Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice » Make and Model

P0405 EGR code on Chrysler Products

Rick — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:44:27 +0000

Many Chrysler products use EGR transducer to detect the actual movement of the EGR valve. The computer commands the EGR valve to open a certain amount. Then, the transducer measures exactly how far the valve actually opened. This transducer sensor has a very high failure rate. In most cases a P0405 EGR Sensor A Circuit Low is caused by a bad sensor. There are two way to go about this fix. You can buy a new EGR valve with sensor, or you can buy just the transducer. Buying just the transducer will save you money. Unfortunately, not many parts stores carry them. But you can give it a shot. First go here to find the transducer part number. Then call the parts store to see if they stock it. If not, go here to buy the entire EGR valve.

For more information on this repair or any others for your vehicle, buy an online subscription to either Alldatadiy.com or eautorepair.net. Click on this link to compare the two services: Compare Alldata and Eautorepair.

If you just need information for a single repair and want to save money,eautorepair offers a lower price 1-week subscription for only $11.99. Or, if you’ll be working on this vehicle in the future, you can buy a 1-year subscription (Alldatadiy.com for $26.99, or eautorepair.net $29.99)

Black smoke on Saturn Vue and Oulook

Rick — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:43:49 +0000

Black Smoke from Tailpipe

If you own a 2009-10 Saturn Outlook or VUE with the 3.6L engine, you may notice black smoke coming from the tailpipe on cold startups. Don’t flip out—it’s normal. Saturn is purposely running a rich mixture right after a cold start to get the catalytic converter operating faster. A rich mixture gooses the catalytic process. Of course, that’s exactly why misfires set off the flashing Check Engine light, to warn you that the converter is rapidly approaching meltdown. However, in this case, Saturn won’t let it get that far. It only runs the rich mixture for one minute.

P1506 – Idle Air Control System Over speed Error

Rick — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 20:58:49 +0000

If you get this code on a Ford vehicle with the Duratec engine, don’t start with an idle air controller valve (IAC) replacement. This vehicle has a LOT of vacuum leaks and that can cause serious idle problems. Air leaks into the engine AFTER the MAF has already metered the incoming air. So the oxygen sensor sees a very lean exhaust. Since the vehicle is at idle, the computer tries to reduce incoming air by shutting down the IAC. Once it commands less air and stills sees an idle that’s too high, it sets a P1506 trouble code.

One of the common air leaks is in the rubber hose

PCV valve elbow

going to the PCV valve. The hose has a 90 degree bend in it and it tends to crack there. So START your diagnosis by replacing both the PCV AND the hose. Many readers report that Ford doesn’t stop this hose. If you can’t find it, check the link below. Since this part has such a huge failure rate, Dorman has stepped into the market with a replacement. Install the elbow, clear the code and then see if it returns.

Want more more information on this repair or any others for your vehicle, buy an online subscription to either Alldatadiy.com or eautorepair.net. Click on this link to compare the two services: Compare Alldata and Eautorepair.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

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

Won’t shift out of park

Rick — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:23:52 +0000

Most vehicles now come with a shift interlock device to prevent you from shifting into or out of gear without having your foot on the brake pedal. The switch is built into the brake light switch and when it determines your foot is on the pedal, it energizes a shift interlock solenoid. The solenoid pulls a locking pin out of the way so you can shift. When the system fails, it’s either the brake light switch of the solenoid. In the past you’ve had to buy the solenoid from the dealer. Now Dorman makes an aftermarket solenoid to fit

Dorman 924-705

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

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

No Start – Jeep

Rick — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 15:15:02 +0000

Several people have posted questions on help forums about their Jeeps not starting. Here are some of the top reasons. Since there are several Jeep models and different designs over the years, this is just a summary. If you want detailed information on YOUR system, buy a subscription to AlldataDIY or eautorepair.net from the links below

You turn the key and lights come on, but starter does not start cranking

Ignition Switch

Jeep is experiencing cracked/split ignition switch/lock cylinder

Jeep ignition switch

related failures. In some cases a plastic tab breaks off the switch and allows it to flex/twist or move slightly. In others, the lock cylinder housing cracks. The switch moves enough to supply power to the lighting contacts, but not enough to power up the starter. Check the switch. If the lock cylinder housing is cracked, you’ll need a new steering column. Start checking the junk yards.

Linkage between lock cylinder and ignition switch

Linkage from lock cylinder to ignition switch breaks

Neutral safety switch

Also P0335 and P0340

If you think you should replace the knock sensor after getting this code, think again. This is a perfect example of where a sensor can be telling the truth and the root cause of the problem is somewhere else. Here’s the scoop. Most late model engine use variable valve timing to change the opening and closing timing of the valves. The device that actually changes the valve timing is called the cam phaser (yeah, like on Star Treck). Some cam phasers use oil pressure to rotate the camshaft slightly to change the timing. That’s great when it’s working well. But if you’ve changed your own oil and used a viscosity that’s different from the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can screw up the phaser. For example, some people don’t believe the manufacturer’s recommendation to use 5W-30. So they change their oil with 10W-30. The slightly thicker oil can cause the phaser to respond more slowly to computer commands. And when the cam is out of phase from the commanded position, you can get pre-ignition, or pinging. Yup, if you used this oil and now have this trouble code, point your finger right at yourself.

The same holds true if you think you can get away with not changing your oil on time. Think sludge buildup isn’t a problem? Well guess what, sludge in a cam phaser can also cause trouble codes.

If you’re getting these codes and think it might be caused by oil, change your oil and filter and drive the vehicle first. Perhaps the clean oil can clear out the passages.

Here are a few other things that can cause this trouble code:

Check the electrical connector on the cam phaser. If you see oily buildup, disconnect the connector and check inside. Oil can sometimes seep into the connector and that would give false readings.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

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

A/C doesn’t work and ABS light on

Rick — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:53:39 +0000

GM vehicles are known for faulty ignition switches. The problems are almost always intermittent. One common symptom is for the A/C to start blowing warm air or for the blower fan to stop (depending on which GM model we’re talking about), along with an ABS light. The problem is usually the ignition switch heating up and not providing power to the A/C clutch and the ABS computer. If you want to diagnose the problem, buy a wiring diagram for your vehicle form eautorepair.net or alldata.com (there are way to many GM models to list their wiring diagrams here) and test for power at the switched terminals when the problem happens. Or, just replace the ignition switch.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

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