Service slants

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.

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.

GM

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.

The CMP sits too close to the tone wheel because its mounting pad on the cylinder head was machined incorrectly. DaimlerChrysler says that very few 4.7L engines with build dates from 11/1/99 (Julian date of 3059) to 11/3/99 (3079) are affected. The Julian build date is found on the engine bar code label, affixed to the oil fill housing.

Most of the engines were repaired as needed by the engine assembly plant by inserting a shim between the CMP sensor and the cylinder head pad, and around the CMP sensor attaching bolt. Note: If you're making repairs to an engine whose CMP sensor mount is deficient and you overlook or lose the previously installed shim, the sensor will likely hit the tone wheel after the repair is done.

If necessary, use the appropriate select fit shim (Part No. 05019089AA) from the kit to adjust the air gap between the earn position sensor and the tone wheel so an air gap of .030 inch +/- .010 inch exists.

Before tightening the sensor mounting bolt, however, make sure the sensor rests completely flush to the cylinder head. If not flush when clearance is set, damage to the sensor mounting tang will result when the bolt is tightened.

Install and tighten the CMP mounting bolt to 106 in.-lb, verifying that the air gap between the sensor and the tone wheel remains correct. Next, reconnect the wire harness terminal to the cam position sensor. Now clean and inspect the engine cylinder head cover gasket and mating surfaces. The carmaker advises that the cylinder head cover gasket may be reused, provided it wasn't cut, torn or deformed during the repair. Install the cylinder head valve cover and gasket to complete the repair.

Infiniti

Poor acceleration, stays in 3rd gear. If the cranking voltage on some 2000 G20 models goes below 8 volts, the automatic transmission control unit may enter fail-safe mode, If this happens, the owner may complain of a lack of engine power, with the transmission remaining in 3rd gear at all times. Also, the MIL will not illuminate and DTCs will set indicating failures in the Vehicle Speed Sensor-Automatic Transmission/Vehicle Speed Sensor-Meter.

The fix is to check for stored codes and test the engine charging system and battery function. Use an electrical starting and charging system tester to check for proper voltage and cranking current draw. Then repair the charging system, if necessary. Finally, install a replacement sensor using a new sensor assembly (Part No. 31935-3AXI).

Volvo

Ball joint recall. All 1999-2000 S80 vehicles are subject to a recall campaign concerning the suspension ball joints. Given time and wear, says Volvo, the ball joint between the spindle and the suspension arm may develop excess play, with the increase possibly affecting durability, alignment and performance. On all vehicles affected by the recall, both front ball joints are replaced with a reinforced version (Part No. 274186).

Toyota

Leaky trunk. Owners of 1997-2001 Camrys, 1998-2001 Siennas, 1999-2001 Solaras and 2001 Avalons may complain of water collecting in the trunk area. Toyota advises that the quarter panel air duct flaps may be loose or missing on these vehicles. Repair the condition by replacing the air duct with a new version (Part No. 62940-AA011).

GM Truck

Torque converter clutch (TCC) testing with DTC P1870 present. GM offers help for technicians dealing with problems with the TCC in 1999-- 2000 Cadillac Escalade, 1998-99 Chevrolet and GMC C-, K- and G-- models, 1998-2000 Chevrolet and GMC M/L and S/T models, and 1998-- 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada models with Hydra-Matic 4L60-E automatic transmissions and 4.34 5.0L and 5.7L engines (VINs W, M and R).

First, remember there are a number of mechanical failures outside of the torque converter clutch system that could cause DTC P1870 to set. Diagnosis is performed with a Tech 2 scanner or its equivalent by commanding lockup of each TCC solenoid to full capacity. The test is done while the vehicle is running in Drive with the parking brake firmly applied. This test should be performed on vehicles that set DTC P1870, with no other associated codes. GM notes that if any other DTCs are set along with P1870, then repair those first.

To begin the test, first make sure the transmission is at normal operating temperature (180 deg to 200 deg F). Once the tranny is warm, install the scanner, turn it on and select the diagnostic mode. Next, identify the vehicle by year, model, powertrain, body and transmission.

Next, select "Transmission Output Controls" from the menu, then "Special Functions." Now, choose "P1870 Diagnostic Test" from the menu.

The scanner should then instruct you to start the engine. Once that's done, move the vehicle to a safe location, set the parking brake and apply the service brakes. It may be prudent to select an area where you can also provide blocking for the drive wheels.

Now, place the vehicle in Drive 4 and increase the throttle position about 5% above idle. Note: If the engine speed, throttle opening or tranny temperature parameters are incorrect, the scanner will display a warning and abort the test.

If the parameters are acceptable, the scanner should give a "Test in Progress" signal. Then if everything's all right, you should get a message that the converter clutch is working properly, the test failed or a retest is required.

If the tranny passes muster, you should experience an engine speed sag, stumble or stall, which would occur as the scanner applies the TCC to full capacity. Vehicles with a failed test result shouldn't experience these symptoms. Note that a failed test response shows that most likely there's an internal problem that's causing DTC P1870 to set.

Note: If the vehicle passes its initial test but is suspected of having intermittent problems, GM recommends that you run the test several times at various transmission temperatures to get to the bottom of the problem.

Copyright Hearst Business Publishing Oct 2002
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved