Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Dec 18, 2012

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	Help Request	Answers
	2003 Audi A4 1.8L no heat VIN: WAUJC68E53 This young lady brought this car into me for a no heat problem. The car has a new thermostat and water pump, timing belt but when i checked the flow to the heatercore there is very little the heater core isnt stopped up but there just isnt any flow i read and ...	View
	2004 Audi A8 Quattro L 4.2L Suspension VIN: WAUML44EX4 Thank you all ahead of time for your help. I need to replace the upper control arms on this A8. We do the A6 contol arms all the time but they have a cast knuckle. This A8 has an aluminum knuckle. Any tricks or magic or words of encouragement would be greatly ...	View
	2011 BMW 328i 3.0L engine noise VIN: WBAPH5C50B 2011 bmw 328 i top front engine noise.Hello every one have this 11 328.with top front of valave cover noise sounds like loose timing chain hitting the plastic valave cover.vehicle drives fines no missfire.oil and filter been changed.servo motor works,replace w...	View
	1996 Chevrolet C2500 Silverado 6.5L No Start, MIL Lamp on hey guys working on my personal pickup here, started acting up a couple of weeks ago with an intermittent no start always when warmed up. shortly after that i got a po231 code low lift pump feed back voltage. so i replaced the lift pump as it was old anyway, a... Trouble codes: P0231	View
	2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS 4.2L valve train VIN: 1GNDS13SX2 Car came from body shop where had been sitting for 4-5 months.It may have had this problem before,because he bought it at sale and did body repairs,started it and misfire on 2-4 and ocassional 6.When pulled valve cover found rockers for 2-4-6 on intake side on...	View
	2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.3L Abs VIN: 1GCEK14W22 Vehile came in with rusted and leaking brake lines from ABS control unit/valve block to front and rear wheels.i replaced lines and bled system.Road tested vehicle to reveal another problem with ABS activation right before coming to a complete stop. I scanned v...	View
	2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L exhaust VIN: 1GCHK29103 vehicle is a close friend of mine,and he noticed as did i that at idle every now and again exhaust will show a light blue smoke.not all the time.while coasting to a stop (again not all the time)then after the stop with a light to moderate take off the smoke wi...	View
	2006 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.5L converter VIN: 2G1WT58K56 This car runs and shifts fine except for the torque converter continuously locking and unlocking approx every 5-10 seconds while cruising.	View
	2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3L Fuel Pump VIN: 1GCEC14J08 Thanks in advance. I have an 08 silverado in with a 5.3 L. Customer says it just died while driving. I have tested the fuel pump and when I give it power it runs. Tracked wire to find an fscm. I have battery voltage coming in to it but nothing coming out. I ev...	View
	1997 Dodge Stratus 2.4L uncomplete obd II mo VIN: 1B3EJ46X0V Hello fellow iatn members, greetings to all, we have a 1997 dodge stratus 2.4l that can't pass emissions inspection due to incomplete obd II self tests, the system goes to closed loop, coolant temp. is 195 deg. while driven, all sensors are reading good, no dt...	View
	2000 Dodge Durango 4.7L No Start VIN: 1B4HS28N9Y I have an odd one here. I have had a hundred no start 4.7s, and have never seen this. Has good spark, fuel pressure, but no injector pulse. No codes. All data looks normal to me, including CMP/CKP sync. Has anyone ever seen the odometer read "P doNe"? At this ...	View
	2001 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L Engine oil VIN: 3B7KF23621 Keep getting cooant in oil, pressurized cooling systm with valve cover off20+psi, cant find any freeze plugs leaking, Passes block test. Running alot of boost, can sleeves leak when under boost ?	View
	2012 Fiat 500 Sport 1.4L Starter VIN: 3C3CFFBR0C i dont need any tech help on this one as i have figured out the no crank problem. i am posting this so it may help someone with the same problem in the future in the event someone actually sees one of these new fiats. The problem is that the wire harness for t...	View
	1996 Ford F-150 Eddie Bauer 5.0L Lack of power VIN: 1FTEX15N1T This vehicle belongs to a long term repeat customer. We generally get the vehicle after her husband has tried to "fix" it, which to date has never been successful, but always leads to additional required repairs beyond the original problem. This trip in, the ...	View
	2000 Ford Focus ZX3 2.0L high idle VIN: 3FAFP3131Y Engine idles way too fast, 2500 rpm. CEL is on, code P1120. Clear codes,start engine and engine idles fine for 10/15 sec, then jumps back up to 2500 or more. Resets tps code at that time. TPS at closed throttle is .45 volts, 4.25 volts full throttle and sweep ... Trouble codes: P1120	View
	2001 Ford Taurus SE 2-Valve 3.0L Coolant Loss VIN: 1FAFP55UX1 Hi people have this 2001 ford taurus here that is loosing coolant some where, no leaks on the outside if engine, engine does smoke and has a misefire on the middle front cylinder, remove plug and found coolant on plug and cylinder wet with coolant, have checke...	View
	2003 Ford F-550 Super Duty XL 6.0L No Start, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1FDAF57P13 this truck is running out of fuel as in will run 15-20 seconds and then die, the fuel filter housing on the top of engine is empty when dies, fill the bowl up and will start and die. the regulator has been replaced, fuel pump has been replaced, fuel lines have...	View
	2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty XL 6.8L Turn Signals VIN: 3FTNF21S63 When vehicle is running you will here a buzzing sound from the turn relay. It's not constant but when it happens you turn the signals on it will stop. I've tried wiggling the harness when it happens and it didn't change. It seems like it's receiving a signal f...	View
	2005 Ford E-250 5.4L Cuts out, Stall, MIL Lamp on, Start/Stall VIN: 1FTNS24L45 This van came origionaly as a Died on road. Turned out to also be a start/stall. Had codes P061b/P2106/and rich codes for both banks. I have gotten it fixed to the point where the only code returning is the P061b. Still have the start stall. If you try startin... Trouble codes: P061B	View
	2006 Ford Ranger XL 2.3L MIL Lamp on Vehicle run ok engine light come on after a ten minute drive highway with P0300 P0301 P0302 P0304 and P0316 idle good runs good no misfire data avaliable Customer told me the engine light flash on him at one point but never felt a misfire wonder if the coil is...	View
	2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL 6.8L Stall VIN: 1FTWX31Y48 This truck came in with a intermitant stalling, upon checking the codes found P0191 fuel presure low or high, removed the fuel tank and found that it had about 1/2 gallon of water and alot of dirt. Cleaned out the tank, replaced the fuel filters (in tank and o... Trouble codes: P0191	View
	2003 GMC Envoy SLT 4.2L reduced engine power VIN: 1GKDT13S13 The P1271 blues: this vehicle has a history of setting P1271. It’s very intermittent and I have yet to duplicate it. By the time it arrives at the shop the sensors are working normally and the repair is to cycle the ignition key off and back on the get the red... Trouble codes: P1271	View
	1993 Honda Civic LX 1.5L No Start VIN: 1HGEG8557P Hello all, thanks in advance. This honda came in as a no start, they said it happens more frequently when it rains. This has been an ongoing issue for them, not sure exactly how long but found a reciept for the other shop dated october 2012. I push it in have ...	View
	1996 Honda Civic DX 1.6L friction disc VIN: 2HGEJ6342T Although this one owner car has only 114,000 miles on the original factory installed clutch, the clutch slipped badly despite being adjusted as far as possible. However after replacing the entire clutch with Exedy kit 08022 (clutch disk, pressure plate, throw-...	View
	2003 Honda Civic LX 1.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1HGES16593 I am trying to find out why its setting this code when the system holds vacuum perfectly.The FTP sensor shows an increase in pressure and voltage as fuel tank is drawn into vacuum.It shows .30psi and 3.0 volts under vacuum.Its going the wrong way according to ... Trouble codes: P1456	View
	2003 Honda Civic EX 1.7L Starter VIN: 1HGEM22983 Hey guys, This car came in with the starter not working. The Battery is good the starter works when jumped. The ignition switch works according to my volt meter. I replaced the relay but still nothing. I do not have a schematic on this car could it be a bad ra...	View
	2009 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5L valve adj specs VIN: 5FNYF48829 Hey - Anyone able to provide valve adjustment specs for a 2009 Pilot 4WD - found the TSB for the ticking at idle but after that work is done I need to adjust valves and do not want to assume the specs I have are correct since they are not from my ALLDATA... TH...	View
	2011 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5L Srs VIN: 5FNRL5H60B This vehicle came to us from the body shop with a SRS light on. Has stored fault code E3-11 (Front right side airbad does not deploy by OPDS operation). Using Modus. Fault will not clear. Body shop says it had a minor impact to right front. Replace bumper cove...	View
	1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 3.2L draw VIN: WDBEA32EXS Have been searching for the draw on this for a while. I've been through all the diagrams on alldata, but wondering if I'm missing a diagram. Vehicle has a 600ma draw. Pulled all fuses, still on. Traced it to circuit that goes to a small junction on passenger s...	View
	2002 Mercedes-Benz ML320 3.2L EPS module VIN: 4JGAB54E82 This vehicle came from a friend's shop. He replaced esp module and hydraulic unit for MIL's on. After replacement, same problem existed and brought the car to my shop. Retrieved DTCs: c1200 from esp and c1025 from bas. Tested brake lamp switch circuit between ...	View
	2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350 3.5L Misfire VIN: 4JGBB86E16 Hi Guys, This is one for the Benz Tech's as I'm banging my head. Vehicle came in with Balance shaft error codes. Checked timing was off on right bank. Fix balance shaft problem all with new parts the vehicle ran great no codes, smooth all is good. Two weeks la... Trouble codes: P0306 (Misfire Detected 6)	View
	2007 Nissan Altima S 2.5L Starting circuit VIN: 1N4AL21E77 This vehicle arrived with customer complaint of intermittant no crank, had been increasing in frequency over two weeks. Customer would only hear repetetive faint clicking noise like when battery is discharged. Customer reported he would move shifter when no cr...	View
	2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL 3.5L MIL Lamp on Vehicle has a new air pump on it. Air pump works when controlled with the scanner. Pumps plenty of air. I have checked for vacuum at each of the 2 check valves while the pump is running. No vacuum found at either valve. I did this by leaving one valve connecte... Trouble codes: P0410	View
	2003 Saturn Vue 3.0L steering/ suspension VIN: 5GZCZ53B03 This vehicle came in for a bumper to bumper inspection and an oil change. As a result of the inspection, we replaced the sway bar end links and did a transmission flush. We recommended front brakes due to a vibration in the steering while braking at freeway sp...	View
	2000 Subaru Forester L 2.5L Abs Pump VIN: JF1SF6351Y Customer brought car to my shop saying it needed front brakes because they were grinding.upon taking it for a road test before bringing it in the service bay,i discovered that what he was referring to as grinding,was actually the abs pump activating as the veh...	View
	2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4.7L No Start VIN: 5TDZT34A53 Hi everyone. I really need some help. Vehicle was towed in for died and wont restart. Customer has been driving with the alternator light on for some time.Spark and fuel pressure ch'k OK. The plugs were soaked. Removed pump relay, cleaned plugs and it started ...	View
	1991 Volkswagen Vanagon 2.1L Hesitation, Cuts out VIN: WV2ZB0257M hello everyone I am well versed in Volkswagen repair but this van is confusing me a little.Upon acceleration the tachometer just drops and the van hesitates very abruptly.It does not die but acts as if you are turning the key on and off when accelerating. Fuel...	View
	2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0L cooling fans VIN: 3VWSC29M7Y this vehicle came to us with a transmission problem. trans would flare shift 2-3 all the time. When i went to get the car the battery was stone dead. long story short the cooling fans are staying on and running the battery dead everytime you shut it off. once ...	View
	2004 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 2.0L Stall VIN: 3VWCM21Y54 Car was brought in yesterday after it stalled twice over the weekend, restarted right away both times. I drove it around 5 miles never stalled. I checked for codes with a Vag-com, none found. Idle speed is normal, short term trim is less than 5% positive, no o...	View
	1998 Volvo V90 2.9L Hesitation VIN: YV1KW9602W Thanks in advance guys and gals. This car hesitates badly occasionally on acceleration. Usually from a stop at low speeds. Seems to do it for me between 5 and 10 minutes after a fairly cold start. It only occurs, or you only notice it, for a few seconds while ...	View
	1999 Volvo V70 GLT 2.4L Stall VIN: YV1LW56D2X Initially this Volvo came in with intermittent hesitation and stalling, ETS light solid on. The check engine bulb has been removed or is burnt out, no illumination with key on or any other time. Originally there were many different codes with the exception of ... Trouble codes: P1113 (Ambient air temp. HVAC), P0650 (Mil light output)	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	1988 Audi 5000 S 2.3L Ignition Switch VIN: WAUFC0440J Thank you all especially bradford for the picturesand andrew for the advice. You guys are great. We got an angle drill and hit the spot on the first try. When the bit hit, the cylinder popped right out. learned that you dont have to remove column which would h...	8
	2004 Audi A8 Quattro L 4.2L blower motor VIN: WAUZZZ4E84 Well,guys,nothing much to say but that all of you nailed it - i replaced blower motor and all works fine.No stalling,works good in all 12 speed points.Amp draw reduced to 18-20 on maximum speed.There was no need for new controller.Old blower works fine on test...	11
	2002 BMW M3 3.2L Transmission VIN: WBSBL93482 Well, upon further inspection, Compression spring 23 31 1 228 397 was indeed broken (in two places). Replaced Compression spring w/ updated spring 23 31 7 511 337, replaced Locking pin w/ updated pin 23 31 7 511 337, and installed Thrust pin 23 31 1 282 444 w...	3
	1987 Buick grand nation 3.8L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Stall VIN: 1G4GJ1176H Thanks for all the input guys. The camshaft synchronizer was off 2 teeth. I believe it was John from New York who put me on to Casper Electronics. They give very detailed instructions on where everything should line up. After getting that correct it was much b...	26
	2007 Cadillac STS 3.6L Programming ECM VIN: 1G6DW67777 As I said, I sent this vehicle to the dealer because of time constraints. After reading the replies, I believe the general concensus is to hold the on button for 10-15 seconds to get the ecm into koeo mode. I had tried to program it in the acc mode and the ec...	11
	2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 6.6L lost of power VIN: 1GCJK39114 Thanks for all the information you guy provide would not have been able to solve the problem with out y'all and a picture from archive to show me what a needle in a hay stack I was looking for. It was small hole in LT. GRN. BLK command wire for inj. 3 where it... Trouble codes: P0202 (cyl.2-injector circuit promblem), P0203, P0205, P0208, P0208, P2149 (Inj. Position voltage control curcuit Group 2).	9
	2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT 4.2L starting VIN: 1GNDT13S97 well here it goes, after probing all the wires leading to and from the ignition switch I stopped and read the wireing diagrams in depth and traced most of them. then i looked closer at what fuses were with what wire. the ign2 30 amp j-fuse in the box under the...	13
	2010 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L gauges, signal lights , radio, heater VIN: 2D4RN4DE2A Customer has not returned with vehicle, apparently all seems fine, what was the cause who knows now. As I posted we were never able to reproduce problem here. Here are the tech posts I received. "found many intermittents hard to diagnose can be fixed with a si...	11
	1999 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L No Start VIN: 1FTWW33F5X Replaced Glow Plug Solenoid...Even though it applicable voltage to all glow plug wires. Replaced solenoid. KOEO glow plug solenoid will make a buzzing sound not just a click like before. Thanks for all your help...Keeping these in stock...	26
	2007 Ford Fusion SEL 3.0L Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 3FAHP021X7 I am sorry that I can't add anything to this problem, the customer declined anymore time to inspect or test the car. I guess he felt the extra cost for gasoline for the few mile he drove was cheaper than the labor charge expense. I wish I could have nailed i...	13
	2007 Ford F-450 Super Duty XLT 6.0L No Start VIN: 1FDXF46PX7 thanks guys sorry it took so long to close. It was the adapter coming off the pump leaking. So I replaced the pump and fitting, put it back together and it shipped it thanks Trouble codes: P2291.	12
	2000 Lincoln Town Car Signature 4.6L steering VIN: 1LNHM82W8Y Thank you all for the great replies! After further close examination I found that who ever attempted to install the left lower ball joint at a previous date failed to press it in all the way. It was "cocked" off in the control arm, and basically fell out once ...	18
	2001 Mercury Grand Marquis GS 4.6L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2MEFM74W51 Well its fixed. Thanks to EVERYONE for all of your help!! I checked everything on this one and couldn't find anything!! I was pulling my test leads off when I noticed a problem. The negative battery cable was a little loose. I intalled a new negative cable end...	17
	2002 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 3.5L engine VIN: JA4MW51R02 ok guys tried a lil everything on this montero from intake gasket to egr to coils nothing seem to fix it so i had to send it out to another shop ill c what they say and post tjanks for all the replys	12
	2005 Nissan Maxima SL 3.5L starter VIN: 1N4BA41E75 Thanks to everyone for your advice and glad to know there are people who care to help others like myself! I am 100% positive that the ipdm is the problem but unfortunately the customer does not have the money to fix his car the proper way. He stated that he ha...	6
	2007 Nissan Xterra X 4.0L No Start, MIL Lamp on VIN: 5N1AN08U87 well this car is half way fixed. when i removed the trans pan, there was rust in the bolt heads and the black contact switch board. replaced valve body and all is well. Know the only thing i have now is the abs, brake, and traction control lights will not go o... Trouble codes: U1000 (Can comm), U1001 (Can comm), P1212 (Tcs/circ), P1610 (Nats malf), P1612 (Nats malf).	11
	1990 Pontiac Grand Prix LE 3.1L Hesitation, Stall VIN: 1G2WJ14T1L Ran some injector cleaner through it and the problem went away. Thanks for the help.	20
	1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula 5.7L No Start VIN: 2G2FV22P9S Thanks to all who responded. I'm still waiting for the customer to return. I scoped the ignition and the High Res is good but the Low Res is very inconsistant so I'm sure it's a bad Dist from Autozone. I warned the customer before I installed it that he would ...	7
	1997 Toyota RAV4 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: JT3HP10V9V Thanks for the many responses. I can only guess that this vehicle was originally designed as a front wheel drive. Apparently, those are an easy fix. The general consensus was a)It's a tough part to access and remove b) access is improved by removing the batter... Trouble codes: P0401 (EGR Insufficient Flow Detected).	12

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