Automotive Technicians Technical Discussion and Fixes for Oct 23, 2012

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Open Help Requests for All Makes and Models

	Help Request	Answers
	1999 Acura TL 3.2L master cyl VIN: 19UUA5640X Replaced front pads and front rotors Replaced rear pads and turned rear rotors Vac bleed brakes then manual bleed Pedal is high and hard with engine off but fades and soft once engine is running I can pinch off the rear lines No change Pinch off the front line...	View
	1999 Audi A4 2.8L No Start VIN: WAUED28D0X Hello, Car towed in with crank no start, no key up power to pump,apply power to pump runs but no flow. Found the load reduction relay no good, still have no key ower to pump but now have power to pump during crank only still will not start. Wiring diagrams not...	View
	2006 BMW 750Li 4.8L Battery VIN: WBAHN83516 here is one for u bmw techs. Please help car came in with complaint of not starting after sitting for about 2-3 hours. Car has been jumped started several times, found jumpercables in trunk. Anyway car has had new battery installed at other repair shop. I noti...	View
	1994 Buick Park Avenue 3.8L No Start VIN: 1G4CW52L4R looking for some ideas...this park avenue cranks but will not start, i checked the basics,i have fuel pressure but i do not have spark, i dont have a scope to check the cam and crank sensor but i do notice that when i crank it the rpm gauge is moving. customer...	View
	2004 Buick Rainier CXL 4.2L Front Diff. VIN: 5GADT13S44 Hi all and thanks in advance would like to know if anyone can tell me if the oil pan has to be removed to pull the front diff. On this buick(trailblazer) alldata says its got to come off but looks like it might snake out with pan on any input would help thank ...	View
	1997 Cadillac DeVille 4.6L Poor Idle Quality this vehicle has an intermittent very high idle, but if you shut the engine off and restart it when codition occurs the idle returns to normal, also when idle ramps up hvac blower motor goes to defrost only.cleaned excessively dirty throttle body, changed iac ...	View
	2000 Cadillac DeVille 4.6L Surge VIN: 1G6KD54Y7Y hi guys customer bring this car in engine surging in drive new parts was replaced throttle body and mass air flow he state after cylinder heads was replaced problem occord 1 mth later scan test no codes smoke test intake no leaks check o ring adapter between i...	View
	1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 3.4L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 2G1WX12X0T This is a dual overhead cam 3.4 engine. Customer complaint was high unstable idle at times and misfiring at idle. High unstable idle was caused by a bad mass air flow sensor. Replaced sensor, unstable idle fixed. Misfire is the real problem. Misfire is only on... Trouble codes: P0300 (Random Misfire)	View
	2001 Chevrolet Venture LS 3.4L Misfire VIN: 1GNDX13E31 Car runs rough on a cold start for about 15 seconds and then it will run smooth. Car runs fine on a flat surface but as soon as you start going up a slope (25 deg.), it sill start loosing power, if I will step harder on the accelerator pedal, the Check engine ... Trouble codes: P0300 (Random misfire)	View
	2001 Chevrolet Impala LS 3.8L Cuts out, Stall VIN: 2G1WH55K61 Customer reports vehicle dies while coasting along around 25 MPH and vehicle is cold. Verified problem, no check engine light, but code was stored: p0103 - mass air flow circuit signal high. MAF tests ok at this time. Suspected MAF signal out of range or ignit...	View
	2004 Chevrolet Colorado LS 3.5L 4 wheel drive VIN: 1GCDT13694 when press the 4 hi/low switch, the light just flashes and heard a clunk noise from under. When put on 2wd drive the light flashes a couple times than stay solid (normal). The drive shaft to the front differential was spinning but not engaging in 4 hi/low. I w...	View
	2008 Chevrolet C4500 Kodiak C4C042 6.6L Stall VIN: 1GDE4C1908 Hey all the 6.6 gmc is stalling and will restart but at times it will not restart... I have been doing service on this fleet for a long time know but i will subout repairs I can't do but in this case i was asked to do my best because it has been sent to the de... Trouble codes: P0675	View
	2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.4L Lights, Battery VIN: 3A4FY48B56 Owner complaint: dead battery, lights and turn signals not working occasionally. Tested battery and parasitic drain... both fine. Could not confirm any lighting problem. Returned within a week with same problem. Again nothing found. Finally problem occured aga...	View
	2008 Chrysler Sebring 2.4L no shift VIN: 1C3LC45K08 Guys I will admit, I'm ignorant with these trans systems. Car stuck in 2nd gear, limp mode, P0765 active code. Fluids clean and nice,newer car, low miles. Replace selonoid pack becasue they are cheap. Same result. Unplugged battery, cleared codes. Never trys t...	View
	2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited 4.7L Starting VIN: 1A8HW58P59 won't crank. found fuse #6 in drivers kick panal 2 amp fuse blown, replaced and vehicle cranked and started. I can't find what this fuse powers up or goes to.. description is Ignition run/start unlock...I can't find fuse in power distribution wiring diagrams.....	View
	2010 Dodge Avenger SXT 2.4L Cruise Control VIN: 1B3CC4FB1A Hey people. Trying to figure out why cruise control on 10 dodge avenger will not set. The light will come on on dash with on off switch, leading me to believe switch is okay. No abs codes, or warning lights coming on. Brake light switch actuating lights okay. ...	View
	1992 Ford F-150 Custom 4.9L random starts VIN: 1FTDF15Y5N Hello all, truck came in with a no start and instantly tested for spark and fuel. fuel was good both injector pulse and pressure. no spark. replaced relay and the truck started and ran for two days whenever i would start the truck(started every hour or so) now...	View
	1997 Ford F-250 XL 7.5L all shifts VIN: 1FTHX26GXV e4od no codes speedo works new speed sensor in rear diff.used vehicle no other history trans appears to have been opened recently possibly rebuilt or modified not a tranny shop any guidance would be greatly appreciated	View
	1999 Ford Econoline Super Duty Custom 7.3L late shift VIN: 1FDWE47F7X This customer is complaining of an intermittant late shift during acceleration. Six months ago he had us put on an aftermarket performance turbo. About a month ago he started complaining about a late shift and the van shutting down for a few seconds and restar...	View
	2003 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4L Rear Main Seal VIN: 1FTRX18L23 Rear main seal on this truck is leaking so customer wanted to replace it. Im at that point where I have the old seal out and ready to go in with the new one. There are two different opitions so both were ordered. The problem is the seals that we got (FEL-PRO b...	View
	2004 Ford F-250 Super Duty Harley-Davidson Edition 6.0L truck has coolant lose issue VIN: 1FTNW21PX4 just looking for some more insight on this before tearing down or inpecting further. the story at this point is it loosing coolant maybe about 1 quart every week or two. when on the gas the heat out of the dash is hot and off the gas it goes to just warm. it w...	View
	2010 Ford Escape XLT 2.5L MIL Lamp on VIN: 1FMCU9D77A This customer came in with these two codes stored in the pcm. Our snapon scanner has no bi-directional controls for this vehicle, and our all data is down for the day. Can anyone help me out with this or point me in the right direction? Trouble codes: P0456 (Evap emission system leak detected very small leak), P1450 (Unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum)	View
	2011 Ford Fiesta SE 1.6L starter VIN: 3FADP4EJ6B This car has two issues. They may be related. In the morning when the engine is cold the starter does not operate. There is a clicking rattle like a low battery. If you jump 12 volts to the starter it starts right up. After the first start of the day it starts...	View
	2003 GMC Sierra 2500 HD SLE 6.6L brake pedal VIN: 1GTHK23153 First, thanks for taking the time to read this. I have this 03 Sierra HD with Hydroboost brakes that has excessive pedal travel. Brakes work fine and stop good. No sign of leaks anywhere in the system. No codes in EBCM. No red brake warning light or brake mess...	View
	2004 Honda Accord EX 2.4L Surge, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1HGCM55884 This is my first help request in three years of Iatn membership. Not sure I am supplying all the info needed but will do my best! The Honda belongs to a very loyal customer that never questions the bill and for this reason I want to get this right for them. Cu... Trouble codes: P0404, P2413 (EGR System Performance)	View
	2005 Honda Accord LX 2.4L compressor VIN: 3HGCM56445 Not really an a/c tech but this one is my sons trying to fix it long distance. Checked it about a month ago and the condensor fan was bad replaced it all worked well ac would freez you out. A few days later it started working part time. Sometimes you can turn ...	View
	2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.7L Transmission VIN: 1J8GR48K17 Just trying to get some actual testing for this transmission. It sets P1731-incorrect gear engaged. When driving, it seems to work fine, but after a few miles it noses over and won't go over 40 mph. The only actual symptom I can feel is a clunk on downshift. I...	View
	1992 Lexus SC400 4.0L bulb color VIN: JT8UZ30C9N car came with blank inst cluster. we pulled it and sent it to BBA for repair as suggested by many in iatn archives. we installed it and returned it to customer 6 weeks ago. now he is back stating t\s indicators are white and they used to be green and left side...	View
	2005 Lincoln LS Luxury 3.0L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Stall, Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1LNHM86S45 this car came in with a trans shift problem but found no codes related to trans. vehicle hesitates before engaugeing from a dead stop. but thats not the only problem this sick car has. after warm up, on test drive it bucks and jerks, misses and eventually lose... Trouble codes: P2104, P457P, B2879, B1503, U1262	View
	2000 Mazda Millenia Millennium Edition 2.3L No Start, Stall VIN: JM1TA2228Y Hello fellow techs this is my first time asking for help on iatn. I usually just have to read other posts to find the help I am looking for. no such luck this time. The car was towed into my shop with a no start condition. I got the car to start and drove int...	View
	2003 Mazda 6 S 3.0L timing chain VIN: 1YVHP80D43 unsure on this car. please any ideas to help. rear converter is clogged, but compression is low on rear head timing marks are very hard to understand, has following codes po22 in cam position timing over ret b2, po303 cyl 3 misfire, p0012 in cam position timin...	View
	1994 Mercury Cougar XR-7 4.6L dome light inop VIN: 1MELM62W9R hey guys i got a 94 couger that started out as a problem with wipers turn signal and 4 way flashers all inop...i founf the combo switch bad and replaced it and that fixed the wipers,signals and 4 ways..im working on this at home and dont have acsees to all dat...	View
	2005 Mercury Mariner Premier 3.0L shift interlock VIN: 4M2YU57195 This vehicle is not where I can physically check it out. The customer states that there is a continuous clicking noise coming from the center consol under the gear selector. The noise occurs when he is in park at an idle, noise goes away when another draw is u...	View
	2004 Mitsubishi Galant GTS 3.8L shift into reverse or drive VIN: 4A3AB76S04 Vehicle had delayed gear engagement from park to reverse and drive. When coming to a stop felt as though it went into neutral. P0734 stored in computer. Past experience with same problem on another mitsubishi solved by having transmission rebuilt...so I remove...	View
	2001 Oldsmobile Bravada 4.3L brakes VIN: 1GHDT13WX1 Vehicle came with other shop repairs done at 3 other shops but they could not fix the problem.. brakes slowly go down almost to floor (spongy) and sometimes has a hard time releasing. Other shops had put in 3 new brake boosters, one of which is still installed...	View
	1995 Pontiac Trans Sport 3.8L Poor Idle Quality, Surge, Stall, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1GMDU06LBS Thanks in advanced for your help. we are mainly a European shop but this minivan belongs to a really good client of ours. Here's the story, this transport runs very rich at idle when hot and at start up. At the same time that is runs rich, it also surges at id... Trouble codes: P0172 (Fuel Trim Rich)	View
	1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.1L Hesitation VIN: 1G2NE52M2V Runs good cold but when hot engine hesitates only when data shows ignition timing being retarded to 2 degrees before top dead center even when knock senor is disconnected. at idle in neutral or in drive timing is 19 degrees and when in neutral timing advances ...	View
	2000 Pontiac Bonneville SE 3.8L hub bearing VIN: 1G2HX54KXY I have been using national hub bearings on gm cars for the last couple of years and recently i have them last only about 3 months and they go get loose and noisy. i replace them with the same brand and they seem to not last. i wonder if this is a problem with ...	View
	2007 Pontiac G6 2.4L Misfire, MIL Lamp on VIN: 1G2ZG58B17 Hello fellows (iATN members). I have this 2007 G6 with a trouble code P0171 and P0300 that keeps poping up. I have replaced the cataytic converter do to a trouble code P0420. I know the cat was bad as soon as I saw the O2 sensors on the scanner. Now I have to ... Trouble codes: P0171 (Lean), P0300 (Misfire)	View
	2004 Subaru Impreza WRX 2.0L No Start VIN: JF1GD29604 This car will intermittently crank, but will not start. It seems independent from temperature. We checked as the car acted up for injector pulse and there was none. We sprayed carb cleaner in the air intake boot and car would still not start. The only consiste...	View
	2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 2.5L MIL Lamp on, MIL Flash, no miss VIN: 4S3BL62686 MIL flashes constantly when engine is running, engine is not missfiring and sets no missfire DTC's. Key on, Engine off, the cooling fan, A/C compressor, EGR solenoid continuously cycle on and off at around 1 to 2 second cycles. After clearing codes and let eng... Trouble codes: P0851 (P/N Switch low)	View
	2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport 2.5L Heater VIN: JF1GH63648 Howdy Folks, This Impreza has cold air blowing from all the right side ducts, while pretty warm air blows from the left. Identifix says this heater core flows left to right, and blockage will begin by obstructing right heat. I reverse flushed the core, reteste...	View
	2002 Toyota Highlander 2.4L MIL Lamp on VIN: JTEHD21A42 hi to all i have this 02 highlander with a reman engine with ck engine light on code 1349 vvt problem i powered up the vvt oil solanoid per mitchell and there was no idle change removed solanoid and powered agian solanoid dint move replaced it same problem but... Trouble codes: P1349	View
	2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0L instrument cluster VIN: WVWSB61J21 Instrument cluster works normal when key turned to ON position. Once we start the car all gauges go down to resting position. New ignition switch, instrument cluster was send for repair- no help. Power & grounds check fine. We push start the car to eliminate t...	View
	2006 Volvo XC90 2.5T 2.5L high beam headlights VIN: YV4CZ59276 Any help on this one would be really great... When the lights are on and high beams are selected the reflectors tilt up like they should for high beam mode (bulbs do not change brightness, I think that is normal) Then the reflectors start to go down to a point...	View

Fixes & Summaries for All Makes and Models

	Fix/Summary	Answers
	2002 BMW 325i 2.5L transmission VIN: 3AVEV39292 Thanks for the replys guys. This car hasn't gone back to limp mode ever since, customer took it, and didn't get a chance to get back to it. I did scope the voltage @ crancking and seemed OK. It did had a replacement battery incorrect ratings , and ,like most ...	4
	2003 Cadillac CTS 3.2L Key Stuck In Ignition VIN: 1G6DM57N23 well, i decided to send this vehicle to the dealership. customer called me back and the dealer said that p.side door control module is the problem. thanks for all the information.	6
	1997 Chevrolet S10 LS 4.3L engine VIN: 1GCCS19X1V Installation is easier than removal. We lifted the cab, and slid the transmission back as far as we could, and it made installation somewhat easier. I didn't think that this job would be as difficult as it was. Thanks for all the help!	40
	2006 Dodge Ram 1500 ST 4.7L Cruise Control VIN: 1D7HA16N76 My customer decided to live without cruise control. I did get some helpful tips that hopefully can help someone else.	3
	1997 Ford F-250 XL 7.3L Clutch/transmission? VIN: 1FTHX26F2V We ordered a new flywheel and clutch kit. When comparing the flywheels noticed that the first flywheel we installed only had one spot where it was drilled to balance flywheel. Where as the new one we received had 6 spots drilled out. Installed new flywheel and...	6
	2000 Ford Excursion Limited 6.8L New PATS key VIN: 1FMNU43S2Y The vehicle left before confirming completely what is going on, here is a summary. 1) If code b1600 goes into memory when cycling the ignition key from off to on the computer cannot read the key.This is either from a non-pats key or defective key. When the fir...	10
	2001 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0L Ignition VIN: 1FMZU83PX1 Replaced timing chain. Timing chain was more loose then we thought. Runs great and thanks for all who helped. al	9
	2005 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4L Hesitation VIN: 1FTPW14535 A big thanks to everyone who responded! To clarify with a few techs, the catalytic converters were replaced with no noticeable improvement. Backpressure did drop some after replacement. Looking at MAF at WOT and doing VE calc's would've told me upfront the ex...	18
	1999 GMC C2500 Sierra SLE 5.7L Poor Idle Quality, Misfire VIN: 1GTGC24R7X Customer did not approve further dignoses or repair . Thank you for all of your replies could not continue enough to be very helpful	10
	1987 Jaguar XJ6 4.2L Misfire VIN: SAJAV1340H robert nailed this one.after putting in a factory pickup coil originally i suspected that it was bad.after installing another factory pickup coil and it did the same thing i started looking elsewhere.after roberts reply i installed a used pickup coil and the c...	6
	2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7L electrical VIN: 1J4GW58N8Y Well we do not have a fix for this vehicle, but we did learn some useful information. What we determined after many hours we called the local dealer and had them run the VIN. They sent us the warranty information which revealed problems with this jeep since da...	20
	2005 Kia Sorento EX 3.5L Power Steering Fluid VIN: KNDJD73365 From what i have gathered, the problem with this vehicle was a combination of excessive debris in the system, clogging the internal screen of the reservoir, as well as poor fluid quality. Removing the screen of the reservoir revealed the lower (input) section ...	11
	2001 Mazda Tribute ES 3.0L no power VIN: 4F2CU08111 The customer decline the repairs. I would guess that the pre- converters where the cause. we did drive the same make and model that ran good and got 3 psi the front and 6 psi in the rear, but at 5000 rpms instead of 3000 rpms. I would think that this engine d...	7
	2006 Mazda 5 Sport 2.3L engine VIN: JM1CR29L96 I unpluuged the solenoids at the intake manifold and the noise didnt improve. I also removed the valve cover and inspected the chain guides and the alignment of the VVT actuator to insure the pin is working properly. While I had the valve cover off I pulled th...	11
	2008 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring 2.3L MIL Lamp on VIN: JM3ER29L18 All 3 of you are correct. Thanks to Alan for sending me a video of an intake. There is a plastic lever that goes around the shaft for the intake flap and contacts the switch. Customer took the vehicle and I am not sure if I will see it back. He didn't like th... Trouble codes: P2006.	3
	1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320 3.2L Brake Booster VIN: 4JGAB54E6X So I installed the new booster from Benz, cleared the codes, and this one is fixed! Turns out the aftermarket booster was junk, big surprise there. The pedal travel felt much better on the new booster; the old one was too close to the top. Lesson learned. I ...	6
	2008 Mercedes-Benz SL550 5.5L power steering/ABC VIN: WDBSK71F58 Again, the IATN community has proven ever most helpful. After listening to the noise with a stethascope, stretching the fluid lines and having a few co-workers listen in on the noise... I decided that the likely problem is in deed the accumulator, or the p...	8
	2000 Mercury Villager Estate 3.3L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out VIN: 4M2XV14TXY Ok I re checked fuel pressure, which was in spec but what I failed to realize was that it would leak down slowly. Pulled plugs and found #1 plug to be black. Recommended replacement of all 6 injectors so we would not have to tear down intake in future to repla...	16
	2004 Mercury Monterey 4.2L Poor Idle Quality, Hesitation, Surge, Cuts out, Misfire VIN: 2MRDA202X4 This 4.2 has molded upper plastic plenum with no EGR passages in the lower intake like most suggested to be possible problem. While intake was removed, cleaned the Intake Manifold runner plates thoroughly, installed new #6 fuel injector and plenum gaskets. As ...	9
	2001 Toyota Highlander 3.0L abs module VIN: JTEHF21A31 Rust on the right front hub was just enough for the sensor to sit cockeyed in the hole. Chiseled away the rust on the hub and reinstalled the sensor and all is well. Thanks to all for taking the time to respond.	22
	2003 Toyota Sienna CE 3.0L Brake Pedal VIN: 4T3ZF19C03 FIRST OFF, THANKS FOR THE OVERWHELMING NUMBER OF RESPONSES I RECEIVED ON THIS HELP REQUEST. IM GOING TO BLAME IT ON THE QUALITY OF THE WONDERFUL QUALITY OF AFTERMARKET PARTS. AFTER TWO SETS OF REMAN CALIPERS WITH BRACKETS & SLIDES, I DECIDED TO REBUILD THE ORI...	20
	2008 Volkswagen Beetle SE 2.5L battery VIN: 3VWRG31Y98 Thanks for all the help, it was nice to know how the system operated to be able to to diagnose correctly. We had to repair the blue wire that goes to the dash and the alternator they kept sending us turn clockwise and this vehicle needed one that turns counte...	5

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