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Automotive Industry

Service slants

Motor, Dec 2001 by Marcy, Thomas

Toyota

MIL on, false DTC stored. Some 1999 Avalon, Camry and Solara models (full list below) may experience MIL illumination accompanied by a false DTC P0446 in computer memory. According to Toyota, a new purge system vacuum control valve and hose assembly has been developed to correct the condition.

To begin the fix, first verify that the purge system is operating properly. If it is but the false code is stored, raise the vehicle on a lift to gain access to the purge canister. Next, remove the two vacuum lines at the canister, as shown in the illustration, save the metal clamps from the larger hoses for reuse, then install the new valve and hose assembly (Part No. 25852-- 20010).

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To complete the fix, lower the vehicle, clear the code and make sure the gas cap is tight. The affected vehicles are:

Note that in these VINs, # may be either a 2 or an 8 and * may be any number from 0 to 9, or an X.

FOrd

Rough idle, exhaust noise. Some 1997-99 Crown Victorian, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Cars with the 4.6-liter V8 may experience a rough idle accompanied by exhaust ringing. Ford says this occurs on some single-exhaust vehicles due to the exhaust system resonance pressures that develop at idle. The fix is to install a mass damper on the righthand exhaust '"Y" pipe. Here's how:

After getting the vehicle up in the air, remove the two bolts and flag nuts that secure the right catalytic converter to the "Y" pipe and discard them. Next, remove the gasket between the converter and the "Y" pipe flanges. Clean the flanges thoroughly to make sure they're free of any leftover gasket material, then install a new gasket (Part No. E9AZ-5E241A) between the flanges. Next, install the mass damper (Part No. F2VY5F240-A), with the mass located toward the right side of the vehicle. Make sure the damper bracket attaches to the "Y" pipe using new bolts and nuts.

Tighten the bolts to 26 to 33 ft-lb. Now lower the vehicle a tad to gain access to the ignition key. Start the engine and verify that you've got a smoother idle and that no exhaust leaks exist. Finally, lower the car and take it out on the road to confirm the fix.

Chrysler

Porous transaxle case. Some owners of 1999 Avenger and Sebring, Cirrus, Stratus and Breeze, Sebring Convertible, and Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager models may experience transmission fluid leakage caused by case porosity in the cooler boss area. The leak can be misdiagnosed as leaks from the pan or the input speed sensor. The transaxles that exhibit this condition have a web of metal attaching the cooler bosses and the input speed sensor boss. This web forms a circular pocket in the area, and may be the source of the leak.

To check things out, start the engine and bring the tranny fluid to normal operating temperature. Clean the transaxle pan and the area around the input speed sensor, particularly the boss between the cooler lines in the area above the input speed sensor. With a helper in the vehicle, set the parking brake and apply the service brakes, then place the transaxle selector in Reverse. Raise engine speed to approximately 1100 rpm for at least three minutes, then inspect the cooler line boss area just above the input speed sensor. If a leak is evident from the pocket formed by the web of metal, Chrysler suggests that you try peening over the porous area with a punch. To do it, remove components as needed for a clear shot at the case. Using a suitable air hammer and blunt punch, insert the punch into the pocket fanned by the web of metal. Now operate the air hammer in 15- to 20-second bursts while moving the punch in a circular motion within the pocket. Continue massaging the metal at the center of the pocket and work outward in a circular motion until you think you've got the case sealed up.

Reassemble the components, check the transmission fluid level, then start the engine and check for leaks. If the leak hasn't stopped, a reman transaxle or new case is in order.

Saab

SRS lamp lit, false DTCs. Some 1999 9-3 models up to and including VIN X2027727 may experience an illuminated SRS light, with false trouble codes set. According to Saab, the trouble can likely be traced to insufficient crimping of the cable lugs in the SRS electrical harness, located between the control unit and the seat connector. As a result, DTC B2863 or B2868 can be generated.

If you want to tackle the job, order

To begin the repair, remove the seats and center console. Next, remove all scuff plates and the rear seat air vents on the left and right sides. Lift up the floor carpet and support it with a wooden block or something similar.

Now, open the covers of the cable conduit. Cut the cable tie at the control unit and unplug the connector from the controller. Next, cut off the cable tie from the cable outlet and unplug the connector there. Now, press away the locking tabs with a small screwdriver and extract the cable terminals from positions 10, 11, 13 and 14. Note that the tab may need to be pressed away a second time when the cable terminal is halfway out of the connector.

Automotive Industry

Service slants

Motor, Dec 2001 by Marcy, Thomas

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