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Tuesday, September 01, 2009

codes from scanner indicate the emissions system (440,441,443) Does that mean I should replace the purge valve/ soleniod

I have a 2003 Toyota Echo, codes from scanner indicate the emissions system (440,441,443) Does that mean I should replace the purge valve/ soleniod? Is that hard to get to?

Answer:
P0 443 : Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Malfunction ..... this indicates a malfunction in the curcuit. It may be a faulty part, you may have gotten some bad gas, without testing the part there is no way to know that it needs replaced. You may have a vacuum leak. This is an emissions only related issue and in no way will it affect the drive-ability of the vehicle. It is an EPA mandated part of the vehicle. That being said, I would suggest having the light turned off or cleared( has to be done with a scan tool and will not go out on its own, even if you fix the problem) drive it around, buy some good gas instead of the cheap stuff and see if the light comes back on. If it does and it annoys you enough , take it to your local dealer and have them repair it. The test equipment is expensive and most small shops do not have it. You can try changing parts if you want , but this is usually not a good practice to replace parts if they have not been tested as a bad part. It can also get quite costly . And yes it is difficult to get to.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

How Do I get Free Auto Repair Estimates Online


FreeAutoMechanic.com is Pleased to release its latest Service: Auto Repair Estimates. And Yes it is Absolutely FREE. FreeAutoMechanic.com will provide you with the a basic estimate in an email that can be viewed, saved or printed for future use . Auto repair costs are on the rise so make sure you know what your getting into before you go to the dealer for repairs. Car Repair Estimates are available free for US Cars and Trucks from 1974 to 2009. FreeAutoMechanic.com asks that you be specific on what car repair you want estimated. Timing belt is not the same as serpentine belt, etc. The repair estimates are just that, an estimate. They are not binding in anyway, but to be used as a form of educational information that may help you make better decisions in relationship to your own car related issues. This service is not intended to be used by Car repair shops or dealers. FreeAutoMechanic.com uses the same software to compile the auto repair estimates.

All you need to do is visit http://www.freeautomechanic.com/ and follow the instructions to get your free auto repair estimate sent right to your email.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Electric Fuel Pump Testing - 1994 Pontiac Grand Prix

Connect pressure gauge J–34730–1, or equivalent, to fuel pressure test point on the fuel rail. Wrap a rag around the pressure tap to absorb any leakage that may occur when installing the gauge.


Turn the ignition ON and check that pump pressure is 24–40 psi. (165–276 kPa)

Start the engine and allow it to idle. The fuel pressure should drop to 28–32 psi (193–221 kPa) due to the lower manifold pressure.

NOTE: The idle pressure will vary somewhat depending on barometric pressure. Check for a drop in pressure indicating regulator control, rather than specific values.

If the fuel pressure drops, check the operation of the check valve, the pump coupling connection, fuel pressure regulator valve and the injectors. A restricted fuel line or filter may also cause a pressure drip. To check the fuel pump output, restrict the fuel return line and run 12 volts to the pump. The fuel pressure should rise to approximately 75 psi (517 kPa) with the return line restricted.

Before attempting to remove or service any fuel system component, it is necessary to relieve the fuel system pressure.

P0340 and P0353 are currently present codes were cleared and came back do you think its a wiring problem or both components are defective

I have a 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager. P0340 and P0353 are currently present codes were cleared and came back do you think its a wiring problem or both components are defective

Answer:

P0340 : Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction


P0353 : Ignition Coil C Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

Looks to me like one of the coils needs to be replaced and would probably take care of the other issue. I would replace the coil/plug/wire ( which ever one you need) and then clear codes and test it again. You can swap around parts from one cylinder to the other to test them.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Oil Pump Gauge Dropped to Zero - 2001 Ford Ranger

When the gauge went out did that me that something went wrong with my oil pump?

Answer:

No. It means the gauge went out. If the pump went out you would hear knocking noises already even after just ten minutes of the engine running. It would be in your best interest to replace the sending . If you have heard knocking noises then yes , your too late and the pump went south. New engine time. If you were driving down the road , all the sudden the oil pressure dropped and you pulled over and shut it off . You are in luck, have it towed and test the oil pressure with a manual gauge. If no pressure, replace the pump and all should be well.

Monday, August 24, 2009

What causes the Evap system s to fail?

What causes the Evap systems to fail? Is this type of repair expensive? I assume I should have some one reset the check engine lite to verify that there is a problem right?
Answer:
1) What causes the Evap system s to fail? : Age , poor manufacturing, same stuff as when the vacuum sweeper fails. yes , before you ask there is a bag that can get clogged, it is more like a box though and is called a charcoal canister. The canisters job is to collect gas fumes. 2) Is this type of repair expensive? : Depends on the failure. If you just left your cap loose once and it set the light, or you need to replace the cap... I would say NO, not to expensive. Did you run over something and bust the Evap control unit, then yes I would say its gonna be expensive. 3) I assume I should have some one reset the check engine lite to verify that there is a problem right? : I think having the light reset is a wonderful Idea. And if it returns then you will know for certain. And no, you do not Have to do it if you don't want to . The vehicle will run just fine with the light on as far as the EVAP system is concerned.

Friday, August 21, 2009

what causes the reduced power engine light to come on

I have a 2000 Pontiac Firebird, what causes the reduced power engine light to come on ?
Answer:
When the vehicle computer receives voltage signals that are abnormal it will come on. If this seems to only occur when the engine is cold. Try letting the vehicle run till it reaches normal operating temperature ( between 180 and 220) before driving it and see if it runs OK, You may have a faulty engine temp sensor that is sending the wrong information to the computer. Does the check engine light come on??? If so extract the codes and this may help narrow down the problem.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

2010 Ford Taurus SHO - Twin Turbo AWD 4-Door family car ?

Welcome Back to the Ford Taurus SHO! Truly missed for its sleek design and awesome power. This time around the SHO is truly a muscle car to be recognized. With an impressive 365 horsepower @ 5550 rpm along with the AWD to put the 350 lb.-ft of torque to the ground. This beast can still maintain a modest 17 city/25 highway estimated fuel mileage rating from the EPA. The Engine builds all this power from a 3.5 L Twin Turbo Direct Injection system. With 10:1 compression this machine is crisp all the way through the power curve and runs just fine on 91 Octane or better. The transmission is equipped with 6 speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive with paddle activation for easy shifting.

Drive One - 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

How do I get a free auto repair manual?

How do I get a free auto repair manual? Where can I find free auto repair manuals? What do I need to do to get a free auto repair manual? Can I get a free auto repair manual online? These are all good questions and plenty of sites attempt to answer these questions. Many sites might have you think you can get auto repair information by simply typing in some select keywords into the search engine and presto, out pops the information you need. But anyone who has tried that knows it can be pain staking and take hours sifting throught the fake sites and wanna be sites to know that it isn't that simple using such a technique.
So How Can I get Free Auto Repair Manual Information? FreeAutoMechanic.com has made this a simple .... read entire article

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

When I turn the headlights on the right turn signal blinks fast

When the headlights are off the turn signals work. When I turn the headlights on the right turn signal blinks fast. What is going on?
Answer:
Someone at one time has replaced one of the bulbs with the wrong one... It may look the same , but isn't the same..( ex. a 3057 was used instead of a 3157) . Again they look the same but are not the same. And yes I have seen this before.... Look closely at the bulbs and refer to the owners manual to make certain you install the correct ones. generally in the rear with the dual element bulbs.