e...	View
	1995 Ford Aspire 1.3L No Start Here we have a 1995 ford aspire with no fuel and no fire. Sorry for no vin.Inertia switch is good. you can hear the fuel pump run and it fires 1 time as you turn the key off.Customer bought a new distributor and it was installed with no change.Has anyone had t...	View
	1996 Ford F-150 Eddie Bauer 5.8L Low Power VIN: 1FTEF15H4T Customer complained of low power , Replaced cat 8 months ago excessive back pressure. Customer returned with similar to same complaint low power . We have test driven vehicle and found excessive exhaust back pressure again 4 to 5 PSI at WOT 4K rpm during test ...	View
	2004 Ford Taurus SE 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FAFP532X4 car came in with engine light on. found code p0462 but gauges are correct and when running self test everything comes back ok. alldata is no help pull up code and it gives diag for the evap system lol it is a flex fuel vehicle so i know theres a seperate modul... Trouble codes: P0462	View
	2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4.0L No Start VIN: 1FMEU51K67 I need to find out how to test the fuel control module. I have no voltage to the pump, I have battery voltage and ground to the module. Thanks for any help.	View
	2010 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0L Air conditioning VIN: 3FAHP0CG8A Customer complains that out side air temp display shows -8 degrees when the actual outside temp is 80 degrees. Reads fine @ lower temps like in the am. When this happens the auto a/c blows hot becase it thinks its cold out. We have replaced out side temp senso...	View
	2005 GMC C5500 Topkick C5C042 6.6L No Start VIN: 1GDE5C3205 Hello we have just installed a rebuilt motor into this topkick. Once the truck started it quit within 10 seconds, naturally I had assumed that the air in the rail was to blame so we tried to ensure fuel lines were bled completely. lines seeem to be bled truck ...	View
	2006 GMC Envoy XL SLT 4.2L Stall VIN: 1GKES16S66 have a intermiitent stall. vehicle will idle for a hour sometimes longer, before stall occurs. intermittently on a test drive will stall. restarts every time. runs perfect, other than stalling. no codes in any module, performed system scan. replaced cam sensor...	View
	2000 Honda Accord LX 2.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: 3HGCG6654Y Hi Honda Folks, ive got this 2000 Accord that logs a p0141 code right away, if cleared it returns in a moment. this is for a downstream O2 sensor heater circuit fault. i found that power to the heated O2 sensor is good (battery voltage). we installed a new O2 ... Trouble codes: P0141	View
	2001 Honda Accord EX 3.0L alarm VIN: 1HGCG16581 Group I have just replaced the timing belt and rear main oil seal in this car and now the alram will not work. Customer has been with me forever and says it was working before so I believe them. I have disconnected the battery and cleaned the hood latch contac...	View
	2004 Honda Accord EX 3.0L Head Bolt Threads VIN: 1HGCM665X4 Customer complaint -oil leak back (firewall side) head was leaking oil from the rear of the head. Checked oil pressure passage diagram - was leaking by oil pressure passage to cylinder head. Removed cylinder head - all head bolts were loose except one - real l...	View
	1999 Isuzu NPR-HD 5.7L Cooling Systems VIN: 4KLC4B1R7X Hello everyone this truck has been very dificult to figure out I need all the help I can get please. In 2007 customer blew the motor for lack of oil changes he was told by another shop, a reman engine was put in in 12/2007. In 2009 the truck came to me with bl...	View
	2005 Mazda MPV ES 3.0L Misfire VIN: JM3LW28J15 Hi guys, nned your help on this one, the injector 3 is never fire, i chek all the connection betwen the pcm an the injecctor every thing is fine. Change the pcm, same thing,somoene have a idea,getting mad whith this one, i check also with a noid lignt nada. Th... Trouble codes: 203 (Injector 3)	View
	1988 Mercedes-Benz 300E 3.0L Surge, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: WDBEA30D3J Need Some Advice. This Is The Only Benz I Work On At The Moment. Guy Has 2 300e's. Other One (Lets Call It The Donor Car)Is An 87. Anyways, Car Always Starts Fine. Then It Might Stumble A Little Or Even Stall But Starts Right Back Up. Engine Light Will Flicker... Trouble codes: 3 (Coolant Sensor), 5 (O2 Sensor), 8 (Altitude Correction Capsule)	View
	1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 3.2L 2-3shift limp mode VIN: 4JGAB54E2X Hi! ok first thing first,i change the oil and filter,( no so bad inside the pan )and the conductor plate and the socket, cleaned the connector,no oil in the etc.Road tested same thing,limp mode,no 3 speed and code 147, on the scanner i don't have the speed for...	View
	2000 Mercedes-Benz S500 Guard 5.0L Keyless Entry VIN: WDBNG75J0Y The vehicle came into the shop with the following complaints: R/F Xenon Headlight - Not working Washer Fluid Low - Intermittent message Coolant Level Low - Intermittent Message Found that the R/F Xenon Ballast failed, Installed new headlight assembly. Then...	View
	2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 4.3L Improper Operation VIN: WDBLK70G32 Trunk will not open with top up and latched	View
	2004 Mini Cooper S 1.6L coolant VIN: WMWRE33454 hello MINI techs and everyone on IATN. this mini will build pressure in expansion tank and over a short drive will blow coolant out past cap. initially i suspected head gasket but after performing leakdown test 4 different times and sniff test i can not find f...	View
	2002 Nissan Altima SE 3.5L Misfire VIN: 1N4BL11D32 Here we go again everyone. This vehicle runs cherry. No acceleration problems, idles at 725 in park and about the same in gear. This vehicle has what feels like an ignition or fuel injector type misfire. It only does it when it is hot, ac is on, fans are blowi...	View
	2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL 2.2L Accessories VIN: 1G3NL12F93 After checking the vehicle I found the intake was cracked and the converter, resonator and pipe assembly had to be replaced. I checked all grounds and customer called with the same complaint with body controls working on and off. I never could get the vehicle ...	View
	1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager Expresso 3.8L 20 amp eng fuse VIN: 1P4GP44L4X van was towed in off the road no start...i found a blown 20 amp (eng) fuse. the customer had invoice from another shop from the day before. they did an ignition coil and a 20 amp fuse. which tells me they jumped to conclusions when they saw no fire. o2 sensor ...	View
	2004 Saab 9-5 Arc 2.3L Cuts out VIN: YS3ED49A14 Car came to shop with a cut of when you come to stop. No codes found and every data seens to be normal. We replace the PCV valve because it looks very old and the Brake booster hose showed craked after a smoke test. The car just stall sudenly when you going to...	View
	1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLX 2.8L AC Compressor VIN: 3VWTD81H0X Thanks to all for the help, I traced out the wiring from AC switch to the fan control module and found a big hole melted through the bottom of it and the T10 connector melted to the module, I think this was done when someone else replaced the cooling fan motor...	View
	1998 Volvo S70 GLT 2.4L Oil leak VIN: YV1LS5642W Tennessee car arrived with reports of no engine oil. Since 2+ quarts low won't show on dipstick, added 2.5 qts + 2 qts coolant, took for a four mile drive and oil lost a quart and coolant res was empty again. Found some oil drip from left/rear of engine and a ...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2005 Acura MDX 3.5L Rear differential VIN: 2HNYD18235 Thank you all for the input. Comes down to it that if not serviced at the recommended intervals, it will take 3 flushes to get the noise to go away. After servicing it 3 times the noise is gone. Thanks so much for all the information.	12
	2002 Buick Park Avenue 3.8L w/s washer fitting VIN: 1G4CW54K32 Got this one fixed today. I went to the salvage yard first to check on an OE part,but they never got back to me. First off,thanks to the 4 who replied in a very prompt manner. The replies basically outlined what I ended up doing;fixing what I had with small ho...	4
	2002 Chevrolet Tracker 2.0L battery draw VIN: 2CNBJ13C12 THE MAIN RELAY WAS CLICKING LIKE CRAZY, AND SEVERAL UNDERHOOD SENSORS. I ENDED UP SUBLETING TO ELECTRICAL SPECAILIST, THE REPLACED PCM, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY PROBLEM SOLVED, WHO KNOWS?? ALL I KNOW IS IT IS FIXED AND NOW I CAN SELL! THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP WIS...	7
	2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L No Start, Stall VIN: 1GCHK23225 thank you everyone for the replies. especially Alex for the reminder about the bcm being the power mode master, I had previously looked at class 2 power mode but didn't catch the fact that the power mode showed "accessory" when the key was in the "run" positio... Trouble codes: P1626, P0675.	6
	2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L Drive line VIN: 1GCHK23295 we went back to square one and put a different set of tires on as it did not shake with the old tires. The vibration is gone and the truck drives much better overall. Everyone in the shop agreed it was a driveline vibration and all 4 tires road forced within l...	12
	2006 Chrysler Pacifica Touring 3.5L Unknown VIN: 2A4GF68456 Thanks to all who replied. All of your suggestions were taken into consideration. Special thanks to Quentin from Minnesota & Ted from Michigan. It was in fact the alternator causing the problem. It did have a whining sound to it, but I would've never correlate...	8
	2007 Chrysler Sebring 2.4L shifting VIN: 1C3LC46K07 Hi. Thanks to you all that responded. I replaced the PCM & had it programed. I will say it's fixed, It's been gone for about 2 weeks. Thanks again, this is still a good source for fixes.	4
	2008 Chrysler Town & Country LX 3.3L Cuts out, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 2A8HR44H38 We replaced the crankshaft and camshaft sensor pigtails and then finally installed a reman alternator. The alternator seemed to fix the problem. The car has been gone for a week with no complaints. Trouble codes: P0339 (Cranksahft sensor signal intermittent), P1128 (Bank 1 closed loop not achived).	4
	2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 3.3L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire, Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: 2B4GP443X2 Hey everyone thanks for the help on this one. The MAP sensor volts started going crazy so I found a bunch of bare wires in the injector harness running behind the coil under the PS pump. I went to a salvage yard and got a harness, put it on and it started and ... Trouble codes: P0172 (Rich exhaust).	15
	2000 Ford Taurus SE 4-Valve 3.0L compressor clutch VIN: 1FAFP56S7Y Well I got this vehicle repaired, First the fix, clean the throttle plate, yeah I know what what your thinking long winded post and seventeen replies for a darn routine procedure. Excuse number one, I had raised throttle minimum air rate at one point to try to...	17
	2001 Ford Taurus SE 2-Valve 3.0L dpfe VIN: 1FAFP55291 hell everyone that replied should get kudos. after contacting customer, they refused...(any repairs) i just did a 2000 ford mustang head gasket gt. the son was pissed.. he lost the mustang and got a tarus to drive. hair spray cig bam fire.. custo...	22
	2002 Ford Thunderbird 3.9L Passenger Power Window VIN: 1FAHP60A92 I APPRECIATE ALL REPLIES, NO MOTOR ISSUES WERE FOUND, MY SUGGESTION WAS TO GO TO THE DEALER AND USE THE IDS TO VERIFY AND REFLASH FEM AND REM. I WAS ALSO TOLD THE IDS HAS GREATER ABILITY TO RELEARN THIS SHORT STOP SETTING. SENT CUSTOMER TO THE DEALER AND HAD A...	2
	2006 Ford Crown Victoria 4.6L cruise controll VIN: 2FAFP72W36 thanx for ur great support..we found cruise motor pins HAVE PIN CORROSION, Its replaced with new and retested found working normally. regards ajith	5
	2010 Ford Ranger XL 2.3L Inside hard lid VIN: 6FPAAAJG56 We educated the customer about how it works and dosent want us to go any further. Yes we did use the smoke machine and it's impossible to seal everything and it's a characteristic issue. Thanks for explaining how it works.	6
	2000 GMC Jimmy Diamond Edition 4.3L Hesitation, Cuts out VIN: 1GKDT13W0Y Thank you for all the replies. we installed a new fuel supply line to no avail. identifix had us install a sexconf fuel pressure regulator to no avail. eventually while driving we caught with scan capture using snap on solus pro the mass air flow gram/sec dat... Trouble codes: P0131, P0135, P0143, P0151, P0300.	18
	2000 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3L Noise VIN: 1GKEK13T9Y Thank you for the replies. I relpaced the fuel pump again (another delphi unit). Got a regulator from dealer-same unit as the other 2 delphi regulators. Noise was still there. We just happened to be doing an engine replacement on a chev pick up and had to swap...	10
	2000 Honda Accord EX 2.3L clutch master cylinder VIN: JHMCG5554Y Owner has not decided whether to invest the money to replace both the master and slave cylinders which I recommended and several techs endorsed.Most useful information came from observation that leakage from both fittings is controlled by a small "O" ring whic...	5
	2005 Honda Accord LX 2.4L Vibration Thank all of you for the multitude of replys. I was planning on checking to make sure the front mount was getting vacuum like Mike from Ohio pointed out in the TSB. I was planning on checking compression like Gary from New Jersey said. I had already told the c...	25
	2004 Jeep cherokee CRD 2.8L Poor Idle Quality, Cuts out as stated fuel pressure was all over the show, we re-newed the fuel pressure valve (cascade valve !!)on the back of the fuel pump (3 screws, ridiculously tight) vehicle idled much smoother and on live data fuel pressure was steady and tracked "set fuel pressur... Trouble codes: P1130 (fuel rail pressure malfunction leakage detected).	5
	2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L No Start VIN: 1J4GW48S24 After checking all powers and grounds, finally installed a used PCM and got it to start and run for 5 seconds at a time due to the security. Brought it to the dealer to program and now it's great. Thanks for all the info.	20
	2001 Lexus RX300 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: JTJGF10U31 First off I would like to thank everyone who has replied about this issue. All of the advise and ideas were very helpful. After pulling the covers off the front, all of the timing was correct. Fuel pressure was good and was not creating an issue. Injectors... Trouble codes: P0300, P0302, P0304, P0306.	17
	1989 Mercedes-Benz 300E 3.0L No idle at all VIN: WDBEA30D7K HEY GUY'S SORRY ABOUT THAT DELAY, BUT MY MECHANIC QUIT ON MY KNOW I'M BACKED UP SEVERAL DAY'S! THANKS TO ALL, I FIXED IT, LIKE MANY OF YOU SUGGESTED I CHECKED THE FUSE AND RELAY BEHIND THE BATTERY, ALSO POWER AND GROUND TO THE IDLE VALVE ALL WAS OK. MUST BE T...	6
	2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350 3.5L turn signals VIN: 4JGBB86E96 Group customer took car to dealer. I think and from what I can gather others have had a problem with the right rear sam after a wreck and people poking around in that area. Unplugging and banging around without disconnecting the battery is probably the culprit...	3
	2002 Nissan Frontier SE 3.3L Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1N6ED27TX2 The majority said that repairing the knock sensor code would not help fuel mileage much, if any at all. I will discuss this with the customer and see if he wants to spend hunderds to gain a possible 1 or 2 MPG. Thank you all very much. Trouble codes: P0328.	11
	2005 Nissan Frontier LE 4.0L serpentine belt tensioner VIN: 1N6AD06W35 Thanks for the many responses guys.The problem was with pulley alignment like the TSB said.The conventional straight edge I was using was not accurate because of the many things in the way.Experimenting with moving the pump,I found a happy spot where the belt ...	8
	2002 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L No Start VIN: 1G2HX54K52 After receiving James reply we isolated the system and realized we needed to check the timing more closely. We had just replaced a 3.8 in a Grand Prix. We removed the front cover of the core motor and lined up the timing dots to check for proper cam timing. Do...	12
	2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T 2.0L Cup Holder VIN: YS3FB49Y38 Well, cup-holders is us !! The little bugger is nicely installed without breaking anything. Step 1 is to ignore the procedure in WIS, which will only get you in trouble when you try to take the dash vent out & wind up with a 3-D jigsaw puzzle. The smarter way...	6
	2001 Subaru Outback 2.5L Mechanical VIN: 4S3BH66541 Thanks all replies I was unable to pinpoint leak even with dye it would spray out on the exhaust after hwy driving . I removed engine & resealed rear main & oil pan & sep plate & small cover in rear. I removed the oil pump & regulator I didn't find any sealer ...	7
	2002 Subaru Legacy L 2.5L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 4S3BH63502 After further discussion with the customer we found out the complaint started shortly after refueling at a station they do not use regularly. We reinspected the fuel and it appeared murky, so we had our local BG rep come out and do a specific gravity test. It ... Trouble codes: P0065, P0171.	12
	1994 Toyota Camry XLE 3.0L differential VIN: 4T1GK13E7R THANKS TO AL [...] FOR YOUR OUTSTANDING HELP! Pulled the drain plug on the diff and got a lot of really old dirty fluid. Then dropped the pan and found the same. No metal chunks, just really brown, sludgy and gritty (like sand), gee go figure in Florida, althou...	8
	2005 Toyota Highlander 2.4L Fuel Pump VIN: JTEGD21A85 Thanks everyone for your replies. After seeing that William from Minnesota and Andrew from Mass had been replacing CKP sensors early, we gave the customer some options and recommended that the crank sensor be replaced first; which he agreed for us to do. After...	8
	2003 Volkswagen EuroVan MV 2.8L Cuts out, Loss of power VIN: WV2MB470X3 Well, it is fixed. Turned out to be an issue with the wiring harness going to the Vehicle Speed Sensor. I finally got the scope and hooked it up, and sure enough I had erratic signals going to the TCU line in from the speed sensor (TCU side of harness). Hooked...	8
	2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9L Mechanical VIN: 3VWST71KX6 well it's out as most of you said there was the one bolt in the starter hole but we still had to pry quite a bit due to the dmf had came apart and the part that lock the eng. up was holding us back, i had search aldata but never found nothing about a hidden bo...	8

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