Auto Repair Articles

Some 2004-07 Prius hybrids may produce an annoying squeaking sound when the brake pedal is applied or released. Toyota says the noise is most audible when the key is in the Ready mode with the vehicle not moving. It seems that a defective brake actuator assembly is the likely culprit.

Before condemning the actuator, however, try bleeding the brake system. If the noise goes away, you’re done with the fix. If the noise remains after getting out that last belch of air, replace the brake actuator with an upgraded unit, Part No. 44500-47090.

Recall ID # 06V341000 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Recall Date:SEP 07, 2006

Model Affected:2007 JEEP LIBERTY

Summary:

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE A MOMENTARY LOCK UP OF THE DRIVE WHEELS IF THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING OVER 40 MPH AND THE OPERATOR SHIFTS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE.

Consequence:

IF THE DRIVE WHEELS LOCKED UP, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Potential Units Affected:2333

Notes:DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION F43

Following the recent news of GM closing its truck and SUV plants, new reports hint that Ford, Nissan and Toyota may follow suit, effectively ending the 15-year reign of oversized gas guzzlers. GM plans to have the doors closed by 2010.

Technoride says that because of the rising gas prices, now averaging around $4.00 a gallon, “car sales, which accounted for half of the industry’s volume last year, hit 57 percent last month, while truck sales fell by double-digits to their lowest levels since 1995.” Most automotive experts believe that these developments are more than a fleeting phase and signal a major shift in industry thinking.

“We’ve never seen this big of a change in the product mix, this fast,” said Jesse Toprak, chief industry analyst at Edmunds. “Certainly five to 10 years from now you’re going to look back and say the spring of ‘08 was the turning point. Even if gas prices go down for a month or two, consumers are not going to rush back out and buy SUVs. This appears to be a permanent shift.”

Question:
My 2003 Toyota Camry ac light is flashes . I tried to add r134 however the compressor will not kick in . Is there a way to by pass the pressure switch like the old days ? If not what can I do ? I checked relays/fuses. tried to add r134 but compressor would not kick in .

Answer:
These systems aren’t like the good ole days, but the concept is still the same.

I have encountered the same problem you’re having countless times. And most of the time (90%), the problem lies within the M/C Clutch relay located under the fuse box under the hood. The relay shorts out and shuts down the A/C. A newly designed relay is offered from Toyota if the part number falls within the failed one. I have attached a file for your review.
Service Bulletin on this issue

By now I am sure you have heard about the Dex-cool issue involving the need to replace the intake manifold gaskets of GM cars from 1995 to 2004. And you are also aware that GM lost a class action settlement ( http://autorepairarticles.com/category/recalls/ ) . If you had this repair done, you have until Oct 27, of this year to get your money from GM. Follow the link posted above to get the required form and read the entire issue.

What causes the issue in the first place?

The Dex-cool turns acidic after a couple years and creates havoc on you engine gaskets. it actually eats away at them like cancer. Now you might want to know do you have to use Dex-cool. The answer is No. But in order to use the old green coolant you must flush the coolant system completely as you can NOT mix green and orange coolant or it will gum up your coolant system.

How do I avoid problems on my new gaskets ?

Have your coolant changed every 2 to 3 years as age is important for this and not so much mileage.

GM Dex-Cool/ Intake Manifold Gasket Class Action

NATIONWIDE SETTLEMENT REACHED IN GM/DEX-COOL CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT
On March 20, 2008, the California Superior Court granted preliminary approval to the class action settlement reached with General Motors in the GM/Dex-Cool class action lawsuit. This settlement affects people who purchased or leased a “covered vehicle” anywhere in the United States other than Missouri. A separate settlement has been reached for those who purchased or leased their vehicle in Missouri, which will offer the same benefits but will be separately approved by a Missouri court.

The lawsuits were filed on behalf of owners of General Motors vehicles, which were factory-filled with “Dex-Cool” coolant. In summary, the lawsuits alleged that Dex-Cool degraded certain vehicles’ intake manifold gaskets and other engine sealability components, and that in certain other vehicles, Dex-Cool formed a rusty sludge, clogging the vehicles’ cooling systems and causing vehicles to overheat.

Terms of the Settlement:

You may be eligible to receive between $50 and $800 in cash reimbursement under the settlement if you have paid for a covered repair by May 30, 2008, and if you submit a claim by October 27, 2008. If you paid for multiple covered repairs, you may be eligible to receive multiple cash reimbursements provided you submit a separate claim for each repair. Continue Reading »

Hooting or Whistling noise.  Owners of some 2005-06 Ford Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators with dual a/c systems may hear an irritating hooting or whistling type sound from the rear of the passenger compartment.

According to Ford, the noise occurs most frequently when the vehicle is being driven with the front a/c on, the interior cooled, the rear a/c off and the blower motor speed set its lowest setting. A defective rear expansion valve has been identified as the likely source of the noise. Installing a new-design TXV (Part No. 6LiZ-19849-B) into the re3ar HVAC case should put the problem to rest. Should take about two hours for the part to be replaced.

I have a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP that on the drive home loss power steering. When home notice reservoir was empty. Added fluid but fluid is leaking out on passenger side of undercarriage. Any thoughts?

 Answer:
I would say that either a hose or the rack and pinion is leaking. There are two service bulletins that may apply to your issue. I would contact the manufacturer to see if these apply as it may be covered under warranty and at no cost to you.

Dec 5, 2007, 13:06

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Independence, MO — December 2007 — Law firms Girard Gibbs, LLP and Shughart, Thomson & Kilroy, PC announced a tentative agreement with General Motors in their suit over performance and service issues surrounding DEX-COOL coolant and related cooling system components. While the case was originally certified in Missouri, the agreement covers the entire United States. (Cases were pending certification in several states.)Final agreement is expected to be reached by all parties by January; concluding details to be announced at the time. Here’s the agreement as of today: Continue Reading »

By September 2007 all new automobiles below 10,000 pounds sold in the United States will be required to incorporate a direct pressure measurement for each tire. The driver must be notified if any tire is under-inflated by 25% or more than the rated placard tire pressure.

Now that it is 2008 every single car that is sold in the United States must have a direct pressure system for each tire. It turns out the government deems the people to stupid to be able to tell if there tire is low, so now you have to except this addition on each vehicle and also pay for it. This increases the cost for both the manufacturer and consumer. And if the system fails, that’s right, it will cost you again. 

Each sensor that fails has a minimum cost of $100.00 each ( part only ). Also, most systems are set to be sensitive with in 3 PSI. So if you live in an area that changes from hot to cold in different seasons, you may be subject yo have an additional light show up on you dash in the spring and fall top let you know things might need looked at.