Auto Repair Articles

Question:

I have a 92 Chevy suburban that has a replacement motor out of a 91 Camaro truck hesitates at a low idle from10 to 30 mph runs great at other speeds. i already replaced the tps ,plugs ,cat con. What could it be? The timing is dead on its a 305 replacing a 350 truck stumbles cold or hot but again it runs great if you are at highway speed or if you hammer on it.

Answer:

You will need to replace the computer chip, as it is getting it too much fuel at lower rpms!!
 

Question:

my 1998 Taurus a/c will not come on as you know the same switch turns on the heat and that will not work either what could be my problem ? I have tested all fuses.

Answer:

From what you have said, I gather that you are referring to having NO fan operation. If the fan works on High and no other speeds then you need to replace the blower motor resistor.

If the fan does not work on any speed, then you need to replace the blower motor relay or the blower motor itself. You can test the blower motor by applying power to it directly.

If you have automatic climate control, you will need to test power at the blower motor if there is no power at the blower motor, replace the blower motor speed controller. If there is power at the blower motor, replace the blower motor. Continue Reading »

Question:

I have a 1997 Mercury Villager, I have replaced the speed sensor, because the speedometer, and odometer didn”t work, but it still will not shift out of 1st gear. I took it for diagnostics and the ford dealer, they said that there is nothing wrong with the transmission, all they would say was there are 2 shorts somewhere. I took it to Auto Zone, they put there code machine on it and said it needed a throttle control sensor, I put that on and it still will not shift. Any ideas???? 

Answer:

When you wind it up high in first gear, say 3000 rpm, is there strong engine braking when you let off the gas?

The shop manual does not show a no 1-2 shift being caused by anything electrical.

• No 1-2 Shift

  2-4 band.

  INSPECT/REPLACE 2-4 band.

Question:

I have 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Quadratrac, while driving it will brake and pull to the right. Is it front axle or transfer case viscous coupler. Thanks, what would it take to fix the problem. I am driving it without the drive-shaft on. 

Answer:

These vehicles are bad for the viscous coupler malfunctions, if you are driving without the front drive-shaft and it is driving fine then it is more then likely the viscous coupler. A sure way to know is put the shaft back on and drive in circles, if the truck seems like it is in 4 low with the tires slipping then it is the viscous coupler for sure. the only way to fix the problem is to replace the viscous coupler. 

Question:

How do you get the fuel pump out of the tank on a 2003 expedition.  I have pulled the tank and I am trying to get the fuel pump out. I do not know how the retaining ring comes off so that the pump will come out. 

Answer:

I have added the instructions below. They suggest the use of a special tool. We just use a huge pair of channel locks at our shop for these. But the tool would be the best way to do it. Turn counter clock wise.

Fuel Pump Module

Removal & Installation

To Remove:

WARNING
Highly flammable mixtures are always present in any fuel related component. Smoking or carrying lighted tobacco or an open flame of any type may ignite the flammable mixtures.

WARNING
Even when the engine is not running, fuel in the fuel system remains under high pressure. Fuel system pressure must be relieved before working on or disconnecting any of the fuel lines, fuel tubes, or fuel system components. Failure to do so may result in accidental spraying of fuel, personal injury, or a fire hazard. Continue Reading »

Question:

I bought a 1995 Saturn with a single overhead cam engine and 130,000 miles very clean. The rebuild transmission in it started showing problems in the first month and I had it flushed which didn’t work. My friend sold me one out of a 1996 single cam with 80,000 miles that he thought worked fine when it was parked and used for parts for a year and a half ago. The fluid was red and smelled fine with a newer spin on filter, so I took a chance. I used the torque converter that came in my rebuilt because it was blue (a sign of a rebuild?). I installed the used transmission with a good quality Dextron 111 fluid now this trans shifts very hard, at 3/4 throttle it chirps 2nd gear and gets a little more live-able with each progressive gear. I added trans X cleaner and drove it for ten miles to no avail . I still have the old trans which shifted OK and took out the solenoids and valve body last night to see if I might be able to exchange them which would be on today’s menu except I want to know if there is anything else it could be.

Answer:

You should be able to have the transmission computer re-programmed so that the shift points are more to your liking. A trans shop or dealer should have the ability ( the tool ) to be able to do this for you. As it is electronic shift.

Question:

I have a 1995 Mazda Millenia that I need to have the CV Joints Replaced. Is there a difference between inner and outer CV joints? How much Should I expect to pay for the parts?

Answer:

There is a left and right cv axle for the vehicle. The right side on Napa lists for 54.19 reman and 87.49 new. The left side reman is 61.89 and new 114.00. The axle assemblies have the new cv joints and everything in them and are the most cost effective way to replace the cv joints. I’d say labor for both sides is 2 to 3 hrs.

Question:

2001 dodge diesel. 35,000 miles.    Replaced mechanical pump with electric 1 year ago.    Pump is not running now. doesn”t seem to be getting juice at tank.  I already looked at the fuses.

Answer:

The wiring to the rear pump was altered when it was installed. There is a large connector just behind the wheel well opening on the drivers side. This is where the power wire was installed. You should be able to see the add on wiring . Check to be sure the terminal pin is properly seated in the connector and not pushed out. When the ignition is turned on and the starter bumped the fuel pump relay is activated. The circuit that “controls ” the relay gets it power from the original fuel pump connector located on the left rear of the motor . Make sure that its connected and the add-on relay energizes with key on- starter bump. You can get a helper to bump the starter so you can test the relay. I would also thump on the bottom of the fuel tank while the relay is energized. Some times this will “kick start” a failing in-tank pump.