Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice » Buick

Buick Park Avenue headlights stay on

Rick — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:18:03 +0000

Shops are reporting a problem with the GM “twilight sentinel” system on Buick Park Avenue vehicles. Owners report that the headlights will not turn off.

Start your diagnostics by unplugging the head lamp switch connector from the switch. If the headlights now go out, replace the head lamp switch.

Get a new headlight switch from Amazon.com. Standard Motor Parts #DS717 fits Buick Park Ave & Park Ave Ultra from 1997-2005

If the lights do not go out, check the white wire at the lamp driver module (located under the center of the instrument panel) for a short to ground pin J and pin B1. If the white wire is not shorted, the problem is in the lamp control module. Replace it.

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ABS light on GM vehicles

Rick — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:17:57 +0000

GM has issued a TSB #04-05-025-002A covering the following vehicles:
2004 Buick Rainier
2002-04 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
2003-04 Chevrolet Silverado
2000-04 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe
2003-04 Chevrolet Avalanche, Trailblazer
2003-04 Chevrolet SSR
1999-04 GMC Sierra
2000-04 GMC Yukon, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL
2002-04 GMC Envoy
2004 GMC Envoy XUV
2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada

The problem shows up as a glowing ABS light and trouble coded C0265, C0201, U1041 and a loss of communication with the brake module (EBCM). The TSB warns dealers NOT to replace the EBCM. The problem is a bad ground. Refer to a wiring diagram to find the grounding location for your vehicle. Then clean the ground area and spray it with rubberized undercoating.

For midsized utility vehicles, find the location of ground #304
For Chevrolet SSR, find the location for ground #400
For full-size trucks and utilities, find the location for ground #110

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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

Oil Life Light Reset Procedure on Buick Rendezvous

Rick — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:37:07 +0000

The higher end Rendezvous vehicles have a Driver Information Center (DIC) that allows you to reset the oil life system. But if your vehicle doesn’t have that and you change the oil and find that the light doesn’t go out, you’ll have to do a manual reset.

Here’s how to do it: Turn the key to ON but don’t start the engine. Press and release the accelerator pedal slowly three times. You must complete this within three seconds. Then turn the key to the OFF position. If the Change Engine Oil light comes back on, repeat the procedure until it goes out and stays out.

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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

Performance Chip? GM Revokes Warranty on Chipped Vehicles

Rick — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:16:46 +0000

GM issued a technical service bulleting (TSB) #09-06-04—026 regarding revocation of warranty coverage on any GM vehicle in which the factory calibrations (software) has been removed or altered. The TSB applies to ALL GM gasoline passenger cars and trucks from 2006- present.

It’s important to note that GM is seeing enough damaged engines and transmissions to make this announcement. Here’s a direct quote from the TSB:

“When alteration to the GM-released engine or transmission control calibrations occurs, it subjects powertrain and driveline components (engine , transmission, transfer case, driveshaft and rear axle) to stresses that were not tested by General Motors. It is because of these unknown stresses, and the potential to alter reliability, durability and emissions performance, that GM has adopted a policy to cancel any remaining warranty coverage to the powertrain and driveline components whenever the presence of a non-GM (aftermarket) calibration is confirmed - even if the non-GM control module calibration is subsequently removed.”

The TSB goes on to instruct the dealers on how to determine if the factory calibrations have been altered or removed. So don't think you change restore the factory programming and tear into the dealer when they refuse to cover your warranty claim. They CAN tell what you've done.

So, if you’re planning on “chipping” your vehicle (which I do NOT recommend), be aware that you’re on your own and that the likelihood of damage to the engine and transmission increases dramatically.

Also, remember this: engine design is always a compromise between power, responsiveness, emissions, and fuel economy. You cannot change one variable without changing all the others. So, while chipping may increase power in one range of operation, you will pay for it in other areas. There’s no free lunch, despite what the chipmakers want you to believe.

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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

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

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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

Headlights flicker on vehicle with daytime running lights

Rick — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:02:10 +0000

Every manufacturer has their share of problems with daytime running lights. Basically the system senses that the vehicle is running and the headlight switch is off. Programmed conclusion? Must be daylight, otherwise the driver would turn on the headlights. Other systems have light sensors. The Chrysler Daytime Running Light system gets screwed up by corrosion in the intelligent power module. Some GM vehicles fail due to a cracked Daytime Running Light resistor (computer provides power to the headlights, but runs it through a resistor to cut down on the headlamp brightness). Still another GM system runs the headlight commands through Daytime Running Lamp Module located behind the left side of the instrument panel. This module contains a diode that has a high failure rate. The module sends a command to the Daytime Running Lamps Relay located in the convenience center (firewall passenger side).

If you have the latter system, remove the relay and insert a jumper wire across the power terminals. See Relay Layout. If that fixes the problem, replace the relay. If it doesn’t, replace the Daytime Running Lamp Module.

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

DTC B2960 Buick Regal or Century dies when turn signals are used

Rick — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:40:17 +0000

This is a strange one at first glance. The problem takes place when you use the turn signals. It kills the engine. Or, the ABS or other dash lights come on. These vehicles are known for bad ignition switches. The power to the turn signals flows from the ignition switch to the turn signal/cornering lamps fuse located in the fuse panel on the right side of the dash.

With the key in the RUN position, test the fuse for battery voltage with the engine running. It should read 13 to 14 volts. If it does not read that high, REPLACE the ignition switch. You have a poor connection inside the switch. If the voltage checks out ok, you'll have to check the ground wires. Start by cleaning the battery terminals and the ground cables at the radiator support/fender, engine, and firewall. If that still doesn't solve the problem, clean the ground wire to the fuel pump. The fuel pump ground wire is BLACK and terminates at the right side of the rear shelf.

Just a warning not to jump to conclusions and start replacing the turn signal switch or the body control module (BCM). The poor connection in the ignition switch or a poor ground can scramble the electrical and kill the engine. All the symptoms will make you think it's the BCM, turn signal switch, or an instrument cluster (the warning lights). But do these tests first. The ignition switch is the most common cause. Bad fuel pump ground comes in at #2.

Alldatadiy.com

eautorepair.net

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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
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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

ABS light on, GM vehicles, Check engine light on, no start, trouble codes

Rick — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:22:09 +0000

GM has issued a TSB #00-06-04-049B to address a problem where the vehicle has various drivability symptoms, the check engine light is on or lights intermittently, ABS light is on, and the engine will not start. The TSB applies to 1997-03 Buick Century, Regal Built Prior to 2/03, 2000-03 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo Built Prior to 2/03, 1999-01 Pontiac Grand Prix Built Prior to 10/1/00-VIN Breakpoint 1F136536

The full list of symptoms include:
ABS light on
Service Engine Soon light on or intermittent
No start
Starts and stalls soon after start up
Various electrical system failure
Poor operation/drivability is poor

These problems can be traced to the wiring harness where it chaffs against the mounting ring on the air conditioning accumulator. The accumulator is a large aluminum color canister. Inspect the wiring harness in that area and look for any damaged wire insulation and repair with heat shrinkable tubing or 3M Electrical Moisture Sealant Patches #06149. After repairing the wires, wrap the entire contact area with friction tape (not electricians 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

E 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

For more information on this repair and others for your vehicle, buy a 1-week subscription ($11.99) to eautorepair and all the TSB's and repair information for your vehicle.

B1000, Airbag light on GM vehicles

Rick — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 04:23:08 +0000

GM has issued a TSB #08-09-004 to correct the false illumination of the airbag light and a corresponding B1000 trouble code. The TSB applies to 2008 Buick Enclave, 2005-08 Cadillac SRX, 2005-08 Chevrolet Equinox, 2007-08 GMC Acadia, 2006-08 Pontiac Torrent,
2007-08 Saturn OUTLOOK, and 2007-08 Suzuki XL-7.

These vehicles come equipped with a Passenger Presence System (PPS) to detect if a passenger is in the vehicle. The system communicates with the ECU and turns the passenger side airbag(s) on or off depending on passenger presences. This TSB requires a software update to correct the false illumination of the SRS light.

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