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Automotive Industry

Service slants

Motor, Oct 2002 by Marcy, Thomas

Honda

Erratic speedometer. The speedometer needles on some 2000 Civics may stick at 40 mph or fluctuate at 50 to 65 mph. This problem may be found on the following vehicles:

4-door DX-VINs 1HGEJ6 ...YL060257 through 1HGEJ6 ...YL060887

4-door DX-VINs 2HGEJ6 ...YH577517 through 2HGEJ6 ...YH587095

3-door CC, DX-VINs 2HGEJ6... YH109481 through 2HGEJ6 ... YH111862

2-door DX-VINs 1HGEJ6 ... YL0B7691 through 1HGEJ6 ... YL094677

The cause is most likely a bad connection to the speedometer motor in the dash. The fix is to realign the terminals and the outer frame of the female connector.

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To begin the fix, remove the gauge assembly and take out the four screws to separate the speedometer from the assembly. Then remove the printedcircuit board from the back of the speedometer (see illustration). Locate the connector and use a small pick-type tool to bend each terminal toward the center of the hole. Examine the terminals (with a magnifying glass, if necessary) to make sure the ends are not touching; if they are, bend them back slightly. Use the same tool to bend the outer housings toward the center of the cavity.

Honda service techs use a terminal inspection feeler tool (No. 07XAJ-- 001000A) to check the connector fit. The tool's blue pin can be used to compare the drag of the connector you just repaired to the other connectors. Finally, reinstall the gauge assembly, then do a test drive to make sure the speedometer is operating properly.

Chrysler

Low-speed steering moan. Some 2000-01 Neons may emit a moaning sound during low-speed steering wheel movements such as slow turns or parking lot maneuvers. This may be due to an incorrect power steering fluid level, created by an erroneous dipstick reading.

Before opening the power steering system, make sure the engine is off. Then wipe the reservoir filler cap free of dirt and debris. Remove the old cap and discard it. Install a new cap (Part No. 05066063AA) and use the new dipstick inside the cap to check the fluid level. Check the fluid when it's at an ambient outside temperature of approximately 70 deg to 80 deg F At this temperature range, the dipstick level indication should be at the FULL mark. Adjust the fluid level so as not to overfill the power steering system.

Unstable engine idling. Some 2000-01 Cadillac DeVilles, Eldorados and Sevilles, and 2001 Oldsmobile Auroras-all with either the 4.0L or 4.6L engine-may exhibit engine idle speed troubles, hard starting, no-- starts or a stall on deceleration. The trouble may be highlighted by a Service Engine Soon light, and the PCM may throw a few DTCs-P0335, P0336, P0385, P0386 or P1599.

The problem may be with either the crank sensor or the PCM. If the vehicle displays the crank sensor codes mentioned, then inspect the terminals of both crank sensors for poor connections and/or corrosion. Plug and unplug the terminals several times to ensure good connections are made. Next, inspect the sensor circuit wires for damage, then move to the PCM and inspect the crank sensor circuit inputs for poor connections at the plug.

Now remove the crank sensors and check for debris stuck on the sensor. Verify crank sensor location ("A" on the bottom, "B" on the top), then make sure each sensor circuit wire is in the correct socket position.

Next, check the date code on the sensor. If it reads before 0276, replace the crankshaft sensors with upper and lower sensors-Part Nos. 12559529 and 12559530, respectively. After sensor replacement, do a case learn with a scan tool.

If the code shows after 0276, however, verify the PCM ground connections. A ground voltage drop test should read less than 20mV. If the PCM ground circuit is okay, then troubleshoot for internal PCM troubles.

If an idle stall, near stall or deceleration stall exists and only a DTC P1599 sets, then check the power and ground connections for the PCM. Verify the crank sensor locations and check that sensor circuit wires are in the correct cavities in the harness. Check both sensors for debris. Next, check the fuel pressure regulator for fuel leaks past the diaphragm, then do an injector balance leak test. Clean all EGR valve passages, then inspect and clean the IAC passages, as well.

Ford

Intake manifold gasket leak. The engines on some 1999-2000 Mustangs and 2000 Econoline, Excursion, Expedition, F-150 and Super-Duty F-- Series vehicles may weep coolant from the passenger side of the intake manifold at the rear corner of the head. If so, a 4.6L two-valve or 5.4L two-valve engine in a vehicle built from 7/1/98 through 6/30/00 may benefit from a new, unique passenger side intake manifold gasket (Part No. YL3Z-9439-AA), or its equivalent.

Note: This new gasket design is not to be used on the driver's side. During replacement, also be careful not to allow foreign material to enter the manifold ports. Use tape to temporarily cover access to the head intake ports when the manifold is removed for gasket service. Make sure you remove the tape before manifold installation.

Chrysler

Poor engine performance. Some 2000 Dakotas, Durangos and Jeep Grand Cherokees, all with the 4.7L engine, may deliver poor engine performance due to an improperly positioned camshaft position sensor (CMP) that causes it to ride too close to, or contact, the tone wheel. An intermittent loss of the sensor signal causes the poor performance. If contact occurs, the internal electronic circuitry of the CMP may be damaged and the MIL lights.

Automotive Industry

Service slants

Motor, Oct 2002 by Marcy, Thomas

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