Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Nov 8, 2004

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	Help Request	Answers
	1997 Audi A8 Quattro 4.2L Surge VIN: WAUBG84DXV So the car came to us 2 days later. We read 17087 and P0703 - torque converter/brake switch. That made sense for the symptom. We did not read the other codes but the car had not been driven very far since being reset at the dealer. We swapped the switch with n... Trouble codes: 17087 (P0703- Torque converter brake switch circuit B), P0703 (Torque converter brake switch circuit B)	View
	1994 BMW 530i 3.0L Stored code VIN: WBAHE1318R Vehicle Towed in for a NO-START. Pulled codes and checked fuel pressure. Replaced bad pump and Vehicle started.Had code 41-power to maf interupted. Checked power to maf ..found greenies in maf connector(real BAD) cleaned and reassembled and verified voltage-OK... Trouble codes: 41 (Power to MAF sensor interupted)	View
	1995 BMW 525i 2.5L oil pan VIN: WBAHD5326S 2 months after clutch replacement, oil pan starts to leak down the right side. We replaced the gasket (neoprene and steel) and noting the BMW request we applied flange sealant at the bolt holes and on the front and rear cover seams. We used the Mercedes black ...	View
	1994 Buick Century Custom 3.1L Suspension VIN: 1235456612 Vibration at 65 mph and above severe in steering wheel and feels like front of vehicle, I've balanced all tire/wheels several times and calibrated machine also to no avail, we've put struts on this vehicle before the problem occured as per customer, can struts...	View
	1995 Buick Riviera 3.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G4GD2213S Hi, thanks in advance for any help. This Riv has the service engine soon light on but there are no codes in the present code screen. The history codes are numerous (15 total). The vehicle runs perfect. By performing the clear codes option the light will stay o...	View
	1997 Cadillac Eldorado 4.6L right marker/tail VIN: 1G6EL12Y7W This northstar Eldorado is giving me a fit!!The only problem is LEFT side marker lights+rear tail lights do not work.all others work ie bk,turn.haz ect right+left.Just left front+rear marker/tail.Has any one had this problem?Please fill me in.I checked bulbs e...	View
	1989 Chevrolet Astro 4.3L No Start VIN: 1GNEL19W3W Hello all, I have a astro van that has me stumped. As stated in the repair history I have replaced the intake gasket, along with the plenum gaskets. The distributor position has been checked, rechecked and set according to chiltons. The van was running before...	View
	1996 Chevrolet K3500 6.5L No Start VIN: 1GBJK34FXT I bought this truck with engine already removed. I replaced crankshaft which had two spun bearings, i reinstalled engine and i have two concerns. I cannot find where CKP sensor plugs into harness. I found a connector at main harness at back of engine is their ...	View
	2001 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7L charging system, dash board info center VIN: 1G1YY22GX1 When starting this vehicle the alternator would spike to 15 volts and some times spike to 18 volts. After you start to drive the vehicle the info center would loose power than all of the gauges would stop working. This does not cause a no start. We changed the...	View
	1967 Chrysler charger 383CID turn signals VIN: XP29H72361 Right turn signal works fine. Left turn works OK until you press the brake pedal. Stops blinking and stays on solid. Anytime you press the brake pedal the left indicator light in dash lights up with or without the left signal on.. Lights up even when you unplu...	View
	2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE 3.3L Speedometer, fuel and temp guages VIN: 1B4GP44G4Y This caravan came in for several dash warning lights on and no guage operation. I ran a scan test and found the only computer communicating was the PCM I had no communication with the TCM, ABS, and MIC modules. I backprobed the ccd bus at the diagnostic connec...	View
	1990 Ford E-350 Econoline Custom 7.3L Fuel leak VIN: 1FDKE37M1L Truck came in with fuel injector line leaking. We replaced the leaky line. Came back with another line leaking, we replaced all the lines. Came back with another line leaking, we replaced the bad line and installed new line brackets. Came back again today with...	View
	1993 Ford Taurus LX 3.8L alternator VIN: 1FALP534XP to all ford people out there,i have this taurus that was in a small accident resulting in a broken rear tail light that was replaced ,soon after the battery went,i assume there was a short somewhere because i found a relay behind the battery that had its plug ...	View
	1997 Ford F-150 XL 4.2L oil pressure VIN: 1FTDX1721V This is an oil pressure problem. I Recently replaced a long block in this 97 4.2L ford PU. before installing the timing cover, I primed the oil pump with assy. lube and the filter with oil. With the cover installed, i extended and used an old OP. drive shaft a...	View
	1998 Ford F-150 Lariat 4.6L engine VIN: 1FTZX18W4W My question is this, is there a special tool to pull this engine out with?? I have the used engine sitting in my shop and everything is aluminum, and no bolts seem big enough for a guy to use them to bear the weight of the engine without pulling it apart. So, ...	View
	1983 GMC Jimmy 5.7L erratic o2 sensor VIN: 1G5EK18L3D we have a gmc jimmy, 5.7l 4wd with o/d. the emissions are higher than i like, though it will pass ca smog testing. my concern is that i get oxygen sensor readings that vary from around .200 mv up to 1.2 mv - replaced the sensor and new e.c.m., no change. check...	View
	1999 GMC C2500 Sierra SL 5.7L power steering VIN: 1GCGC24UOX I am not sure on how to diag this system with hydo boost.alldata does not cover very well.any help would be apreciated.thanks in advance	View
	2002 GMC Safari SLE 4.3L battery light VIN: 1GKDM19X52 Complaint of battery light flashing off and on. Checked output of alt. Volt and amp output are fine. Even when light is on alternator works. I looked on shop key and alt wiring goes thru ecm. There are no test proceedures to try. I don't know if it is a Comput...	View
	2000 Honda Accord LX 2.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1HGCG6558Y we scanned using snap on solus system. can't find why light recurs! Trouble codes: P1149 (undocumented code from obd 2 generic scan)	View
	1990 Hyundai Excel 1.5L No Start, Poor Idle Quality, Stall VIN: KMHVF12J4L Got a lovely gem here, vehicle came in for a stalling and hard starting cold concern. Technician found service bulletin for wiring harness splice repair. Repaired harness and vehicle had no more stalling. Technician notice last step to reset tps and idle stepp...	View
	1992 Isuzu Rodeo LS 3.1L Cylinder Head VIN: 4S2CG58E1N This car came to us with no compression on cylinders 3 and 4. Dealer had done valve job 2 or 3 times in last 13 months and would not warranty this time. We pulled the cylinder head and found the head completely destroyed on cylinders 3 and 4 and some damage on...	View
	1997 Jeep Wrangler SE 2.5L Accessories VIN: 1J4FY29P4V On this jeep the temp gauge, oil pressure gauge and fuel gauge do not work. It is no surprise that these are the gauges that get there info off the ccd bus. Checking the ccd bus lines reveal 2.51 volts and 2.49 volts with the minor variations expected with dat...	View
	2000 Lincoln LS 3.9L Torque Converter VIN: 1LNHM87A7Y Hello all, We had this car last week and put in a fuel pump, spark plugs and 2 coils. It came in with a buck/miss concern and an engine light. Scanned with NGS and had PO302 and PO303. Checked fuel pressure was low. Replaced fuel pump, spark plugs and #2 and ...	View
	1999 Mazda B4000 SE 4.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 4F4ZR17X9X The customer brought this vehical in becuase the "check engine" light was on. With my scanner hooked up, the readings on the scanner, for the forward O2 sensors was showing that they were not functioning properly. At times the readings would stay at 0V, on ace... Trouble codes: P0171, P0174	View
	1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 2.7L Mechanical VIN: 1140601211 Hi guys! This is a request for any of you Mercedes guys. In rebuilding this engine I can not find the torque specs for the camhousing bolts. (8mm) All information I find is for the cylinder head bolts which torque to 58 ft lbs but the 8mm bolt torque is not l...	View
	1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 2.6L coolant VIN: WDBA19D7PG the cooling system is contaminated with engine oil. it is the color of a butterscotch milkshake so i feel pretty confident it is not transmission oil from the cooler. the oil in the engine and transmission show no signs of reverse contamination so it must be a...	View
	1993 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0L No Start, Hesitation VIN: JN1HJ01CEP Hi everyone: I don't work on imports very often so I need some help on this one. For about a year, this car has had a hesitation just on take off. It doesn't happen all the time. I have only been able to feel it once. I unhooked the egr valve and that hasn't h...	View
	1994 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0L VTC Gear Would like to hear from you guys on this one. Customer bought one of the Japanese availiable engines that is suppose to have less than 40K miles and a 6 month warranty. We installed the engine and everything is good except after it sits and cools completely do...	View
	2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE 3.5L Hesitation, MIL Lamp on VIN: JN8DR07Y61 This Nissan has boomeranged on me! About one month ago, the truck came in with a P0171 code in it. I went through the troubleshooter in the Snap-on Scanner, and read the fixes here on IATN, and cleaned the MAF sensor. The fuel trim (ALPHA %) came back down to ... Trouble codes: P0171 (Lean Bank One)	View
	1996 Pontiac Bonneville SSE 3.8L Electronic VIN: 1G2HZ5217T i have a problem with the blower ducts. air only comes out from defrost and floor vents. no air flow from dash vents. vacuum supply and all fuses in good condition. you can change temperature, all fan speeds, ac on and off normal, just unable to blow from prop...	View
	1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8L engine VIN: 1G2WP52K5V hello, need some help with a noise in upper engine on this pontiac. it sounds like a bearing in the water pump, removed belt, replaced water pump still has noise. when you remove the belt with the engine running noise still present. so we now know it is not a ...	View
	1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2.4L Surge, Stall VIN: 1G2NE52T5V this car has a restart problem. after the engine is shut off, you need to wait about 5 min to get it to act up. when it does, the engine will start but i can stall, or idle poorly searching for idle. it will do this for about 10 seconds and then, like turning ...	View
	1984 Porsche 911 3.2L No Start VIN: WPOZZZ91ZE I need help on this one due to mostly lack of info.This car came in with a no start problem. We checked for spark & did not have any. I next scoped the two crank sensors & found the rpm (pulse sensor) to be defective.After finally getting the part & installing...	View
	1991 Subaru Legacy L 2.2L loss of power VIN: 4S3BJ6320M customer complains that intermittently the car will just lose power sometimes for long periods, sometimes for only brief periods. States that if she steps all the way down it will go after going to passing gear. We have only been able to duplicate the symptom ...	View
	2002 Suzuki Aerio S 2.0L No Start VIN: JS2RA41S92 This vehicle intermitently will not start, it will usually crank, not start, occasionaly it will not crank. Have replaced alternator for low output per Suzuki bulletin. Replaced fuel pump for no fuel at one time for no start. Have checked for loose grounds. An...	View
	2004 Suzuki Verona EX 2.5L Hesitation, Stall VIN: KL5VM52L24 Suzuki techs may be aware of a hesitation or stalling condition with the Verona. Suzuki RE-flashed the ecm to cure the condition, but after re-flash vehicle did not improve. We replaced the ECM with a unit we ordered (not from stock). No improvement. Vehicle w...	View
	1997 Toyota 4Runner Limited 3.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: JT3GN8GRXV Hi guys...this vehicle came in for a mil illuminated, retrieved dtc PO1700, but I have no info on this code, not in the mt2500 troubleshooter or the shopkey. Any info that anyone could provide would be much appreciated. Btw, there are no symptoms associated w... Trouble codes: P1700	View
	1998 Toyota Camry CE 2.2L MIL Lamp on VIN: 4T1BG22K6W after new egr components were installed still getting code p0401. all hoses and electrical wiring have been tested. including map sensor and 02 sensor. back pressure test was done. this car was received from another shop and i have tested all components relate... Trouble codes: P0401 (egr insufficint flow)	View
	1996 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 3VWRA81H1T DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THIS CODE 00545 MEANS OR HOW TO DIAGNOSE IT? I HAVE CLEARED IT AND IT KEEPS COMMING BACK WITH THE SAME CODES tHE AIR MASS METER ON THIS ONE IS $500.00 WOW... THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP... PLEASE SEND REPLIES TO [...] Trouble codes: 00545 (Engine-Transmission Electrical Connection), P0172	View
	1996 Volvo 960 2.9L Electronic VIN: YV1KS9608T Well this is going to be short mil on only code is Po705 witch acording to scan tool is a trans. range sensor cicuit malfuntion PRNDL input.First car does only start in park and nutral also cked. at trans. control module for proper voltages drops in selected g...	View
	1999 Volvo S80 T6 2.8L Auto Transmission VIN: YV1TS90D3X Hello, This S80 has Trans Urgent Message. We've scanned via Vadis and have fault code DTC: TCM 000C - Shift solenoid S2, Hydraulic fault. I'm aware of tech net note 43-07 which states that if this code (among others) is present, follow the VADIS procedure for ...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	1989 Chevrolet S10 Blazer Sport 4.3L No Start VIN: 1GNCS18ZXK Hello Fellow Techs, Thank you for the responses I received. Some of the responses were as follows: look for a hidden kill switch that was accidentally tripped, check the grounds from the body to the engine, rebuilding the distributor using Delco parts and a ...	15
	1989 Chevrolet C1500 Cheyenne 5.7L broken line VIN: IGCDCI4K0K pressure bled system from master to rear( low pressure air on adapter mounted to m/c reservoir. differential switch centered up and we bled the rear brakes. hope this helps someone . thanks for the imput. dave	12
	1995 Chevrolet S10 4.3L Misfire, MIL Lamp on, VIN: 1GCCT19W6T We cant get the customer to give up his truck long enough to pull the distributor but I am thinking from all the info you guys sent me that we are on the right track with a worn distributor gear and/or just being out of time.Its tough to fix em when we cant ge... Trouble codes: P0300.	14
	1995 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1L Stall VIN: 2G1WL52M5S Sorry it took so long to post fix, customer hold up. A new PCM fixed vehicle, injector driver fault. Injectors had no shorts and harness was good, I had stated no codes in post, lots asked if had security code. Noid light was going out when running engine with...	17
	1998 Chevrolet c7500 7.0L no throttle VIN: 1GBL7H1M8W thanks for the help.removed throttle body & inspected bore&plates,too much clearance for bores to contract&stick plates.cleaned shaft w\carb spray&turned stop screw 1/4 turn in anyway.drove 2 days problem never reappeared.hope that did it, i sent it on its way...	7
	1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GCEC14WXX Well several hit it right on the head, apparently some vehicles must have oem converters.I replaced both converters and the crossover with parts from our local dealer and everything was fine.As far as my readings on the right side goes it was a software issue ... Trouble codes: P0420 (poor catalyst bank one).	10
	2001 Chevrolet Impala 3.4L ignition/starter VIN: 2G1WF55E01 Thanks to all that helped. It appears that the continue crank is normal on new GM. we replaced the starter for the intermitent no start and customer is very happy..thanks again	16
	2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 6.0L Vibration VIN: 1GCHK29U31 We checked run out on drive line, and found .030 inch, called drive line shop. they said it was ok, we then decided it wasn't ok and installed a new drive line, and it corrected the problem. Thank you to all that replied. Hope this helps anyone in the future.	16
	2000 Chrysler Concorde LX 2.7L transmission VIN: 2C3HD46R9Y Well this car had multiple problems . Updated trans control module helped .It still had code 725 ,no engine rpm signal . The input speed reading would also drop out at times. Replaced input speed sensor, that fixed input rpm drop out . If I wiggled PCM harness...	6
	1989 Dodge Dakota 3.9L Poor Idle Quality, Poor Fuel Economy, Rich at Idle VIN: 1B7GG26X0K Thanks for the many replies. We have identified the problem as the EGR vacuum transducer. Apparently there was a bit of rust from the EGR valve got into the transducer and allowed a small amount of vacuum to hold the valve slightly open at idle. Replacement of...	10
	1994 Dodge B250 5.2L Starting VIN: 2B7HB21Y5R Thanks guys. Got a new ECM and installed this morning. Tried it first with same symptoms, swapped ECM and it flashed right up!! Good riddance !	10
	1996 Dodge Grand Caravan ES 3.3L No Start VIN: 1B4GP44ROT I recieved A lot of help from 24 very knowledgeable technicians and would like to thank each and everyone of you for your suggestions. This is not the first time nor will it be the last time I've had my rear end kicked by monster from Dearborn , Detroit or J A... Trouble codes: P0340 (Cam Sensor Malfunction).	25
	1998 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1B4GP44ROW clear mil light no vehicle light has not came on since.? Trouble codes: P0455.	8
	1999 Dodge Dakota 5.2L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1B7GG22YOX thanks guys we did find the intake leaking vacuum, removed intake and replaced all related gaskets and engine ran fine, thanks again.	24
	1999 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Stall VIN: 1FMDU34E5X thanks to all of you for your great help, most of you were right, there was a vacuum leak at lower intake manifold wich we found by smoke testing when cold as many of you suggested. there is a tsb related to this problem and apparently there is also info in th...	16
	2001 Ford Escape XLS 3.0L battery light VIN: 1FMYV041XK A fellow iatn member called me the next day and sugested that the light I was seeing was a coolant light. So I rechecked the vehicle and found indeed it was a low coolant light. I topped off the coolant bottle and the light has been ever since. thanks to all...	16
	1999 Jaguar Vanden Plas 4.0L windshield wipers VIN: SAJKX6049X Thanks to all who responded. Several folks suggested we had a bad motor but we were able to hook our scopemeter to the park circuit on this car and then compare that to the signals from a 1998 XK8 that visited. They were the same. So that pretty much ruled o...	5
	1993 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L clutch VIN: 1J4FJ68S4P fixed! I replaced the clutch with a LUK repset, gave the flywheel a light turn, and made sure that everything, I do mean everything was clean. come to find out that all the other shops were using Crapa, I mean Napa brand clutches, even the jeep dealer. The cus...	10
	1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 5.2L front diff VIN: 1J4GZ5856V thanks for all that gave us imformation/its not fix yet still trying to get the the jeep back in. thanks agian	6
	1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.2L Driver's Information center VIN: IJ4G278YOW According to the message I got from the owner of the shop with this vehicle, the problem was in the BCM. He said that they checked for loose grounds and shorted wires in the area of the heater core and found none. Then they removed the BCM and opened it. They ...	5
	2000 Lincoln LS 3.9L Surge, Cuts out, Stall VIN: 1LNHM87A7Y Hell again guys. I couldn't post any updated info since the IATN system only allows you to do that once. I have checked fuel pump, pressure, ohmed coil packs, checked grounds, VPWR voltage, ref. voltages, cam sensor, check iac and air inlet tube. MAF baro is o...	5
	1997 Mazda MPV ES 3.0L valve train VIN: JM3LV5228V Thank you for your replies. Wayne [...] of European motors was most helpful as he has completed these repairs sucessfuly several times. His suggestion was to follow the tsb,regardless of the info from Mazda that said the vehicle was not affected. He also stres...	4
	1999 Mazda B2500 SE 2.5L Poor Idle Quality, MIL Lamp on found connector/pins for egr sensor(dpfs) damage replaced conector with new pins	3
	1998 Mercedes-Benz C230 2.3L wiper park function VIN: WDBHA23G3W After replacing the motor a second time for a no-park problem (fixed car for a month) it was back and we replaced the relay to no avail. Finally, the switch went in and all was well. Thanks for the input.	4
	1994 Mercury Cougar XR-7 3.8L Excessive Emissions VIN: 1MELM6240R Thanks for the replies. Even though I had inspected and cleaned the MAF twice, you guys said to replace it. I don't normally just through parts at a vehicle so I tripple checked the MAF readings at various RPMs. All readings fell into the normal range. As a la... Trouble codes: 171 (rich bank 1), 173 (rich bank 2).	6
	2000 Mercury Cougar 2.5L Misfire VIN: 1ZWFT61L3Y Sorry it took so long replying.I found trough all my tests the only thing left was the ecm. The problem was there were only three in the country. So when the first one arrived the computer was broken. Which in turn i had to wait annother week,but finally it sh...	8
	1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8L valvetrain ? VIN: 1G2WP12K7V Thanks to all that helped on this one! Thanks to Dennis, Doug, Elmo, Josh, Christopher, Michael, and Dale. The problem was the lifters, the customer wanted to gamble, replaced all lifters, lubed them generously, fired it up and all is quiet. Had replies that w...	8
	1998 Saturn SL2 1.9L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1382J5272W MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE RESPONDED. The owner is saving up her tip money to purchase the evap. solenoid, which is mounted under the intake manifold. I checked electric signals, crimped lines, lack of vacuum supply which were suggested as problem areas. The ... Trouble codes: P0440.	5
	1995 Toyota hiace 3.0L Cuts out VIN: KZH110-000 Hello everybody, the problem i had was a tricky one but we found it straight away, we posted the help request BECAUSE we found it so quick and doubted ourselves. we rang a toyota tech i know and he said they had no real procedure for testing this sort of probl... Trouble codes: 22 (temperature sensor circuit).	1
	1999 Toyota Solara SE 2.2L poor/low brake pedal VIN: 2T1C622PXX thanx for the replies. it seems this was a domino affect problem!brakes overheated due to locking. found and repaired the orig prob, stuck master cyl. repaired visable resulting damage, cooked rotors and calipers, still no pedal at all. as it turned out, the n...	9
	2000 Volkswagen Beetle GL 2.0L Charging VIN: 2VWCA21C1Y Replies mostly stated there was no external charging control. So, with power from the dash pressent and the batt. (charge) wire in good shape, I replaced the alternator. Still no charge, so I replaced it again - faith - now all is well. Thanks to all that help...	5
	1997 Volvo 960 2.9L No Start VIN: YV1KS960XV Thanks To All Who Replied To This Help Request. Most Suggested Checking Grounds At Left Motor Mount. Well, There Were A Few Bolts Missing In That Area. I Replaced These Bolts And The Problem Was Fixed. Customer Has Had No Further Problems. Thanks Again For The...	8

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