Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Dec 10, 2012

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	Help Request	Answers
	2004 Audi Allroad Quattro 2.7L think turbo VIN: WA1YD64B74 Replace Timing Belt and Componants Replace Valve cover gaskets and variable timing gaskets. Test drive Excessive exaust Smoke after stop.Exaust looks like and smells like emmisions not like oil or coolant.Rechecked all my vaccum and vent lines and hoses all O....	View
	2007 BMW 650i 4.8L Pt Can VIN: WBAEK13527 Vehicle will intermittently go into limp mode and set PT CAN (powertrain network) faults in all of the power-train modules. Sometimes the DME, trans, valvetronic, CAS or other control modules will lose communication to the scan tool. This most commonly occurs ...	View
	2002 Buick Rendezvous CX 3.4L starting VIN: 3G5DB03E12 this vehicle has been in several times for this issue. when i get it it does not give me any problems, until now. fuel pressure is on the money, has spark. only thing that hasnt been checked is injector pulse due to when i get ready to take the plenium off it ...	View
	1999 Chevrolet Tracker 2.0L Mechanical VIN: 2CNBE18C4X i am reposted this auto. it came in with severe engine vibration when put in gear. thought i fixed it. i found timing was off one tooth. chain was loose. put new timing chain and geats and tenior on. now vibration is worst. so mitchell does not show oil pump h...	View
	1999 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.7L Fuel Pressure VIN: 2G1FP22GXX Towed in for no start, no fuel from tank, no sound but power, replaced pump with delco. Towed in after a week and found that the fuel line in tank connected to outlet pulled from oulet got another delco mu1730 and a week later the same. Tested fuel pressure af...	View
	2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LT 6.6L ignition,M shift ind. VIN: 1GCHK23D96 vehicle came in for other repairs/maint.customer complained shift problem acted up once. I noted battery ind. on with key out of ignition (this was verified yet intermittant)with dtc p2961,other modules and history codes also recorded,too many to list.cleared ...	View
	2006 Chevrolet Impala SS 5.3L ses light on VIN: 2G1WD58C56 the one thing the codes have in common is underhood fuse emissions 2 , is blown. and new fuse blows in a few miles.been reading and unplugged all fan and ac relays and fans and deactavation Solenoid wires hoping to see something burned or damaged. no found. wo... Trouble codes: P0102, P0480, P0081, P3401	View
	2010 Chevrolet Express 3500 6.0L hard start After fueling van it hard starts, (long crank time). If you disconnect purge line problem goes away. This only happens after you put gas in tank. Started getting evap codes before this problem came about. This van does have 300000 miles on it. When you run eva... Trouble codes: P0496 (system flow during non purge), P0172 (system rich bank 1), P0175 (system rich bank 2)	View
	2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring 2.4L p0128 VIN: 3C8FY58885 Car came in with MIL on - P0128 Coolant Thermostat rationality. Changed Thermostat and performed coolant flush. Used dealer thermostat (paid attention to installation tab and put in facing the right direction) and dealer coolant. Checked ECT operation and foun...	View
	2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Van 5.2L No Start VIN: 2D7JB21Y43 OK, I suspect I have yet another PCM failure, but since I'm not getting the "no bus" death knell on the dash, and the stall/no start is erratic, I'm not 100% sure. The van was towed in for stall, no start. Checked fuel pressure, had 55-58 psi KOEO, checked for...	View
	2004 Dodge Durango SLT 4.7L No Start, no crank VIN: 1D4HB48N74 Good morning This vehicle has a no crank, no headlamps or any exterior lights, no power window operation, no wipers, The power locks and radio work, fuel pump will turn on when key is first turned on and the blower motor runs. I have checked for power and gr...	View
	2004 Dodge Caravan Sport 3.3L Hesitation, Misfire, Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1D4GP25R14 Hi, everyone. I would like input and ideas before this van returns to my shop. A brief history... -it came in with a hesitation complaint -we noted the anti theft LED was lit -the only codes were for a VIN MISMATCH and ROLLING CODE FAILURE -We decided to erase... Trouble codes: P0513	View
	1990 Ford F-350 Custom 7.3L Long Crank VIN: 1HTSAZPM6L If you let truck sit for more than a couple of minutes it will have long crank. The return line is not submurged in fuel in fuel tank. If there is suppost to be check valve on supply hose it is not working. This is a long going problem. No electric pump in fue...	View
	1992 Ford Ranger STX 2.3L No Start VIN: 1FTCR10A3N sorry about this one...have had in shop for 3 weeks..intermittent no start has good spark and fuel pressure will start on carb cleaner and run for 2-3 days when it does not start it has weak injector pulse...replaced ignition module and ran new ground for modu...	View
	1999 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat 5.4L Speedometer VIN: 1FDSF34L1X Speedometer is eratic. replaced diff speed sensor and pigtail. I have a Square wave comming out of diff speed sensor. Check ABS Module I have a square wave going in and a signature wave comming out. But im not sure what the signature wave is supposed to look l...	View
	2000 Ford Ranger XL 4.0L odometer VIN: 1FTZR15X8Y this Ranger came in with a problem of An inoperable odometer. The speedometer works fine. We took out the cluster and examined the worm gear as i know this is a common problem with this year. It looked ok so i tried a used cluster from a donor truck. I put the...	View
	2000 Ford Contour SE 2.0L No Start VIN: 3FAFP6638Y I am having repeat fuel pump failures (Ford pumps) and would appreciate some input if anyone else has run accross this. Tapping on the fuel pump seems to get the pump running. I have some scope captures, here are links: This one the vehicle is cranked and th...	View
	2000 Ford Taurus SE 4-Valve 3.0L No Start, Misfire VIN: 1FAFP5659Y This is a tough one. I hope there are some ford techs that have come across this before. I had a 2000 ford taurus towed in today for a no start. I was told that it had been misfiring lately and after sitting for the weekend would not start. The customer assume... Trouble codes: P0302, P0306	View
	2007 Ford F-350 Super Duty XLT 6.0L Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on, smoking VIN: 1FTWW31P37 First of all, let me state that I am NOT a diesel mechanic. We dont work on them at all... if it wasnt that this is a very important fleet customer, I wouldnt be touching this one either. The truck came to us this morning with a hard start when cold, a loss ... Trouble codes: P0270 (Injector 2 circuit low), P0279 (Injector 7 circuit low), P0460 (Fuel level sensor A low)	View
	2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 6.4L Unknown VIN: 1FTSW21R18 OK, Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions. I work on alot of 6.0 Powerstrokes but this is my first 6.4 and Im looking for some insight before I dive in. A good friend of mine bought this truck with the known issue of it having a freeze plug blown out a...	View
	2010 Ford Focus SES 2.0L pedal hieght VIN: 1FAHP3GN9A This car will not bleed brakes. The brake pedal goes to the floor easyly. I plugged the master cyl and the pedal is rock hard. I plugged off the HCU ports still no pedal. I replaced the HCU. Did a HCU bleed same. Gravity bleed no fluid from rear cyl and frothy...	View
	2005 GMC W4500 Forward W4S042 5.2L sart up VIN: J8DC4B1665 this vehicle will not start on its own. we have had to shoot starter fluid in the intake and then it will run and stay running. but as soon as it is turned off it will not restart hot or cold. the ecm was installed by order of the customer, he was told it was ...	View
	2011 GMC Sierra 3500 HD WT 6.0L No Start VIN: 1GD312CG1B Need help with this one. We pulled the fuse box to gain access to a wire that we are hooking up for an aftermarket system we are putting on. When we got everything back together and went to start the vehicle it cranked and started but only ran for about 1 seco...	View
	2002 Honda Civic EX 1.7L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1HGEM21992 Hi guys I have a Honda giving me a little trouble with some misfire codes. The car first came in with codes P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 and P0304 but the car ran fine no misfires. So we did the basic misfire diag fuel pressure, engine compression, ignition test... Trouble codes: P0301 (Cylinder 1 misfire), P0302 (Cylinder 2 misfire), P0303 (Cylinder 3 misfire), P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire)	View
	2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1J4HR58276 Vehicle came in with customer supplied O2 sensor. Installed and cutomer turned off light with personal scanner. Code P2096 returned and vehicle came back with a factory O2 sensor to install. Scanner data for B1S2 O2 sensor pid is very similar before and after ... Trouble codes: P2096	View
	2007 Jeep Compass 2.4L MIL Lamp on, Trans Temp Light VIN: 1J8FF47W27 Have the Jeep that has been turning on the transmission over-temperature light intermittently for the last year. Code P0218 (High Temperature Operation Activated)was stored in the PCM. There were no codes stored in the TCM. When this occurs, the PCM will go in... Trouble codes: P0218 (High Temperature Operation Activated)	View
	2000 Lexus RX300 3.0L water leak righ front VIN: JT6HF10U7Y Before I punt this to your shop. Mind you we work on Subarus. This lexus leaks water on the right front sun roof pillar or firewall area during hard rains only. The water seems to be coming from above and to the right of the heater and AC box we did check the ...	View
	2000 Lincoln Town Car Signature 4.6L steering VIN: 1LNHM82W8Y Hi. The customer concern is that while driving vehicle at any speed the steering wheel will not return to center what so ever after being turned. I verified complaint and found no matter how much you turn the steering wheel at speeds above 10MPH it will not re...	View
	2000 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0L Hesitation VIN: 4M2ZU86P4Y After warm up car hesitates for a couple seconds on acceleration.Usually after sitting at a light for 15-30 seconds.I have done almost everything to this because I have no codes present. Fuel trims ok, Just put in new plugs,wires,egr,cam sensor & syncronizer. ...	View
	2001 Mercury Grand Marquis GS 4.6L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2MEFM74W51 This Mercury was being brought into us for a check engine light for an EGR code. The DPFE was bad and needed replaced. On their way to our shop the customer said the transmission wasn't shifting right. It got to the shop and had a P1728 code. They also said th...	View
	2000 Nissan Maxima GLE 3.0L compressor oil VIN: JN1CA31A8Y We are replacing the compressor and related components on this Maxima, and our service information is calling for Nissan Type R refrigerant oil. Would like to know if this oil is a glorified name for Pag 46 or Pag 100 possibly? Or, do we need to get the OE oil...	View
	2003 Nissan Altima SE 3.5L Hesitation, overheat VIN: 1N4BL11E43 Hey, this car originally came in for an overheating issue, found thermostat to be stuck closed, replaced it, everything ok, couple weeks later came back for overheating at hwy speeds only, put a new water pump in after noticing minimal coolant flow from hose g...	View
	2007 Nissan Xterra X 4.0L No Start, MIL Lamp on VIN: 5N1AN08U87 Hello nissan fellos... I have one killing me, I have a 2007 Nissan Xterra that had no communication with any modules. No engine, trans, nor abs. I could communicate with the BCM, but no faults. I tested my power and grounds to the idpm module and all seemed to... Trouble codes: U1000 (Can comm), U1001 (Can comm), P1212 (Tcs/circ), P1610 (Nats malf), P1612 (Nats malf)	View
	1990 Other Ford 4000 7.3L long crank VIN: 1HTSAZPM6L If you let truck sit for more than a couple of minutes it will have long crank. The return line is not submurged in fuel in fuel tank. If there is suppost to be check valve on supply hose it is not working. This is a long going problem. No electric pump in...	View
	1996 Plymouth Grand Voyager SE 3.3L spark plugs VIN: 1P4GP44R2T engine died n transit n turns over fine but no spark,got 12 volts at coil pack,injector pulse is good,tries to back fire thru air box some times.need to c if there is a test for pcm by itself?van is clean so rigging of wires anywhere.is it proper for voltage t...	View
	1990 Pontiac Grand Prix LE 3.1L Hesitation, Stall VIN: 1G2WJ14T1L I am working on a 1990 Grand Prix 3.1L. This car drives down the road just fine but sometimes it stalls when coming to a stop and hesitates/stalls on acceleration. If you step it down hard it will hesitate and then take off strong. The check engine light is no...	View
	2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE2 2.2L starting VIN: 1G2NF52F83 I was handed somebody problem.Its been worked on all ready appears to have had head gasket repalaced,don't know anything more than that key also looks new. The problem is when you start the car and shut it off and try too restart within a couple seconds it jus...	View
	2008 Smart Fortwo Passion 1.0L Mechanical VIN: WMEEJ31X98 This is a new vehicle to us. Customer commutes 200 miles a day. Engine has been replaced 30K ago with a good used assembly. Concern: Check engine lamp came on. Customer pulled over within 1 mile and towed vehicle in. Verify check engine lamp on. DTC's P0303. R...	View
	1995 Toyota Corolla DX 1.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2T1AE09B2S Installed a new distributor about a week before codes set. Smoked the intake for vacuum leak. None found. Can't find a good place to tap into fuel lines as lines are very rotted, but under hard accel. no heisitation.. Also if high idle is matain in the shop o2... Trouble codes: 25 (rich), 52 (knock)	View
	1998 Toyota Corolla CE 1.8L Excessive Emissions VIN: 1NXBR18E7W Ive had issues with the walker cat in the past... thanks for the help in advance	View
	2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.7L Draw VIN: JTEBT17R14 This 4runner intermittently kills the battery overnight. We tested battery, alternator, and starting system without finding a problem. Ignition off draw is 144mA and does not drop even if we wait an hour for it to time out. The draw drops to 30mA immediatly af...	View
	2004 Toyota Camry XLE 2.4L dash and dome lights VIN: 4T1BE30K14 the dash and dome lights do not work all related fuses checked are ok , the harnesses and connectors are ok, the dimmer has no effect	View
	2004 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 1.9L 2nd gear VIN: 3VWCR31C54 This New Beetle came in for grinding in 1st and second gears, both upshifts and downshifts, also hard to shift to neutral from reverse. Upon disassembly, I found the 1st and 2nd syncro brass rings shattered (teenage daughter learning how to drive a stick?) and...	View
	2006 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5 2.5L 2-3-4 4-5 shift VIN: 3VWPW31C86 Hi VW techs, I have a 2006 beetle 2.5 with a 6 speed auto tranny that has very hard and delayed 3-4 shift and also int erratic 3-4-5 shift with int high rpm flaring. At first we could not scan ecm but i saw that the vehicle had an after market radio. i discon...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2008 Acura TL 3.2L No Start, Stall VIN: 19UUA66268 Thanks for all of your help. We ended up pulling off the intake, checking injectors with nord light, all were good. Pulled another spark plug out, this time they were not dry, but completely saturated. Only it was with WATER! Drained some fuel out of tank and ... Trouble codes: P0300 (Random misfire), P0303 (Misfire cyl 3), P0305 (Misfire cyl 5), P0306 (Misfire cyl 6).	15
	2001 Audi A6 Quattro 2.8L Mechanical VIN: WAUEH64B71 it ended up being right valve cover leaking. chande the gasket and a whole lot of hoses that look like pcv system	13
	2000 BMW 528i 2.8L Engine Block VIN: WBADM6340Y Installing the time certs worked perfectly. Please make sure you get the certs that come with the guide plate to make the installation go smoothly.	31
	2006 BMW 525i 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: WBANE53536 After reviewing all the great replies we tried what victor from new jersey sugested we removed the knock sensors from thje block and taped them to the wire harness , no codes reappeared . We then got more information from the customer who stated that he had th... Trouble codes: P0328 (bank 1 knock sensor high voltage), P1328.	8
	1993 Cadillac DeVille 4.9L distributor gear VIN: 1G6CD53B8P Thank you for all the help and replies, I looked at the cam gear closely while a fellow tech turned the engine over with breaker bar. On top dead center the cam gear didn't look too bad but 180 degrees from that it looked horrible with chipped teeth and some s...	11
	1994 Chevrolet S10 LS 4.3L No Start VIN: 1GCDT19W8R First off, thank you all for your suggestions! The vehicle is fixed, fuel pressure tested at 63 PSI. I ended up installing a complete factory fuel pump module. I also replaced the fuel filter. I reviewed the owner's maintenance records and determined the fuel ...	50
	2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer North Face 4.2L Starting (Ignition) VIN: 1GNDT13S03 the fix to this one was the pedal position sensor (on the gas pedal) we replaced it and all is well . now the no start at times was being caused by the ignition switch not seating right in the housing due to a broken tab. thanks to all who responded.	14
	2003 Chevrolet Impala 3.4L Poor Idle Quality, Surge VIN: 2G1WF52E33 Thanks for all the replies. After looking at the scan data for a while i decided that the best way to narrow this problem down was to cut the tps signal wire near the ecm connector & measure the voltage. When the problem was occuring i had around 2 volts or m... Trouble codes: P0101, P0121.	15
	2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 6.0L low power VIN: 1GCHK29U74 Thanks to all we replace the throttle and all works great. one would think that they would have a better system on that throttle. Again thanks to everyone Trouble codes: P1516 (eletric throttle).	5
	1989 Dodge Dakota Sport 3.9L blower fan VIN: 1B7GG69X0K The main issue I did not understand was why the amperage increased so much when I started the engine. I replaced the resistor block with a new one and the amerage draw was reduced to 10 amps and the plug no longer gets hot. The one that came from the salavag...	16
	2000 Dodge Dakota 4.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1B7GG22N1Y Thanks For All the help guys the vehicle seems to be fix codes have not return and drive monitors have set Good Luck and keep those wrenches turnin Trouble codes: P0118, P1281.	11
	1996 Ford E-250 Econoline XL 4.9L serpentine belt well its been a couple days and i am giving it more time between my cust and i before i call it repaired but am feeling confident the dorman tensioner was the fix as the belt tracking was noteably different. i uploaded a few pics but dont see any way to tag th...	26
	2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.6L no communication VIN: 1FMZU74W92 Thanks to all for the replies, many of which I had already tried. In the end, I took it to a friends shop today and it passed on his state computer. I have talked to Gordon Darby again about the failure, of which was no help originally, and they are sending ...	12
	2003 Ford Focus SE 2.0L No Start VIN: 1FAFP34P13 Thanks guys for all the help. We fixed it. What we found was when we checked fuel pressure at the fuel filter and the pump running we had 75 psi of fuel pressure but as soon as the power was taken away the fuel pressure dropped to nothing very quickly. So we h...	19
	2006 Ford Expedition King Ranch 5.4L Cuts out, Boggs down VIN: 1FMFU18596 THE SPARK PLUGS WERE ORGINAL. CHANGE SPARK PLUGS AND SOLVED THE PROBLEM THAK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.	16
	2007 Ford F-150 King Ranch 5.4L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTPW12V17 Well Gentleman, this vehicle has not returned and I called the owner this morning to see how it is doing and he is very happy and the check engine light has not come back on. I had a difficult time beleiving the water sprayed down the intake would break the ca... Trouble codes: P0420.	14
	2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL 6.4L Low Beam Headlamps VIN: 1FTWW31R58 Replaced Smart Junction Box & reprogrammed. Stripped the entire plow harness from vehicle due to corrosion issues. Advised customer replacement of plow harness was advisable to due poor routing and installation. No faults after SJB & harness replacement. T...	3
	1991 Honda Accord LX 2.2L No Start VIN: 1HGCB7150M Thanks for all of your many replies. We replaced the valve gear O rings, and installed a new distributor. The customer did not want to spring for a new Honda distributor, and we did not have his old Honda distributor to repair, only the Taiwan built new one.	38
	1992 Honda Accord EX 2.2L Brake VIN: 1HGCB7679N Thanks for all the suggestions. I had previously checked all the basics on this vehicle. master, frozen caliper pins bleeding etc. I believe the problem was the abs module but with the age of the car and high mileage the customer has decided to retire the vehi...	9
	2003 Honda Accord EX 3.0L relearn VIN: 1HGCM66513 So we'll call this a fix. after NUMEROUS drive cycles the exclamation light stayed on and while driving the TCS light would illuminate. I kept the appointment with the dealer and they claimed no light, code or problems. I took it out and did some donuts in a s...	5
	2003 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5L Sway Bar VIN: 2HKRL18904 I torqued both the cradle and lower control arms they all took 1/4 turn or so seems to be fixed customer has not complained if it returns I will remove the Sway bar and links check them. thanks guys.	7
	1993 Isuzu Trooper LS 3.2L Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: JACDH58W6P It Has Been Fixed. I'm Sorry If My Post Was Hard For Anyone To Understand But I Thank Those That Did Understand For There Help. It Was The Coolant Sensor. Not The Nicest Place To Put A Coolant Sensor But It Fixed It So Everyone Is Happy. It Had Nothing To ... Trouble codes: 14 (Coolant Temp. Signal Low Or Shorted).	4
	2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 3.0L security VIN: 1J8HR58M97 replaced the steering colum module and horn pad. It had an intermitten draw and the horn would go off.	6
	2004 Kia Amanti 3.5L MIL Lamp on, No Accel VIN: KNALD12414 Richard nailed it I think, with the initialization of the throttle system. I did just that and all seems well. I did check the connections of the components involved and found no problems. I delayed closing this so that customer could drive it for a while a... Trouble codes: P0431 (Cat. efficiency), P1193 (Low rpm limp mode), P2127 (APP sensor E ckt).	4
	2002 Mercedes-Benz C320 3.2L Bas, Esc VIN: WDBRF64J32 Thanks to everyone who replied. We ended up sending this car to the dealer for further diagnoses and the problem was the ABS control module. That is kind of what we were thinking but without any diagnostic procedures there was no way I was replacing the modu...	3
	2003 Nissan Altima SE 3.5L high beams and right turn signal VIN: 1N4BL11E33 thanks for the replies, i couldn't get a new turn signal switch for approx 10 day, back ordered part from dealer, customer didn't want to wait that long and took to someone else to get saftied. so vehicule was not repared at this time	3
	2010 Toyota Camry SE 2.5L radio, blower motor, lights on dash VIN: 4T4BF3EK7A removed radio, no fuses behind the radio could see burned marks on the capaciter. The customer took the vehicle and installed a used radio which worked. Believe that the radio shorted out when the blower motor was acting up. When the customer came in the ra...	5
	2002 Volkswagen Cabrio GLX 2.0L Stall VIN: 3VWDC21V62 first i wanna thank everyone who helped stanley james and jim you guys r the bomb scped signal from ecm its smoked customer is not sure what to do i will update with any new info thanks again	14
	2004 Volvo XC90 T6 2.9L HVAC, Cluster, Fuel door, Windows, Power seats VIN: YV1CM91H54 i apologize to all for taking so long to close this i got tied up and busy and forgot it was open! there was a few suggestions in here that were very close!! the low speed network was being shut down due some garbage being sent out from one of the modules. th...	7

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