Service slants

Motor, Feb 1998 by Juran, Ken

Once the sensor is up to full operating temperature, check its output fluctuation. If it's lazy, race the engine at 2000 rpm and see if the sensor responds. You can also check it under acceleration, if you've got the proper equipment. Still nothing? Pull the CTS connector and erase any stored trouble codes. Jump cavity No. 4 of the O^sup 2^ sensor connector to ground and test the output. If the sensor works now, replace it. If it's still dead, very carefully check the wiring going to the oxygen sensor and repair what's necessary.

Subaru

Oil pump leaks. A 1995 Legacy may show up at your door with an oil pump leak between the pump housing and engine block. This is common on engines with Serial Nos. 003167 through 042715. Subaru wants you to remove the pump and hand-ream the oil return port to 1/4 inch in diameter using a bit or reamer tool with grease on its tip to catch the casting flash and shavings. Don't use power tools! Then reinstall the pump.

Dodge Truck/deep

Normal startup noises. The speed control indicator light may flicker and/or the speed control servo may click on the following trucks when the ignition switch is turned to the Run/Start position and/or when it's turned from Run/Start back to off: 1996 Dodge Ram pickups, Dakotas and Ram Van/Wagons and Jeep Cherokees. However, the two conditions are perfectly normal and just part of the PCM's startup self-test. Don't replace the clockspring or any other part of the speed control system to try to correct this. If a customer complains about these symptoms, explain that he'll have to live with them because the system is working as designed.

Suzuki

Rear brake sqa Some 1989) Sidekicks may suffer from a squeal from the rear drum brakes. On models built up roo 8/89 and VINs JS4TA01C5L4121096 and JS45A01lV0L4120746, there's a new type of shoe available (Part No. 53210&0A20) to reduce the likelihood of squeal. Suzuki advises checking the rear drums for cracks, scores and deep grooves, and measuring them for wear before installing these new shoes. Machine or replace the drums as necessary

Ford

Brake noise. A customer may complain that his 1991-96 Escort/Tracer (with 14inch wheels) suffers from a persistent brake squeal at speeds under 35 mph. Ford says this is probably caused by vibration between the semimet pads and the rotor. The 1997 models got an improved-design brake pad and shim kit (Part No. F7CZ-2001-BA), and Ford says it's okay to use this kit on the earlier models to eliminate the squealing.

Before installing the pieces, make sure to coat both sides of the rubbercoated/perforated inboard shims with Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound (Part No. D7AZ19A331-A) or an equivalent goop that meets Ford spec ESE-M1C171-A. It'll act as a vibration dampening aid to help keep squealing under control.

Honda

Sticky fuel gauge. Some 1990 Accords were built with a Nippon Seiki (NS) fuel gauge assembly that has a tendency to stick. The needle itself actually gets hung up. Believe it or not, there is a shim kit (Part No. 04780-SM4-000) available for the gauge bobbins that holds the gauge face against the face panel. This frees up both the fuel gauge and temperature gauge needles. Naturally, you've got to remove the instrument cluster to get to the gauges. Then you just stick the adhesive-backed shims to the back of the bobbins and put it all back together.