2001 Lexus RX300 Headlights and fog-lights

 Auto Repair Questions, Lexus  No Responses »
Nov 092017
 

Lexus RX300

Headlights and fog-lights are inoperable.

The headlights and fog-lights are controlled by the combination switch. This switch signals the the Body ECU to activate the headlamp relay. The headlamp relay receives its battery power from a 50amp “Main Fuse” that is hot at all times. The fog-lights and headlights have separate relays along with DRL relays. I wouldn’t think all the relays went out at the same time. I would rather suspect the switch, the fuse or the ECU. You may use the provided wiring diagrams to help better understand the circuit.

Headlight Wiring Diagram (1 of 2) 2001 Lexus RX300

(best viewed in Google Chrome or Firefox)
2001-lexus-rx300-headlights-headlamps-circuit-1-of-2

Headlight Wiring Diagram (2 of 2) 2001 Lexus RX300

2001-lexus-rx300-headlights-headlamps-circuit-2-of-2

Code P0449 EVAP canister solenoid – SOLVED

 Auto Repair Questions, Chevy  No Responses »
Nov 082017
 

2006 Chevy Silverado

How to fix code P0449 on my 2006 Chevy Silverado? The check engine light is on. When I clear the code, it comes right back on. What do I need to do to fix code P0449?

Chevy Code P0449

Evaporative Emission Vent Valve Solenoid Malfunction – SOLVED!

Code P0449 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. Vacuum leaks, damaged hoses or improper routing
  7. EVAP system – Check fuel cap, canister, valves or components

Part needed for fix

I used Dorman part number 911-239 to make the repair. Price: $62.95 with free shipping. Details

  • Direct replacement for a proper fit every time
  • A necessary replacement item for passing inspection in certain states

Code P0449 EVAP Canister valve solenoid Fix - Dorman 911-239

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EVAP Vent Solenoid Valve

The EVAP vent solenoid valve controls fresh airflow into the EVAP canister. The valve is normally open. The control module commands the valve ON, closing the valve during some EVAP tests, allowing the system to be tested for leaks.

Testing the starter relay 2012 KIA Soul

 Auto Repair Questions, Kia  No Responses »
Nov 082017
 

2012 KIA Soul

I have a 2012 KIA Soul and it will not start, just one click. Also had a smell of burning wires after trying to start. Was able to jump starter to get it home. Is the starter solenoid bad?

Be sure the battery is in good working condition. If while holding the ignition in “START” there is no battery positive going to the “S” terminal on the starter the starter relay may be faulty. If battery positive is going to the “S” terminal, replace the starter.

Testing the starter relay

  1. Remove the fuse box cover.
  2. Remove the starter relay (A).

starter relay location 2012 KIA Soul

  • Using an ohmmeter, check that there is continuity between each terminal.

Terminal 30 -87    Continuity NO

Terminal 85 – 86   Continuity YES

  • Apply 12V to terminal 85 and ground to terminal 86.
  • Check for continuity between terminals 30 and 87.

starter relay 2012 KIA Soul

  • If there is no continuity, replace the starter relay.
  • Install the starter relay.
  • Install the fuse box cover.

Hard Starting 1998 Jeep grand Cherokee 5.9

 Auto Repair Questions, Jeep  No Responses »
Nov 072017
 

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep will only start on second crank. Driving for 10 minutes and seems like it loses power, rpm drop , catch again, when I get it going it hobbles along and will not exceed 20mph or above 1500 rpm. Had vacuum serviced but problem came back??.

My first thought is fuel pressure regulator. The regulator acts as a check valve to maintain some fuel pressure when the engine is not operating. This will help to start the engine. A second check valve is located at the outlet end of the electric fuel pump. This is assuming the check engine light is not on.

Fuel Pressure Regulator/Fuel Filter

A combination fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator is used on all engines. It is located on the top of fuel pump module.

fuel pressure regulator location diagram 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Fuel Pressure Regulator Operation:

The pressure regulator is a mechanical device that is not controlled by engine vacuum or the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

The regulator is calibrated to maintain fuel system operating pressure of approximately 339 kPa ± 34 kPa (49.2 psi ± 5 psi) at the fuel injectors. It contains a diaphragm, calibrated springs and a fuel return valve. The internal fuel filter is also part of the assembly.

Fuel is supplied to the filter/regulator by the electric fuel pump through an opening tube at the bottom of filter/regulator.

fuel pressure regulator 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee

 

Heater fan only works on low – SOLVED

 Auto Repair Questions, Pontiac  No Responses »
Nov 062017
 

1986 Pontiac 6000

Heater fan only works on low or cold but not high. It is a 1986 Pontiac 6000 SE.

Heater fan only works on low

This is a classic description of a failed blower motor resistor. Replacing the blower motor resistor will solve the problem.

Labor time to replace the blower motor resistor is 0.3 hours. So it doesn’t take long at all to fix it yourself. So look at the top of the firewall on the passenger side. You’ll see the electrical connector there. Unplug the connector and remove the two screws. Pull upward on the resistor and replace in reverse order.

Blower motor resistor replacement

  • Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  • Unplug the electrical connector at the resistor.

blower motor resistor electrical connector

  • Remove the resistor attaching screws(2).

blower motor resistor 1986 Pontiac 6000

  • Remove the resistor from the evaporator case.

 

 

1995 Chevy Blazer single click from starter

 Auto Repair Questions, Chevy  No Responses »
Nov 022017
 

 

1995 Chevy Blazer

I have a 1995 Chevy Blazer 4dr 4wd 4.3L V6 Vortex. I turn ignition on and get a single click from starter no crank…is this indicative of a bad solenoid? Engine was started an running just prior, switched off and no restart…battery is new, ignition harness replaced with new OEM

A single click from starter

The click you hear is the solenoid doing its job. So not a bad solenoid, but a worn brushes inside the starter. So you will need to replace the starter. Sometimes you can get lucky and have someone smack the starter with a hammer while you hold the key in the start position to get it to start one last time. I would only recommend this if you need to get it to a different location to work on it. Labor time is about an hour for this job.

Starter Replacement 4 Wheel Drive (1995-1997 Models)

To Remove:
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
  3. Remove the differential carrier shield if equipped.
  4. Disconnect the engine mounts and raise the engine.
  5. Remove the transmission mount and support the transmission.
  6. Remove the starter mounting bolts. Rotate the starter for access and disconnect the wires from the solenoid.
  7. Remove the starter from the vehicle.
To Install:
  1. Position the starter near the engine and connect the wiring.
  2. Install the inside starter mounting bolt loosely and position the shims if equipped.
  3. Install the outboard starter mounting bolt. ◦Tighten the mounting bolts to 32 lb ft (43 Nm).
  4. Lower the engine assembly onto the engine mounts.
  5. Install the transmission mount and engine mounts.
  6. Install the differential carrier shield if equipped.
  7. Connect the negative battery cable.

 

2002 Saturn SL series shift cable problem

 Auto Repair Questions, Saturn  No Responses »
Nov 022017
 

Started losing gears

I bought this car about a month ago, about 2 weeks ago I started losing gears, 2nd and reverse. I had a friend look at it and it is the gear shift linkage cable. So he cut the cables that were already broke in order so it will slow down the process until I had the money to fix it correctly. Which he told me he could do and it would only be about $30.00. But he wanted to take it to his car mechanic friend who has his own business in mechanics. Well we did. He gave me a $475.00 estimate. My friend made a comment to me about losing all my gears at once and being stranded.

Well not even 12 hours later after his mechanic was looking at it, I lost all gears. And the friend that said would fix it is now telling me to have it towed to his mechanic friends shop and have him do it. After he said he would fix it for me. I’m just a girl and easily taken advantage of. My friend even said that I could be taken for a ride. Everything just seems fishy to me. Anyway, is it just me being paranoid or can it happen like that and is that a correct estimate?

Shift Cable Replacement Cost

It is common for the shift control cable to fail and need to be replaced. The labor time involved for replacing the shift cable is 3.0 hours according to Chilton Manual. So if the mechanic is charging $100 per hour, you are looking at $300 labor plus parts cost. Here is the cable you need. I double checked to make sure it is the proper cable for your specific car. It carries a cost of $44.


Shop Automotive

Now it is normal for a shop to charge a mark up on parts. The shop would probably want double so we will say about $88 for the part. Now we are up to $388.00. Then you add in some shop supplies and possible a diagnostic fee(which you don’t need done because you already know what is wrong with it) if applicable. Still the $475 seems a bit high for the job unless it includes a stiff tow charge.

You may want to call around to some different shops and get some quotes for the job. Remember to get the QUOTE, not ESTIMATE in writing before you agree to have the work completed.

Shift Cable Replacement

(best viewed in Google Chrome or Firefox)
2002-Saturn-SL-shift-control-cable-replacement

1973 Dodge Charger / 440 magnum

 Auto Repair Questions, Dodge  No Responses »
Nov 012017
 

1973 Dodge Charger

I need a vacuum diagram for this car. Can you help? email me a diagram please!!

Engine Vacuum

Pcv and Brake booster go to separate large ports, the pcv usually to the carb base and the booster to the manifold fitting.
Vacuum advance goes to one of two small ports on the carb. Test to find the one that has no vac at idle but as soon as you touch the throttle you get vacuum.
Cruise goes to either the small port on the intake or the carb base. It could be split off the vacuum advance.

1973 Dodge Charger Vacuum Diagram

1973 Dodge Charger Vacuum Diagram

1973 Dodge Charger Vacuum Ports Diagram

vacuum ports Dodge Charger diagram

 

2000 Honda Civic LX drain and fill transmission

 Auto Repair Questions, Honda  No Responses »
Nov 012017
 

2000 Honda Civic

How to drain and refill transmission fluid on a 5 speed manual transmission on my 2000 Honda Civic LX?

Manual Transmission Oil

NOTE Check the transmission oil with the engine OFF and the vehicle on level ground.
1.Remove the oil filler plug, then check the level and condition of the oil.

drain plug manual transmission 2000 Honda Civic
2. The oil level must be up to the filler hole. If it is below the hole, add oil until it runs out, then reinstall the oil filler plug with a new washer.
3.If the transmission oil is dirty, remove the drain plug and drain the oil.
4.Reinstall the drain plug with a new washer, and refill the transmission with the recommended oil t o the proper level.
NOTE The drain plug washer should be replaced at every oil change.

5.Reinstall the oil filler plug with a new washer.

Always use Genuine Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF). Using motor oil can cause stiffer shifting because it does not contain the proper additives.

drain and fill plug manual transmission 2000 Honda Civic

1999 Chevy 1/2 ton Silverado 4by4

 Auto Repair Questions, Chevy  1 Response »
Nov 012017
 

1999 Chevy Z71

What is the purpose of vacuum line attached to the rear end?

Differential Vent Tube

The vacuum line is a vent tube. This keeps the unit from building pressure internally. It also moves the point of entry above any perceived area of water exposure. For example, Suppose you were to back a boat into the water. The vent tube is positioned high enough not to allow water to enter into the differential that may now be under water.

differential vent tube diagram

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