Tech Tip: Ford/Mercury’s Engine Stalling On Engagement/Stopping
Some 2005-’08 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles equipped with a CD4E automatic transaxle and built from Aug. 1, 2004 through Feb. 15, 2007, may exhibit an engine stall when coming to a stop or when engaging the transmission into drive or reverse.
Tech Tip: Subaru’s A/T Temp Light Flashing, But No DTCs Stored, Erratic Shifting Complaint
If you encounter a late-model D4AT-equipped vehicle with an erratic shifting complaint, and possibly a DTC P0712 in memory, there may be a poor connection in the transmission wiring harness. There have been cases of open circuits or high resistance isolated to the white plastic pass-through section of the transmission harness or the harness itself. It’s important to note that the P0712 may not be set when the condition occurs.
Tech Tip: Honda Squeaks Or Rattles In Rear Damper Area
There’s a squeak or rattle coming from the rear of the vehicle when it’s driven. On Japan-built CR-Vs, the rear damper assembly includes a small metal hook and body bracket, which are used only during vehicle assembly at the factory. The hook or the bracket may have been bent and is touching the vehicle body or the damper assembly, causing a squeak or rattle.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Who’s The Boss? Deal With The Person In Charge, Especially When Your Customer’s Vehicle Is A ‘Basket Case’
There’s a boss in every family, and sometimes you might think it’s you, but your spouse may have a different opinion. For example, there have been countless times I’ve had a car in the shop where a wife or husband has dropped the car off and the repair is done, paid for, and sent on its way, only to have the other spouse call and give me an earful because they weren’t told what had transpired. (As if that’s my fault!)
Pulling Codes – A Hybrid Story: The Story Of P1A10
This article documents the code P1A10-Hybrid Powertrain Control Module-Battery Disabled found on a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 2.3L. Code P1A10 involves a possible interlock problem with the system. Our subject vehicle was a former police vehicle purchased at an auction – for $1! – in very poor condition. It does not run or power up, and both cluster displays are blank.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Changes In Our Diagnostic Outlook
Everybody likes to read about a Diagnostic Dilemma that has been solved to everybody’s satisfaction. But this month I have an unsolved Diagnostic Dilemma that is more about customers than cars. This particular dilemma involves a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria with headlamps that randomly lose power during night driving.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Taking A Leap Of Faith When Relying On Your Knowledge And Expertise Is The Best Diagnostic Plan
Dealing with unforeseen problems ends up in a never-ending stumbling block of false leads, misguided diagnostics, or, for the lack of better term, a typical “snafu.” There are a lot of situations when the tech just has to trust his own judgment and go with what seems right, rather than what all the information is suggesting. Call it a gut instinct, dumb luck or maybe a professional guess, but that may be all you have to go on.
Tech Tip: Mazda Air Intake Selector Mode Switch Failure
Some Mazda6 vehicles may experience an air selector mode switch that will not switch into recirculation mode. This condition may be caused by a lack of continuity in the mode switch.
Tech Tip: Dodge Has A P2767 Code With Transmission In Limp In Mode
If you encounter a Dodge with a P2767 trouble code set, check the wiring between the transmission and the transmission control module. Make sure the #2 signal wire is not open, shorted to ground, or shorted to any other circuit. If the wiring checks OK, raise all four wheels off the ground, start the vehicle and place the shifter in drive. While lab scope testing the #2 signal wire, obtain second gear. When the transmission is in second gear, there should be a 5-volt square wave pattern being produced by the #2 sensor. If not, replace the sensor.
Tech Feature: Hall Effect Sensor Diagnostics
Hall effect crankshaft position (CKP) and camshaft position (CMP) sensors are critical components of an engine management system. The inputs they provide enable the powertrain control module (PCM) to determine engine speed and position including where a given cylinder is within the four-stroke cycle.
A/C Update: Compressor Inspection May Lead To Worn Clutch Problem
When a customer comes in complaining that their vehicle’s A/C system is working improperly, the problem can stem from a number of things. And the best way to begin any A/C repair is with a thorough inspection of the components. After checking components like the belts, the hoses and the related connections, the next step is a visual inspection of the A/C compressor.
Pulling Codes: The Importance Of Communication – No Code Analysis
For this month’s Pulling Codes case, we will attempt to provide a plan of attack for communication issues on General Motors products with the Class 2 Protocol. Our diagnostic journey begins with a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. This vehicle was tested at the EPA test facility in our area and it was determined that there is no communication with the PCM.