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Wednesday, January 14, 2009

98 wrangler that is in excellent shape, only problem is center brake light does not work.

Just bought a 98 wrangler that is in excellent shape, only problem is center brake light does not work. When I apply 12v to the two connectors on the rear door, the light lights up so I know that everything in the door is OK.When I check for voltage at the connector on the body, I get 8.5v. Any ideas on where to check next?
ANSWER:
It looks like it is a straight shot from the brake switch to the rear. Pin 6 (wt/tn) goes to the CAB and the 3rd stop bulb. The next step is to test that ckt at the brake switch to see if it is 12v. The wire diagram on line really stinks. I'll need to check the service manual in the a.m. to see where the harness runs in the body and if there may be any other connectors in between. I would say you've got a "green" wire in that harness it's just a question of locating it.
(The CAB is the anti-lock brake control module. The ground ckt is at the connector at the rear of the Jeep in cavity 5. )

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Honda accord ex 2000 coupe, the accessory power outlet doesn't work

Question:
I have a Honda Accord ex 2000 coupe, the accessory power outlet doesn't work, fuse is OK
Answer:
there is a fuse wire on the outlet itself that can go out . but first check the socket itself and both fuses
2000 ACCORD - Accessory Power Socket Test/Replacement 1. Remove the center console. 2. Disconnect the 2P connector. 3. Inspect the connector terminals to be sure they are all making good contact. · If the terminals are bent, loose or corroded, repair them as necessary, and recheck the system. · If the terminals look OK, go to step 4. 4. Turn the ignition switch ACC (I), and check for voltage between the No. 1 and No. 2 terminals. · There should be battery voltage. · If there is no battery voltage, check for: - blown No. 8 (7.5 A) fuse in the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box. - faulty accessory socket relay. - poor ground (G501, G581). - an open in the wire. - blown No.9 (20 A) in the passenger's under-dash fuse/relay box.

Monday, January 05, 2009

I have a Jeep Wrangler with a bad engine, can i swap it out?

I have a 2000 4.0 5 speed wrangler with a bad engine and am trying to put a 4.0 from a 2006 four door wrangler in it. the 2006 was an automatic. The problem i have is the pilot bearing . the book shows the same from 1993 to 2006 but it looks like i need a different one of some sort. What do i need to do ?
Answer:
the pilot bearing will have to be removed.... the automatic flywheel will need to be replace with the manual here is the main problem... the electrical system is different between the 2 motors. different crank sensors and communication between the 2 jeeps... i am not 100 % sure it will run when you get it installed. what i recommend is calling jeep and asking a parts specialist if there is a different part # for the 2006 motor and the 2000 motor.... i am willing to bet there will be more to switch than just the engine and flywheel....... before you go through this i would highly advise to please check on the engine part numbers.....

Friday, January 02, 2009

Engine fault code 39. not listed in owners manual.

Question:
1993 Jaguar XJ-S 4.0 ltr 6 cyl fault code 39. not listed in owners manual. What is it and what could it mean?
Answer;
A fault code 39 indicates that there is a problem with the EGR temperature sensor circuit. The ECM monitors the temperature at the intake manifold EGR adapter to determine if exhaust gas is flowing when the EGR valve is commanded open. Check for a malfunctioning EGR valve, carbon deposits clogging the EGR passages, a faulty EGR temperature sensor, or an electrical problem affecting the EGR temperature sensor circuit. The EGR temperature sensor is screwed into the EGR adapter on the right side of the engine. It is part #LHE1610AA and sells for 129.75 at any jaguar dealer parts department.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

2004 Ford Focus put key into ignition and it won't turn

2004 Ford Focus
QUESTION:
'04 Focus with 28,000 miles. Problem: put key into ignition and it won't turn, steering wheel NOT locked. called local Ford dealer, said recurring problem on Focus, needs new ignition. Too expensive for me, so Ford dealer mechanic said to 'hit' the key into the ignition. It worked but now have to carry rubber mallet in car to hit key to turn ignition to start car. What's going on? Is this a recall issue? Why should a 4 1/2 yr old car with LOW mileage have this problem? I am not happy with this Focus. There have been other problems that were partially resolved. I still get very poor gas mileage but that's another problem for another time. What about this ignition problem?
Answer:
Yes this was a common problem and they did redesign the new cylinder to prevent this from going bad again. And no Ford never did issue a recall on this problem. So yes unfortunately you will have to replace the lock cylinder to prevent carrying a hammer around. And the hammer trick will not last forever. So yes I see why you are upset about the car but no company ever issues recalls every time they have a common problem they all have them. I wish you luck Steve PS there are programs that dealers are provided with the option of helping the customer out one time after the warranty has ran out. If you have a good relationship with the dealer and if you are NICE then they may help you. But they do not HAVE to.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

I want a new car for Christmas

After Christmas Sale
All I want for Christmas is a shinny New Car wrapped in a bow. No better time than the present to get a present for you or a loved one. Car sales are down and dealers past hungry and moved to starving for sales. They are willing to deal like never before. If you have been waiting for the right time, its NOW. End of year sales are going on at every dealership country wide. Take advantage of this great opportunity to put a smile on someones face this holiday season. Is there a better gift idea ?

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

1996 Chrysler Sebring the key is stuck in the ignition

Question: I only had 1 key to my 1996 Chrysler sebring, so about a month ago I went to a local locksmith and they made me a copy of the original key. I am not for sure, but I am guessing that my original key has a chip in it because it is a factory or dealership key w/ black top. My sebring is equipped with the anti-theft system, of which when I purchased the car used, I did not receive the key-less remote to. Anyways, my question or problem is this: I have been using the copy key for the entire month with no problems until a week ago...the key is stuck in the ignition on acc. and will NOT turn all the way to lock so I can get it out! It is STUCK and WILL NOT COME OUT!!!! What could be causing this and how do I get it out? Is it because it isn't the chip key and if so how could I use it before now without any issues? HELP!!!! ANSWER: Any Chrysler's keys with a black top do not have a chip, they are usual blank keys. Keys with a chip ( transponder) have a gray top, like this one: Your anti-theft system contains the switches that are located inside the front doors and when you turn your door lock cylinder ( driver or passenger) a switch send an ON or OFF signal to the Body controller. Your problem with the stuck key is only mechanical failure of the ignition lock cylinder. There is nothing related to a "chip" technology. You should replace the ignition lock cylinder.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Advice on Questions to Ask When Buying A Car

2009 Smart fortwo
When Purchasing a New Vehicle there are a few things you may wish to do before walking into the car dealer. Know the questions to ask when buying a car. Be sure you are prepared with all the information you can get. Spend time deciding what it is you want and stick to it. There are a few tips listed below to help you prepare for your next vehicle purchase. The best advice I can give you is to take your time when looking for a car, and don't make any rash, emotional car buying decisions. Every car salesman you come into contact with will have only one thing on his or her mind; to get you to buy a car "today!" These people work under the assumption that you will never come back, so they have to close the deal while you're in there the first time. Don't give into the pressure. Take your time and sleep on it . . . for several nights! You'll be amazed at how different your perspective will be on a car deal after a couple of days. Don't let the car salesperson talk you into giving them any .... read more

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Blower Motor is rubbing and vibrating the whole dash board

Question:
I have a 2003 Chevy Impala and the blower motor is rubbing on something and it vibrates the whole dashboard bad can i fix this and how?
Answer:
You can fix it by replacing it with a new one, but make sure the one that is already in there has all the retaining screws (no empty holes). I have added the replacement procedures below. Heater System Blower Motor Removal & Installation
To Remove: 1) Remove the insulator from under the right side of the dash. 2) Disconnect the electrical connector from the blower motor. 3) Remove the blower motor retaining screws. 4) Remove the blower motor.
To Install: 1) Install the blower motor. 2) Install the blower motor mounting screws. 3) Connect the electrical connector to the blower motor. 4) Install the under dash insulator.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

theft system has locked my car down can't start it. took battery

theft system has locked my car down can't start it. took battery cables of for a few minutes, but did not help. 97 Cadillac Deville. let sit four hours, took positive cable off battery for a while, now my battery is dead used another car and booster cables for battery no luck
Answer:
There is a problem with the "passkey ll " system. The best way to diagnose that would be the "interrogator" tool. Most lock smiths will have that. There are 13 different resistance values in the diodes, (in the key) and most times it is a problem with the ignition switch sending the correct information to the decoder module. The best thing to do would be to get a lock smith to come and check it. They will normally charge about $65, which is less than the dealer, minus the tow charge. They will pinpoint what part is needed.