Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Dec 19, 2012

Join Now

Prev	Professional Automotive Repair Technical Discussions for December 19, 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
	2007 BMW 530i 3.0L Pressure Control Valve 5 VIN: WBANE73597 Merry Christmas to all ... I need some help/info from the BMW transmission guys...the car was towed in with a shifter will not come out of park. we get no activation from the shift lock when pushing the brake pedal. all the obvious has been checked including r...	View
	1997 Buick Park Avenue 3.8L Climate Control VIN: 1G4CW52K1V This car has a dual climate control system, and I can't control the passenger side temp. When it came in it had a B1341 in the control head and I replaced paassenger temp control motor. I don't get the code, but I can't control the temp. On the scan tool It sh...	View
	2000 Buick LeSabre Custom 3.8L No Start VIN: 1G4HP54K9Y This is another nightmare. We received this vehicle from one of my fleet customers. It's a daily driver by numerous people. When you get in it and put the key in the ignition you may have to turn the key a dozen times before it will actually crank. We scanned ...	View
	1989 Chevrolet K3500 Silverado 7.4L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Cuts out VIN: 1GCK34N6KE Hello, I will try to make this long story short. Truck belongs to a local boatyard. The timng chain broke, he sent it over to a guy that owes him money for his boat. The other shop replaced the timing chain and replaced the cylinder heads with some heads the b... Trouble codes: 44 (lean exhaust)	View
	2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS 3.4L Speedometer VIN: 2G1WW12E64 2004 monte, erratic speedometer readings shows 110 mph when doing 50, or shows 25 mph when doing 50 shutting off and on the ignition switch about 10 times did correct it but after a few days back to the erratic again	View
	2004 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.8L Stall VIN: 261WH52K64 this car came in starts and stalls iac was low replaced iac adjusted iac to 18 at idle key on iac at 66 as soon as it starts cranking drops to 0 and stalls put your foot in it a little and stays running. sometimes it only drops to 1-3 and will come back to 66 ...	View
	2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.5L cruise control VIN: 1G1ZT54814 Customer complaint is that cruise quits after he drives it 15-20 minutes.He says it will not reset untill he shuts car off for awhile.He did notice that the cruise light in the dash goes out right before cruise quits.Without spending alot of time trying to dia...	View
	1992 Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo 3.0L Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out VIN: JB3XE74C3N Engine has a severe surge/buck at 2200-3,000 RPM on accel at part throttle at approx 25-30 MPH. Not there under hard acceleration. Can duplicate readily with vehicle sitting still & raising engine RPM. No codes present. Front O2 sensor wave form was dirty. rep...	View
	2001 Dodge Dakota Sport 4.7L Misfire VIN: 1B7GG22N21 see repairs Trouble codes: P1391	View
	2003 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L No Start VIN: 2D4GP44R63 No crank no start intermittant.Mil does not prove out when fault occurs. Then is starts and all is ok. But of course it refaults. Thinking bad ECU hoping for some imput. Can the ECU just be replaced with a used unit or do I need body control security module an... Trouble codes: N0NE	View
	2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 2.7L Stall VIN: WD8PD74475 This customer came in complaining that at times the engine will shut off for no reason at all but will restart. Sometimes it will quit several times in a few miles and then it would work right for days before it acts up. We scanned the computer and it had a bo... Trouble codes: P2124 (Injector bank circuit shorted to ground or voltage)	View
	1996 Ford Ranger Splash 4.0L Clutch Sistem Gets Air Into VIN: 1FTCR14X0T After few days of bleeding clutch sistem gets air into.	View
	1999 Ford F-150 5.4L engine this f-150 occasionaly will overheat,I THINK...,be driving down the road and all of a sudden the temp. gauge will peg hot and the truck goes into limp mode, pull over and shut it off for a couple minuts and start it back up and it is fine and it could be fine ...	View
	2001 Ford F-550 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L injectors VIN: 1FDAW56F01 f550 was towed in for no power hard start, misfire during contrubution test found cyl's 6 8 failed test codes po284,po278 removed all glow plugs to test compression found cyl #8 a bit low at 290psi cyl #5 350psi all the rest were 390-400psi. also found while r...	View
	2001 Ford Crown Victoria LX 4.6L No Start, Cuts out, Stall, MIL Lamp on, red temp light VIN: 2FAFP74WX1 Issue: Once car warmed up either at idle or driving, car will drive normal them RED TEMP light comes on dash, CHECK ENGINE flickers and car shuts off or cuts out for second. Sometimes will restart right away or may need to sit for few minutes. Once intial stal... Trouble codes: U1262	View
	2003 Ford Taurus SE 3.0L fuse 20 or 28 PDC VIN: 1FAHP58SX3 For all the Ford transmission gurus out there. This Taurus wagon keeps blowing the fuse in the underhood fuse box that feeds the oxygen sensors and all of the solenoids in the transmission. About 2 or 3 weeks ago we thought we had it fixed by replacing bank 1 ...	View
	2005 Ford Expedition XLT 5.4L Communication VIN: 1FMPU16545 Once again, I am at a loss and need some guidance. This Expedition has no communication with any modules. I have tried a Modis ver. 11.4 and a Matco global OBD II code reader. One time, after no communication with the Modis vin specific, I went to the global ...	View
	2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL 5.4L Passenger Airbag VIN: 1FDSF34546 Has codes for passenger air bag and pad. Which have both been changed along with rcm drivers bag and clock spring. Have ids ohms readings on drivers airbag 2.7ohms [...].2ohms tested pad at rcm. Pad in on position 950ohms off position 500 ohms Rcm does n...	View
	2006 Ford E-350 Super Duty XLT 5.4L rsc warning VIN: 1FBSS31L46 i have this van that says service rsc now and I can't get any useful info from mitchell and or owners guide. My question is what causes this warning and what steps do I follow to diagnos it. thanks in advance for your help.	View
	2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty XLT 6.0L keyless entry doorpad VIN: 1FTWW33PX6 hi everyone. i have a customer that purchased this truck used. they would like to use the keyless entry doorpad to unlock the truck in case of leaving their keys in the truck. according to alldata you have to have the factory code in order to initiate programm...	View
	1999 GMC Yukon SLT 5.7L No Start, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1GKEK13R1X Hello to all, We have this problem child Yukon that has had an extremely intermitant stall for the past 2 years that has now gotten to the point where it happens 1 time a week and my customer would like to fix it. I have only had this truck stall 1 time for me... Trouble codes: P0141 (O2 b1s2), P0161 (O2 b2s2)	View
	2009 GMC Acadia SLE 3.6L Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1GKEV13D79 when vehicle was new till about a year ago the highway mileage was about 16-18 mpg average.now the avg. mileage is about 11-12 mpg. even after the dealers service. their response is, "that's normal." any ideas would be appreciated. note- all dealer work was do...	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
	1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L No Start VIN: 1J4FX58S4T HELP! Hello again iATN members. I'll get to the point because it's a long story (I'll try to keep it short). 1996 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L, A/T w/ 140K miles. Customer had to keep playing with gas pedal to keep it running when he brough it in. Check engine l...	View
	2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 3.2L Convertible top opening VIN: WDBLK65GX2 This car came in with the convertible top not functioning and the trunk not releasing electronically. Autologic indicated an implausible signal from the soft top OPEN/CLOSED limit switch (S84/13). I found the soft top bow 'latched' switch was not registering w...	View
	2007 Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport 2.5L Starting VIN: WDBRF52HX7 Key won't turn in ignition.The little red light flashes in key when tested. Battery voltage is good , fuses are good and ignition switch has power and ground.What is the next step...key? Can not retrieve any codes due to not being able to turn key.	View
	2005 Mercury Montego 3.0L Instrument Cluster VIN: 1MEH743195 Instrument cluster will intermittantly go berzerk and set a myriad of codes throughout the system. Specifically it will set charging sytem codes. There is a tsb for this same problem which states to replace the cluster for 700 cocos. Is there a way to test the...	View
	2004 Mini Cooper 1.6L Electronic VIN: WMWRC33424 I have this Mini that when it shifts into 5th and 6th it acts like it drops out of gear or downshifts to a lower gear and RPMs stay at about 5000. Checked fluid level is full and clean. Scanned ECM got P0123 tps sensor 1 input high and P0222 tps sensor 2 input...	View
	2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2.4L No Start, cranks slow, loud VIN: 4A3AL25F88 Vehicle cranks slow, starter has loud, hollow metallic sound, tried starting fluid, disconnect & recharge battery, no help. Checked valve timing ok, r&r crankshaft pulley, inspect balance shaft belt and rotor for ckp sensor(all teeth ok, with appropriate teeth... Trouble codes: U1109, U1117	View
	1999 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2L Misfire VIN: 1G2JB1244X cuts out above 4000 rpms begins to misfire and then blind up like clogged cat but back pressure is good/fuel prssure is with in specs and has good flow	View
	2009 Pontiac G6 GT 3.5L starting VIN: 1G2ZH57N59 Vehicle stalled while driving. Customer stated gauges went nuts and then died. Odometer reads error and scan too will not communicate. I have 61 ohms from pin 6 to 14 on DLC. I did find some fuses showing 6 to 7 volts in the fuse block. Is this a common item t...	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
	2007 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 2.5L Battery VIN: 4S4BP62CX7 Battery goes dead after sitting for a couple of days. Has a 350mv draw. 320mv is through the "back up" 20 amp fuse in the underhood PDC. I can't find wiring that lists this fuse, but if you unplug it the radio, HVAC control and the clock are INOP. The back up ...	View
	2010 Subaru Outback 2.5i 2.5L judder/stall at stop VIN: 4S4BRBJC3A Car has intermittant judder and sometimes stalls at stops. Driving through town 35 - 40 mph and decel to a stop it starts to judder then stalls like a torque converter not disengaging. Anyone have any issues with lock up solinoids or valves sticking? CVT trans...	View
	2002 Toyota Celica GTS 1.8L Poor Idle Quality VIN: JTDDY32T82 This car is possesed, first off thank you all for helping. Original problem was throttle plate was worn due to excessive coking. We cleaned it and brass plate was worn so bad that idle was high. Replaced throttle plate assembly and all was well, at least we th...	View
	2005 Toyota RAV4 2.4L No Start, MIL Lamp on The first problem was the engine overheat due to the broken radiator cap, engine loss power loss compression, so we overhaul the engine, and replace everything except CPK, now the engine wont start and no spark on 2 & 4 coil pack but coil is good and everythin... Trouble codes: P0115 (Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Malfunction)	View
	2006 Toyota Corolla S 1.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1NXBR32E06 Hi and thanks for looking at this for me! I usually do NOT touch Jap cars but got suckered into this one. My question is all F/T values appear good i.e. long & short (10% BUT O2F/T 96.3% I have never seen O2FT before all I can find out is that it's the same a... Trouble codes: P0171	View
	2008 Toyota Corolla S 1.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1NXBR32E98 Came in with p0101. Replaced maf with denso part from world pac. No vac. Leaks found and vehicle runs fine. Came back with same code a week later. I suspect some sort of software issue.any advise and help appreciated. Trouble codes: P0101 (Maf sensor range performance)	View
	2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0L no cruise VIN: 3VWSC29M6Y Checked all fuses, under measuring block 066 Switch 1 shows 1000 switch at res and applying brake can see 1110, then switch 2 shows 0011 thats off right, and no difference with moving switch.I also read switch has no voltage till 19 mph. No codes for cruise. T... Trouble codes: P0300 (needs wires and plugs)	View
	2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 2.5L moniter wont pass VIN: 3VWDF71K15 This new jetta wont pass the 02 sensor moniter or the secondary air moniter car first came in with secondary air code replaced pump and valve now wont pass the moniters I can turn on tyhe pump in basic settings and watch the 02 go lean what am I missing Tom	View
	2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 2.5L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 3VWSF71K25 this post is to help with a drive way fix/repair so you can see if there are other things going on. typical of the VW breather system you get internal vacum leak, and on this eng [2.5L] vale cover needs to be replaced. I used a PCV valve [ I found in the used ... Trouble codes: 16795 (sec air incorrect flow), 16891 (idle control), P0171, 18711 (leak air intake), P0411, 19058 (o2s b1s1 circuit limit)	View
	2000 Volvo S80 2.9 2.9L reverse last week at grocery store wouldn't go into reverse. works good cold when warm it slips gradually gets worse the warmer it gets. heard this is very rare with this tranny. all forward gears work fine shift is good with no slippage. wondering if anyone has seen ...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2001 Audi A6 Quattro 2.7L No Start THANKSTO ALL. WHEN TURNING ENGINE OVER WITH BREAKER BAR (POSSIBLYBACKWARDS ENGINEJUMPEDTIMEALLWELLNOWTHANKSAGAIN	8
	2003 Audi S6 Avant 4.2L Unknown VIN: WAUXU64B13 Our next step is to try a wheel bearing. If that does't take care of the problem I think we are truly left with a differential problem. I will post again if wheel bearing was the fix.	11
	2002 Buick Rendezvous CX 3.4L starting VIN: 3G5DB03E12 the owner did not have a second key, so had a new key made and programmed. so far no problems. thanks guys for all of your input.	24
	1997 Cadillac DeVille d'Elegance 4.6L power seat VIN: 1G6KE52Y8V memory module above gas pedal-obselete through gm-found used through scrap yard-power seat ok now-thanks to those who took the time to reply	3
	1988 Chevrolet S10 Blazer Sport 4.3L Right Rear Brake VIN: 1GNCS18Z6J First off, Thanks to all who responded with suggestions. I'm going to call this a fix because after a 23 mile test drive with moderate to heavy braking I did not detect any abnormally hot temps at any of the brakes. When the cust returned we removed both meta...	35
	1991 Chevrolet S10 2.5L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Misfire, Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 1GCCS14A6M Thanks to all who replied. All the sensors were reading right and i had the right fuel pressure. Turns out the cap and rotor were bad.	35
	2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Z71 5.3L gauges VIN: 1GNEC16Z46 Sorry for long time to close.Ended up replacing battery.Finally got cust.to leave vehicle with us for a day or 2.battery tested good when charged.but low in am.retested draw 4 m/a.After batt. replaced all is good.	18
	2007 Chevrolet Equinox LT 3.4L reduced engine power VIN: 2CNDL73F97 This vehicle ended up requiring a throttle body assembly which repaired the problem. Thank you to all who replied. Trouble codes: P0121 (TP Sensor/APP Sensor), P2119 (Throttle Closed Position/performance), P2135 (TP Sensor 1-2 Correlation).	7
	1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.2L propotioning valve VIN: 3B7HC13Y5X I have been unable to get the truck back in for further diagnosis the customer needs the truck and will not be able to return until after the first of the year. I thank all who gave advice and will save them until next year when I can spend some time with the ...	14
	2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie 5.9L Misfire VIN: 3D7KS28C35 Sorry it took so long to close this one but I was waiting to here back from customer.He took this one to the dealership. Called me today said they told him the exhaust valve on cylinder no.1 was adjusted too tight and that was causing the miss. We didn't adjus... Trouble codes: P0201, P2146.	11
	2006 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 5.7L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire VIN: 1D7KS28DX6 we recomended having fuel injectors flow tested. customers going to come back for that repair. ill keep you posted thanks for all your help. Trouble codes: P0307.	15
	2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty Harley-Davidson Edition 6.0L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Cuts out, Misfire VIN: 1FTNW21P04 After reading all the posts. I detemined that the next step would be to replace the injectors. Customer didn't want to spend the $ and decided to drive it as is. Returned truck to customer.	7
	2004 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4L trans range sensor VIN: 1FTPW14514 Thanks for all the replies from other Techs. I replaced the trans. range sensor and I waited for several weeks to get the special tool for adjusting the sensor.When I hooked my scanner up again to clear the codes I couldn't do it because the scanner would not ...	9
	2005 Ford F-450 Super Duty Lariat 6.0L No Start VIN: 1FDXF46P65 This truck is working but would'nt call it fixed. After putting it back together I was unable to recreat the problem again. While I'm sure it's only a matter of time untill this truck acts up again,you can't fix whats not broke. Thanks for all the help and you...	7
	2006 Ford Ranger XL 2.3L MIL Lamp on Good Morning !! Well is official AUTOLITE Plugs !!! SUCK !!! Drove the truck home and back to the shop No ENGINE LIGHT ON All Monitors are complete SWEET THANKS FOR ALL THE ADVISE	12
	1996 Honda Civic HX 1.6L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1HGEJ7221T REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION AND TCM CUT THE #18 WIRE FROM THE TCM CONNECTOR THIS WIRE IS A SPEED SENSOR WIRE.	10
	2001 Honda CR-V EX 2.0L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: JHLRD18681 WOW you guys are great!! I am overwhelmed with all the response on this & almost everyone hit it on the head![LOL] I did check valve timing & for vacuum leaks both are ok. I pulled the valve cover [cold engine] & almost all the exhaust valves were to tight I a... Trouble codes: P1399, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304.	28
	2005 Honda Civic Hybrid 1.3L No Movement VIN: JHMES96695 WE DECIDED TO PULL THE TRANSMISSION AND CHECK THE FLYWEEL AND SURE ENOUGH THE SPLINE OF THE FLYWHEEL WHERE IT SPLINES TO THE INPUT SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION WAS STRIPPED OUT. THIS TRANSMISSION DOES NOT HAVE A TORQUE CONVERTER LIKE A NORMAL AUTOMATIC BUT HAS A ...	6
	2009 Honda Pilot Touring 3.5L valve adj specs VIN: 5FNYF48829 Thanks for the quick responses and although it's not buttoned up yet I call this done. I should have stated there was no sticker under the hood (my first thought)(hood replaced?). Hopefully between performing the TSB and valve adjustment it will happy Honda ...	7
	2011 Honda Odyssey EX-L 3.5L Srs VIN: 5FNRL5H60B Thanks for all the replies. Looks like SRS module will need to be replaced. Did not find any belt tensioners triggered. Body shop is going to send to dealer. Dealer told us that the SRS module would have to be programed.	4
	1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L Cuts out VIN: 1J46258S0V A lot of the replies stated that aftermarket crank sensors cause problems. Notified the customer of these replies & he was willing to try an oem. Replaced crank sensor with one from chrysler & the problem went away. Can't really thank everyone enough! Merry Ch...	13
	2006 Kia Sedona LX 3.8L windshield washer VIN: KNDMB23396 Never overlook the obvious. AllData had a lot of misinformation for this one. It showed a module that even the dealer couldn't find. Fuses were good and since neither the front or rear washer didn't work, I assumed it had to be the module that AllData showe...	8
	2006 Land Rover Range Rover HSE 4.4L alternator VIN: SALME15426 Thanks for the replies on this Land Rover. Ordered a replacement from dealer and everything is back online. It's frustrating as I am sure you all know to install components that you believe to be good and have them make you second guess the repair.	5
	2003 Mazda Miata 1.8L ignition lock VIN: JM1NB35353 thanks for the insight everyone. the ignition locks on these are not servicable, they are sold as complete units. So i just re-coded all the doors and reprogrammed the remotes. So they have 2 keys now, one ignition and one door. If money was no object we coul...	8
	2002 Mercury Sable LS Premium 3.0L Flashing Trans light VIN: 1MEHM55S22 Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. The problem pointed to a harness or a power or ground issue but it turned out being the PCM. Car is fixed.	9
	1999 Mitsubishi Galant ES 3.0L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 4A3AA46L8X First like to thank all who offered help. Most of you were dead on. I initially found leaking lower intake gskt. and after replacing it my fuel trims looked better hanging around +5 to 6.2% , which is still bit high and of course my mil p0300 came back. I firs... Trouble codes: P0300.	7
	2007 Nissan Titan XE 5.6L Driveshaft VIN: 1N6AA07B27 Thanks to all who replied. Kevin and Timothy were right, We pulled the rear diff cover and found some pitting on the spider gears. There was no noticable noise or play coming from pinion area. Nissan does not offer any internal replacement parts and nothing a...	4
	2008 Toyota Tacoma 4.0L Battery Drain VIN: 5TEMU52N68 The customer has said that he has not experienced the problem in several days. He does have an aftermarket radio but is convinced the problem is in the doors. Thanks for all the suggestions.	9
	2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8L trans shift/fluid VIN: 9BWGD61J91 ok i removed the new cooler that i installed and pressure tested it submurged in water and it failed. imagine that. so i installed another new cooler (tested this one first) then flushed again and all is good. i did monitor data pids on scanner whilem test dri...	6
	2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8L Electronic VIN: 3VWSE69M14 N90 solenoid was the culprit. Reverse uses solenoids N88,N89 and n92 which in turn apllies clutch K2 and bands B1 and B3. N90 will prevent clutch K2 for the reverse gear from applying if the vehicle is moving forward. So if N90 is applied, no reverse. N90 che...	5
	2006 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5 2.5L 2-3-4 4-5 shift VIN: 3VWPW31C86 called dealer and found vehicle still under warranty for valve body repair. dealer replaced valve body and trans shifts now ok. thanks for all the replies.	11

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