Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for May 13, 2013

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	Help Request	Answers
	2007 Acura RDX 2.3L Cooling Systems VIN: 5J8TB18527 This vehicle came in with low anti-freeze & smoking under the hood by the turbo , pressure test the cooling system & we see the leak seep behind or from the exhaust manifold gasket by the cylinder head, for sure its not the head gasket,Turbo or the hoses,,,Pre...	View
	2000 Audi A4 1.8L Compressor VIN: WAUDC68D0Y Hello Audi Techs, We have a system that isn't cooling efficiently. The high side stays at 80 PSI at idle and higher RPM. The vent temp 60 degrees on a 75 degree day. The compressor is noisy. We are wondering if A/C hoses are known to collapse internally on the...	View
	2002 BMW X5 3.0i 3.0L Vanos VIN: 5UXFA53552 This X5 had someone try to rebuild the vanos. We find the engine code PO 014. After initial B/S we tore this down and found the small left handed bolts broken off from previous mechanic (or whatever he was)he just put new bolts in and left broken ends behind c...	View
	2002 BMW 540i 4.4L coolant VIN: WBADN63432 Vehicle came in with a complaint of having to add coolant, pressure tested cooling system and found that the Water Pump was leaking. Replaced pump and thermostat. Now there are no leaks but after driving or running the engine for a period of time the 'check co...	View
	2003 BMW 525i 2.5L Drivers Seat VIN: WBADT434X3 Hello BMW Techs, The drivers seat right rear drive makes a ratcheting sound when it reaches the top of it's travel, it drives the customer nuts. The seat does travel in all directions with even movement but the one sound has to go. The question is what do we n...	View
	1997 Cadillac DeVille Concours 4.6L high idle VIN: 1G6KF5295V High idle. TPS jumping around a good 1/10 volt (at idle or engine off) I assume this is what is causing the problem. Using a Tech2 the at idle reading bounces from yes to no constantly. I cannot even do a IAC control because it says its not at idle, unless i u...	View
	1999 Cadillac Seville STS 4.6L climate control VIN: 1G6KY5497X Car came in a month ago, had low refrigerant level. Filled system and passenger side was cold and drivers side a bit warmer. Checked the air mix door on the drivers side and even with assistance would not get as cold as the passenger side. Advised the customer...	View
	1997 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L Excessive Emissions, Poor Idle Quality, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1G1YY22G4V Greetings to all you brilliant folks in automotive repair world. I have officially lost enough hair and brain cells on this vehicle. Car came to me and would not run unless you held the gas pedal almost to the floor and then it would billow black smoke and die...	View
	1998 Chevrolet K1500 Suburban 5.7L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 3GNFK16R1W The customer complaint is that it has a miss/hesitation at idle and light acceleration, the problem started after he went threw the automatic car wash, it straigtened out later in the day then the next morning it started with the miss again and has been there ... Trouble codes: P0102, P0300, P0404, P0405, P0463, P1404	View
	2001 Chevrolet Tracker 2.0L Hesitation, Cuts out, Misfire VIN: 2CNBJ13C31 Found 2-4 plugs submerged in oil, autoliite plugs work out books soaked. Recommended tune up. customer approve plugs boots and vc cover. Changed them and installed oe recommended plugs(iridium noted as OE) Now it has intermittent drop out on current ramp, rand...	View
	2003 Chevrolet Malibu 3.1L Misfire VIN: 1G1ND52J83 Hi everyone thanks for checking out my post, and for any help that you can offer. This vehicle comes from another shop with a p0300 after installing a used engine. They replaced plugs, wires, and ignition coils. We replaced ignition module as well. the misfire... Trouble codes: P0300	View
	2004 Chevrolet SSR 5.3L HVAC case VIN: 1GCES14P44 fresh air actuator is popping., so it most likely needs the actuaotor, or door. i skinned the dash, removed the plastic instrument carrier. for the life of me, even after removing all subframe bolts, i still can not even wiggle the metal sub-frame to pull out ...	View
	2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 6.0L Misfire VIN: 1GCHK29U54 This truck misfires on cylinder #1 at idle only, hot or cold. Cylinder #8 has less 1/10 the misfire counts. Freeze frame shows DTC set at idle too. I pulled the spark plugs because the customer said they had been changed, he thought with Split-Fire plugs but t... Trouble codes: P0300 (Random Cylinder Misfire Detected 1-40595 8-3015 all others 200), P0654 (Eng Spd Output Ckt Problem - Code is due to Inst. Clust. out for repair)	View
	2006 Chevrolet Malibu LT 3.5L fuel, power windows VIN: 1G1ZT51856 the vehicle has an intermittent no start problem, no codes, no theft light flash. you can go to rear fuse panel and tap on relay the car will start right up. It is very hard to duplicate the problem. I have tested fuel pressure it tested at 62 psi. have teste...	View
	2006 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LT 6.6L Unknown VIN: 1GCJK33D36 Hi guys I just got done replacing headgaskets in this truck and when I went to do the A/C service because I had to remove the compressor I couldn't get it to take a charge. The compressor would not come on. I could manually energize the clutch and make it come...	View
	2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD WT 6.0L range VIN: 1GCHK29K18 Is there a recalibration for back up sensor module and if so how do you do it.	View
	2009 Chevrolet Malibu LS 2.4L Hesitation, Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G1ZG57B79 replaced both actuators cleared codes and test drove. symptoms persist but no codes returned within 12 drive cycles. checked cat for blockage all seemed ok. please help!!! this thing is throwing me for a loop and the customer is from out of town in our waiting... Trouble codes: P0011, P0013, P0014, P0101, P0300, P0420	View
	2010 Chevrolet Traverse LT 3.6L complete interior VIN: 1GNLVGED5A A few weeks ago our company sent an employee to Fresno to pick up fresh fish for the Ahwahnee Hotel dining room. On the way back to Yosemite the fish spilled. I don't know why they didn't have it in an ice chest. Anyway, the whole vehicle now smells inside. We...	View
	2002 Chrysler 300M 3.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2C3HE66G82 After cylinder head job the mil is coming setting p0325.we replaced knock sensor,still sets code,checked for cut or pinched wiring and even added high test gas.The car runs fine with no pinging, but still sets code. Trouble codes: P0325	View
	2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT 2.4L Misfire VIN: 3C8FY78G74 Vehicle came in 2 months ago with these same codes, we couldn't duplicate at the time. Replaced plugs and wires because they were due. KV checked the coil, good output from both coils. Fast forward to today. Now it misses at idle (not every time, misses about... Trouble codes: P0300 (random misfire), P0302 (cyl 2 misfire)	View
	1996 Dodge Caravan 2.4L Mil On P1495 VIN: 2B4FP25BXT Hi, i have a 1996 dodge caravan and it has a code for a leak decition pump but the vehicle does not have a ldp. It has no signs of ever having one. Only thing it has for evap is a purge control valve that seems to be working fine.the wiring diagram shows the ...	View
	2004 Dodge Stratus SE 2.7L Surge, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1B3EL36T94 I got this stratus the customer says while driving for a few miles on the interstate it started shaking so bad she had to have it towed.It starts up fine and idles got 2 codes both related to the map sensor.In the shop when you raise the idle the engine will h... Trouble codes: P0108, P2074	View
	2004 Dodge Ram 1500 ST 4.7L engine VIN: 1D7HA18N64 much needed help please truck came from other shop with long crank be for starts and check engine light on has code p0335 crank sensor circuit have checked all parts of circuit can not fine problem have 5v ref have good ground has good sig coming out of crank ...	View
	2001 Ford Focus SE 2.0L convertor VIN: 1FAFP34P51 This car will stall at idle in reverse or forward after a drive of about 17 miles. On scanner you can see the pressure control rise and the engine begins to load and then dies. Pids show brake switch on and don't indicate torque convertor clutch on. Alldata an...	View
	2001 Ford Taurus SE 3.0L Alternator VIN: 1FAHP53U71 Please help! :) This Taurus arrived having had six alternators in the last two years; the present alternator has never worked (customer installed). I confirmed charging system not charging; battery voltage at alternator load terminal. Tested and confirmed batt...	View
	2003 Ford Crown Victoria 4.6L A/C compresor relay Ac relay don't engage, because signal ground from CPU don make it I have normal two powers but I only have one ground , but I missing the one from the computer please any one can tell me if I'm right because I think it's the computer	View
	2006 Ford F-350 Super Duty XLT 6.0L No Start VIN: 1FTWW31P76 this truck cam in with intermittent no start and it is random,no codes scan data looks good,glow plug is working fuel pressure is good,any help would be great.	View
	1999 GMC W4500 Forward W4S042 5.7L No Start VIN: 4KDC4B1R3X This truck was towed to the shop for no start, or at times very extended crank to start. When it arrived I checked for fuel pressure and spark. Also noted that the starter had a bad spot in it and would kick out while starting, so I replaced that before going ...	View
	2005 Honda Insight 1.0L No Start VIN: JHMZE13545 This vehicle blows fuse #7 15 amp fuel pump fuse. Fuse blows causing no start. Ran vehicle in bay monitoring current load 2-3 amps. Fuse powers efi relay. When fuse is blown ecm and ima goes to sleep losing check engine light and battery gauge on dash. No code...	View
	2009 Honda Ridgeline RTS 3.5L Ignition VIN: 5FPYK16439 After replacing the cylinder the ignition key will not turn to the lock position.if you unplug the connector to the housing it will turn to lock and you can remove the key. The shift interlock is working and the pcm sees the vehicle is in park. We havent progr...	View
	2006 Lexus GS300 3.0L ecm code p0037 VIN: JTHBH96SX6 g [...]	View
	2004 Mazda 3 i 2.0L Hesitation, Surge I would like to start off by saying the P0661 Intake manifold tune valve control corcuit low B1 code has been active since I cant remember when(it's not causing a CEL it is just stored). The car is hesitating/surging at higher cruising speeds (80-100km/h) at ... Trouble codes: P2178 (System too rich off idle B1), P2188 (System too rich at idle B1), P0661 (Intake manifold tune valve control low B1)	View
	1989 Mercedes-Benz 420SEL 4.2L Surge VIN: WDBCA35E3K With one exception all socket box tests are good, the exception being ECT, ohm values are perfect both sides of sensor KOEO, with the key on the fun starts,the CIS side voltage drops to about half, the KOEO ref. voltages are just under 5 volts, it will not go ...	View
	2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 1.8L Throttle VIN: 3N1CB51D93 It all started on Friday, customer came in with a check engine light on, car stalls out and hard to start. Found Code p2135 throttle position sensor code. Found 5volt reference at throttle body. We replaced the throttle body, and then the car didn't idle and s...	View
	2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8L Poor Idle Quality, Stall, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 3N1CB51D25 This car is driving me insane. It came in from a used car dealer who is trying to get it to pass emissions so they can sell it. It has been worked on by many technicians. I am supposedly the sixth tech to work on it. When first got it it would not run very wel... Trouble codes: P0300, P0171	View
	2005 Pontiac G6 GT 3.5L steering VIN: 1G2ZH52855 this vehicle has an intermittent pull to the left after a hard left turn or sometimes potholes, maybe, checked suspension and alignment, cant seem to find a problem with either alignment or suspension but pull defenetly there at times especially after hard lef...	View
	2008 Saturn Astra XR 1.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: W08AT27178 This vehicle came in a few weeks ago with a ck. engine light and a abs light on. Found bad LF speed signal. Watched speeds on Modis and all read except LF. Replaced LF hub bearing assy. Now we are trying for emissions inspection and code B1232 keeps coming up ... Trouble codes: B1232 (Cannot find defination)	View
	1995 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.0L speedometer drive gear VIN: JT3VN29V7S this is my personal vehicle. been dealing with it for about 2-1/2 years now. speedometer stopped working, found worn drive gear that connects to end of speedo cable in tranny. replaced. quit working again several months later, same problem, worn gear.replaced ...	View
	2007 Toyota Matrix XR 1.8L No Start VIN: 2T1KR32E57 Hi fellow mechanics how are we doing on this lovely monday.I got this matrix here that is giving me a fit.The car died while driving the owner said she heard a crackling sound and it died right away.The compression is at 170 pounds on all cylinders and it has ...	View
	2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T 2.0L radiator fans VIN: WVWAK73CX6 Looking for some info on radiator fan operation. Had a check engine light on with a P2181 (VW Code 18613) performance malfunction in cooling system. On the earlier cars I replace both the coolant temp sensor and thermostat to cure this type of code. But checki...	View
	2008 Volkswagen Eos lux 2.0L Hesitation, Cuts out, Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: WVWFA71F18 EPC light on, when cold problem seems worse. According to Mitchell I checked voltage at the low pressure fuel pressure sender. Mitchell says I should have ground on 1 term, 5 volt on another, and bat voltage on 3rd term. I have ground on 1 and 5 volts on both ... Trouble codes: P0087, P2296, P0300, P0304, P0302	View
	1994 Volvo 850 2.4L No Start VIN: YV1LS5529R Attention Volvo Tech's ; This car came to me with a crank , no start. The previous Technician replaced: all ignition components; Cap, Rotor, Ignition Coil, Ignition Wires. tech also replaced Crank Sensor, Cam Sensor. Tech also replaced; The Relay above the rad...	View
	2000 Volvo S80 T6 2.8L Excessive Emissions, MIL Lamp on VIN: YV1TS90D8Y This Volvo was putting out tons of smoke as soon as the car was started. I checked the turbos and the turbo on the driver's side had oil soaked the exhaust pipe that comes out of it. That side turbo came out and it had damaged compressor blades and a broken sh... Trouble codes: P0237 (turbo charger boost sensor A circuit low), P0236 (turbo charger boost circuit range/performance)	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	1998 BMW 318ti 1.9L ses light on VIN: WBACG8325W Took a stab at a resister and put in a 40 ohm 5watt and code has not returned since and it has been 4 days. Thanks for all who helped.	7
	2000 BMW X5 4.4i 4.4L Engine VIN: WBAFB3351Y The PVC valve fixed it. It just took awhile to cook out all the old oil. I tested the old valve and was bad, I'm thinking you could possibly check the diaphragm on a running engine by checking the small vent hole on valve for vacuum. No vacuum should reach the...	5
	2005 Chevrolet Colorado Z85 LS 2.8L Starter VIN: 1GCDT19875 sorry for the late closing - dealer installed a new PCM and reflash - relearn security passlock and all is well - thanks for all the help	13
	2005 Chrysler 300 C 5.7L Mil on VIN: 2C3JA63H35 Thank you all for take your time and helped me with this one, just like most of you said timing chain was the proble we putted a kit in, recheck scan data timing difference is at -0.6 car runs perfect and no check engine light.	6
	1996 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L Torque Convertor VIN: 1B7KC23C1T A decision was made to replace the transmission and torque converter, and the truck was passed back to the tech who actually did the original installation. I greatly appreciate all the helpful information. Sometimes things just aren't in our hands to do.	10
	2001 Dodge Ram 1500 WS 5.9L Hesitation, Stall VIN: 3B7HF13Z41 The PCM fixed it. It runs perfect. It had all the correct inputs and simply wasn't sending the correct outputs. Thanks for the replies.	7
	2007 Dodge Ram 2500 TRX4 5.9L Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 3D7KS28C97 As most requests stated the batteries were the most likely cause, we replaced them, and the truck has been trouble free ever since. Thank you. Trouble codes: P2509.	6
	2011 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor 4.6L Mechanical VIN: 2FABP7BV4B Alright after combing through ALL bulletins, not just brakes and abs, we found it in body. Under heavy braking may feel growl in right front area. Install washers between body and mounts. Yep, took care of it. Not what we were expecting but it did the fix....	12
	2002 GMC Envoy SLE 4.2L Misfire VIN: 1GKDT13SX2 We have experienced a day of heavy rain and the customer had massive issues with misfires in wet conditions(which of course they never tell you).I hosed the truck down and every cylinder misfired.Replaced all the coils and no further issue.Thanks for all the r... Trouble codes: P0302 (Cylinder 2 misfire).	27
	2006 GMC Envoy SLT 4.2L mode doors VIN: 1GKDT13S46 sorry it took so long guys been sick after long look at envoy all test were good blend door motor was clock ok took out heater box found bobby pins stuck in door that is way it went to floor but to center thanks again.	6
	2002 Honda Accord EX 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, MIL Lamp on, P1399 VIN: 1HGCG16592 So this one is gone, as some others have found the accuracy of the valve adjustment is very critical. Readjusted the valves after sitting overnight just to be sure they were cold enough, still misfired but was down to one cylinder this time. Tested the coil a... Trouble codes: P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306.	9
	2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.7L Radio VIN: 1J4GR48K76 Discovered that another shop and removed and installed front ending control module. In doing so they separated connectors that go to the fuse box. Resecured all and power now operating as designed. Thanks to all that replied.	6
	2002 Nissan Frontier SE 3.3L MIL Lamp on Replaced ecu to repair condition and had it reprogramed at Nissin dealer to repair condition. Thanks Trouble codes: P1490.	4
	2007 Pontiac G6 3.5L Hesitation VIN: 1G2ZG58N37 I determined that engine had internal noise triggering knock sensors to pull back timing. Did not show up until warmed up good. Customer is going to save up funds for an engine. Thanks for all the help and suggestions. Mike	10
	2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 2.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 4S3BL62626 thanks again to all who replied. found that the l/f wheel speed sensor was bad and the r/f wiring was broken. it did have codes for these, just didn't realize they would cause p0500. repaired wiring and replaced both front sensors. test drove and codes did not... Trouble codes: P0500.	8
	1999 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 2.0L no compressor operation at idle VIN: 3VWCA21C2X Did idle relearn to fix problem. As suggested. thanks for all the help.	4
	2008 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 2.5L Clutch VIN: 3VWRZ71K48 Well, after a long drawn out process this car was repaired. I just wanted to add that I removed the slave cylinder and checked operation while an assistant worked the pedal. No problem found, slave piston is extending and retracting as designed. Bled line as w...	18
	2003 Volvo S60 2.4T 2.4L Cooling Fan VIN: YV1RS61TX3 Thanks for all of the help offered on this topic. Ended up removing the ECM fuse for thirty minutes to reset. Put fuse back in and fan worked as it should.	5

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