Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Mar 26, 2013

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	Help Request	Answers
	2002 Acura RSX 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: JH4DC53882 VTEC operation does not work on this car. using my VERUS to perform function test it will boot me out saying "possible causes; VTEC SOL V short, oil leak from VTEC sol, VTEC oil pres sw intermittent open, VTEC oil pres sw loose terminal" Now we all know that ... Trouble codes: P1259 (Vtec malfunction)	View
	2000 Audi A6 Quattro 2.7L Mechanical VIN: WAUED54B5Y Hello all. Having troubles with this Audi. On start up, the Oil temp gauge will read approx. 70 degrees then will drop to the bottom and read 60. At that time, The warning light will start flashing and beeping. I replaced the oil level sender, the one on the b...	View
	2006 Audi A4 2.0L Mechanical VIN: WAUAF78E16 We are replacing the engine with a new Audi unit, Alldata says to remove the starter then the torque converter bolts. We cannot find any torque converter bolts, how should we proceed? Thanks in advance for your help.	View
	1997 BMW 740iL 4.4L Misfire VIN: WBAGJ8326V this car came in with the complaint of steering wheeel pulsating when turning and dome lights flickering at the same time after about a 3 mi test drive the steering wheel started to pulsate with me and the dome lights where flickering on and off dim brought it... Trouble codes: P0300, P0302, P0303	View
	2003 BMW 745Li 4.4L gear selection VIN: WBAGN63443 When trying to shift into R or D with the lever on the steering column, letters light up and then it slips back into neutral. I can hear and feel the transmission ingage. Once in a vhile it goes into gear and all is well. There are no codes in the transmission...	View
	2003 BMW 745Li 4.4L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: WBAGN63453 After these repairs the vehicle started to come up with a code 27bb camshaft control outlet vanoso.and the vehicle ran rough started missing in bank 1 all cylinders,hesitation/poor idle. Trouble codes: 27BB	View
	2004 BMW 760Li 6.0L Surge, Cuts out, Stall VIN: WBAGN83444 Gas found in tank vent system and pours out from right rear fender well. The car stalls at stop lights . At idle the engine drags down and missfires but not all the time. No present codes.The car starts everytime the way it should.	View
	2008 BMW X3 3.0si 3.0L Engine VIN: WBXPC93448 Car came in with a really bad noise from the engine found at the crank case pressure have negative pressure so bad as we cannot open the oil cap, as sune as we open the oil cap the noise goes away, check all the crank case hoses, the engine don't have an crank...	View
	2006 Buick Rendezvous CXL 3.5L Rear Differential VIN: 3G5DB03L86 Car came from another shop, complaint was losing power on slight grade. After our road test seems to labor after driving and encounter grade. Scan data no problems noticed no check engine either. Found when vehicle is on lift rear wheels binding when you try t...	View
	1994 Chevrolet Cavalier RS 3.1L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation VIN: 1G1JC84T1R Ok, this one has me stumped. We have this 1994 Cavalier RS wagon that the customer ran out of oil and subsequently locked the engine up on. We opted for cost reasons to replace the engine in her car since that was cheaper than a new car (at the time!). After...	View
	1999 Chevrolet Cavalier LS 2.2L engine block VIN: 1G1JF5243X there is a round plug with a bolt in it at the backside of the engine near the bellhousing at the top corner .its leaking coolant.i unbolted it but it only comes out about an inch then stops.i dont know what this thing is so i dont want to force it.i cant find...	View
	2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 6.6L Excessive Emissions, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCJK34154 Hey Techs! This vehicle came us from another shop that did not have time to look into it. The customer had already bought a set of reman injectors prior us getting the truck. No diagnoses had been done either. I scanned the truck for codes and data, found P03... Trouble codes: P0302	View
	2004 Chrysler Pacifica 3.5L Timing Belt VIN: 2C8GF68424 Hey Chrysler guys, I have a Pacifica in the shop with a stripped/broken timing belt(cams are not turning). Alldata says it is an interference engine, has anyone put a belt back on and had any luck with no bent valves? I have seen several engines you could get ...	View
	2008 Chrysler Town & Country Touring 3.8L Lights VIN: 2A8HR54P38 The lights no longer flash when unlocking doors or opening side doors. The head light still work normal.	View
	1996 Dodge B3500 5.9L Excessive Emissions, Comunication VIN: 2B5WB35Z1T My Biggest Concern Right Now Is A Intermitent Loss Of Communication With PCM, Engine Does Not Stumble Or Stall But Randomly The Scanner Will Lose Comm. And Then Reestablish The Link Sometimes 10-15 Secondes Other Times 30 Seconds To Minute In Random Occurances... Trouble codes: P0171 (Lean)	View
	2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie 5.7L Electrcal Sytom (i.e Neutral safety switch or igni VIN: 3D7KR19076 I put the key in the ignition and to to the start and run position but have no cranking at all. All accessories are in order and the battery tested good. Moved through gears and tried to start in Park and Neutral but nothing. I went on the AllData website and ...	View
	2011 Dodge Durango Crew 3.6L No Start, long crank VIN: 1D4RD4GG4B just had at dealer for warr. for this issue they said fuel pump and they replaced and did not resolve issue. w/o says no updates were avail for my car, wondering if there is? or any ideas to give them, i have car now so i can test help wifes car and thats all ...	View
	2002 Ford Escape XLT 3.0L No power VIN: 1FMYU04102 After driving for a while 10 min you hit the accelerator and the car does not respond if u wait a little and try again it may go like nothing happened then do it again .. My scanner is being repaired so looking for any help thanx.	View
	2002 Ford Windstar SE 3.8L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire VIN: 2FMZA52472 Vehicle will do different things at different times, The boss drove it first and said it was missing bad under a load, The next day I drive it and it only notice light misfires at idle, Cylinder contribution test shows random cylinder misfires across all cylin... Trouble codes: P0301, P0316, P0171, P0174	View
	2005 Ford Escape Limited 3.0L Unknown VIN: 1FMYU94165 Hello, I have this 2005 Ford Escape with a no start. They were driving down the interestate and it stalled. It does not have SPARK but does have fuel pressure. No PCM codes, but in data it shows 1 code that i can't retrieve or clear. The GEM showed a U2023, AB...	View
	2008 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L Rear Hatch VIN: 1FMEU74E38 Rear glass on the hatch will open upon starting the vehicle. Everything with remote works normally. We have no body codes or any other codes. The car is in very good condition. I am looking for a point in some direction. Thank you in advance.	View
	2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty XLT 6.8L Hesitation VIN: 1FDXF47Y48 truck losses power , fuel pressure drops to 3-10 psi on hard accel using both mech. gauge and ford IDS. traced and checked all wiring from fuel pump too module on frame rail to pcm and inertia switch, all seems good, loaded wires with headlight ok. disconnecte... Trouble codes: P0191, P0171, P0174, P2196, P2198, P115E	View
	2009 Ford Escape XLT 2.5L Steering VIN: 1FMCU03719 Hello to all. This Car has electronic steering assist and will totally lose assist intermittently. Had a single code B2278/Steering Shaft Torque Sensor Malfunction. As I understand it, there are only two parts to replace, the Rack Unit or the Steering Column. ...	View
	1999 GMC Savana 3500 6.5L Surge, only in reverse VIN: 1GDJG31F0X This is an intermittent concern that only happens at times when you shift into reverse and tap the throttle pedal to back up about 2 feet and apply the brake pedal - at that time the engine begins to surge quite aggressively for anywhere from 3 - 30 seconds or...	View
	2004 GMC Envoy XL SLE 4.2L Right rear air spring VIN: 1GKET16S54 I am working on a 2004 Envoy XL that had a leaking right rear air spring (bag) Soap tested for leaks and found the air spring leaking at a dry rot type crack in the rubber. No leaks found on any of the air lines. I replaced the air spring with a new GM part. A...	View
	2009 GMC Sierra 2500 HD SLE 6.0L No Start VIN: 1GTHK59K29 hello gang truck stalled on road would not restart, towed in, has no codes, fuel pressure in speck volume ok, looked at a sample of the gas looks ok smells like gas and will burn, has a crank and cam signal on scanner, it does pop back through the intake when ...	View
	2007 Honda Civic Si 2.0L water pump VIN: 2HGFA55517 I am posting this to ask how you get to the bolts on a water pump for this car. I had to remove the right side engine mount, mount brackets, drive belt auto tensioner, and alternator to get to all the bolts of the water pump. I got the hard bolts at the front ...	View
	2002 Hyundai Elantra GLS 2.0L Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire VIN: KMHDN45D32 I need help guys...This car cuts out randomly and looses communication with scanner when this happens. Starts right back up. it happens at idle and sometimes stalls and high way speeds. the tach will fall and check engine light will come on but no codes. I gen...	View
	2004 Jaguar XJ8 4.2L temp. & fan activation VIN: SAJEA71C94 After the radiator replacement, the customerreturned to the shop to report that the elec. cooling fan is coming on when she had not heard it run before during normal driving in moderate temperature weather. The fan also runs after shut-off when she says it nev...	View
	1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1J4GW68N9X Vehicle hard to start, sometimes w/half way acc. Pedal start fine, if let go the acc. Pedal start missing, making noise by timig chain and dies. Codes start appearing, not sure if the ecm is causing this. There are power and ground. Please help. Trouble codes: P0351, P0352	View
	2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4.7L Tpms VIN: 1J8GW68J23 Thanks for your help. I have this jeep that came in with display saying TPMS sensor failure. We found the bad sensor and replaced it with a echlin from Napa. Now all sensors read and tell proper pressure but the display also still reads sensor failure. We have...	View
	2005 Kia Sedona EX 3.5L Hesitation, low power VIN: KNDUP13285 According to customer this kia starts to lose just about all of its power however it wont skip or pop. The van was able to go only about 10mph It will only do it in about a 20 min drive after it sits a half hour it will act like normal. This has happened 3 tim...	View
	2006 Land Rover LR3 SE 4.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: SALAD25456 Getting beat up on this one. Came in from local shop that could not dignose or scan. code p0171 ltft1 10-14% ltft2 6-9%. Found pcv valve bad first and replaced. no change in fuel trims and kicked code pretty quick. Smoked intake found excessive smoke at egr. s... Trouble codes: P0171 (Lean bank 1)	View
	1941 Lincoln Zephyr 292CID Internal engine oil squirter Posting for our machine shop. This 1941 V-12 Lincoln engine was dropped off in several boxes. He's managed to repair/reassemble all but this (what he describes as an) oiler. Apparently it has a passage through the inside that terminates at 2 "squirter" hol...	View
	1996 Mercedes-Benz S320 SWB 3.2L automatic transmission VIN: WDBGA32E5T The transmission goes into gear & moves normally for 20 feet then it feels like it is in neutral & won't move foreward or backward, If i turn off the ignition & then restart the car it will go into gear again until it goes about 20 feet & then neutral !	View
	2006 Mercedes-Benz C230 Sport 2.5L Misfire, Sparg plug damage VIN: WDBRF52HX6 First saw car aprox. 5,000 miles ago. Found cyl.# one spark plug ground electrode bent down and contacting center electrode. It was the correct plug for the car. No evidence of any damage or debri on the plug or in the cylinder ( used bore scope ) Installed al... Trouble codes: P0301	View
	2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor LS 3.8L No Start VIN: 4A4MM21S77 vehicle does not want to start after filling it up with fuel. never acts up otherwise. you put gas in till it clicks off and even if you stop it before the pump shuts off when you go to start it, it will kind of start and immediately stall. then it will just c...	View
	2004 Nissan Murano SL 3.5L Mounts? VIN: JN8AZ08W24 HI there everyone and thanks for the help and advice on this one. I have this Murano in that makes an intermittent electric motor running type of whirring noise from under the hood. The noise occurs for a few seconds whenever you turn the key on or when you co...	View
	2007 Nissan Quest SL 3.5L Speedometer VIN: 5N1BV28U17 Vehicle came in with an intermittent condition of speedometer no dropping below 40mph. It will go up from there, but consequently is not reading properly. checked for codes, none present at this time. Thinking cluster, but wanted to get other opinions on which...	View
	1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 3.1L alternator VIN: 1G3AG55M3R Hey all, thanks in advance for your help. The vehicle came in with a no-start concern. Another tech replaced the oil pressure switch and that fixed it for a short while. It keeps blowing the power fuse for the fuel pump. I started doing some testing and found ...	View
	2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue GL 3.5L engine VIN: 1G3WS52H11 This car came to us from another shop overheating. The previous shop preformed a thermostat replacement and pressure coolant flush, plus several head gasket checks. Back flushing heater core. Owner of car requested radiator replacement. We removed radiator and...	View
	2010 Pontiac G6 2.4L Stall VIN: 1G2ZA5EB2A Car died at stop sign restarts for three seconds dies out every time. mil lamp on ck codes p0011 ran test pass test cleared codes code never came back no security lamp no codes in any other module have good fuel press 55 to 60 psi Trouble codes: P0011 (Intake cam position system performance)	View
	2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.4L Engine VIN: WP0AA29941 When cold, engine has lifter type clatter in right rear area. Gradually quiets down as engine warms up. Not very familiar with Porsche engines, looking for any suggestions and ideas on where to go with this one.	View
	2002 Saturn SL2 1.9L Engine VIN: 1G8ZK52732 Hello all and thank you for your help, this car came in last week for a miss fire, stall with a long crank to no start. I retrieved a p1599 code with my solus ultra. ended up replacing the crank sensor, plugs, coils, and fuel filter. the car ran great, cleared...	View
	2003 Saturn Vue 3.0L antifreeze VIN: 5GZCZ63B83 on 1-16-2013 We changed the inter cooler and all seals and gaskets due to oil in the antifreeze, since then he has come back twice with 1-2 8th in. of oil on the top in his overflow bottle and milky foam at the oil fill neck. The oil is ok on the stick and in ...	View
	2003 Saturn Vue 2.2L Unknown VIN: 5GZCZ43D53 hi everyone to day we have this pos that will not shift gears scan engine control module fund p0700 scan tcm fund no codes looking at PIDS on tcm there in test drive ISS works OSS all so works but vehicle speed reads 2 MPH at all times on scan PID from TCM but...	View
	2003 Subaru Outback 2.5L Timming belt tensioner VIN: 4S3BH67543 Timming belt tensioner bolt breaking.Cause sevre engine damage twice. Has anyone seen this before.Replaced first time OE bolt and the second time With a grade 12 bolt.Came back today bolt broken. Engine damage again. HELP	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2005 Audi A6 Quattro 4.2L left dynamic cornering light VIN: WAUDL94FX5 Even though I didn't get very many replies on theis one. I decided that the car needs a headlight. I priced one out to the customer but, he has not gotten back to me. If he does and it does fix the car I will post about it. Thanks,	2
	2003 Buick Rendezvous CX 3.4L Starter VIN: 3G5DB03E93 Hi all, sorry for the delay in posting the fix, we have been so busy. Received several good suggestions, Allan mentioned that I should have infinite resistance to all other fuses from fuse 32. I was suspecting a shorted fuse block. Removed fuse 32 and checked ...	11
	2001 Chrysler Sebring LXi 2.7L Poor Idle Quality, Surge VIN: 1C3EL55UX1 Bottom line on this car is that the water pump is leaking and would need a chain and tensioner set at the same time. I believe this would fix the surging problem even though my 2 different tests say that it's in time. Customer wants to try to repair on his own...	8
	2004 Chrysler Sebring LX 2.4L No Start, random no start VIN: 1C3EL46X24 I am embarrassed to report this fix. after a couple weeks of trying to get this to not start, it finally happened. started withe basics fuel and fire. fuel and spark were there but i then noticed the en d of my plug wire had carbon tracks so after pulling al...	10
	2002 Dodge Caravan SE 3.3L Pcm VIN: 1B4GP25362 Thanks for all the help I'm hoing to call it a fix I was able to find another PCM with the right serial numbers at the bone yard and had it flashed runs fine with no codes thanks again	17
	2003 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L four wheel drive VIN: 3D7KU28CX3 customer decided to take the vehicle. The four wheel drive works fine, doesn't care about the blinking light. We suspected the 4 WD module but can't be sure .Thanks to the guys that replied,sorry we didn't get to the bottom of it,if we hear any more we will po...	5
	1989 Ford Bronco Custom 5.0L Rotors VIN: 1FMEU15N6K Thanks to all 22 techs who shed the light for me. Yes, I found the outer large retainer ring after washed the grease. The rest is pretty much normal. IATN is always there when you need help. You guys are great and I appreciated much, God bless you all! Charle...	22
	1998 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L engine VIN: 1FMZU34E5W Thanks to everyone that responded.After swapping the batteries around I finally got it to turn over better,put the original battery back in and it still turns over fine,so I guess something was either jammed up or just loosened up. Still would not start unt...	15
	1998 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L radiator VIN: 2FMZA5144W Flushed system out multiple times still oil in antifreze upon further inspection suggestions and tips i recieved found that it is the timing cover gasket being the source of the oil intrusion i have yet to fix it	11
	2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 5.4L Reverse lights VIN: 1FTNF21566 I am sorry for taking so long to get back. The reason was customer had the truck for awhile.The problem ended up being a wire by spare tire broken causing P0446 and also rust in trailer conector causing wires to melt together.All 5 helpers thank so much.Thanks...	5
	2005 GMC Envoy XL Denali 5.3L Oil pressure gauge VIN: 1GKES16M75 well thanks IATN again. I beleive this one is fixed as I put in a sending unit. The vehicle also had one other isssue,it also had a miss and #1 cylinder was dead. No intake rocker arm movement. Appears to be a bad lifter so now we are removing intake to inspec...	16
	1994 Infiniti J30 3.0L No Start, Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall VIN: JNKAY21D5R THANK YOU FOR THE RESPONSES EVERYONE. HELP IS GREATELY APPRECIATED. I TOOK THE TIMING COVERS OFF AND FOUND THAT THE KEY HOLDING THE CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET WAS SHAVED OFF AND THE SPROCKET SPINNING WHENEVER IT WANTED TO. OF COURSE TIMING WAS WAY OFF. THANK YOU AGAI... Trouble codes: 55 (System ok).	7
	2003 Land Rover Range Rover HSE 4.4L Steering angle sensor VIN: SALME11443 Thank you, Paul (Louis?), Larry and James. The fix was to first program the new module and then calibrate. I did not realize that it required programming. Also since I use a Rovacom for the Rovers, I had to upgrade my system before I was able to do this. CAN...	4
	2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged 4.2L Wheel Speed Sensors VIN: SALSH23446 We had another 06 sport in the shop so we plugged the module/ECU from the other sport cleared codes and drove it.It didn't set any codes.We plugged it into the sport that we had installed the used ECU into and it now doesn't set any codes anymore.I have now r...	3
	1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SL 5.0L No Start VIN: WDBFA66E9M Hello, sorry for the delayed closing response. The problem was not related to our repairs. The timing chain/guides were so bad, that apparently during extended cranking while trying to start car after repairs, it jumped time. I went over and over everything un...	10
	2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500 5.0L instrument cluster VIN: WDBSK75F64 Ok, the car is fixed. Thanks for all the information., Turns out it was as simple as clearing codes after replacing both batteries and verifying charge at both. Got myself all spun up with all the programming and factory battery notes, Didnt check the simple s...	7
	2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE 3.5L p1140 VIN: JN8DR09Y21 TRUCK IS NOW AT THE DEALER , CUSTOMER SAID WE WERE TAKING TOO MUCH TIME , DEALER HAS HAD IT FOR TWO WEEKS NO ANSWER , CUSTOMER SAID SHE WOULD LET ME KNOW THE OUTCOME	4
	2002 Nissan Maxima SE 3.5L Poor Idle Quality, MIL Lamp on VIN: JN1DA31D12 Thank to all who replied. There was some great info passed along to me that really helped. The root cause of this Maxima's problem was the alternator. I finally caught it with my scanner. The charging system voltage would hit 17 volts and the PCM would go nuts... Trouble codes: P0507 (Idle to high), P0128 (Coolant temp), P1147 (O2 sensor), P0733 (3rd gear), C1109 (ABS battery voltage low).	8
	2008 Pontiac G6 GT 3.9L forward gears VIN: 1G2ZH36158 Thanks again for all the help. Many replies saying broken band were correct. drop pan found lug off end of band in pan. rebuilding trans fixed problem. thanks to all. Chris	9
	2006 Smart Fortwo Passion .8L Glow plugs inoperative VIN: WMEAJ00F46 Well, I sold the car before I could fix the problem, but I do believe the the ECM was the problem. I checked all wires from the glow plug module all the way to the ECM and they were all OK. The black/yellow wire i referred to in the origional post, does have p...	2
	1989 Toyota Land Cruiser 4.0L No Start, Stall, Diesel conversion VIN: JT3FJ62GXK I got some use full info. from group. I decided to send to diesel shop that had experience with the engine. Me with no books, or information and finding parts it was a losing proposition... i'm done beating my head against the wall for no reason.	7
	2005 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 2.5L master cylinder VIN: 3VWPG71K75 The customer has not brought the car back yet. We believe that the abs hydraulic contoller maybe the problem. Thank you to all the technitions that gave us their time and effort trying to help us.	9
	2008 Volvo S80 3.2 3.2L key fob The fix on this one was the lock motor in the dash that works the key fob ..replaced with a new volvo unit Thanks ...Dave	4

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