Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Sep 12, 2012

Join Now

Prev	Professional Automotive Repair Technical Discussions for September 12, 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
	2001 Audi A6 Quattro 2.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: WAUEH64B81 Replaced cats and ran tests to set readiness codes, all passed except basic setting 070 for EVAP regulator valve, removed valve, checked vacuum to valve-ok, checked signal to valve with noid light-ok, valve holds and releases vacuum as designed, ohm checked va... Trouble codes: P0441 (EVAP Incorrect Flow)	View
	2005 Audi A6 Quattro 3.2L esp/asr light on VIN: WAUDG74F65 Our customer took her car to the dealer with the concern that while driving under light load, the ESP/ASR warning lamp would come on, she says that is feels like transmission downshifts and throttle response becomes poor. Dealership decided that fuel pump, fue... Trouble codes: P2296, P1653, 01314 (Stored in ABS ECU engine control unit connector vag code 01314)	View
	1998 BMW Z3 Roadster 2.8L rear diff/axles VIN: 4USCJ3322W I hope there's a BMW tech out there who will help this old Ford tech. This Z3 will shudder on hard acceleration in 2nd & 3rd gears. Feels like it's coming from the rear, possibly r/s. Happens briefly at 3000RPM or higher. On the first visit we replaced a worn ...	View
	1999 BMW 328i 2.8L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: WBAAM5330X please help,i do not have much bmw experience and a friend dropped this car off after having starter replaced at a previous shop and now everytime you drive vehicle you get codes p1580 p1542 p1397,vehicle misfires badly and i,m loosing comm with ecm when this ... Trouble codes: P1397, P1580, P1542	View
	2007 BMW 328i 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: WBAVA37507 Codes can be cleared but reset after one Key cycle. We are using an Autologic scan tool but do not have a factory tool to run a Test plan. I can comunicate with evey module on the car with no problems with the Autologic. Are there any test I can run without a ... Trouble codes: 2F80, U0100	View
	2007 BMW 328xi 3.0L Mechanical VIN: WBAVC93527 clutch squeak upon releasing clutch engine off or running, noise from within trans/clutch area, noise appears like a clutch fork pivot or release bearing to fork type noise, only notice when clutch released not when depressed,we removed and lubed the slave cyl...	View
	1999 Buick Regal LS 3.8L No Start VIN: 2G4WB52K3X Vehicle towed-in. Cust states car was driven hot, and had coolant added shortly before it died. Injectors on solid... The intake manifold is warped by the Throttle body so that will get replaced, but the no-start is a result of the injectors being held open co... Trouble codes: P0300 (Misfire General)	View
	2005 Buick LeSabre Limited 3.8L driveline Hi guys We hav e a buick that is beating us Has a vibration that starts slighly at low speeds and gets a little worse at highway speeds. This viration feels like a tire out of balance or a tire out of round. The only thing is we can get this vibration on hoist...	View
	1988 Chevrolet R30 Silverado 5.7L Hesitation, Misfire VIN: 1GBHR34K8J This 1988 c30 5.7L will backfire when warm on acceleration over half throttle.Most in 2nd and 3rd gear(4 speed with Granny Low) Has new cap and rotor. Have tried new ignition coil, unplugged E.G.R., ran in by-pass mode(set timing connector unplugged)which made...	View
	2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L power steering pump VIN: 2GCEK19T41 Customer had a list of issues with vehicle and wanted LOF... When performing routine inspection found pitman arm and idler had play... power steering pump was leaking... bad master cylinder etc... Replaced pitman arm and idler arm and power steering pump etc.....	View
	1996 Chrysler LHS 3.5L gauges VIN: 2C3HC56F8T Group this lhs came in with complaint of gauges work when started then quit. Also battery dies at times overnight. Checked out and they come on when starting but like stated the go out after a second. Car runs fine and the only other electrical problem is the ...	View
	2001 Chrysler 300M 3.5L no start when cam senor is plugged in VIN: 2C3AE66G11 vehicle came to our shop after another shop had replaced timing belt an had heads off replacing bent valves.the other shop told the customer they could'nt get vehicle to start unless unpluging cam sensor.I have reset timing useing chrysler cam holding tools. p...	View
	2000 Dodge Intrepid 2.7L Mechanical VIN: 2B3HD46R1Y This 2.7 is noisy, can i replace the timing chain tensioner without taking everything apart. It sounds like timing chain its worse when hot and if i rev up the engine it will go away at times, until i start it after sitting again. I have 10 to 13 psi oil press...	View
	2001 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L No Start VIN: 3B7KF23681 Hello everyone, This tenant of mine buys used cars at auctions and this 2001 Dodge Ram2500 Pickup (5.9L Turbo Diesel - 24 Valve Cummins Engine); this vehicle had been upside down in a river due to an accident and this customer of ours purchased the vehicle in...	View
	2007 Dodge Charger R/T 5.7L converter? VIN: 2B3KA43H27 Chatter on downshift only,only normal shift mode.Manual shift mode is OK.No codes at all.	View
	2007 Dodge Sprinter 2500 3.0L Engine VIN: WD8PE74517 This vehicle brought in and found oil leaking from front crank seal. Replaced crankshaft seal but still came back slinging oil. Reinspected the crankshaft dampner closely and felt some slight grooving - replaced but still no change. I am suspecting the issue i...	View
	1998 Ford Escort SE 2.0L Hesitation VIN: 3FAFP15P0W This car is about to drive me crazy but I think I have the answer, just need some reinforcement. This car came with a jerking/hesitation on accel at low RPM's when shifting gears and stepping on accelerator car jerks and bucks and then takes off. When steppi...	View
	2001 Ford Mustang 3.8L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1FAFP40441 Hi, everyone. I got this mustang two days ago, while we driving, sadenly rpm goes over 2000,at the time more than 3000, look like we loosing control on gas , i mean even playing with gas pedal dos`t make any different , then rpm start come to normal by itself.... Trouble codes: P1125 (Tp circuit), P0136 (O2 sensor), P0174 (System lean)	View
	2003 Ford Windstar SE 3.8L Engine VIN: 2FMZA524X3 Vehicle was towed to our shop with a crank but no start condition. A friend of the owner worked on this vehicle and replaced the coil pack before it was sent to us. We have tested the for most commonly failed items. We are suspecting the ECM, but don't have an...	View
	2003 Ford Focus LX 2.0L No Start VIN: 1FAFP33P43 Vec towed in Cranks but no start died while driving- Tested spark good-Fuel pressure test show none- Ok got a bad pump Pulled down filter inspected very dirty- Replaced pump as norm thought I was on a roll then vec wouldnt start? Checked pressure a good 60 now...	View
	2006 Ford Explorer Limited 4.6L Rear brakes VIN: 1FMEU75896 This Exploder was towed in with the rear brakes grabbing/applying above 5mph and ABS light on. Customer stated that it was like that Tuesday morning, but OK Monday. Scanned with Genisys and found DTC C1155 LF WSS and some comm failures in the Compass module. V...	View
	1994 Honda Accord LX 2.2L MIL Lamp on, Intermittent buck 1 VIN: 1HGCD7138R FOUND CODE 17 PROBLEM TO BE VSS SENSOR /BUT CODE 9 CYP SENSOR MALFUNTION CANNOT FIND .The check engine light flashes intermittently only codes have been 9 and 17 speedometer has not worked for many moons customer says.I need a better way to find code 9 if any ... Trouble codes: 9 (Cylinder position sensor malfunction), 17 (Vehicle speed sensor malfunction)	View
	2003 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0L Surge, Cuts out, Stall VIN: KMHDN45D93 Hi Guys and Gals, I'm looking for some Hyundai help and or advice. I have this Elantra in which the main relay will intermittenly shut off for a split second causing a surge. Every once in a while the relay will cut out several times quickly causing a stall bu... Trouble codes: 506 (Voltage problem)	View
	2009 Hyundai Sonata GLS 3.3L Radio VIN: 5NPET46F99 Hello Hyundai techs, Car was brought to us by a reputable body shop after complete body repair to right quarter. The radio reception is good until the rear defrost is activated. We changed the amplifier on the right C pillar with no change in operation. Defros...	View
	1991 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4.0L clutch VIN: 1J4FJ5856M Customer complained of shifting issued during a test drive all was fine went to park jeep and would not go into reverse without grinding let it sit for 10 minutes works fine no leaks at master or slave any ideas?	View
	2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L No Start VIN: 1J4GW48S11 ok i have this 01 cherokee it cranks no start scan tool (new solus ulra) no communication with pcm so far i checked power to pcm ok pcm ground ok pcm ignition sens ok can bus lines have conanudi to dlc. it has new battery and terminals and new pcm. still the s...	View
	2000 Kia Sportage 2.0L No Start VIN: KNDJB7235Y Hope I can get a little help to start in the right direction. Cranks, but no start. Customer allready put a fuel pump in! Has no rpm(crank position), no injector pulse (noid light). Can communicate with PCM, no Codes! Big problem for me is lack of wiring info,...	View
	2000 Lincoln Continental 4.6L ride height VIN: 1LNHM97V2Y I can activate suspension pump with scan tool runs for 3 seconds and quits rear never raises.What is the next thing I should test pump runs fine when I apply ground to control circuit of relay, but rear suspension never moves up. Please help if you can. Adam	View
	2000 Lincoln Continental 4.6L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1LNHM97V8Y Vehicle originally came in running rough with a #3 misfire code. Diagnosis vehicle and replaced #3 injector. Vehicle came back one week later with a code for bank 2 lean. Smoke tested engine and found intake gasket leaking. Replaced intake gasket. Vehicle has ... Trouble codes: P0174, P1151, P0305	View
	1990 Mercedes-Benz 500SL 5.0L Cruise control VIN: WDBFA66E2L This vehicle's cruise control is inoperative. Although the vin# shows it to be a 1990. The cruise control system does not match up for 1990. But rather matches up for a 1989. We are confident that the cruise control switch is good and the brake light switch is...	View
	1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SEL 5.0L No Start VIN: WDBGA51E9N LAte to the party on this, I am posting for one of my techs, so will relate the story the best I can, vehicle came in 2 months ago with slight miss and battery going dead,tech found spark plugs wells filled with oil and he replaced v/c gaskets, plugs, wires, d...	View
	2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 5.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: WDBTJ75JX4 Head scratcher fellas???!!! this one comes in with this particular code set. We diagnose it as what we call a vent control valve (right rear of vehicle in wheel well).find valve operating properly when commanded open and shut with scan tool. What i was after i... Trouble codes: P0446	View
	1997 Mitsubishi Mirage DE 1.5L Clutch Installing a new clutch. Have to much travel in clutch fork. Thinking the flywheel has been turned to many times.Cant find a spec on flywheel thickness or where to measure it. All the new parts fit ok and are the same size as old parts. Anyone have the spec fo...	View
	2002 Mitsubishi Galant ES 2.4L No Start VIN: 4A3AA46G82 Car came to us as a no start. Original shop installed a new CKP sensor and used pcm. Scan data indicates no rpm while cranking. Scoped both cam and crank sensors at the pcm, both switch nicely (0-5v) and the pattern relationship looks just like the known good ...	View
	2004 Nissan Pathfinder SE 3.5L tires VIN: JN8DR09X94 Vehicle owner has had a vibration @ 60-65 mph for awhile that the local Nissan dealer tried to fix multiple times by balancing tires and could not stop vehicle vibration. The struts and mounts have been replaced and we recently installed new tires. The factory...	View
	2005 Nissan Frontier LE 4.0L Poor Idle Quality, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1N6AD06U35 this truck was bought in a auction, check engine was on, with multiple codes, customer stated that soonest he drove away from auction about 6 miles truck started to act up, first thing i did to check with smog monitor and found o2 way up 3.0 suspected head gas... Trouble codes: P0011	View
	2002 Pontiac Montana 3.4L awd light on VIN: 1GMDV13E32 Cust came in with awd light on.Unable to reset light (hard fault).Did diagnostics found power and ground good at control valve.Tested duty cycle and found that when key first turned on duty cycle is anywhere from 20-98%.Never the same twice.Duty cycle drops to...	View
	2003 Pontiac Montana 3.4L Starting VIN: 1GMDX13E03 Hello all, this van has me stumped but it seems so easy don't know what I'm missing.It was towed in as no start and when it got here it would just click at starter eather once or more like low voltage. We put a battery charger on it and it started so we left t...	View
	2004 Pontiac Montana 3.4L valve train VIN: 1GMDX13E94 i need to know is there a tsb for rocker arm bolts pulling threids out of cyl head on 04 pont montana if so what is and is the a repair kit avale thanks all	View
	2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2.0L radio VIN: YS3FB49S93 Current status of vehicle is ICM missing on BUS & cannot be contacted.All fuses are good.I have a Tech 2 with Saab software.Did O-BUS ring break test &ICM cannot be contacted on any BUS.Can I replace ICM with a used one & will I be able to reprogram with my sc...	View
	2007 Saturn Outlook XR 3.6L steering VIN: 5GZEV33707 My friends saturn came in apr for a power steering noise. i look at it replaced the rack and interned shaft. and dex vi fluid for pump . wheel aliginment.. he called yesterday about a louder noise.. now if u turn the wheel either way just at first u hear a ban...	View
	2004 Subaru Outback 2.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 4S3BH67584 Customer came in with mil on we scanned it and found po173 & po175 present. We checked all components that could affect system. We then cleared codes and customer stated light stayed off for some time ( a couple weeks). Customer returned for us to check it aga... Trouble codes: P0173, P0175	View
	2006 Suzuki Forenza Premium 2.0L high beam VIN: KL5JD56Z36 the high beam headlights only function when swtich is pulled toward driver, when you push switch forward they do not work. I replaced the switch from another forenza and nothing changed, all fuses and relays good	View
	1987 Toyota Camry DLX 2.0L No Start, Hard Starting VIN: JT2SV21F2H Engine has a long crank after sitting for over 10 hours (over night), Will start fine after the initial start, Will start fine if the key is turned to the on position for 30 seconds and then crank. Doesen't seem to be fuel pressure related, cold start injector...	View
	2002 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7L Abs Traction Control VIN: 5TDBT44A72 This vehicle came in with the abs traction control, vsc lites on . Scanned with modis receive code 1241, 1203, 1223 . We checked here on iatn and found one prior case but did not have a fix. Any help will be appreciated , thanks	View
	2007 Toyota Tundra SR5 4.7L no start VIN: 5TBRT54197 Got what should be an easy one for you Toyota guys. Got this '07 Tundra with a 4.7 that came in a no start. I have no power to the inside fuse box and this is fed from the underhood fuse panel alternator 140 amp fuse. The question is where is the dang thing? M...	View
	2001 Volvo V70 T5 2.3L Stall VIN: YV1SW53D51 This happen one time for customer while driving,vehicle stalled,then start and dies,vehicle was then towed in with same symptom,reset car with key,loaded engine to get into shop and all was OK,pull codes,wiggle test fuel relay and CEM unit with heat applied,pu... Trouble codes: CEM3A, ECM64	View
	2004 Volvo XC90 T6 2.9L transmission VIN: YV1CZ91H74 I have this volvo that im very unfamiliar with. I serviced the trans about 2000 miles ago. Fluid condition is still good. level is good. I can be driving this at speed and let off gas and coast, it acts like its not downshifting, it will hestitate for a second...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2008 Audi A4 Quattro 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: WAUDF78E08 Thank you all for replying. After the oil change was done, the vehicle was driven for a day while I was gathering information. The light went out on its own. Most likely the knock sensor was picking up engine noise of some sort. I would have liked to post ... Trouble codes: P0328 (Knock sensor 1 circuit high).	8
	2002 BMW X5 4.4i 4.4L wiper motor and pump VIN: 5UXFB33582 ha. the bolt came out and got wedged. i always get ahead of myself. thanks very much guys.	4
	2006 BMW X5 4.4i 4.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: 5UXFB53576 Thank you all for the quick replies.yes it was a crankcase vent valve ,and they are a very common failure.the valves are very easy to change they just pop off and there is a kit with a diaghram and spring that are available at the dealer or worldpac.it is b...	6
	2008 BMW 750Li 4.8L Hesitation VIN: WBAHN83538 Thanks to all that responded - but the customer has not returned as of yet so I have no further info on this car. Trouble codes: 2DCF.	4
	2003 Buick Century Custom 3.1L Cluster VIN: 2G4WS52J33 2 replies gave me the wiring info I needed. Others said to check the fuses. All were right. I had accidently blown a fuse during repairs, testing, etc. This was the 15A taillight fuse. I know that I tested every fuse twice before any dismanteling of the dash. ...	5
	1997 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GNDT13W8V Thanks for everyones help i think IATN is a wonderful thing it helped me a ton the 97 chevy blazer with 190000 mile after testing fuel injection spider i found no leaks i removed the distributer and it was wore out i also performed a leak down test on missing ... Trouble codes: P0300.	25
	1998 Chevrolet Astro 4.3L No Start VIN: 1GBDM19W6W Thanks for the fuel pressure tip i did not know it was so critical it was 48psi replaced fuel pump went to 62psi solved cold start problem	25
	2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 4.8L crank relearn VIN: 1GCEC19C07 Hello and thanks to all that replied,you have personally been sent a email to thank you,if i have missed anyone i do appologize.The fix,go figure the 1 place i didn't even think to check was"module setup".But like i said,frustrated as hell after dealing with t...	9
	2001 Chrysler Sebring LX 2.7L Starter VIN: 1C3EL45U91 Thank all of you who took the time out of your busy days to reply to this issue. The fix was indeed the ECM which needs to have a VIN flash prior to install. After I posted the update I went back and double checked all of my tests. Since the starter relay ...	7
	1999 Dodge Durango SLT 5.9L No Start VIN: 1B4HS28Z5X thanks for all the replies. alot said bad coil. I forgot to say i had already replaced coil with a mopar one. But anyway, the fix ended up being coil, crank sensor and pcm. I think the owner jump started engine backwards on battery. any other combo, of these 3...	12
	2003 Dodge Ram 3500 8.0L No field current VIN: 3D7MA48W33 Thanks for the input. Ended up running a wire from switched ignition (thru a 15a fuse) to the WT/BL wire at the pcm. (Cut the wire coming out of pcm) Left the field control wire intact. System charged 13.6 to 13.7V. Checked the field control with it running an...	6
	2007 Dodge Charger R/T 5.7L cooling fan 2 VIN: 2B3KA43H27 Replaced FCM module,had whole car reprogamed and updated.Problem with with fans OK now.New problem with car,has a chatter in trans when in normal shift mode.Manual mode OK.Posted this new problem,car now has no codes.	10
	2000 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L transmission torque converter VIN: 1FTWW33F1Y Removed valvebody cleaned spool valves and installed aux trans cooler. Roadtested good concern is fixed	6
	2002 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L Fuel in coolant VIN: 1FTNW20F12 THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HELP. FUEL INJECTION CUPS ARE THE PROBLEM.	6
	2003 Ford Expedition XLT 4.6L Mechanical VIN: 1FMRU15W83 another one that makes me want to quit,i removed the left valve cover,than the cam holddown with oil pressure orifice in it,the orifice was open,used air gun with rubber tip and applied air to all holes for oil delivery,the one that went to the chain tensioner...	4
	2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty XLT 6.0L No Start VIN: 1FTWW33P06 Thanks to all who responded, I was able to cycle the IPR with my Snap-on Solus Ultra & found that there was no change in the sound of the leak. I cycled the valve open & back closed again & all of a sudden my leak stopped. Valve was stuck open. I replace th...	11
	1993 Honda Accord LX 2.2L Balance shaft VIN: JHMCB7656P Thank you all for the help. Like many of you said, I pulled the motor. I actually just disconnected everything and pulled the transaxle up enough to pull the front cover off and get to the balance shaft retainer. Pretty straight forward from there. thanks ag...	8
	2001 Honda Accord EX 3.0L alarm VIN: 1HGCG16581 Group, Thanks to all who replied. The culprit was a bad hood latch switch. I unplugged and low and behold the alarm worked. I guess when I popped the hood to do theservice it bit the dust. Live and learn and thanks again to all who replied!! [...] trick is to j...	10
	1995 Jeep Wrangler Rio Grande 2.5L Misfire VIN: 1J4FY19P6S Again, thanks to all who took the time to help out.The pcm was the problem, although a lot suggested the distributor. I did change it just for laughs and the symptoms were the same. The ignition set up on these Jeeps is controlled by the pcm, the distributor c...	8
	2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4.7L Air Bag VIN: 1J8GW68J43 Well, Another one down the Road! Bit the Bullet and Changed the Air Bag Control Module and reset the module. 30 miles and no air bag light or CODES!! Whew! Thanks for your Replies! Have a GREAT Day! Fred	4
	2004 Land Rover Range Rover HSE 4.4L Transfer Case VIN: SALME114X4 Thanks for the replies guys. I think that we are all on the same page and we are going to advise the customer to replace the transfer case actuator/motor. Thanks again.	3
	2002 Lexus GS300 3.0L Unknown VIN: JT8BD69S92 THANK ALL OF YOU GUYS THE POBLEM WAS THE AFTER MARKET I PUT OEM CAT AND O2 SENSORS IN, THE CAR PASS NYS INSPECTION. QUESTION WHY WAS ONLY BANK 2 CAT CODE WAS ALL THE TIME AND NOT BANK 1 THANK YOUS GUYS AGAIN	11
	2008 Mazda 3 i 2.0L Excessive Emissions VIN: JM1BK32F38 TURNS OUT THAT there was way too much gaunteed to pass additive in the tank or something, maybe water, i don't know. Got it to pass by running it on the dyno while having a 2nd gas analyser on it, when she went clean we ran her,and she's gone.	4
	2004 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor 1.8L A/C off on panel VIN: WDBRF40J74 Thanks guys. You all did a great job in bringing something up that I skipped over somehow. For some reason I thought I had cleared system faults after charging correctly but that was my only problem. Never did find the High pressure port but thanks for your su...	9
	2003 Mercury Mountaineer 4.6L mode VIN: 4M2DU86W43 Thanks everyone for the very prompt and extremely accurate fix for this vehicle. We found the vac line out under the hood was knocked off while doing the initial repairs. All good now, cycles fine. Thanks again everyone.	5
	2000 Nissan Pathfinder LE 3.3L Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: JN8AR07S5Y First, thank you all for your help. It seems like the distributor was the cause. As it turns out. The connector was broken at the distributor. Not the harness side, but the plastic shell that surrounds the pins. While running, you could gently wiggle the c... Trouble codes: P1320 (Ignition Signal).	13
	2006 Pontiac Montana SV6 3.5L all wheel drive VIN: 1GMDX33L16 got back to van this week cust gave green light on new cat and awd selonid in the rear end thanks for all the help	5
	2003 Saab 9-3 SE 2.0L convertible top VIN: YS3DF78K63 Thanks for everybody's input on this. I'm a happy camper. The shear pin was broken and needed a new one. Install and recheck roof operation. Flawless. Wow. Thanks a million for everybody's quick response and help.	8
	2003 Saab 9-5 Arc 3.0L Shifting VIN: YS3ED59ZX3 Trans was overheated so replacement was performed with used unit and no further problems have occured.	3

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