Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for May 14, 2014

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	Help Request	Answers
	2006 Acura MDX Touring 3.5L battery drain VIN: 2HNYD18626 OK, this acura drains the battery when sitting a few days. I did a test, it has 264 milliamp drain. But when you pull the 7.5 amp fuse in the secondary fuse box under the hood, which says F1-backup, the drain goes back to a normal 50 milliamp. I tried that tri...	View
	2004 Audi A4 Quattro Cabriolet 3.0L Convertible Top VIN: WAUDT48H14 hi guys, this car has been in and out of the shop for the last 2 months, customer complaint is the convertible will stop working half way up, they close it manually and bring to shop. we have the blinking amber soft top open/malfunction light "on" code 2000 sy...	View
	2005 Audi A6 Quattro 3.2L abs VIN: WAUDG74F05 After driving the car after the repair the ABS brake light beeped and flashed. The code is 00265 ABS Outlet Valve - Left Front (N102. No info available in Alldata pertaining to the location of this part. I believe it's in the ABS module but want to be sure bef...	View
	2002 BMW 330Ci 3.0L Converter VIN: WBABS53412 This BMW came in with a leak in the front of trans and no converter lockup. We rebuilt the transmission, replaced the torque converter and valve body. Now the trans goes in and out of lockup. We again replaced the converter and valve body after a conversation ...	View
	2003 Cadillac CTS 3.2L valve lifters VIN: 1G6DM57N13 First time customer, vehicle presented with complaint of poor idle quality, rattling noise from right cylinder head area consistent with faulty valve lifters. Engine oil is full and clean. Customer stated he had taken the vehicle on a 3 hour road trip at highw...	View
	2006 Cadillac Escalade 6.0L Suspension VIN: 1GYEK63N96 This vehicle has a bad rt rr shock-shocks are $660.00ea from the general-owner was wanting to do the conversion from arnott industries which includes some electronic bypass to make the message go away on the dic-the truck rides fine-the owner would just like t...	View
	2006 Cadillac STS 3.6L Traction control VIN: 1G6DW67716 This unit will on occasion engage traction control off the stop sign and hold back power. The drivers display indicates the need for traction control service. The car will comm on the ECM and TCM high speed can circuits, but 3 different scan tools will not bri...	View
	1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 30th Anniversary Edition 5.7L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2GF1P22P7V Code p1371 can set just by turning ign switch to on.Scan tool shows 325ms with key on and hi res shows no. Unplugged dist. and it still reads 325ms.Scanned a 1994 caprice with same eng. ,it shows 0 ms at key on. As soon as i crank eng over low res numbers drop... Trouble codes: P0336, P1371	View
	1998 Chevrolet K1500 Cheyenne 5.0L Engine VIN: 1GCEK14M2W Hi everyone, I have a 98 chev 1/2 ton pickup up here that was getting coolant into the crankcase from some leaking intake gaskets (suprise)! Thought I would be able to save it as the lower end was still quiet. Well I proved myself wrong, a test drive to town, ...	View
	2001 Chevrolet S10 LS 4.3L Fuel tank VIN: 1GCDT13W51 No start--diagnosed as faulty fuel pump--living in a salt belt , we discovered that the fuel tank was rusted so badly that it could not be saved. Where can you get a tank for this thing. Gm discontinued the tank, none available in the aftermarket world that i ...	View
	2005 Chevrolet Colorado Sport LS 3.5L low oil pressure VIN: 1GCDS19685 Once the engine reaches operating temperature the red oil pressure light comes on, on the instrument panel and the warning buzzer sounds. Looked up and found a TSB in regards to quick stops and sudden turns causing a momentary low oil pressure condition, but t...	View
	2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 6.6L Hesitation, Misfire VIN: 1GCJK33215 Vehicle came in with complaint of CK Engine light and Missing with white/gray smoke from exhaust; so much you could not see behind vehicle with mirrors due to smoke while the problem was occurring. Also starts knocking while problem is occurring; A knock like ...	View
	2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 5.3L transfer case control VIN: 1GCEK19B66 Have a strange one here. Vehicle came in with complaint of Transfer case select switch does not light up and service 4wd indicator is on. Scan and found C0327. Encoder return voltage (as reported by the scantool) is normal. Verified no lights on the switch....	View
	2010 Chrysler Town & Country Limited 4.0L pass side power door Vehicle purchased 45 days ago. The pass side door was developing latch issues (would not latch), then they had a vehicle cross in front of them @ highway speeds. They caught the rear of the other vehicle with their rf corner and landed in a flatt ditch with a ...	View
	2002 Dodge Durango R/T 5.9L No Start VIN: 1B8HS78Z22 Vehicle Died on Highway. Now it is here, and I have No communication with my scanner (connections at OBD2 connector on vehicle look fine)Vehicle has no spark and no fuel delivery. The odometer shows mileage on initial key cycle, after about 30 secs it blinks a...	View
	2004 Dodge Durango Limited 5.7L oil pressure/prime VIN: 1D8HB58D54 I just had the pleasure of my first 5.7L Hemi engine swap. We went to start it this morning and it starts but has no oil pressure. The oil light is on dash, installed mechanical gauge and it doesn't bump the needle. Oil filter was not even filled with oil afte...	View
	2009 Dodge Charger SE 2.7L speedometer VIN: 2B3KA43D19 ok, first off thanks for reading my long message. vehicle came in as customer went to install battery and accidentally hooked up and saw sparks, brought in as now would start but trans would not shift and alternator not charging, initial test found burnt fuse...	View
	2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat 5.4L Wipers/Washer VIN: 1FTNX21L43 Hi everyone I Have a 2003 F-250 that is our shop truck. The windshield wipers and washer are not working. I have checked the 2 fuses that go to them and both are fine I have removed the multifunction switch and tested it and that checks out fine, I have put in...	View
	2004 Ford Taurus SES 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FAFP55S44 Car belongs to a family friend. can command valve on with scan tool. smoke checked and found very slight leak at canister vent valve on right rear with the carbon canister. disconnect the valve and put an incandescent test light in the circuit, it lights brigh... Trouble codes: P0446 (Evap Emission control system vent control circut)	View
	2006 Ford Focus ZX3 2.0L smoking when starting hi mates its another one that i m pulling my hair out,i ve got this ford c max with a 16,00 cc diesel engine 2006 i had to put it down as a focus cause its not on the list ,it smokes alot when starting from cold so i found out that the glow plugs are blown out...	View
	2006 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 6.0L No Start VIN: 1FTSW21P46 Technician replaced head gaskets on the vehicle. It was hard to get started after. Which was most likely due to all the air in the system. Technician drove the truck several times. and then the truck was parked for 2 weeks. Now the truck will not start. Monito...	View
	2011 Ford Taurus SEL 3.5L driveline VIN: 1FAHP2HW9B I am looking for some information on this AWD Taurus. The customer complaint is a shimmy at highway speeds and can be felt in the passenger seat. The customer has had 2 different sets of tires replaced with no change in condition. Vehicle has had no accidents ...	View
	2006 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3L Surge, MIL Lamp on VIN: 2GTEC13Z86 Well the problem child has these two codes come back within a couple miles sometimes even standing i have replaced intake gaskets maf to no results, smoke test shows almost no leaks tested brake booster blocked of line and smoke tested good results no leaks i ... Trouble codes: P0171, P0174	View
	2007 GMC W4500 Forward W4S042 5.2L crankcase VIN: J8DC4B1607 Before disabling and tearing into this one again, I would like to know if anyone has seen or heard of this, or has any insight. We have replaced numerous NPR injectors, pumps, and associated items on other fleets, but this particular truck has a gremlin.	View
	2011 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3L no communication VIN: 1GTR1TE03B vehicle was given to me from another shop. they said the tpms light is on and the abs lights on as well. tried to communicate with the modules and both received no comm. this truck is base of base, no power locks, power windows, power mirrors...nothing. so obv...	View
	2009 Infiniti G37 X 3.7L No Start VIN: JNKCV61F69 Timing was off one tooth and would not run at all with cam sensor bank 1 pluged in, now repaired. Car will start only with bank 1 cam sensor unpluged but will continue to run with sensor re-connected now. Cam phaser appears to function properly when activating... Trouble codes: P0340 (Cam Position Sensor Bank One)	View
	1998 Lexus GS400 4.0L Stall, Lack of power VIN: JT8BH68X4W This vehicle dies intermittently. does not matter what the customer is doing. Could be turning with no throttle, full throttle up a hill or just normal stop and go. No codes or pending codes are stored. Only noticed the lean condition as I was scrolling throug...	View
	2007 Lexus RX350 3.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2T2HK31U67 this one has me stumped and alittle help is appreciated. car came in about a month ago with a p2195. installed a new bank o 1 o2 /AFR - (firewall side ) came back 2 weeks later with same code. I installed another Denso o2 and sent it on its way. back again 2 w... Trouble codes: P2195	View
	2004 Mazda 3 S 2.3L Immobilizer VIN: JM1BK14314 Car came in for bearing, check engine light. replaced bearing and thermostat for code p0128. check tsb's for the 128 code and it said to either reprogram pcm and/or change thermostat. Was starting to reprogram pcm with spx pass thru couldn't get Mazda program ...	View
	2005 Mazda 6 S 3.0L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1YVHP80D35 Hello all, I'm a Volvo tech usually but took this in for a customer who is going out of town. This is the first time seeing this car so maintenance history is a guess. The engine idles roughly after warmed up, worse under load such as the A/C on. Not so much j...	View
	1991 Mercedes-Benz 300SL 3.0L Battery VIN: WDBFA61EXM Thanks to all and especially the mb techs.this car has a drain of .35 after sitting and we have temp install new batt repete test same results.have pulled all fuses underhood and in trunk (no change)found if you cut #2 wire from ign switch (red wire) drain gon...	View
	2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500 5.0L No Start Hi all, this car came in with a suspension problem which was repaired without any issues. Car had been sitting for 2 years because of the suspension. We gave it a tuneup and oil change and reset all adaptives and sent it on is way. Told customer car needed to ...	View
	2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 5.5L ride quality VIN: WDDNG71X37 Just got this s550 in for a hard ride. I found a leak at the front from the line from the pump to the valve block. However, the suspension is pumped up and the switch works to raise and lower the car, so not sure if the leak is related. It feels like the accum...	View
	2004 Porsche Cayenne Turbo 4.5L Starting VIN: WP1AC29P04 Hello Porsche Techs, We had this Turbo Cayenne towed in with a no crank condition. The battery is new, the key turns but the cluster lights and gauges have no power. The Radio turns on and the seats work, the door locks work. We can't communicate with the veh...	View
	2006 Suzuki Forenza Premium 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: KL5JD56Z26 hey fellow iatners, I've got a good one for ya. This 06 suzuki forenze is a good one. it just had a boat load of work due to the previous owner causing major problems with it. the catalytic convertor was replaced with aftermarket. the head was just re-done due... Trouble codes: P0138 (B1/B2 high voltage)	View
	2008 Toyota Sienna LE 3.5L steering VIN: 5TDBK23C28 car came in with vibrations and lots of noises. found u-joints and carrier bearings bad so replaced driveshaft but the popping right front when cornering still there. any advice from you Toyota techs would be helpful. replaced front engine mount. checked contr...	View
	2010 Toyota Camry XLE 2.5L Starting VIN: 4T1BF3EK4A I ask this in the event someone else has seen it. Vehicle has a smart key system on it. Periodically, she will go to start it, and it won't start. As soon as she hooks jumpers to it, it starts right up. Sure sounds like a battery issue. Battery tests good with...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2004 Acura RSX Type-S 2.0L Right Front Window VIN: JH4DC53094 I used a tail light bulb to test in place of the motor. When I used the master switch up/down; nothing lights up. When I used the passenger switch the up position; nothing; but when the switch is push down; the bulb lights up. I recommend the switch to cust...	20
	2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L drl VIN: 2GCEK19T7Y Well, it's fixed! (And yes, e-brake will kill the headlights when they are on automatic.) Turned out that the new (aftermarket) light sensor was bad. While backprobing the white return wire at the BCM and getting the truck into the sunlight in drive, I could s...	12
	2003 Chevrolet Express 3500 6.0L Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1GCHG39UX3 thanks for all he help,it was a bad wire from iac to the pcm.it wasnt rubbing on the control arm though.ran a new wire.i guess i thought if it was an open circuit it would have set a code.but i had no codes.learn something everyday.and all knowing tim from wis...	8
	2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L Temperature Gauge VIN: 1GCHK29265 Thanks to everyone that responded. The scan tool and laser thermometer showed engine is 40D. F. below what the dash gauge and driver information center showed. In preparing to send out or repair dash gauge, I spoke with company that does dash rebuild and re...	8
	2008 Chevrolet Uplander 3.9L p2070 VIN: 1GBDV13WX8 Thanks for the help on this. Replace the tuning valve and the intake . Cleared codes and test drove 3 times . All is well	3
	2000 Chrysler Town & Country Limited 3.8L horn VIN: 1C4GP64L3Y Thanks for all the replies. The loss of ground was caused by a corroded connection where the upper part of the tilt column shaft meets the bearing. The wave washer type spring was rusted insulating that part of the shaft from the housing causing the loss of ...	12
	1994 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire VIN: 1B7KF26Z3R You guys are great! I double checked my plug wiring and re ran my plug wiring and used scotch bright on the distributor where the rotor sits to make sure it was fully seated. put it all back together and now its all good. it was tough to see the plug layout on...	10
	2001 Ford Ranger Edge 4.0L Poor Idle Quality, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTZR15E21 I Plugged the intake completely with one of the yellow caps for the smoke tester and again looked for leaks. Found small amounts coming from the EGR gaskets and the Idle control. Replaced Both of those gaskets and cleaned all dirt from the passages with a clot... Trouble codes: P0171 (System lean bank 1), P0174 (system lean bank 2).	28
	2007 Ford F-150 XLT 4.6L Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: 1FTRW12W37 Thanks very much to all 15 replies. Most all said to clean throttle body and reset KAM. This is what we did and it fixed the problem. Truck runs great. I believe having this code P061B in the archives will help other Techs,if they run into this over a dead bat... Trouble codes: P061B.	15
	2001 GMC Yukon SLE 5.3L Misfire VIN: 1GKEK13T01 replaced the intake manifold gaskets and still had the misfire. the owner took the vehicle to the dealership and said that the valve seat on either cylinder #3 or #4 was out preventing the valve to seat leaking compression to the opposite cylinder. too expensi... Trouble codes: P0300.	28
	1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L No Start, Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire VIN: 1J4FF67S0X FOUND THE CAM SHAFT TO BE 180 DEGREES OFF. CAUSING DISTRIBUTOR TO NOT LINE UP RETIMED CAM AND CRANK AND DISTRIBUTOR LINED UP AND RAN PERFECT Trouble codes: P1391 (Intermittent loss of cam or crank sensor).	18
	2002 Lexus SC430 4.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: JTHFN48Y62 WE ENDED UP TAKING THE VEHICLE TO LEXUS. THEY HAVE HAD IT FOR OVER THREE WEEKS AND STILL NO CLOSER TO A SOLUTION. WE WILL POST WHEN SOMETHING COMES UP. Trouble codes: P1349 (Vvti malfunction bank 1).	12
	2008 Mazda 5 Grand Touring 2.3L Excessive Emissions VIN: JM1CR29L98 CAT fixed emission. but 15 MPH CO 0.19 and 25 MPH CO 0.29. still too hi in my opinion. I think need updata software to fix desired ratio.	8
	1998 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L door locks VIN: 1G2HX52K3W Thanks to all who replied- the actual fix was very simple. There was some confusion as to where the actual ground for the involved circuits was located. Initially the ground was checked at the left lower rocker panel along side the drivers seat. With a better ...	9
	2008 Saturn Aura XR 3.6L Radiator Fan Blade VIN: 1G8ZV57718 OK so maybe this wasn't worthy of a help request? Dan TX has seen the same thing happen & I agree with him & other posters about replacing both fan blades & motors. I also agree with Tim WI that this is very rare & if the second fan blade looks OK no cracks...	7
	2000 Toyota Echo 1.5L missfire VIN: JTDBT1237Y I want to thank all you guys for your insight, this vehicle became a nightmare and a money pit, We tried all your suggestions and more to no avail. The customer decided to take vehicle. We put in a lot of time into this vehicle at no charge. I do not feel good...	9
	2001 Toyota Echo 1.5L Third And 4th Clutch VIN: M201G01181 i d like to thank all of u who helped me out but i can put this as a fix cause the owner prefered to change the trans then buy a kit cause its too expensive,thanks once again,charlie	5
	2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited 5.7L No Start, Stall VIN: 5TDBY64A08 First , thank you to all that took the time to post tips and past experience. Since this problem refuses to poke its head out at me , I have advised my customer that I feel that it is likely an immobilizer ecu but until it breaks long enough for me to test it ... Trouble codes: P0335 (Ckp sensor fault), P2799 (Immobilizer fault).	10
	2005 Volkswagen Touareg 3.2L Mechanical VIN: WVGZG77L45 REPLACE TIMING CHAINS, GUIDE, RAILES & TENSIONER, TEST DRIVE VEHICLE WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS & A 1/2 TANK OF GAS. NO MISFIR	3

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