Showing posts with label Questions and Answers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Questions and Answers. Show all posts

Thursday, March 12, 2009

I have had the brake lines bled twice and cannot get rid of the spongy brake pedal


I drive a 2002 Land Rover Discovery II. I have had the brake lines bled twice and cannot get rid of the spongy pedal associated with air in the brake lines. If the pedal is pumped one time the brakes return to normal. There are no visible signs of a leak. Can air be trapped elsewhere besides the lines going to the calipers? Any suggestions? Already Tried: Bleeding the brake lines at the calipers.


Answer:


You need to Bleed the system at the Bleeders, not just at the lines going into the caliper.


1) Brake pedal feels spongy or has excessive travel
Check the brake fluid level and condition. If the fluid is contaminated or has not been flushed every two years, clean the master cylinder reservoir, and bleed and flush the brakes using fresh brake fluid that meets the manufacturer's recommended standards.


2) Check for a weak or damaged flexible brake hydraulic hose. Replace the hose and flush the brake system.


3) If the brake system uses drum brakes front or rear, check the brake adjustment. Inspect for seized adjusters and clean or replace, then properly adjust.

Monday, March 9, 2009

P0741 code Cadillac 01 deville - WHAT IS THIS and WHERE IS IT LOCATED?

To locate any trouble code you can follow the Trouble Codes Link On our website, There you will find the trouble code along with the definition of each code.
The opening of the transmission for this repair is best left to one that has the tool and experience as the weight of the motor and transmission must be controlled as the subframe is lowered. A lift and steady stand at the least is required and when the transmission is open it must be kept absoultly clean. One particle of dirt in a valve will cause shifting issues.

A P0741 for this transmission is addressed with this service bulletin. With A P0742 the TCC solenoid is replaced

Bulletin No.: 04-07-30-034
Date: August 06, 2004
TECHNICAL
Subject:Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0741, Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Excessive Slip, Transaxle Chuggle, Slip/Surge (Inspect and/or Replace Various Internal Transaxle Components)

Models:1998-2002 Cadillac Eldorado1998-2004 Cadillac Seville1999-2004 Cadillac DeVille2000-2003 Oldsmobile Aurora

with 4T80-E Auto Transaxle (RPO MH1)
Condition
Some customer may comment on the SES light on and a chuggle or surge. Diagnostics may show excessive TCC slip speed and DTC P0741 will be current code stored.
Cause
Seal damage may allow the TCC apply fluid to leak into the channel plate, causing excessive TCC slippage under certain conditions, eventually causing no TCC apply.
TCC may have partial apply fluid pressure or no apply fluid pressure. If excessive slip speed is noted and condition/cause cannot be corrected by using DTC P0741 diagnostic chart, suspect worn seals from slippage of the drive sprocket bearing inner race on the drive sprocket.

Replacing the TCC Solenoid is the most common fix and requires about 8 hours and special tools.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

What causes the transmission code "TCM relay always on".


Question:

What causes the transmission code "TCM relay always on". the car is a 2002 Hyundai Sonata 4cyl auto. . were is the TCM relay located?


Answer:

The relay is located behind the radio/HVAC stack. There are two causes possible for this code, one the relay is really stuck on, the other is the harness is frayed in the transmission valve body. There is a TSB regarding this code.

If the fuse is blown for the trans controller (fuse #6) the harness in the trans is likely shorting. Check this first.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

95 accord w/ 140k mi w/ vtec engine that won't stay running


We have a 95 accord w/ 140k mi w/ vtec engine that won't stay running when the ignition switch is placed in the "on" position. It does start normally when the key's in the "start" position, but immediately dies when the key's released and allowed to go to the "on" position. The engine normally runs very well. The engine hasn't been worked on or repaired recently so this does not appear related to anything a service person has done.

Answer:
This is the exact symptom of a bad ignition switch, not the whole thing but just the electrical part, which is Pretty easy to replace if you wanted to do it yourself.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

1992 Ford E-150 Van, apparently exhaust system is shot -- catalytic converter


Question:
1992 Ford E-150 Van, apparently exhaust system is shot -- catalytic converter all the way back. How much should that cost to repair?


Answer:
The price can vary from dealerships to independent shops.

Just to replace the Catalytic converter the book says approx. $800-$1200. Adding a muffler and pipe will add approx. $200 - $300 to this price. The catalytic converter ranges in price from $650-$975 Labor for the Catalytic converter replacement is $200-$250.


Here is an alternative, Autozone sells a direct fit converter for $225. A tailpipe for $42, muffler for $37 and exhaust pipe for $108. Labor should be approx. $200-$300 for this job, but most shops will want to sell you the parts as that is part of their income stream.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

1989 Toyota corolla the car starts hard i have changed the plugs wires and the plugs


1989 Toyota corolla the car starts hard i have changed the plugs wires and the plugs the car now starts and idles when you press the accelerator down fast the car bucks and chugs and tries to fall on its face when you feather it up slow it will get up to rpm when you put it in gear and try the same thing it just dies on acceleration you put it back in neutral and the car starts right up and idles perfect i also changed the fuel filter recently put a new battery and alternator in it a month ago ever since the battery and alternator this problem started also it is zero degrees outside if that is any help i live in Illinois and this car does not have any California emissions


Answer:

Remove the distributor cap and inspect it for cracks on the inside, remove the rotor and do the same, check for burned spots or cracks then remove the plastic cover over the coil, carefully inspect the coil for cracks on top also look underneath on the bottom side of the coil for any signs of arcing to ground, this is common on these distributors so I think you will find the problem there

Saturday, January 10, 2009

2006 honda civic i-dsi starts vibrating after 60 mph


Question:

my 2006 Honda civic i-dsi starts vibrating after 60 mph..but only if i accelerate after 60 mph....when i ease off the accelerator then the vibration is gone...i have balanced the wheels but still its not working..what should i do?


Answer:

Anytime you have a vibration on acceleration you have either a bad inner cv axle joint. Look at them both for any signs of grease leaking from the boot.
If one has been leaking or seeping grease from around the boot clamps usually that's the bad one.
Another possibility is a misaligned engine if the car has ever been in an accident.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

I got my Chavailier serviced, car died & I couldn't get it started

Question:
Last Saturday I got my Chavailier serviced. Afterwards I went 5 miles & the car started to make a knocking sound, then started to shake. I pulled off the road into a driveway. The car died & I couldn't get it started. I called a tow truck & had it towed back to where I had it serviced. They said my timing chain went & it caused a rod to put 2 holes in the engine & I had no oil. I now of course need a new engine. Another mechanic told me that if the timing chain went, my car would have immediately stopped. He said either I had not had oil put back in the car, the plug was not put back properly or the wrong filter was installed. Who is right? Of course I was told I need to pay for a new engine.

Answer:
Another mechanic told me that if the timing chain went, my car would have immediately stopped. He said either I had not had oil put back in the car, the plug was not put back properly or the wrong filter was installed. Who is right?

This Mechanic is right. If the timing chain failed it would die immediately. And if the chain broke, it would not cause a rod to do anything....

Friday, November 7, 2008

getting a howling sound coming from the front end

Question:
2001 Dodge stratus se 3.0 and am getting a howling sound coming from the front end and a clicking noise when turning the wheel. i would like to know if anyone can give me some idea what the problem could be. Already Tried: looked to see if cv boot was ripped

Answer:
The howling sound is usually the hub bearing starting to go bad. In most cases you can drive down a straight road and swerve slightly left and then right and you will hear a change in pitch if the howling noise. I would recommend replacing both if this is the case.

Clicking noise when turning is caused by a cv half shaft going out(the boot does not have to be torn) or a hub bearing that has been making noise for a long time and neglected.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

How do I program a remote keyless ?

Question:
2001 Oldsmobile Alero, How do I program a remote keyless ? everyone says it is a dealer job to program the remote.

ANSWER:
That can be done with the dealer's scan tool, however, the data base has this. You might want to try this first, You may need to do it a couple times before it takes.

Transmitter Synchronization
Notes
Resynchronization may be necessary due to the security method used by the remote keyless entry system. The transmitter does not send the same signal twice to the remote control door lock receiver (RCDLR).
The RCDLR will not respond to a signal that has been sent previously. This prevents anyone from recording and playing back the signal from the transmitter.
Resynchronization may be necessary under the following conditions:
The battery in the transmitter is very weak.
The battery in the transmitter was replaced.
The battery in the vehicle has been in a low or no charge condition for an extended period of time.
In order to resynchronize the transmitter with the RCDLR, perform the following steps:
Stand within 1.5 meters (5 ft) from the vehicle.
Simultaneously press and hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons on the transmitter for 7 seconds . The horn should chirp in order to confirm synchronization.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

How do I change the Serpentine belt on a Ford Scorpio?

DRIVE BELTS


The tensioner used by Ford consists of a large clock spring wrapped around one bolt, engaging in an arm on which a pulley is mounted. Because the action of the spring is anticlockwise, when engaged the pulley pulls the drive belt at a pressure set by the spring. As the drive belt lengthens with wear, so the spring takes up the slack. Because of the constant tension drive belts last for years, but they should be checked regularly for signs of wear. The belt might become cracked across its width, normally in the grooved face, or it may become glazed or frayed in appearance.

NOTE: If the drivebelt tensioner(s) are in good order then they will swivel about the fulcrum bolt quite easily using only medium force. However, if the tensioners have corroded in place then considerable force may be required to release the tensioner - in this case additional leverage may be required and care used to avoid injury.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

1997 pathfinder 3.3 v6 motor. i am getting no fire at all

QUESTION:
i have a 1997 pathfinder 3.3 v6 motor. i am getting no fire at all. i know there is a crank sensor and the dist. can anyone tell which is more likely to be the cause? i have some people tell they are bad for the dist. and then others tell the crank sensor

ANSWER:
The Cam sensor is the most common on that year Pathfinder. That is the one in the distributor. With no spark conditions, thats the first place I check! The way I check it is with a multimeter. I check voltages and grounds. If I have them, then it's normally the distributor. ( B/W wire = Battery voltage & B wire = ground.)Are you able to scan for codes? That would definitely help which it could be. I have really never seen those crank sensors fail, where I have seen distributor fail. I have also seen allot of New after market distributors not work also. Not to say that may happen to you, but please keep that in mind if you decide to go that route.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

1995 Ford Contour, changing rear brake, caliber will not release?


The piston doesn't just push in. It has to be threaded in under pressure.They make a number of tools for doing this.Here are a couple of them.

Monday, September 22, 2008

windows can be open or closed without ignition is on

QUESTION:
2003 Honda accord , windows can be open or closed without ignition is on

ANSWER:
sounds like a short in the driver door multiplex unit in the driver window switch .you will need to have the dealer use the factory scan tool to verify the multiplex system is operating correctly. but my suspicion is that the driver window main switch is defective.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Where can I ask a Car question?

You will find that all you have to do is type your car question in the box provided and click the tab at the bottom of the box. Follow the step by step instructions. There are mechanics online 24/7 ready to answer your question. You can decide if you want to pay them for there time and how much you would like to pay them if at all. its up to you. You can even choose the mechanic you wish to have your question answered by.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

How to Scan for Trouble Codes (Check Engine Light)

How to Use an Engine Scanner The engine code scanner has made automotive repair easier than ever. When the check engine light comes on while driving it means there is a system that is having a problem. With the trouble code scanner you are able to retrieve the trouble code stored in the vehicles computer. Once the system has been identified replace the shorted senor or other repair and clear the codes out of the vehicle's computer. Once the codes have been cleared the computer will go into relearn procedure and run any number of system monitors to determine if the trouble has been properly repaired.

When the Check Engine Soon Light comes on , your first instinct is to pull over and check out the situation. This is not necessary. This is the vehicles way of letting you know at its earliest stage that an error has occurred. No need to panic. If you have been driving with that all annoying light on, remember this : Your gas mileage will improve if the necessary repairs are made.

Friday, August 29, 2008

the clutch pedal stuck down to the floor.

QUESTION:
2004 Mini Cooper S, I started driving and the clutch pedal stuck down to the floor. I could not shift gears. I was able to pull the pedal up with my foot and drive the rest of the day with no problems. Today, it stuck to the floor again and I had to pull over because I could not shift gears. Once again, I could push the pedal back up with my foot and make it home. However, my husband notices something leaking when I pushed the clutch in and out.

ANSWER:
The leak you are seeing when you push the clutch is hydraulic fluid. The clutch is similar to the brake system in that they both require hydraulic pressure to be actuated. A leak such as the one you are seeing will definitely prevent you from being able to shift gears. Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir which is under the hood close to the fire wall. If the fluid is low, you need to find out where the leak is coming from. The leak will either come from the clutch reservoir, the clutch cylinder which is attached to the pedal on the engine side of the fire wall, the slave cylinder which is in the transmission bell housing, or one of the lines that connects these components.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

when i start my car there is a ratteling

Question:
every now and again when i start my car there is a rattling noise coming from my engine could you tell me what this means plz

ANSWER:
99% of the time this turns out to be the catalytic converter. Either the heat shield have come apart at one of its welded corners or the inside of the converter is loose. Let it cool down before touching. You can bang on the side of it to see if anything rattles inside.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Low Engine Oil Light came on when I started my car this morning

QUESTION:
I have a 2000 Monte Carlo SS, 92K miles. I change the oil regularly between 3K - 4K miles. I check the oil three to four times in that interval. I have never had to add oil. I have never noticed leak spots under the car. This morning, when I started the car the Low Engine Oil Light came on. I shut it off, checked the oil and it was low. I re-started the engine and the light did not come back on. What's up with this?

ANSWER:
Either you have a new leak or the oil change place did not completely fill the oil. Sometimes the low oil light will come on when the oil is not low, this would indicate a faulty oil level sensor.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

HONDA Accord V6 3.0 2000- Low Compression


HONDA Accord V6 3.0 2000 (Mileage 120,000)This problem happened slowly over 4 months. It was heating up once in a while, so i used to fill up radiator with water and it was OK. But since last week, I Filled radiator with water fully. Then drove, after 2-3 miles it heats up fully. there is noise in engine. After stopping doesn't start until cool. mechanic said compression in two cylinders is 120psi. engine is damaged, possible head gasket or head is cracked. possible short block is damaged also. He put water in the radiator left open without cap, it shot up while idling engine. Mechanic says the engine is damaged. replace engine. Charging $1900 to replace low mileage engine from junkyard. Mechanic is reputed in town. is this a reasonable cost or should I keep hunting. I want to fix this car instead of buying another one.


Answer:

Yes needs motor about 500 for motor from junkyard so about 1500 is fair