Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for May 29, 2014

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	Help Request	Answers
	2003 BMW 325i 2.5L oil pressure VIN: WBAEV33483 Has anyone had this issue? I have an 03 325i sedan in the shop. It came in for an oil filter housing repair. After repairs were made and car was started, the idle is very rough and the oil pressure light is flashing in the dash. Everything is plugged in. All h...	View
	2003 BMW 330i 3.0L Hesitation VIN: WBAEV53413 Hi Guys, I only resort to posting when I have a real challenge. So here it goes. This high mileage 330 has a MAJOR power issue under load. NO CODES stored, besides a misfire on #5 sometimes.The 'butt test' tells me its choking, seriously (its that even, not bu...	View
	2003 Buick Century Custom 3.1L dash warning lights VIN: 2G4WS52J03 turn ign on and dash warning lights blink.turn key to start lights go out but no starter,under dash flasher still clicks.turn on 4ways and every thing works normal. i THINK i know what the problem is acording to Joseph from NY on dec 12 2007 it maty be the ign...	View
	2004 Buick LeSabre Limited 3.8L ride control VIN: 1GHHR54K44 Original shocks were leaking.Replaced with Delco air shocks.System operated normally.2 weeks later car comes back with very bouncey ride from rear.Scanned RIM for codes and none were present.Loaded trunk with cases of oil sensor reading didn't change.Stayed at...	View
	2000 Chevrolet Malibu 3.1L engine swap VIN: 1G1ND52J2Y this is my sons car, which had blown head gaskets after tear down found the block had cracks, my question is can I take a 3.4l out of a 2002 impala and swap it and what problems would I have, I have the impala here and at no cost so this would be perfect for m...	View
	2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ 5.3L Stall VIN: 1GNFK13047 I just recently replaced the two front struts on this vehicle and customer is complaining that in a hard left turn the vehicles stability track light is coming on and the vehicle stalls out. when driving straight the vehicle runs perfect and when making slight...	View
	2001 Chrysler 300M 3.5L No Start, Stall Please, I need mopar guru! Car will start& run with cam sensor unplugged but not well. Pretty sure cam timing is on mark because of good compression. Pulled plenum to replace gasket and ran new signal wire from sensor to pcm. Any help appreciated. Car idles fi... Trouble codes: P0340 (no cam signal at pcm)	View
	2007 Chrysler Pacifica 4.0L seat track position sensor VIN: 2A8GF48X67 greetings!! 2oo7 Chrysler pacifica with the SRS light on DTC B223D occupant classification module DTC B1BA4 passenger seat track position sensor DTC B1BA3 driver seat track position sensor Does this car have seat track sensors? or is the module malfunctioning?	View
	2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L abs light VIN: 1D4GP24R15 This van has not left, and the customer decided to fix it. We ordered an OE/Dealer controler, and installed it. We still can not communicate with the ABS unit, and both the ABS light and brake light are on. We've checked the powers and grounds at the controler...	View
	2007 Dodge Sprinter 2500 3.0L Compressor VIN: WD0PE74507 Vehicle came in for no ac complaint,Found no refrigerant in system.Found front seal leaking on compressor.replaced compressor would not cool,cooled with original compressor just leaked,replaced compressor with another reman from same company still same result....	View
	1995 Ford Aerostar XLT 3.0L Steering wheel Shake VIN: 1FMCA11U9S & of Course it's Mine.. Replaced Everything!! front brake related due to the miles & heat smoking pads.. When I get up to 55 MPH & Above the steering wheel Starts to shake.. I painted the rims Before the wheels were mounted & there is No indication of the ba...	View
	2001 Ford Taurus SE 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FAFP53UX1 checked all fuses tested fuel signal at pump connector signal good code resets immediately fuel pressure drops filter is good checked fuel filter Trouble codes: P0193, P1233	View
	2002 Ford Taurus LX 3.0L Power steering pump VIN: 1FAFP55U02 Hi everyone. I have a weird one here. We had a customer come in with a deer impact which required the replacement of the hood, both fenders, front bumper, and radiator support. I test drove the vehicle BEFORE we did any repairs and everything worked normally. ...	View
	2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty XLT 6.0L loss of power VIN: 1FTNW20P53 on long up hill pulls there will be a loss of boost. boost will drop to 10lbs with a loss of power.	View
	2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat 6.0L Excessive Emissions, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FTNX21P34 The truck has white smoke on acceleration. Misses heavily on #3 cylinder using cylinder balance test. All the other cylinders contribute. I disconnected the fuel injector on #3 still have white smoke. Disconnected the EGR valve still white smoke. Is the engine... Trouble codes: P0269, P0603	View
	2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L Fuel Gauge VIN: 1FMDU73E45 Fellow Iatn'ers This is a weird one (atleast to us)... This explorer came in with a CEL with codes P0463. The customer was just complaining about the CEL, but it was obvious the gauge was not working either. When you first turn key to on position, the gauge ...	View
	2007 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4L converter VIN: 1FTPW14V17 truck has light whine noise torrington bearing type sound. it starts around 20mph and will pitch with speed then go away as soon as lock up occurs.installed scan tool and controlled lock up and no noise while tcc is engaged but will come back as soon as it dis...	View
	2009 Ford Focus SE 2.0L dash area VIN: 1FAHP35N99 with out having to remove heater box, does anyone know of where this could collect water or is this a heater core problem	View
	2010 Ford Escape XLT 3.0L On High VIN: 1FMCV9DG5A Cooling fan is on high after AC is turned on or when you unplug sensor on top off dryer. Cooling fan runs fine during normal engine operation until AC is turned on. Then it stays at high speed. Compressor does not cycle during this process and high side goes t...	View
	2012 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5L battery VIN: 1FMHK7F81C Vehicle came in with a complaint of having a slow crank with no start. They had to jump the vehicle and it drove fine. The next day the battery was completely dead, so they jumped the vehicle again and drove it to our shop. The battery was weak due to the low ...	View
	1997 Geo Prizm LSi 1.6L Steering VIN: 1Y1SK5264V Today Im working on a 97 Geo Prism. Car came in with complaint of power steering noise and little assist. Replaced pump and hoses because it did not appear to be moving any fluid. Napa reman pump. Same issue. Replaced pump again (carquest this time), flushed s...	View
	2003 GMC Sierra 3500 8.1L transmission VIN: 1GDJK39G23 Customer brought truck in with a transmission whine and requested transmission fluid/filter change. I changed both filters and fluid. Took vehicle for test drive and approximately 1/2 mile, the vehicle gears quit. Towed it back to shop, scanned it. Replaced th...	View
	1999 Honda Odyssey LX 3.5L low pressure VIN: 2HKRL1854X this one was acquired from another tech in the shop. came in for a/c performance check, found leak at low side service port accompanied with a cycling clutch from a low charge. replaced schrader valve, full evac and recharge. upon recharge found low side press...	View
	2006 Honda Odyssey EX 3.5L Accessories VIN: 5FNRL387X6 Hi Hondas techs I have stuck with this one for days. Symptoms no high beam, no power door look, no turn signals( hazard work), no washer pump, A/C not cool. The vehicle has an aftermarket alarm but I removed it and connected wires back together. Checked ground...	View
	1997 Jaguar XJR 4.0L Crank no start VIN: SAJPX1141V Vehicle came in with a inop gas pedal. The vehicle would start but could not change the engine RPMs with the gas pedal. I diagnosed that the throttle body was sticking. I replaced the throttle body. This is when my problem started. The vehicle will now crank b...	View
	2004 Land Rover Range Rover HSE 4.4L Air door VIN: SALME11494 Cust. complaint is he can hear fan, but no air comes out anywhere. Every time it comes in,it has numerous codes for flap motors and AUC sensor. I have never been able to duplicate the cust. complaint, although I have been able to set codes for footwell flap an...	View
	2003 Lexus RX300 3.0L Fuel Tank VIN: JTJHF10UX3 We have to remove the fuel tank on this vehicle. Its an all wheel drive and there is no factory procedural info on this car. Can't find any into on enthusiast sites. Anyone out there "been there, done that?" thanks so much!	View
	2003 Maybach 57 5.5L glove box Don't know who else to ask. It seems so simple and yet... I can't open the glove box. Lock has failed. I would love to just take apart the dash but everything is big $$ if I break something. Anyone got a tip for me??	View
	2001 Mazda MPV DX 2.5L will not set VIN: JM3LW28G81 i,v tested module using alldata. also test servo that works.put in new brake switch with no help.my problem is next step is the starter. i tested the starter it test ok. i need. some light on on this system i,v been spining my wheels. ps also has code 35 tr sw...	View
	1995 Mercedes-Benz SL500 5.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, MIL Lamp on VIN: WDBFA67E0S Hello Benz techs, I'm familiar with this 129 body's. I haven't mess with this in a while,This is a clean low miles well maintained car 53k miles. Engine Harness is new.I have replaced in 2011 the throttle ECU with a used one. I don't remember the problem. The ... Trouble codes: 030 (P001E No communication with accelerator pedal control module EA N41)	View
	2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG 5.5L No Start VIN: WDDDJ76X46 Vehicle came in with no start issue when cold. No signal to fuel pump when not starting. Tried relay still issue. Tried rear sam unit still No start when cold. Eventually will get signal after couple cranks... Any help much appreciated.	View
	2003 Mercury Mountaineer 4.6L engine VIN: 4M2DU86W83 Has antifreeze coolant in oil. The head gaskets were previously replaced by unknown shop and this didn't fix the problem. I removed the engine and sent it to a re-builder. They didn't find any reason for the antifreeze to get into the oil. I re-installed the e...	View
	1996 Nissan Pickup XE 2.4L Number 1Cylinder VIN: 1N6SD11Y2T This vehicle originally cam in because of a no start condition after a friend had replaced the spark plugs and wires trying to fix a drivability issue, I found the wires crossed and got it started. Vehicle ran poorly on acceleration and would backfire through ...	View
	2008 Nissan Rogue SL 2.5L No Start VIN: JN8AS58T18 The Nissan arrived with a no start condition. I used the Autel Maxidas to do an auto code read. It retrieve the codes I listed. The this scan tool will not communicate with the engine control module. When I clear all the codes, all of these codes return immedi... Trouble codes: P0725 (engine speed signal), U1000 (can comm), P1705 (TP sensor circuit A/T), P0868 (secondary pressure down)	View
	2007 Subaru Forester X 2.5L evap VIN: JF1SG63627 Having some trouble finding cause of P0422 on Subaru. Smoke check sytem, no leaks found. Replaced rear solenoid on charcoal can and gas cap. Looking for some direction on where to go next. Trouble codes: P0422	View
	2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX 2.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: JS3TD62V82 Customer drove to Ohio after repair was done, stayed a few days for work and on the way back the engine light came on with a p0430 code. Did a quick basic check and cleared the code , customer drove another week and code returned. Freeze frame shows the code... Trouble codes: P0430 (Catalyst effiency low bank 2)	View
	2003 Suzuki Aerio SX 2.0L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Misfire VIN: JS2RC41H13 Hi everybody,and thanks in advance. Car came in with very high idle like 3000 RPMs, the owner tried to fix it, he mesed up the timing, TPS sensor, and idle screw, he instslled a new MAF sensor, he made a gasket for the idle motor with paper, anyway we smoked t... Trouble codes: P0171 (System too lean), P0300 (Ramdom misfire detected)	View
	2003 Suzuki Aerio S 2.0L mil lamp coming on and coming off VIN: SUZUK1L1AN when driving the light comes on under 20 mp/h as you accelerate the light comes off	View
	1995 Toyota Tacoma DLX 2.4L ign. system VIN: 4TAUN53B4S Truck was towed in last Sat. for "quit while driving" scenario. Owner thought low fuel, added 5 gallons of fuel, no joy. I found B+ to dist. but no spark, called owner, recommended new, not reman'd distributor, installed dist. truck fired immediately, CEl ligh...	View
	2006 Toyota Prius 1.5L MIL Lamp on, no power, battery di VIN: JTDKB20U66 Vehicle came in barely driveable, hybrid battery showed completely discharged on information display. Exclamation point, check engine light, vsc and trac off lights on. had P0A92 code, hybrid generator performance. I charged battery at idle speed for 11/2 hour... Trouble codes: P0A92	View
	1966 Volkswagen Beetle 1.3L Poor Idle Quality We have this 66 Beetle that is super clean! I rebuilt the carb 30 PICT2... It doesn't have any electric solenoids on it. At idle it sounds okay, and runs pretty good, but when I turn the idle mixture screw in or out, it doesn't seem to affect the idle quality ...	View
	2003 Volkswagen Golf GTI 1.8T 1.8L No Start VIN: 9BWDE61J73 Hello everyone and thanks for the help on this sweet gem that was towed in after being worked on by a mobile mechanic and the customer himself. The vehicle developed a no start condition. The mobile mechanic has put in a crank sensor and a fuel pump and fuel p...	View
	2004 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9L Misfire VIN: 3VWSR29MX4 Vehicle came in running rough, check engine light on. Scanned for codes P0201 injector 1 circuit. Check resistance of # 1 injector at main plug at cylinder head. Couldn't find proper spec so just tested resistance of other 3 injectors and they were all the sam... Trouble codes: P0201 (Injector 1 circuit)	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2005 BMW 545i 4.4L Steering VIN: WBANB33575 hello group since i couldnt get the scanner to zero steering..i went ahead and took it to the dealer,,,ended up being a flauty steering control module 132-43-6-772-742 and column steering switch [...] repair was over 2k ..when i picked it up steering ligh...	8
	1998 Buick Park Avenue 3.8L compressor VIN: 1G4CW52K9W Thanks to all that replied. I troubleshot it down to what I believed it to be was the PCM. After a replacement PCM was installed and programmed by the dealer the problem was still there. No cooling fans or A/C activation. They called me the next day and said t...	25
	2006 Cadillac Escalade 6.0L Suspension VIN: 1GYEK63N96 Have not been able to get owner to bring vehicle back in yet-I will post repair once he comes back in.Most replies said to fix the vehicle correctly by replacing the expensive shock,which I understand and respect,however I always treat the customers problem as...	6
	2004 Chevrolet Express 2500 LS 6.0L oil gage VIN: 1GCGG25U54 thank you all for your help, customer declined repairs do to lack of funds. gage would loose power has pealed curcuit board	10
	2005 Chevrolet Colorado Sport LS 3.5L low oil pressure VIN: 1GCDS19685 This vehicle is finally fixed. Thanks everyone for the help. First I want to mention that I did change the oil to try a thicker oil. I also checked for codes and none were set. I tried another known good oil sending unit from another vehicle and still had t...	10
	2008 Chevrolet Colorado LS 3.7L ABS/traction control VIN: 1GBDS14E28 Hello and thanks again everyone who read and or replied. This vehicle has not been fixed yet. It all started out, like lots of them do, like a seemingly simple problem. No speed signal to ABS module. The replies I received were focused around wiring issues, to...	6
	2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 4.3L Theft system VIN: 1GCEC14X59 Well after 4 days & not acting up, we about gave up on this one. HOWEVER, when we started putting the cover back on under the steering wheel we found our problem: Brown wire had 1 very small section that was rubbing against the pin of the tilt wheel. This is s...	3
	1999 Dodge Viper R/T-10 8.0L 6 gear syc VIN: 1B3ER65E1X Well, I can throw my dreams of a quick adjustment off the building. All the components had wear, rail. fork, sycro, and gear. $500.00 worth of parts and a quick R/R. Now I we can chase corvettes again. Thanks for your help and insight. I hope this case can hel...	10
	2002 Dodge Dakota SLT 4.7L code 82 & 83 VIN: 1B7HG48N62 I replaced the ECM a 2nd time because the first time the VIN number got corrupted. However the same ABS codes of 82 and 83 are there. I called the dealer service, the writer suggested checking to see if the transmission module. I found no place except the ABS ...	4
	1997 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4.6L Poor Idle Quality, Poor Fuel Economy, low power VIN: 1FMEU18W9V After much more testing and trial and error, we had a newer Expedition roll into the shop. I took the entire air filter housing and MAF assy and tried it on my vehicle. It greatly improved the baro and fuel trims on my vehicle. Although this didn't properly fi...	14
	2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty Lariat 5.4L Wipers/Washer VIN: 1FTNX21L43 I appreciate all the replies on this one. Wish I could tell you what it was but my boss doesn't want me to spend anymore time on it. Theres a wiring issue for sure. Thanks again.	10
	2003 Ford Taurus LX 3.0L Mechanical VIN: 1FAFP55S83 thanx for all the replies,I eventually exchanged part from another wrecked vehicle that we have and I was finally able to get the idle down enough so the vehicle would have good brakes,again thanx for all the replies,OTIS.	11
	2004 Ford Taurus SES 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FAFP55S44 This one still isn't resolved. aware that the fault isn't for evap leak. the update about the smoke machine was more for the benefit of seeing if the tank pressure sensor was able to read and was showing changes in pressure / vac. the lines to and from the ... Trouble codes: P0446 (Evap Emission control system vent control circut).	11
	2005 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4L Timing componets VIN: 1FTPX14505 I did replace the Doorman phasers with new Ford parts. I also did replace the timing chain tensioners with new ford parts. The noise is completely gone. I did not find any problems with the tensioners but since I had removed them I was not willing to chance no...	19
	2008 Ford F-350 Super Duty XL 6.4L No Start VIN: 1FTWW31R88 Thanks for all of your replies! After replacing the FRP sensor and harness, the truck has been starting every time. Not really sure if that was the problem, but it works now so everyone is happy. Thanks again for all of your help! Trouble codes: P2291 (Fuel pressure too low while cranking).	5
	2001 Honda Accord Value Package 2.3L p1457 VIN: 1HGCF86661 We replaced the computer and had it reflashed. Engine light has remained off.	13
	2004 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.7L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: KMHWF25H44 Thank all of you that responded! The plug end for the coil [...] from the auto parts( after market) the car has been running good ,,,but i,m just not sure .It ran good for two weeks before. ... Trouble codes: P0352, P0355, P0302, P0305, P0300.	8
	1995 Jaguar XJ6 4.0L Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: SAJHX1742S Well this one is fixed!!! After a couple of replies about cheap aftermarket coils. I racked my brain thinking at one point the customer mentioned that he had the codes read at Autozone awhile back. Only once had the car popped up with a cylinder 1 misfire code... Trouble codes: P1192, P1194, P1191, P1790 (Throttle position sensor Code was in trans module not ecu).	5
	2000 Jaguar XK8 4.0L inoperative VIN: SAJJA42CXY Vis a vis the last reply as to oil level, it was the 1st thing I checked; it was full. The problem was fixed by releasing the oil to flow without pumping when I manually lowered the top. Once the top was down, I regained response to the up/down button. The top...	7
	2005 Kia Rio 1.6L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: KNEDC24124 Hi, It was IAC sticky, Good clean and running good as new, Thanks for all help :)	4
	1994 Lexus LS400 4.0L reduced power VIN: JT8UF11E0R Thanks for all the replies customer decided to purchase his own PCM however they did let me replace the PCM and that was the problem. Car is now fixed and customer happy	7
	2006 Lexus RX330 3.3L instrument cluster VIN: 2T2HA31U46 hi, thanks for the replies, inspected for water intrusion inside the front kick panel and all looked good, so I installed a new brake light switch. have not heard back from customer, so thinking its fixed. thanks again as your information is appreciated. Tom	7
	2003 Lincoln Town Car Executive 4.6L pcm VIN: 1LNHM81W23 the ecu was BAD...replaced with new one car is running again	15
	2004 Mazda RX-8 1.3L No Start, Poor Idle Quality VIN: JM1FE17304 thanks to all we didnt have the special gauge for the compesion test but i did put oil in the top plugs and let it set over night and it did start and hold idle but after worm up and shut it off it will not start up i did talk to the custmers and did find out...	10
	2004 Mercedes-Benz C240 4Matic 2.6L srs VIN: WDBRH81J74 The me showed no faults. The seats wipers windows ac radio all work as well as the key fob too. I've seen overcharging disable those systems.As I mentioned the alternator had been replaced somewhere else & a non Bosch unit but it was charging normally. Un...	6
	2006 Nissan Xterra X 4.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 5N1AN08W56 sorry, I'm an idiot or going deaf. There was an exhaust leak at the back of bank 1 cat. I don't know why but I kept thinking it's gotta be a vacuum leak and I couldn't see any smoke anywhere. fixed exhaust leak, cleared self learn again now both banks reading ... Trouble codes: P2A00.	3
	2003 Oldsmobile Alero GL 3.4L abs VIN: 1G3NL52E23 Thanks everyone for your help. Should of specified that we had torqued, always do. This time the bearing was ok so I did another wiggle test as some suggested and got a little more aggresive with the wiring and it broke in my hand. Still strikes me as odd that...	18
	2009 Pontiac Vibe 2.4L head lights& dash lights VIN: 5Y2SP67089 I found some questionable connections and corrosion around the battery cable adapters after further checks. Since he drives the car every day I am thinking that may have solved the mystery.	3
	1996 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.6L transmission VIN: WP0CA2992T Finally had some time over memorial day to get back on working with this 993... gave the trans a nice push after it sat half in for over a week and BAM...sucker slide right in.	8
	1998 Porsche Boxster 2.5L ignition VIN: WP0CA2981W Found alarm module under driver seat was sitting in water. Replaced module and key head with it and sent to the dealer for coding. Will post an update when we hear back.	5
	2008 Porsche Cayenne S 4.8L terminal 15 VIN: WP1AB29PX8 Kept my meter hooked up and started pulling on the harness. Found the connection under the dead pedal, like I had read on the net was at fault. They are two wires side by side that are soldered together and then taped over. There were 3 splices there that l...	2
	1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited 3.4L Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: JT3HN87R8X THIS ONE IS FIXED. I PULLED THE T/BODY OFF AND REMOVED THE IAC AND IT WAS NASTY SO I SCRUBBED IT GOOD AND RE INSTALLED IT. WHILE I WAS AT IT I CLEANED THE MAF SENSOR. CUSTOMER CALLED TODAY AND SAID IT RUNS PERFECT. THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP! ANOTHER ONE OUT T...	14
	1989 Volkswagen Vanagon Carat 2.1L ignition no spark VIN: WV2YB0257K The module was under rear seat as you said. confirmed bad & now trying to locate one. Thanks for all the help!	9

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