2003 Saturn Ion

 Auto Repair Questions, Saturn  Comments Off on 2003 Saturn Ion
Oct 022017
 

2003 Saturn Ion

Overfilled transmission

This goes out to any “True Mechanic Worth His Work” My name is Regina. I’ve always learned about cars from Daddy growing up being his “Little Grease Monkey” so I am basically a learning shade tree mechanic.  My fiance’s car that he purchased had transmission problems front seal leaking, filter clogged and overfilled transmission fluid. Solenoid overheating. I replaced the seal changed the filter that was clogged and noticed that the bands that would shift it from 2nd to 3rd were kinda stretched. I told him to baby it and shift smoothly and slowly until I could get it in to someone that has more experience than my own shade tree mechanic skills.

It was running smoothly

It was running smoothly as long as he didn’t rough drive it. Three weeks after this he said he came home and ran over a pretty big hole about 1/2 mile from home but noticed it still was in alignment and drove fine the rest of the way. The following morning on way to work the engine wouldn’t rev up to shift properly and he had to put the pedal half way down and when it shifted it was like being on a motorcycle at a stop sign and trying to start off in 2nd shift. By the time he made it home it was more like 3rd. He said once he got going in 3rd it seemed okay but would lose power easliy and especially on incline.

Does ANYONE think it’s the bands and how cheaply could I get it going just for another month until I can afford to have it fixed or junked and get another one as it’s my source of transportation as well other than my bike ??? Please help a desperate girl elbows deep in Grease and living  paycheck to paycheck Thank you guys so much.

With the engine unable to rev at least you know the transmission was not slipping. If the transmission isn’t shifting it could be related to the VSS – Vehicle Speed Sensor. The best first approach would be to connect a scan tool and review the codes(transmission codes) to see if and what has been flagged.

2002 f250 lariet crew cab v 10

 Auto Repair Questions, Ford  No Responses »
Oct 022017
 

2002 Ford F250

Hi, I have a 2002 f250 V10 crew cab. When I go over rough road the front end can pull and move me over in the lane. The front end has been checked and new shocks installed but it still does it and when I Hit freeway bumps it hits real hard. If I install air bags in the coil springs will it help the ride and steering?

Air bags are not going to help the ride or the steering. It would make the ride stiffer. I would have the tires and alignment checked. Also check for a loose steering gear box. If your tires are oversized (not stock size) this may also cause the vehicle to want to shoot to one side of the road or the other.

Fuel pump will not prime 1992 f150 with 5.0

 Auto Repair Questions, Ford  No Responses »
Oct 022017
 

1992 Ford F150

Fuel pump will not prime

If your truck utilizes a mechanical fuel pump follow the testing procedure listed below. These trucks (1990 – 1996) employ a single, high pressure pump which is part of the modular, In-Tank Reservoir (ITR) assembly. Besides the pump, the ITR consists of a venturi jet pump, a supply check valve and a shuttle selector valve. All this is mounted on the fuel gauge sender flange. The sending unit is separate from the ITR module.

When the fuel system is opened allowing the pressure to bleed off will require the system to be primed once reassembled. This can be achieved by cycling the ignition switch on and off. The ignition key needs to be moved to the “ON” position for 5 seconds and then moved to “OFF” for 5 seconds. This needs to be repeated a minimum of 10 times. If fuel pressure has not built up, check for fuel leaks first. Then test your fuel pump relay function. Next test your fuel pump.

 

fuel pump diagram 1992 Ford F150

Mechanical Fuel Pump Testing

CAUTION
Never smoke when working around gasoline! Avoid all sources of sparks or ignition. Gasoline vapors are EXTREMELY volatile!

Incorrect fuel pump pressure and low volume (flow rate) are the two most likely fuel pump troubles that will affect engine performance. Low pressure will cause a lean mixture and fuel starvation at high speeds and excessive pressure will cause high fuel consumption and carburetor flooding.

To determine that the fuel pump is in satisfactory operating condition, tests for both fuel pump pressure and volume should be performed.

The test are performed with the fuel pump installed on the engine and the engine at normal operating temperature and at idle speed.

Before the test, make sure that the replaceable fuel filter has been changed at the proper mileage interval. If in doubt, install a new filter.

Pressure Test

  1. Remove the air cleaner assembly. Disconnect the fuel inlet line of the fuel filter at the carburetor. Use care to prevent fire, due to fuel spillage. Place an absorbent cloth under the connection before removing the line to catch any fuel that might flow out of the line.
  2. Connect a pressure gauge, a restrictor and a flexible hose between the fuel filter and the carburetor.
  3. Position the flexible hose and the restrictor so that the fuel can be discharged into a suitable, graduated container.
  4. Before taking a pressure reading, operate the engine at the specified idle rpm and vent the system into the container by opening the hose restrictor momentarily.
  5. Close the hose restrictor, allow the pressure to stabilize and note the reading. The pressure should be 5 psi. (34.5 kPa).
    If the pump pressure is not within 4–6 psi (27.6–41.4 kPa) and the fuel lines and filter are in satisfactory condition, the pump is defective and should be replaced.

If the pump pressure is within the proper range, perform the test for fuel volume.

Volume Test

  1. Operate the engine at the specified idle rpm.
  2. Open the hose restrictor and catch the fuel in the container while observing the time it takes to pump 1 pint. 1 pint should be pumped in 20 seconds. If the pump does not pump to specifications, check for proper fuel tank venting or a restriction in the fuel line leading from the fuel tank to the carburetor before replacing the fuel pump.

2005 Honda Element Engine Code P0135

 Auto Repair Questions, Honda  Comments Off on 2005 Honda Element Engine Code P0135
Sep 292017
 

2005 Honda Element

What problems might have caused this code?  How can I correct it?  Engine code is P0135

Honda Code P0135

Description: Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit (Bank 1, Sensor 1)

Code P0135 Probable Causes

  1. Oxygen Sensor or solenoid faulty
  2. Connector terminal contact is damaged or corroded
  3. Wire harness – Check harness for correct voltage, open, short to ground or short to voltage
  4. Open fuse

What does Code P0135 mean?

The code means that there is a problem with the heater element circuit of the heated oxygen sensor. The control module monitors how long it take the sensor to warm up and start sending an adequate signal. The code is triggered when the sensor is taking too long to warm up. Water getting inside the heated oxygen sensor connector can caused the heated oxygen sensor fuse to blow. Before replacing the sensor, check for the condition of the heated oxygen sensor fuse and connectors. If the sensor and connector are OK, replacing the O2 Sensor 1 usually takes care of the problem.

 

’05 Pontiac Vibe FWD stopped running at all

 Auto Repair Questions, Pontiac  No Responses »
Sep 282017
 

2005 Pontiac Vibe

Stopped running at all

I’m pretty much looking for some information on this transmission problem, before I set it on FIRE.
I recently bought an ’05 Pontiac Vibe for almost nothing ($500.00) now I know why. The previous owner stated that the original transmission had went bad (now I know there was a recall at one time) some time back and had a used one put in afterwards. Knowing that the same transmission is in both Pontiac and Toyota, I figured it couldn’t be too bad. I’ve always had good results from Toyota’s. So, with every car that I have bought, I give it routine maintenance; coolant flush, oil change, etc. On this particular vehicle after having the transmission flush and refilled along with new filter, 24 hours afterwards it started knocking like the flywheel was loose something horrible and then stopped running at all, NOTHING, just the sound of destruction. I inspected the flywheel and all bolts are intact and it torque convertor looks Ok from what I can see. Pretty much my question is to you is…Why would flushing the system cause that and what could possible be my problem? Is a new transmission in my future? Please help it Scotty before it BURNS!!!

The vehicle stopped running wouldn’t have much to do with the transmission. If it just quit moving then I would check to make sure the cv shafts are still intact. They can break and cause the vehicle to no longer move. This would also cause a horrible racket. I wouldn’t think this would have anything to do with changing fluids though.

2011 Lincoln MKS door panel speaker

 Auto Repair Questions, Lincoln  No Responses »
Sep 252017
 

2011 Lincoln MKS

Does the speaker cover on the passenger front door come off without having to remove the door panel ? It is dented in and I just want to pop it back to shape. thank you

The speaker cover is part of the door panel. Removal of the door panel will be required.

Door panel removal 2011 Lincoln MKS

2011-lincoln-mks-door-trim-panel-front-removal-and-installation

Removal and Installation

All trim panels
1.Pull outward and remove the sail panel. •If equipped, disconnect the electrical connector.

2.Remove the front door inside handle assembly bolt cover.
3.Remove the front door inside door handle assembly bolt. •To install, tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).

4.Remove the front door trim panel center bolt. •To install, tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).

5.Remove the trim panel grommet and remove the front door trim panel rear screw. •To install, tighten to 1 Nm (9 lb-in).

6.Remove the front door trim panel lower screws.

7. NOTICE: Avoid pulling directly on the upper rear corner (vinyl portion) of the door trim panel during removal to prevent damage to the door trim panel.
Remove the front door trim panel. •Pull the front door trim panel outward to release the retaining clips.
•Disconnect the inside door handle cable.
•If equipped, disconnect the electrical connectors.
Window garnish moulding
8.Remove the window garnish moulding screw.
9.Remove the window garnish moulding.

All trim panels

10. NOTICE: To avoid damage to the door trim panel, remove any retaining clips from the body and attach them to the door trim panel.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Multiple Codes 2003 Nissan Maxima GLE

 Auto Repair Questions, Nissan  No Responses »
Sep 252017
 

Nissan Maxima

Multiple Codes

Car has 152,000 miles. Car idles and revs fine while in park. When driving it clatters and looses power it you give it more than 25% throttle. I took it to Firestone and they did a diagnostic on it and it gave them the following codes:P0420- CATALYST EFFICIENCY BELOW NORMAL (BANK 1)…..P1574-ASCD VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR MALFUNCTION….P0300-MULTIPLE MISFIRE DETECTED….P0720TCM REVOLUTION SENSOR CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION. The mechanic at Firestone said that he does not know why the car is acting like this and referred me to a Nissan dealer. I am trying to avoid that because I know the cost would be astronomical for them to diagnose and fix it. It was running fine and then all the sudden it was like it is possessed. Any ideas?

The code P0420 generally means the catalytic converter isn’t functioning as it should. Now if you have been driving it with a misfire for a while it may have caused a larger issue. The unburnt fuel gets shoved out into the catalytic converter and can cause it to clog. If the converter is clogged it will act as you described. A back pressure gauge is inserted in the front O2 Sensor port to check for this. If there is more than 3 psi at 1500 rpm the converter is clogged. Generally if this is the case the car will perform normal at first and as the engine warms up the performance will fade. I have provided the code information below.

Nissan Code P1574

Description: Automatic Speed Control Device Vehicle Speed Sensor

Code P1574 Probable Causes

  1. Sensor or solenoid faulty
  2. Connector terminal contact is damaged or corroded
  3. Wire harness – Check harness for correct voltage, open, short to ground or short to voltage
  4. Update control unit software – Check for the latest control unit update
  5. Powertrain or Engine Control Module faulty

Nissan Code P0720

Description: Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit

Code P0720 Probable Causes

  1. Sensor or solenoid faulty
  2. Connector terminal contact is damaged or corroded
  3. Wire harness – Check harness for correct voltage, open, short to ground or short to voltage
  4. Update control unit software – Check for the latest control unit update
  5. Powertrain or Engine Control Module faulty
  6. Transmission system malfunction

Nissan Code P0420

Description: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1

Code P0420 Probable Causes

  1. Sensor or solenoid faulty
  2. Connector terminal contact is damaged or corroded
  3. Wire harness – Check harness for correct voltage, open, short to ground or short to voltage
  4. Update control unit software – Check for the latest control unit update
  5. Powertrain or Engine Control Module faulty
  6. HO2S sensor contamination/damaged
  7. Exhaust leaks or restrictions
  8. Catalytic converter damage
  9. Catalytic converter improper operation

Nissan Code P0300

Description: Random – Multiple Misfire Detected

Code P0300 Probable Causes

  1. Vacuum leaks, damaged hoses or improper routing
  2. Fuel contamination
  3. Ignition system – Ignition module, coil, spark plugs and wires
  4. Fuel system

08 escape hesitates for about 5 seconds before going into gear

 Auto Repair Questions, Ford  No Responses »
Sep 192017
 

2008 Ford Escape

08 escape when warm outside car shifts good but in winter when i first takeoff car hesitates for about 5 seconds before going into gear then is fine

First thing to check would be the transmission fluid level. Also check for any signs of a transmission fluid leak. Next checking for dirty fluid and finally checking and or replacing the solenoids in the transmissions valve body.

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