Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Dec 3, 2013

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	Help Request	Answers
	2007 BMW 328i 3.0L valve tronic VIN: WBAVA33597 vehicle came in with 3 oil leaks, valve cover gasket, valvetronic servo seal and electrical connector seal. determined PCV in valve cover allowing excessive pressure forcing oil passed seals, performed valvetronic relearn before repairs to make sure it seemed ...	View
	2005 Buick LeSabre Limited 3.8L Po171 VIN: 1G4HR54K15 Car seems to run fine but resets PO171 within a day or two of being cleared. Replaced 'O' ring on power brake booster connection at intake but no change. I'm guessing it's a vacuum leak so I sprayed carb clean around intake but it didn't change idle any. Are t...	View
	2005 Cadillac STS 4.6L Surge, Stall VIN: 1G6DC67A95 I have an '05 Cadillac STS with an intermitent surge then stall when hot.The surge is quite abrupt and idle speed varies from 300 t0 700 rpm 2 or 3 times then stalls.If you restart it will repeat the surge and stall. If you shut it down , then restart it will ... Trouble codes: P0365, P0638	View
	1998 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3L 3rd Gear VIN: 1GNDT13W8W Okay this car belongs to a regular customer, but because we do not do Transmissions he took it to another shop. The customer states that the car would stay stuck in 3rd gear, it will not shift up, or down. We knew that these cars had ignition switch issues, ...	View
	2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3L cylinder deactivation system VIN: 1GNFK13077 This Tahoe came in for a front end noise but what the noise really is coming from the engine. It makes a tappet noise and a throaty intake noise for a few seconds after driving with throttle loaded then when you back out and have a light throttle at cruise spe...	View
	2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring 2.4L Cylinder Head VIN: 3C4FY58B04 Hey all, car came in with P0303, Compression on 3 very low. Leakdown on 1,2 and 4 through rings, leakdown on three coming from cyl. 4 and spark plug well on 3. Tightened and retightened leakdown tester and put plug in four and still got leakage from # 3 spark ...	View
	2006 Chrysler 300 Touring 3.5L air bag (occupant classification module) VIN: 2C3KA53G06 hi thanks y'all in advance. i have no communication to the occupant classification module only. using star mobile everything else is on the network minus said module. the only codes i have stored is u0154 in every module on the can b network. the only other fa...	View
	2007 Chrysler Town & Country Limited 3.8L Evap VIN: 2A8GP64L97 Vehicle sets P0441 - went through flow chart and could not determine problem - suggested he take it to dealer. They charged him a diagnostic fee and told him he needed a gas cap. You guessed it - didn't make a difference. Now it's due for state inspection and ...	View
	1992 Dodge Caravan C/V 3.3L Unknown VIN: 45VXA02B4N This is actually an Aeromate vehicle so of course nobody had information on this. This gem has 2 issues going on at this point. Intermittently it will stall when idling, but will start right back up. Other times the transmission will go into failsafe. One time...	View
	1995 Dodge B3500 5.9L No Start VIN: 2B7KB31ZXS hello everyone, we have just got iatn at our shop and posting our first problem, We have a 95 dodge b3500 with a 5.9 that is a bus that has been converted to natural gas city vehicle. anyways the system is aftermarket and we have a no start situation. the fuel... Trouble codes: 11 (no crank signal/ when cranking)	View
	1999 Dodge Dakota 3.9L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1B7FL26X5X This Dakota has had the convertor replaced twice due to a P0420 code that resets after about 3000mi. Upstream and downstream sensors are switching at same rate. Upstream sensor does not seem "lazy". Both sensors react to richening/leaning system. They do not l... Trouble codes: P0420 (Cat efficiency)	View
	2001 Dodge Caravan SE 3.3L Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: 1B4GP25RX1 this one has me stumped, customer complaint runs rough at idle when in gear. verified complaint. mil lamp on with code for o2 sensor 1. scan data showed sensor not working. replaced sensor, no change but mil lite off. Pulled front 3 plugs and appeared to be or...	View
	2002 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9L Guages VIN: 3B7MF33C42 Ok guys, could really use some help on this one. I have this truck in the shop, tach, oil pressure and temp gauges are all inop. Speedo, odo, fuel and volt gauges are all working properly. Run cluster thru self test, all gauges operate during self test. Can re...	View
	2005 Dodge Durango Limited 5.7L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1D8HB58D15 Dodge came in with intermittent etc light coming on,no codes car will trip light and go into limp mode once that happens if you shut the motor down and restart everything goes back to normal,found app sensor voltage dropping out,replaced app sensor cleaned thr...	View
	2008 Dodge Charger SE 3.5L Starting VIN: 2B3KA43GX8 This vehicle was towed into our shop. When you turn the key to start it there is no power to anything. No dash lights, radio, ect. We have check all powers and ground to both fuse boxes and they are all ok, we are leaning towards replacing the Wireless Ignitio...	View
	2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty XLT 6.0L No Start VIN: 1FTSX31P23 This 6.0 started running bad and losing power, now cranks but won't start. Almost starts, blows a little smoke but won't start. High pressure oil pressure is about 600-700 psi cranking. PCM is commanding IPR to 85%, desired pressure is about 2200 psi, doesn't ... Trouble codes: P2291 (Injector Control Pressure Too Low- Engine Cranking)	View
	2005 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch 6.0L coolant pressure VIN: 1FTWW31P95 mostly familiar with 6.o P&S, but never had this happen before. this customer had the complete solutions kit done 2 years/25K ago, by another shop, heads were milled w/ arp studs, EGRD, oil cooler, STC update, stand piped/ dummy plugs, ECT... Customer brought ...	View
	2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch 6.7L No Start VIN: 1FT8W3BT1B We are looking for any information that could help us diagnose this truck or figure out the next step to determine the cause of the no start condition. Thank you Trouble codes: P0087 (Fuel rail pressure too low), P2291 (Injector control pressure too low), P068A	View
	1998 Honda Civic EX 1.6L idle So this problem has currently been going on for about a month,the car runs fine, no misfires no cel. The only thing the car does is on neutral at a stop light or sign, the car idles at about 500 rpm and sputters slightly up to 600 to 650 ish. And vibrates like...	View
	2003 Honda CR-V LX 2.4L Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall VIN: JHLRD78403 Vehicle will cut out for a brief second while driving. will do this numerous time throughout a testdrive. Check engine light will flicker on and tach drops out for a second also, when scanner is hooked up it loses communication also. I have back probed power a...	View
	2006 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5L battery VIN: 5FNRL38706 Vehicle has come back, once again need a jump with a dead battery. battery was charged quickly by alternator and didn't need a jump into the shop after sitting. Put a meter in series to check for a draw. Honda says Sleep Mode occurs in no longer than 10 minute...	View
	2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.2L Poor Idle Quality, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 4S2DM58W11 I hope someone can help with this one im lost.head job,and new timing belt was done.first start it started great,everything built up ran good.Then suddenly started to lose power,running rough,and stalling out.i pulled the plugs out and one side was flooded wit... Trouble codes: 1311	View
	1995 Jaguar XJS 4.0L Poor Idle Quality VIN: SAJNX2744S In trying to reduce the idle to within spec (800 RPM) I have tried adjusting this throttle angle, but at all the way closed, the idle will not come down below 1050-1100 RPM. I have also smoke tested the induction sustem and found no vacuum leaks. I have also r...	View
	2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L data link, multifunction switch VIN: 1J4GX48S51 The car will sometimes die when turn signals are used. Sometimes will restart, sometimes not. With scan tool connected, left multifunction switch will cause disconnect from scan tool when used. Some times the dash will show all the gauges going to full low rea...	View
	2006 Lincoln Town Car Signature Limited 4.6L ride height VIN: 1LNHM82V86 Thanks for any help you can give me. This customer brought this town car in saying the right side of the car was sitting lower than the left side. I measured at all 4 wheels & the right side does sit about 3 quarters of an inch lower than the left on the entir...	View
	2007 Mazda 3 i 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: JM1BK32F97 This one is a little confusing to me. Car runs lean off idle. Runs like a champ. Dont let the mileage fool you. Car has been well maintained and is very clean. Sitting at idle the lt fuel trim is at 3-ish. As soon as you open the throttle plate (even barely) t... Trouble codes: P0300 (Multiple misfire), P2177 (System lean off idle)	View
	2010 Mercury Milan 2.5L steering VIN: 3MEHM0HA6A Vehicle has no power steering. Has a code C1277 and C1963. There is communication with pscm and steering wheel angle sensor is working. Steering returned for a brief moment in the parking lot. Any suggestions? Thanks	View
	2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 1.8L no heat VIN: 3N1CB51D33 i am closing this post.Due to the fact their were 2 or 3 shops ahead of us we may never know where the problem started. we installed a new heater core and checked cable blend door operation operation. then installed new head gasket.Two things i found that may ...	View
	2004 Nissan Maxima SL 3.5L ignition coils VIN: 1N4BA41E14 The vehicle came in on the tow truck with a no start issue. Hocked up the scanner and didn't get any communication.When i opened the hood i found #2 coil was burned up, upon further inspection i also found #1 and #3 coil were also burned up. Fuse # 35 was burn...	View
	2008 Saturn Astra XR 1.8L Starting VIN: W08AT27158 I am looking for some help from a Saturn tech. This 2008 Astra XR would intermittently have a no crank, no start condition. The customer would leave it sit for a few hours, go back to it and it would start. After numerous trips to another shop (dealer) it came...	View
	1997 Toyota Corolla DX 1.8L Powertrain VIN: 2T1BB02E8V My customer came in complaining of an exhaust noise. After taking a ride with the customer, I found that the issue is actually a engine mount type vibration that's transferring a lot of noise into the body. All of the mounts look fine, they all have a small nu...	View
	2002 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 1.9L no 1st or 4th VIN: 3VWCP21C62 Howdy All, This belongs to a friend who sells my shop auto parts. They scanned the code, searched Identifix and with encouragement from the VW parts guy brought me a valve body with new solenoids. I installed them and nothing has improved. At all. The problem ...	View
	2007 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5 2.5L power door locks VIN: 3VWRW31C27 I am looking at this for a friend, but I don't usually do european cars as they are about .05% of the local cars, so I don't have european scanner software other than generic. It has a power lock problem. All locks work as designed from any input EXCEPT drive...	View
	2011 Volkswagen CC Sport 2.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: WVWMN7AN9B hey volkswagon techs we have a 2011 volkswagon cc sport changed oil in we used oe oil and filter per customer got done car wont idle. oil pressure lite on and setting numerous misfire codes oil is full and this thing idles like a tractor valve train is really ... Trouble codes: P00, 301 (po302-), P0302, P0300	View
	2006 Volvo S40 T5 2.5L first and second gear VIN: YV1MH68256 Hello volvo techs. I have this s40 that came in with a lack of first and second gear. will shift into third, fourth, fith, sixth and, reverse fine. adjusted the shift cable (the only adjustment there is) to the limit in both directions with no change to the co...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2003 BMW 325i 2.5L failsafe mode VIN: WBAAX13423 well it has been several weeks and i am calling this one fixed.I ended up replacing the alternator test drove it numerous times and car has been sold approx 2 weeks and has not come back. knock on wood i'm calling it fixed. i really appreciate everyones input ...	6
	1989 Buick Reatta 3.8L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Misfire Thanks for all of the replies. It seems that everyone jumped to the engine being bad when all that happened was a shorted fuel pump relay. I did check the compression, just for lack of anything better to look into, and I still have an average of 160psi in all...	29
	1999 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1L Cooling Systems VIN: 1G1NE52J7X thank you everybody for your help I did nothing. I am like the customer I don't understand why the gauge use to only go half way but now goes 3/4 way.	35
	2004 Chrysler Pacifica 3.5L engine VIN: 2C8GF68484 well thank you to all you the take time and helped me; when the car arrived to the shop I check it to make sure had blow had gasket,.,. and guess what motor was knocking bad so I think the was my lucky day, because I really don`t like head job in 3.5 Chrysler...	6
	2005 Chrysler Pacifica Limited 3.5L Cuts out was able to get a micro torch in to heat the ckp housing and pull it out with a small pair of vise grips. thanks for all suggestions.	10
	1990 Dodge D150 S 3.9L Poor Idle Quality, Cuts out, Poor Fuel Economy, exhaut is black VIN: 1B7GE16X9L thanks to all that replied! After replacing dist. Truck would start and run about 10-20 mins. then die. Hadn't done that before. then after testing at pcm, found no dist. signal. Now I'm getting mad! replaced the hall effect sensor in the reman dist., Now runs...	8
	1998 Ford Contour GL 2.0L Surge, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FAFP6538W Intermittent problem remains after the following steps; cleaned the VCT solenoid (epecially in the plunger / piston area), cleaned the engine oil passages to from the VCT solenoid, changed oil to the recommended 5w20 weight, changed oil filter. Both the DTC ... Trouble codes: P1381 (Variable Cam Timing Over Advance Bank 1).	13
	2004 Ford Explorer NBX 4.0L right rear timing chain VIN: 1FMZU73K44 We replaced the tensioner, oil and filter. No huge improvement. Simple enough but no fix. Thanks for all the replies.	18
	2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty Harley-Davidson Edition 6.0L No Start VIN: 1FTNW21P64 Thanks for all the help. Unfortunately I am still working on this as I have limited time outside of work. The FICM sync was a non issue, the Scan tool I used before the IDS was not reacting quickly enough to catch the sync. I did the shop air test and found ... Trouble codes: P2290 (Icp pressure low).	34
	2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4.6L MIL Lamp on, Tpms fault VIN: 1FMEU51877 Thank you everyone for your input! I followed reprogram procedures to a "T", scoped the data lines and found them ok, resistance on CAN lines good. everything on this sport trac is factory, so no funny business there. So we had the car lot send us an explorer ... Trouble codes: B1687 (dome light short to B), U0140 (Lost comm with BCM), U1900 (in IC module CAN comm fault receive error), U1900 (in IC module CAN comm fault receive error), U1900 (in IC module CAN comm fault receive error), U1900 (in IC module CAN comm fault receive error).	6
	2008 Ford Escape Limited 3.0L electric power steering I got the Dorman part and installed it and it works! I couldn't find any info on disassembling the column but there was an instruction sheet with pictures in the box that did help. No need to buy the complete unit from Ford.	3
	1996 Honda Civic EX 1.6L oxygen sensor VIN: 1HGEJ8148T Thanks everyone for their help, I was not able to get the car back on lift due to thanks giving. Either way I removed the o2 sensor and placed it in the front and jumped the harness to the other o2 and the problem followed . proceeded to getting a new one of ...	18
	1998 Honda Civic LX 1.6L locks VIN: JHMEJ6675W customer did not want to go any further on testing and left the car the way it is I will post up if he comes back to have us finish with the diag thanks for all the help !	8
	2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4L Low Beam Headlamps VIN: 5NPEB4AC8B All is well with the lights. Replaced both low beam along with the fuse, cleared the codes and did a hard reset on the computer and the lights work fine. Thanks again!!	10
	2006 Mazda RX-8 1.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: JM1FE17376 You guys ROCK!!! I cleared the codes, did a hard reset on the computer then turned the KOEO and pump the brake pedal as fast as possible until the oil guage moved. I test drove the car and all is well. Thanks again. Trouble codes: P0300 (Multiple misfire), P0302 (Misfire cyl 2).	14
	2003 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 3.8L fuel gauge, Speedometer, instrument cluster VIN: JA4NW51S63 I believe this vehicle had a bad instrument cluster. The customer chose not to fix this vehicle do to the cost and the down time to send the cluster in. They will continue to use a GPS speedometer	3
	2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL 2.2L abs VIN: 1G3NL12F93 Thanks again for all the help.The customer opted for the black tape over the bulbs until after Christmas. The parts guy at the Chevy dealer assumed that the car had ABS due to wheel speed sensors being listed.I guess GM put the hubs with sensors on some models...	10
	2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP 5.3L High Idle VIN: 2G2WC58C36 ### THE FIX WAS TO REPROGRAM THE PCM WITH THE SAME CALIBRATION FILE THAT WAS ALREADY PRESENT IN THE PCM, WHICH WAS ALSO THE LATEST CALIBRATION AVAILABLE ### First, thank you to all of you who offered your help, advice and experience! Ed, Wayne, Colin, Russell... Trouble codes: P0507 (High Idle).	16
	1988 Saab 900 SPG 2.0L Excessive Emissions VIN: YS3AT76L4J finally got it. found the tps out of adjustment.pcm was seeing a premature wide open throttle condition causing open loop operation. thank you to all who replied.	15
	2000 Toyota Avalon XL 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 4T1BF28B2Y NOT SURE IF IVE FIXED THIS ONE OR NOT. I ADD RISLONE OIL ADDITIVE WHICH HAS ALWAYS BEEN A TRUSTY SOLUTION FOR ME FOR STICKY LIFTERS AND WHAT NOT SO I DECIDED TO TRY IT ON A "STICKY" CAM ACTUATOR. TOLD CUSTOMER TO DRIVE A FEW HUNDRED MILES AND IF IT STILL ACTS ... Trouble codes: P0300 (Multiple misfire), P0302 (2 misfire), P0304 (4 misfire), P0306 (6 misfire), P1354 (Vvt problem bank 2).	11
	2005 Toyota Sienna CE 3.3L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire VIN: 5TDZA29C35 The installation of a Dealer Belt and Tensioner took care of P0016, P2196. The aftermarket belt must of flexed/stretched while running and would relax close enough to make the timing marks align when shut off cold. However this vehicle still has a slight miss... Trouble codes: P2196, P0016, P0300 (Random Misfire).	13

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