Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice » By Symptom

Ford F-150 blows fuse

Rick — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:28:17 +0000

Shops report that 1997-03 Ford F-150 trucks can blow fuse #29 repeatedly. The fuse powers the overdrive cancel switch located in the steering column at the end of the shift lever. The problem is most likely a short in the red/yellow wire that goes up the steering column. To repair, remove the shrouds on the column and check for the short.

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Engine surge at highway speed – Chevrolet Impala

Rick — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:54:47 +0000

Chevrolet Impala 1999-01 may experience a surge at highway speed. While this may be an air fuel related problem, it can also be caused by a slipping torque converter clutch. This happens when the torque converter clutch (TCC) is not fully applied. GM refers to this as a slip/stick condition. The TCC is applied with fluid pressure from a solenoid valve in the transmission valve body. The solenoid is pulsed by the PCM. In this particular model, Chevrolet has experienced some electronics failures where the pulsing is not correct. The result is a slipping TCC that can burn the transmission fluid and destroy the torque converter.

If you experience a surge at highway speeds above 40MPH, first check the transmission fluid to make sure the level is ok. Then check the fluid color. If it is dark brown and smells burned, you may have to pull the transmission and have it rebuild. But that’s not the full repair. You must also replace the PCM with an updated unit to prevent this from happening again. Chevrolet fixed the problem in the 2002 model year.

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Key won’t come out of ignition switch – GM vehicles

Rick — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:44:23 +0000

Believe it or not, this is related to a rash of bad ignition switches in GM vehicles. When the switch fails in the open position, it doesn’t provide battery power to the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI) fuse. The BTSI system consists of the brake pedal switch and a solenoid on the shifting mechanism. The BTSI prevents you from shifting into and out of park unless your foot is pressing on the brake pedal. Unfortunately, when the ignition switch fails, the BTSI system also prevents you from completely shifting into park and removing the key.

To confirm that this is the cause of the problem, check for battery voltage at the BTSI fuse in the fuse box with the ignition turned OFF. If you don’t get voltage at the fuse, move to the ignition switch. Check for battery voltage at the B+ terminal. It should read within 1 volt of battery voltage. If not, replace the ignition switch

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No instrument panel, HVAC controls dead, blower motor dead, flashers dead, GM vehicles

Rick — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 07:36:08 +0000

Bad ground TSB for GM vehicles

GM has issued a TSB #04-08-45-010 covering 2004-05 Buick Rainier, 2002-05 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2002-05 GMC Envoy, and 2002-03 Oldsmobile Bravada.

The bad ground connection can cause the instrument panel lights to be inoperative, HVAC controls inoperative, blower motor inoperative, radio inoperative, flashers inoperative, and transfer case controls inoperative. The cause has been found to be a poor ground at a splice area G201 located on the right side of the front console area.

To fix the problem, you must remove the center floor console. Then remove the 4 screws that hold the instrument panel lower closeout carpet panel to the instrument panel. Next, remove the panel.

Remove the splice pack bolt. If the bolt is corroded, clean it with a wire brush. Remove any carpet that was trapped during assembly. Clean the ground surface with emery cloth. Reassemble the panel and console.

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ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

Warning lights on even when vehicle is off – Ford Focus

Rick — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:02:21 +0000

Shops are reporting problems with late model Ford Focus vehicles where the warning lights stay on even when the vehicle is off, or flicker while driving. This can happen to the oil light, brake light, ABS light individually, in combination, or all of them.

Here's the fix:

Remove the instrument cluster and clean the printed circuit board with rubbing alcohol. Then coat the entire circuit board with di-electric grease. Ford is finding that mold growth on the circuit board bridges the circuits together and causes these symptoms.

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Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

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ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

Chevrolet Cobalt Overheats

Rick — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:10:28 +0000

There’s quite a bit of overheating chatter about this vehicle on tech forums. If the cooling fans come on, try bypassing the heater core with a length of heater hose. If the problem goes away, you’ve got a plugged heater core. Also, check the hose from the engine to the overflow (surge) tank to make sure it’s not plugged.

If the cooling fan doesn’t come on, check the #1 (30A) fuse in the underhood fuse box. If that’s good, move on to check the relays. There are two relays even though there’s only one fan motor. Yeah, it’s a two speed fan. Both relays are the same part number, so swap them. If the fan works, replace the bad relay.

The power flows from the fuse, to the relays. The relay coils are controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM). Power to the relay coils also comes from the same fuse. The PCM just provides ground to the relay coils.

If the fan still doesn’t work, check continuity on the dark blue wire for fan relay #1 and the dark green wire for fan relay #2. Or, provide separate ground to either of those wires to see if the fan relay closes. Both wires go from the relay box to the powertrain control module. If there’s an open in either of those wires, the relay coil will never energize.

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Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

ABS and TRAC OFF lights on GM vehicles

Rick — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 02:39:30 +0000

Shops are reporting huge failure rates on ABS sensors in some late model GM vehicles where the ABS sensor is integrated with the wheel bearing/hub. These sensors are in two styles. One style bolts the sensor directly on the wheel bearing. The sensor counts the notches on the ABS tone ring inside the wheel bearing. The clearance between the sensor and the tone ring is critical. The problem occurs when rust builds up between the sensor and the wheel bearing. This phenomenon is called “rust jacking,” where the rust literally pushes the sensor upwards, increasing the gap between the sensor and the tone ring to the point where it reads intermittently. If you have this style sensor, remove it and lightly sand the rust (lightly being the key word). Then apply a light coat of marine grease on the bare metal and re-assemble. You may want to try applying a thin bead of RTV silicone around the outer edge to prevent water from getting under the sensor.

The second and more common style has the ABS sensor built into the bearing/hub. This unit CANNOT be serviced. You must replace the entire bearing/hub.

When either type of sensor goes on the fritz, it lights up the ABS light AND turns off the Traction Control System. That’s because the traction control system gets all its information from the ABS computer. No input means a shutdown of the entire system. Plus, this will set a code in the PCM.

Get a new Timken wheel bearing with hub and ABS sensor for these vehicles

CHEVROLET CLASSIC (2004 - 2005)
CHEVROLET MALIBU (1997 - 2003)
OLDSMOBILE ALERO (1999 - 2004)
OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS (1997 - 1999)
OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS GLS 1997
OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME 1997
OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS SUPREME SL 1997
PONTIAC GRAND AM (1999 - 2004)
PONTIAC GRAND AM GT 2005
PONTIAC GRAND AM GT1 2005
PONTIAC GRAND AM SE 2005

GM is also having a huge failure rate on the wiring harness that goes from the ABS computer to the sensors. The harness can short to ground. Because the harness must flex with each movement of the lower control arm, the harness can also develop an open condition where the ABS signals never reach the ABS computer. This is such a large problem that aftermarket supplier Dorman now makes replacement wiring harnesses for about half the price of the GM version.

Get an aftermarket ABS Wiring Harness for the front left sensor on these vehicles.

2005-97 Chevrolet Malibu;
1998-97 Oldsmobile Achieva;
2003-99 Oldsmobile Alero;
2005-99 Pontiac Grand Am
Dorman Part #970-008

Get an aftermarket ABS Wiring Harness for the front right sensor on these vehicles.

2005-97 Chevrolet Malibu;
1998-97 Oldsmobile Achieva;
2003-99 Oldsmobile Alero;
2005-99 Pontiac Grand Am
Dorman Part #970-009

If you have an ABS and TRAC OFF light and want to troubleshoot the system, start by examining the connectors at each front wheel bearing. You may find that the entire connector has broken off the bearing is just hanging in mid-air. If the wiring at the sensor appears good, disconnect it. Then disconnect the main connector at the ABS computer (usually located on the driver’s side—just follow the harness back to the computer). With the wiring harness disconnected, use your meter to test each of the wires that go to the ABS sensor. Check for continuity of each wire and then check for a short between the wires. Also check for a short to ground. If you find any of those conditions, replace the harness. Do NOT attempt to fix the short/open. The system operates on such low voltage that the increased resistance of a splice may prevent communication. Also, a splice make actually break again due to the flexing required.

If the harness checks out, your problem is most likely in the ABS sensor wheel bearing/hub assembly. You can test the ABS sensor by connecting a digital multimeter to the ABS sensor connector and setting your meter to AC voltage. Then spin the wheel. You should see AC fluctuations. If you don’t then it’s safe to assume the wiring is broken. If you see fluctuation, you cannot assume that the sensor is good. The multimeter test is not considered the most reliable test. A more accurate test requires a scope.

To replace the wheel bearing/hub, you will need to remove the axle nut. That will require a large socket and a long ½” breaker bar. You can use an impact wrench to remove the axle nut, but you CANNOT use the impact wrench to install the new one. The impact can destroy the new bearing. Also, make sure you install a NEW axle nut. The old one CANNOT be reused. Find the torque value for the new nut and use a torque wrench to set it properly.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

Chevrolet Silverado No Start

Rick — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:06:50 +0000

Shops are reporting pattern failures on the ignition systems on 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.3L vehicles. The problem is usually caused by a broken ground wire at the ignition coil. This wire is white/black and may not appear to be broken. But the wire inside frays and causes intermittent no-start conditions. To check the condition of the wire is the vehicle does start, run the engine at operating temperature and have someone wiggle the wire and listen for misfire. This wire can cause misfire codes, no start, intermittent no start, intermittent misfiring, and buck/jerk while driving. Once you find the troublesome section, splice in a new wire and seal the connections with heat shrinkable tubing or 3M 06147 tape.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

Hyundai Santa Fe Oil Light on or flickering

Rick — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:51:51 +0000

Shops are reporting pattern failures on 2003-04 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5L engines. The oil light stays on or flickers. Obviously, your first check should be oil level. But if that's fine, locate the oil pressure sending unit near the oil filter. Then follow the wire up towards the alternator belt. This wire can rub against the engine and short to ground. If you find any rubbed through insulation, repair it and recheck the oil light. If you find no problem, then remove the oil pressure sending unit and install a mechanical gauge. If oil pressure is correct, replace the sending unit

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use

Engine flush

Firing order, cylinder layout, finding #1 cylinder

MAF or MAP sensor

Oxygen sensors, How they work, How to change, How to test

PassLock or Passkey

Thermostat issues

Transmission flush

Serpentine belt diagrams

Window issues, power window motor, replace window regulator, glass adhesive

Windshield Washer pump failure on GM vehicles

Rick — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:16:14 +0000

Windshield Washer pump failure on GM vehicles

GM has issued a technical service bulleting (TSB) #07-08-43-004C to address problems with the windshield washer pumps on the following vehicles: 2006-07 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and 2006-08 Chevrolet Impala. Users may experience either poor pump performance or a an inoperative and intermittent pump. GM warns dealers NOT TO REPLACE THE WASHER PUMP. The problem is an underrated fuse.

GM's official fix is to replace the 10 amp windshield washer fuse (labeled WSW) in the Underhood Bussed Electrical Center (UBEC) with a 15 amp fuse. Yes, you read that right. GM wants you to put in a larger fuse. They say that'll correct the problem.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

Both Alldata and Eautorepair offer professional grade shop manuals at a price you can afford. Check them out!.

Hover your mouse over the REPAIR ARTICLES tab at the top of the page. The click on DIAGNOSTICS to search by SYMPTOM, TROUBLE CODE, or read TECH TIPS on how to diagnose a problem

Click on MAKE an MODEL to see all the articles I've written for your vehicle
Click on REPAIR TOPICS to read individual articles written for specific automotive systems

If you've had your car scanned and know the trouble code go to TROUBLE CODES

Here are some quick links to speed up your research

Click on the link below for speedy navigation:

ABS issues, how to bleed ABS brakes

Airbag issues or SRS light on

Alternator issues or how to test

Belt diagram or serpentine belt issues

Blower motor

Blower motor resistor

Brakes, brake issues, what kind of brake parts to buy, ABS issues

Car Alarms or Antitheft systems

Cooling system, Water pump, What type of coolant to use