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Thursday, April 24, 2008

error code of P1824

Question: I took my 2002 Ford Explorer to the repair facility with an error code of P1824. After extensive research on their part, or so they say, they stated that the electronic shift control module needed replacing so the 4x4 high light would stop blinking on the console. We have replaced this part and the light is still flashing, after unplugging battery for five minutes to reset the computer. They cannot figure out what is wrong. Any suggestions??? Answer: Replacement of the 4WD control module does not require programming using the Ford scan tool on this vehicle. Vehicles built after 03/04/2002 with the 11th digit of the VIN being (U) or vehicles built after 03/11/2002 with the 11th digit of the VIN being (Z) require a different module than those built before these dates. The modules are not interchangeable though the harness connectors will plug into either of the modules. The modules have different internal designs. The 4WD shift module is located forward of the glove box, under the passenger side of the dash. 1. Check the resistance of the magnetic clutch coil at the transfer case measuring between terminal 16 and terminal 11 of the shift motor connection. Terminal 16 connects to a Brown (BN) wire on the harness and terminal 11 connects to a Brown/Yellow (BN/YE) wire on the harness. Resistance should indicate a reading of 2.5-3.0 ohms. 2. Use a scanner to try and command the 4WD clutch on. If this is possible, monitor the voltage on the BN wire while increasing the command on the clutch. If there is low or no voltage to the clutch no matter what the command, check the powers and grounds to the module. 3. The Four Wheel Drive (4WD) module is located behind the glove box area. A. C281a pin 1 Black/White (BK/WH) and pin 2 White (WH) should be battery voltage at all times. B. Pin 9 Violet/Orange (VT/OG) should be battery voltage with the key on. C. Pin 10 Orange (OG) should be battery voltage with the key in the crank position only. D. C281b pin 16 Grey/Yellow (GY/YE) should be battery voltage with the key in the run position. 3. The grounds are C281a pin 7 Black (BK) and C281b pin 2 Black/Light Blue (BK/LB). 4. If the powers and grounds are OK, replace the 4WD module. Be sure to get the correct module, the early and late build modules will plug in but are not interchangeable.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Professional Auto Detailing Products

You own a car and want it to look beautiful once again like it did when you first bought it, but not sure how or what to use. There are many different products out there to get the job done right the first time. One of these products is car wax. If you are not familiar with using car wax you might want to take a quick look at Lane's Car Products website and check out some of the Auto Detail Videos. They don't just sell car wax. They use all of their car waxes on high-end auto and truck details through their parent company, Fast Lane Mobile Detail, LLC. Their customers demand the best car wax on the market today, and they delight them everyday by using Lane's Professional car wax products. Sponsored by Lane's Professional Car Products

Where can I find a list of Trouble Codes ?

Question: Where can I find a complete list of all the diagnostic trouble codes. Is there one place that has them all ? Answer: You can find a complete list that includes OBD I, OBD II, and CAN. There are even instructions on how to extract the OBD I codes without a scan tool. All of the codes are followed by a description of what each code means. Instead of looking around in different site for each list you can find them all here.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

I have a street rod and now it won't idle

Question: I have a street rod with a General Motors 350 engine, just replaced the (Accel) coil, coil cap, mag pick-up and control module. I have reset the air spacing. and now it won't idle. I think I should now recheck the timing but don't no what that would be. The engine is stock except for the cam and i have no idea what the duration etc. would be. where do I start. Answer: Start at 4 degrees BTDC. this is stock, then add 2 degrees(advanced) and test drive, keep adding 2 degrees until you hear it ping and back it off 2 degrees. this is the optimal timing for performance. back it off 4 to 6 degrees from engine ping for more drivable/easy to start conditions. If you have Nitrous Oxide, then remove 2 degrees for every 50 hp of Nitrous.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Where are the dash lights in my 1992 GMC truck

Question: Where are the dash lights in my 1992 GMC 1500 Sierra 350 so i can fix them they went out ? Answer: Make sure your gauges fuse is good.(fuse # 4, 10 amp). The bulbs are located behind/inside the dash cluster and require removal to replace them. I have added the procedure below for reference. 1992-94 C/K Models Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the instrument panel cluster bezel. Unplug the electrical connections for the headlamp switch and the dimmer control. Remove the radio control head. Remove the heater control panel. On air conditioned vehicles, disengage the A/C harness. Remove the cluster retaining screws. Disconnect the gear shift indicator cable from the steering column shift bowl. Carefully pull the cluster towards you until you can reach the electrical connector. Unplug the connector. Avoid touching the connector pins. If replacing the bulbs, turn the bulb assembly 1⁄2 turn to the left to remove. To install: Install the bulb assembly. Carefully position the cluster until you can reach the electrical connector. Plug in the connector. Avoid touching the connector pins. Install the cluster retaining screws. Connect the gear shift indicator cable. Install the heater control panel and A/C harness (if removed). Install the radio control head and any attach any electrical connections that were removed. Install the bezel. Connect the negative battery cable.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

the brake pedal goes to the floor

Question:
We have a 1995 Ford Mustang, the brake pedal goes to the floor with no braking power and no system leaks. What could be the problem?
Answer:
This is a classic indication of a failed master cylinder. This is from the internal seals of the master cylinder allowing fluid to pass internally.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Need reasonable priced outlet for fuel pumps ?

Question: Still working on my daughters 2002 rodeo (Isuzu) 2.2 4cyl. I need to > replace the fuel sending unit and can't find a reasonable priced outlet > for it.. Do you guys have any excess to them? the 8th number in the Vin # is a D.. the best price out here in Washington State is around $225.00 > because you have to buy the fuel pump/sending unit as a unit. Any > thoughts on this... any info will be appreciated Answer: I took a look at my favorite online site and found one for $206.79 @ www.rockauto.com , Just click the red button and pick your make, year, model, fuel system, fuel pump... Not a huge savings but its enough to buy lunch. I guess the engineers that designed the fuel pump/sending unit as a complete module figure if your going to bother dropping the tank you might as well replace both, so they made it convenient for you without considering the price...lol. If you search : "Fuel Pump FG0289" You'll find several listings. A list of online auto parts stores to check out here. Found it for $182.46@ http://www.nextdayautoparts.com/

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Where can I find Video Repair Instructions

Question: Where can I find video repair instructions online? Answer: Video repair for specific vehicles is not yet available only because there are so many different makes and models out there. But, there is a website that has repair videos to by category. You can choose videos that show how to replace a battery to replacing an Oxygen Sensor. New at replacing a serpentine belt, you guessed it, they have a video for that as well. Select form over a hundred different videos that can be viewed online right now at Freeautoanswers.com

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

knocking noise

Question: 2002 V6 Camry..had both strut mounts (rubber) replaced today but it did not fix the knocking noise when the car slowly goes over a speed bump. Sound like something is knocking on the frame...can feel it through the steering wheel. any suggestions? Answer: Strut mounts are the most common source of front end noise on late model Camry's. Were the strut mounts installed by a Toyota dealer or someone who is knowledgeable in Toyota and were the parts genuine Toyota mounts? 2 other things that need to be checked, not common but most likely if it is a low speed knock- 1-the sway bar links that connect the sway bar to the struts need to be checked for free play, these must be removed to replace the strut mounts and may be loose from improper installation or may have joint free play causing them to "pop" when the front end flexes over a bump and twists the sway bar. I would also recommend checking the rubber bushings for the sway-bar, they are located in the center of the sub-frame rear area and insulate and retain the sway bar to the frame. I checked the Toyota technical database and the only Service bulletin related to your type of noise is for the steering intermediate shaft, this will cause a pop noise when the steering wheel is moved back and forth at low speeds.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

where is the oil drain plug

Question: where is the oil drain plug on a 2000 Ford Lincoln ls. Answer: Directly under the engine is the oil pan : This is a removed view. On the bottom side of the pan(from underneath the car you will be looking upward at the bottom of the pan) you will see a drain plug. It is normally 13mm or 14mm Bolt in appearance. Loosen the bolt by turn counter clock-wise.