Auto Repair Articles

Question:

I keep having my 1997 GMC Savana 6.5liter turbo  van shut down to idle with “Service Throttle Soon” light on the dashboard. What is the problem and about how much will it cost for repair? 

Answer:

Its either the accelerator assembly. the throttle actuator, or one of the circuits between these components and the computer. I do not think you need a computer at this point.

You have to allow an hour of diagnostic time plus parts and replacement labor. I can’t see this cheaper than $300.00

P0171 : System too lean bank 1

P0174: System too lean bank 2

These codes let you know the O2 sensors are creating a lean condition. Since it is apparent on both sides of the engine we can rule out a blown head gasket or injector issue. We can even rule out a misfire. The majority of the time this is caused by a vacuum leak. There are several hoses that can become weak and collapse. Pay close attention to all the vacuum hoses. These codes may be accompanied by a rough idle. Replace the hoses as needed. On some vehicles you may even find the intake gasket leaking(plastic intakes).

Question:

I have a 2008 Honda Accord 3.5 V6 w AT. I feel the VCM engaging and disengaging. There is a sickening surging sensation – a hybrid like torque feel that is incessant, particularly at highway speeds with cruise control on. What gives? Honda denies any problem – “operating within normal tolerances” Is there a widespread problem with VCM? 
 

Answer:

I’ve recently had a few 08′s with this problem. If the dealer uses the HDS scan tool and goes into the power-train side of the computer they can scan for updates and install the latest software patch and that should fix the problem. Also I would reset and follow the crank sensor calibration procedure to ensure the problem goes away. It’s worked so far for me to do those two things to fix it. 

Question:

I have a 1998 Toyota Camry V-6 (1MZ-FE) engine, with automatic transmission, not a California car, that has a check engine light. I took it to the local Advance Auto store and their tester indicated that the O2 sensor heater circuit malfunction (bank 1 sensor 1) had failed. The sensor was replaced and the system was reset by removing the negative battery cable for 5 minutes and then reconnected. After driving a few miles the check engine light came on again. There seems to be a difference of opinion if there are one or two O2 sensors prior to the catalytic converter. What is your suggestion?? 
 

Answer:

There are (2) O2 sensors prior to the catalytic converter. Each sensor is located in the exhaust manifold assembly. One in the front (radiator side) and one in the rear (firewall side). Bank 1 Sensor 1 is the back sensor (firewall side).

On-Board Diagnostics, or OBD, in an automotive context, is a generic term referring to a vehicle’s self-diagnostic and reporting capability. OBD systems give the vehicle owner or a repair technician access to state of health information for various vehicle sub-systems. The amount of diagnostic information available via OBD has varied widely since the introduction in the early 1980′s of on-board vehicle computers, which made OBD possible. Early instances of OBD would simply illuminate a malfunction indicator light, or MIL, if a problem were detected—but would not provide any information as to the nature of the problem. Modern OBD implementations use a standardized fast digital communications port to provide myriad realtime data in addition to a standardized series of diagnostic trouble codes, or DTCs, which allow one to rapidly identify and remedy malfunctions within the vehicle.

Question:

I have a 02 Ford Focus and the transmission has trouble shifting gears (not engaging all the time) I brought the fluid level up and now the check engine light is on and the problem has gotten worse. I get an OBD-2 code P 0750 Shift solenoid A malfunction. Am I looking at a major repair here?

Answer:

If you consider $500.00 a major repair , then YES. You should be able to have the solenoids replaced inside of one day at your local transmission shop for around $500.00. These are common failure parts.
 

Question:

Can I scan check engine light codes myself ? I have a 1995 Ford Mustang GT and the Check Engine Light is on.

Answer:

Yes. You can scan the codes yourself without the use of a scan tool. This requires a small jumper wire and reading the flashes of the check engine light to determine the codes.

 Instructions and Codes for Ford Pre-1996 this will give you step by step instructions on how to extract the check engine light codes.

Question:

I have a 2002 with code p1457, what is the easiest way to fix the problem?

Answer:

The most common cause of that code is a loose gas cap. Try tightening the gas cap and waiting a few days for it to clear. If you don’t want to wait for it to clear you can disconnect the batteries negative battery cable for a few minutes then reconnect it and it will reset it. Make sure though that you have the radio’s security code before you disconnect the battery cable if the radio is original or the radio won’t work again.
 

Question:

I have a 2003 Odyssey with the SRS light that has come on twice now and stayed on. The first time the dealer just reset it after a diagnostic fee and said to come back if it happened again. It came back on a few days later. This time they checked it and are saying I need to spend almost a thousand dollars to replace the drivers air bag (and that it isn”t covered by Honda or my Honda Care warranty). They say the codes are 11-A0 and 92-20. What do you think is going on?

Answer:

When the problem occurs, you might want to see if the horn, cruise, and radio controls on the steering wheel are working or if they are inoperative. I’ll explain:

The SRS diagnostic trouble code (DTC) 11-A0 indicates a problem in the driver’s airbag, but it does not necessarily mean it is the airbag itself. In my experience, it has been the cable reel that is at fault (the cable reel just carries electricity from the steering wheel controls so you can turn the steering wheel and still have power). With the proper tools, this is easily diagnosed by substituting the airbag with an inflator simulator (it takes the place of the airbag and gives the system the proper amount of resistance). DTC 92-20 is shown as a short in the passenger’s airbag cut-off indicator and the test procedure is very much the same as for 11-A0. I would have to say that they are both related. A cable reel isn’t very much money (<$100) and not very hard to change.

As for Honda Care coverage, I’m not 100% sure, but it looks to me that all the parts in the SRS system would be covered, unless there has been an accident involved.

Question:
I have a 1998 Buick Century and the check engine light is on. My friend said I didn’t need a scan tool to get the codes. So, How do I get the codes for the check engine light??

Answer:
Your friend is correct. You do not need a scan tool to extract the codes for your car. You just need a jumper wire or paper clip. Locate the ALDL (Assembly Line Diagnostic Lead). It is usually under the drivers side of the dash. It may have a cover over it, and may even say “Diagnostic Connector”. This is the ALDL. The two terminals that you need to be concerned with is in the picture. It is terminals “A” and “B”. Simply turn the Ignition to “Run” (Do not start the vehicle) and put the paper clip in the two terminals. Now watch your CEL. It will start flashing. It will look like Morse Code, but it isn’t, and is real easy to interpret. Detailed information and code definitions.