Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Apr 26, 2006

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	Help Request	Answers
	1999 Audi A6 Quattro 2.8L Poor Idle Quality, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: WAUBA24B9X This car came in shop steady check engine light, code p1545, wont hardly run exhaust manifolds cherry red as if lean mixture or retarded timing. Suspect tps, dont want to throw parts at it.Any one out ther ran into this before? Found very little in archives, t... Trouble codes: P1545	View
	2002 BMW E46 318se 2.0L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, MIL Lamp on VIN: WBAAX52000 Hi group Have a problem with this BMW and not too familliar with the system so any tips would be much appreciated. This car idles rough and at times the rmp will rise then drop in a controlled fashion ( surge ). When this occurs the throttle motor voltage ri... Trouble codes: 272C (P0170 additive mixture adaptation bank1 control limit reached), 272D (as above but bank2), P1161 (unknown fault code)	View
	1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue 3.8L door locks VIN: 1G4CW6935F While parked with the doors locked, the power locks started pulsing in rotation, one door at a time. The customer found the problem after coming out from shopping. They wouldn't stop until she locked the doors from the outside. Maybe we are looking at gremlins...	View
	1996 Buick Regal Custom 3.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2G4WB52K2T Car came in with only a P0441 code (no purge flow). Checked all hoses for blockage. Everything looked O.K. Cleared codes. Customer came back 2 days later with P0141 (o2 heater circuit) and a P0441 (no purge flow). When car is cold and idling in my shop, no pur... Trouble codes: P0441 (No purge flow), P0141 (O2 heater B1S2)	View
	1998 Cadillac Eldorado ETC 4.6L ride control VIN: 1G6ET129XW I am looking for a wiring diagram for this vehicle that shows the 5 wires at the sensor and where they go. I have a feeling that the problem is in the wiring and would like to trace it but Mitchell is useless as it tells you about it but doesnt show it in the ...	View
	2000 Cadillac DeVille 4.6L magnasteer system VIN: 1G6KD54Y9Y Dear Mr Goodwrench, I have a Cadillac that has a loss of steering assist in parking lots trying to turn left or right into a parking space. We have had little rain so water and/or a slipping belt doesn't apppear to be an issue. There are no codes in ABS,Tracti...	View
	1992 Chevrolet Astro 4.3L No Start, Stall VIN: 1GBDM19ZXN Hello all, Problem started three weeks ago. It would stall on decel and not restart. Banged on the fuel tank and it started. Replaced fuel pump. That lasted about a week. Banged on the tank again it started. Replaced fuel pump and sending unit. Ran fine. That ...	View
	1996 Chevrolet Blazer 4.3L Hesitation VIN: 1GNCS13W5T Fellow techs,I recently replaced the two injectors mentioned due to them not dropping fuel,causing misfire and SES light to flash,setting code for those two cylinders.Vehicle now runs smooth at idle and under normal acceleration,but under heavy acceleration sm...	View
	1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 3.4L oil leak VIN: 2G1WX12X7T This car came in for a check engine light on. Fixed that and she was concered about the bad oil leak. I thought it was the dist O-ring but found oil leaking around the oil distribution plate and changed that gasket.Well that wasnt it, still leaking. Do these h...	View
	2000 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.8L No Start, Cuts out, Stall, security lite on VIN: 2G1WH55K5Y Customer states while driving he noticed security lite on in message center. He "thinks" the engine was still running at the time he noticed the lite on. Shortly there after, he says the car had no power (stalled). Then (not knowing it was still in drive) he t...	View
	2001 Chevrolet Malibu 3.1L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G1ND52J11 Thanks in advance for any help. Customer brought car in for check engine light and a intermittent high idle. Had a dtc p1635, 5 volt ref. circuit and p1189, engine oil pressure switch. Started by checking p1635 first. Checked 5 volt circuit for tps, map, egr p... Trouble codes: P1189 (engine oil pressure switch circuit), P1635 (5 volt reference 1 circuit)	View
	1993 Chrysler Concorde 3.5L No Start VIN: 2C3EL5F9PH this car is killing me its got a new computer, crank and cam sensor everything powers up like it should there is no pulse for the coil or injectors when i check for pulse i get one pulse every now and then any help would be great the car is in the shop right n...	View
	1983 Dodge 400 2.2L Conv. Top VIN: 1B3BV55C9D Hi Guys! I have an odd question. This customer asked us to repair the hydraulic lines for the convertible top. Since business was alittle slow I figured we could see what we could do. The plastic lines are shot and I believe one cylinder has been leaking at ...	View
	1993 Dodge Dakota 2.5L parking lights, tail lights VIN: 1B7GG26X9P customer came in and complained of no tail lights. there was no power to parking or tail lights from switch so i replaced the switch. now i have tail and parking lights with the switch position on parking lights only, when the headlights are turned on the tail...	View
	1998 Ford Windstar GL 3.8L 4th gear VIN: 2FMDA5142W Gentlemen this vehicle came in with multiple problems it has an AX4S transmission. The MLP (gear selector switch) switch has been replaced The valve body & solenoids have been replaced by a transmission shop Code P0734 shows after driven for 6 miles. Once the...	View
	1999 Ford Ranger XL 3.0L pulley VIN: 1FTYR14V1X Upon examination of this vehicle I found that the water pump bearing and shaft has moved forward about 3/8 inch. The crankshaft pulley appears to be 3/8inch further forward than the other pulleys on the front of the engine.The Crank pulley came on this engine ...	View
	1999 Ford F-350 Super Duty Lariat 7.3L No Start VIN: 1FTSW31F7X This vehicle was towed in as a no start/no crank. Tested the batteries and found they were bad. Had a cam sensor code after vehicle tried to start. Replaced the cam sensor and the next morning had a cold start issue. Determined that the glow plugs and relay ne...	View
	1999 Ford F-150 5.4L Cuts out VIN: 1FAB1453KX I am trying to get this ford coil to fire on the bench and cant do it, does anyone know how? I have taken and hooked a battery lead from B+ to B+ on coil, have grounded a spark tester to coil to B- and have tapped the ground of the coil to the Negative of the ...	View
	2000 Ford Expedition XLT 4.6L No Start VIN: 1FMRU1667Y Hello all, I have this Expidition here that died on customer. Cranks strong, good compression, fuel pressure (40psi), good spark and injector pulse. still no start. I have everything I should have to start this vehicle, but it doesnt even sputter. Tried false ...	View
	1994 GMC K2500 Sierra SL 6.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 2GTFK29S1R Hello, I have this k2500 with a 6.5 turbo in it and it sets code 33 for the egr barometer low voltage. I tried to use my mastertech scan tool to diagnose as per the trouble shooting tree. All i can see is egr duty cycle and it is 66% at idle. The problem im ha... Trouble codes: 33 (Egr barometer low volt)	View
	2002 GMC C8500 7.2L Excessive Emissions VIN: 1GDP7H1C72 this vehicle has excessive noise and blue smoke upon start up and idle.We have no manuals for this vehicle. I am wondering if there is an adjustment for the injection system?Or if we have a bad injector or two.If anyone could help that would be great. Travis	View
	2003 GMC Envoy SLT 4.2L Poor Fuel Economy, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GKDS13S93 Vehicle came in with MIL light on and codes P1523 Throttle Plate Position, and P0172 System runs rich bank 1. Hooked-up fuel pressure gauge found pressure to be 55psi, spec call for 54psi. Fuel pressure regulator has no vacuum to it. Is this normal. I did try ... Trouble codes: P1523 (Throttle Plate Position), P0172 (System Rich Bank 1)	View
	1997 Honda Accord SE 2.2L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1HGCD5606V Hope you guys have seen a similiar problem. I have flow tested the egr system and it tests clear, I have checked the egr vacum control solenoid for flow and electrically and it tests good - I can acuate the egr valve and stall the engine by hot wiring the sole... Trouble codes: 1491 (insufficient egr lift)	View
	2003 Honda Pilot EX 3.5L Poor Fuel Economy VIN: 2HKYF18523 Customer complaint of poor fuel economy. Was getting 18 mpg now at 13 mph under same driving conditions. No codes, runs smooth, no hesitation, EGR appears to be working OK. Fuel trim is 2.5, air filter is clean, tires are correct size. What should normal fuel ...	View
	1995 Isuzu NPR 3.9L Charging VIN: 1G6DW69Y7G truck came in 4 weeks ago with battery,fuel,oil,brake.and vacuum lights were on and had no ac or blower.we changed the charge relay and it fixed it. he returned now and has the same problem so we replaced the alternator and the charge relay again. it did not s...	View
	2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7L Air Bag Light VIN: 1J4GW58N52 Hello, Thanks for what help is offered ... We have lost the Dodge/Jeep dealer in our town. And there seems to be more a need for dealer support but it just is not here to be had. Local Toyota Dealership Owners bought the property. AND Dodge is a thing of th...	View
	2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1J4GX48S43 this jeep came in with the check engine light on. i checked the codes and they were a p0456, and a p0051 which is a O2 bank 2 sensor 1 heater circuit low code. i replaced the o2 sensor with two different ones and the code p0051 comes back right away. the heate... Trouble codes: P0051 (O2 sensor 2/1 heater circuit low)	View
	2003 Land Rover Freelander S 2.5L MIL Lamp on, NO POWER VIN: SALNM22263 Vehicle came into shop about 1 month ago. Checked DTC two faults found. (P1636 THROTTLE POSITION ADAPTION :SHORT CIRCUIT TO V BATT) (P1472 VARIABLE INLET MANIFOLD MOTOR 2 :SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND) Checked for 5 volt supply and ground to power and balance valve... Trouble codes: P1636 (throttle position adaption short circuit to v batt.)	View
	1995 Lincoln Continental Diamond Anniversary 4.6L 1-2 shift VIN: 1LNLM97V4S I purchased this lincoln because all the suspension air bags are new and the car is clean. It has an IMRC circuit problem that I'm not sure would affect the trans problem. During any throttle pressure, hot or cold it has a delayed 1-2 shift and then bangs into...	View
	2000 Mazda MPV DX 2.5L valve train noise VIN: JM3LW28G4Y this van was towed in for alot of top end noise that i would describe as a bad ticking but not as bad as a knock,that appeared to be comming from the rear valve cover at the timming chain end.Alot of the HLA,s seemed noisy but all seemed to be up and by that t...	View
	2004 Mazda 3 i 2.0L long cranking time VIN: JM1BK12F74 This newer Mazda is experiencing long cranking time [ 8-15 seconds] after setting a few hours. Fuel pressure is ok, and residual seems not to bleed down right away. Is there a likely culprit on these Mazda 3's besides injector bleed-down? The car has no drivea...	View
	1996 Mercedes-Benz C220 2.2L ignition switch VIN: WDBHA22EOT i got a huge problem. customer broke key off in ignition. pulled steering wheel and other stuff out of the way. can't push the pin a for the tumbler withouth turning the key. tried drilling the key and hammering it, but still no go. anybody run into something ...	View
	1998 Mercedes-Benz E320 3.2L 1-2 shift VIN: WDBJF65F6W Hello to all! Help please!! When taking off the car jerks between 1-3 gear, if you let off gas, apply brake and take off without making a complete stop it will jerk again. When coming to a stop, after your stopped for approx 3 seconds, it bumps badly like some...	View
	1993 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 4.6L No Start, Poor Idle Quality VIN: 2MELM75W9P This car has a problem starting after a hot soak. First there is an extended cranking time and when it does start the idle is unstable for 5-10 seconds then smooths out and all is fine. We've checked to see that fuel pressure doesn't appear to be bleeding off....	View
	2006 Other Asian Safari 2.0L ABS Module, master cyl, wiring harness VIN: 403091HUZN Vehicle is fitted with Bosch 5.3 Var 1 ABS system. Relatively new vehicle. Local dealer not equipped to service ABS, hence sent to us. We are equipped with diagnostic tool (Bosch KTS with ESI Tronic). Problem: Pedal pulsates sometimes esp on low speed braking....	View
	1994 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G2HX52L5R The car runs great. Has never failed to start has never missed or stumbled. Came in with MIL on was the only complaint. Pulled three codes (341 - 321 - 361) but p0361 I have no information from MOD at all. Have no direction to go at all but would guess it is r... Trouble codes: P0341 (cam/crank error), P0321 (spark reference), P0361	View
	1996 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.1L ign. cylinder VIN: 1G2NE52M3T customer complains of periodic not being able to turn key off all the way & be removed from ign. cylinder. vehicle shuts off "ok" but cannot remove key re: won't go back far enough. dash lights etc. stay on. wiggling steering wheel does not help, shifting in &...	View
	1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 3.8L No Start VIN: 1G2WP5216V Hi Guys I am really stumped to nightmare came was towed in the driver said the car kept cutting out and n it won't start. I hooked up my mt2500 scanner up and got no comunication. Ran standard elect. test fuses, grounds, shorts,etc and and beleive everything o...	View
	1999 Saab 9-5 SE 3.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: YS3EF48Z2X hello to all saab techs. we have the 95 with code p0455, large evap leak. i do not have saab tester so this is what i have found so far. with smoking the system, got a lot of smoke from the canister shut off valve under middle rear of car. i have pulled that o... Trouble codes: P0455 (large evap leak)	View
	2001 Subaru Impreza RS 2.5L cooling system VIN: JF1GG68532 Car overheats interm. Cooling fans operate properly. The pressure in cooling system is not normal. At idle pressure is 8psi. If you increase rpms to about 2000 pressure will climb to about 20psi. I supect a head gasket issue but get a negative result when usin...	View
	2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2.5L lube spec VIN: JF1GD70634 Customer had us change all fluids with synthetic lube last summer- car is working wonderfully!! On another item, we were looking in the TSB's and found a new spec other than the 75-90 in the owner's manual. "STi oil type 7/01/2005- The Subaru Impreza STi uses ...	View
	2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.4L Engine Operating Temperature VIN: K73U716283 Hi ALL... Engine is not reaching at normal operating temeprature after a oil change. As it runs cool, it is alway rich in fuel supply causing engine and exhaust pipe vibration when stopped at red lights. Tried changing oil with different make and grade, but d...	View
	2000 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9L No Start, Stall VIN: 3VWSF29MXY This car starts and runs for a second and dies. It will do that very time you cycle the key. We towed it to see if the pump would prime and it did the same thing every time you cycle the key. I checked the fuel cut off valve and it clicks when you apply power ...	View
	2001 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire VIN: 9BWGD61J91 tow in from body shop. car runs bad. start up car it will hestitate miss etc... rev it up, it will stumble and race up fine over 3k rpm. disconnect maf car runs awesome. ordered new maf. installed maf cleared codes went for a test drive, half way down the stre...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2000 BMW 323i 2.5L Hesitation, MIL Lamp on VIN: WBAAM3335Y Sorry about the delay in replying to post, as the customer took the car and just recently returned... The problem turned out to be a clogged crank vent valve located under the intake manifold (not easy to replace). Turns out the oil change interval recommended... Trouble codes: ABS, 94 (CAN data fault from DME), ABS, 31 (left rear wheel speed sensor), DME, 211 (Idle speed control valve mechanical fault).	3
	2001 BMW 325i 2.5L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Stall, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: WBAAN37441 Thanx for all the replies!!! Turned out to be the crank vent valve under the intake manifold, as we found with another bimmer. Seems to be a trend. Trouble codes: 202 (fuel trim bank-1), 203 (fuel trim bank-2), 242 (misfire cyl-5), 240 (misfire cyl.-3), 243 (misfire cyl.-6), 239 (misfire cyl.-2).	18
	1993 Buick Park Avenue Ultra 3.8L supercharger VIN: 1G4CU5310P Good Morning guys, I believe what I have here is a used supercharger with the same noise as the old one. I disassembled the original SC and it appears that the vanes have been contacting the case towards the rear. There are two roller bearings at the rear, sim...	20
	1999 Chevrolet Lumina 3.1L Hesitation, Cuts out, Misfire VIN: 2G1WL52M4X thanks to all who answered my help request,the problem was not acting up again til today.i had already checked everything that was written in.the connector going to ignition module was all green ,but the crank sensor side was clean.cleaned an tightened terms.p...	8
	2004 Chevrolet Impala 3.4L No Start VIN: 2G1WF52E84 The dealer looked at the car and came up with a faulty BCM. They came to this conclusion using their Tech1 scanner. The customer did not want the repair at this time for whatever reasons I don't know. Sorry that I can't be any more helpfull in my repair. Trouble codes: P0443, P0645, B1440, B2587, B2964, B3128.	11
	1997 Chrysler Intrepid 3.3L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Stall VIN: 2C3HH46T8V thanks for all the help guys. most of you said cam,crank, very helpful. i checked cam ok checked crank on scope @ compared with known good seemed same. tryed new crank sensor, problem solved. thanks again!	10
	1998 Chrysler Sebring LX 2.5L lack of power VIN: 3CEL45H3WT We received some very good information regarding the possibility of broken keys and slipped sprockets also possible ecm problems but are unable to verify these issues as dealer has decided to run the car thru the auction as is to see if he can recoup his money...	6
	2001 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport 3.3L motor VIN: 2B4GP443X1 Lubricated all trakcs and slides very well. Checked amperage draw on motor and checked all wiring in door. Master reset door module and cleared all codes. This has been about 3 weeks ago and have had no problem since.	4
	2003 Dodge Caravan Sport 3.3L No Start, Security lamp on VIN: 1D4GP45313 This van is fixed. I had some replies that mentioned the connector problem at PDC and FCM, both of them were good when checked. One reply mentioned ignition switch, I had checked powers and grounds to all affected modules. I suspected a bad pcm because I had...	6
	1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty XL 7.3L MIL Lamp on, Loss of power VIN: 1FTNK21FXX Thanks for all the tips. Customer took truck away for towing trailer prior to resolution and has not returned. Evidently, the problem is not significant enough for further diagnosis. Trouble codes: P1247 (Turbo Boost Pressure Low).	12
	1999 Ford Ranger XL 3.0L Poor Idle Quality VIN: 1FTYR14V7X Thank you everybody for all the information. I cleaned the MAF and cleared the codes. All seems to be well. As the condition was very intermittent, I am not convinced yet, but the customer will be back in a couple of weeks for a tune up and hopefully the light... Trouble codes: P0171, P0172.	16
	2000 Ford Focus LX 2.0L pats VIN: 1FAFP33P1Y Received several good replies. The shop I was posting for decided that since the dealer had cut the new keys and flashed the system, they would let them have one more crack at it. we also determined that after the new keys were cut, the old keys were thrown in...	5
	1994 GMC K2500 Suburban 5.7L wipers VIN: 1GKGK26K3R I had many replys and there were three main posssible causes. 1. Bad circuit board. 2. Cracked solder connections in the circiut board, which can be resoldered. 3. Bad ground to the wiper assembly. We have installed a new ground to the wiper and put the truck ...	41
	2003 GMC Envoy XL SLE 4.2L Accessories VIN: 1GKET16SX3 monitored window circuits when the fault would occur and found it to be the ignition switch. replaced the switch and the concern was resolved. ty for all the help.	4
	2000 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4.0L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1J4FFS8S7Y Found a chewed thru wire under the power distibution center that feeds the oxygen sensor. Probably a mouse. Thnaks for the help Trouble codes: P0132 (o2s 1/1 shorted to voltage), P0138 (o2s 1/2 shorted to voltage).	6
	1998 Mazda 626 DX 2.0L No Start VIN: 1YVGF22C3W Found broken timing belt tensioner spring, replaced vehicle runs fine. Thanks for all the help from everyone... it made all the difference.	7
	2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS 2.4L radio VIN: 4A3AE35G21 Removed center cover, got radio serial number. Steve [...] crossed serial number and sent code #0046. Punched in number and hit CD and radio came on. Thanks Steve. He didn't even pick on me for getting the vehicle year wrong. I found in the archives that I coul...	1
	1993 Nissan Maxima GXE 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Poor Fuel Economy VIN: JN1HJ01F6P Altho the customer decided the veh had too many miles and wasnt worth fixing, I am speculating that the keyway must have slop in it. Thanks to all that had input.	4
	1996 Nissan Maxima GLE 3.0L ride control VIN: JN1CA21D7T vehicle was fixed by replacing both front cv axles. slop in inner joint was causing vibration.	6
	1997 Nissan Maxima SE 3.0L condenser VIN: JNICA21DIV i want to thank everyone who responded. i removed the radiator and found the fins plugged up with debris. i replaced the radiator and retested a/c system. found my high pressure dropped to about 150psi and low pressure to 29psi with condenser cool. the engine ...	9
	1990 Subaru Liberty 2.0L Cruise control VIN: JFIBF6AROE Yes, it's fixed thanks to your prompt replies. Dan got me on the right track by suggesting I check the brake and clutch switches. I had checked the brake switch and vacuum hoses, cables etc but it had not occurred to me that there would be a switch on the clut...	2
	1999 Subaru Legacy L 2.2L Engine Block VIN: 4S3BD4357X Thanks for the many informative replies.The majority said 'Three Bond'and the subaru dealer did have it on stock.I used this stuff and I will admit it seems a lot like regular silicone sealer but it is better and it smells different also.A few other recomendat...	9
	2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0L Hesitation, Misfire VIN: 3VWSA29M5Y Well its been two weeks and the car is still driving with no more bucking, we replaced the MAF as many suggested, I am still a bit puzzled how it would trigger a miss fire on cylinder 3 only.Thanks to those who responded Trouble codes: P0300, P0303.	9
	2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9L all gears VIN: 3VWSP29M61 HI everybody and thanks for all of your input on this problem. This car actually had warranty from the dealer so that is who fixed it, and I had a hard time finding out specific info on the repair procedure other than the VSS in the trans is what was replaced....	5
	1999 Volvo S70 2.4L No Start VIN: YV1LS55A3X Thanks to all who replied. Here is the fix: The new antenna ring from Volvo was defective. So now I know that new antenna rings can sometimes be defective right out of the box. During testing, I unplugged the immobilizer unit, and connected an ohm-meter betw... Trouble codes: 740A.	4

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