Service Slants

Motor, May 2004 by Savasta, Bob

If the MIL isn't on and you don't find any codes in PCM memory, your only recourse on these vehicles is to force-feed the black box some new software files with the DRB III scanner. You'll find the software update on TechCONNECT; availability commenced on 12/1/03. After the reflashing procedure is completed, don't forget to fill out an Authorized Modification Label and affix it to the PCM.

Ford

Engine tick. Some 2001-04 Ford cars and light trucks (full list below) with the Romeo-built two-valve 4.6L V8 can produce an annoying ticking sound from the engine at idle. Ford says the noise usually emanates from the valve guide area at the rear of the cylinder head(s), and is much more obvious at the front wheel wells rather than underhood. New-design, complete cylinder head assemblies (Part No. 4L3Z-6049-AA, right; 4L3Z-6049-BA, left) are now available to address the problem.

Before ordering up the new part(s), however, look at the engine build date on the label affixed to one of the valve covers. If its 9/17/03 or later, this information doesn't apply. Continue with normal diagnostics. If the build date is before 9/17/03, use a stethoscope to verify that the noise is coming from the rear of the cylinder head(s), near the exhaust ports. If it's coming from the front or middle portions of the head, seek other remedies.

Now go underneath the vehicle and make sure the noise is most prominent in the exhaust, or in the area of the catalytic converter. If it is, start disabling the cylinders by unplugging the injectors one at a time. If the noise is reduced or goes away, you'll have to look elsewhere for a remedy. If the noise remains, remove the valve cover on one or both cylinder heads for a more in-depth analysis. Make sure the cam spacers are properly positioned, the cam sprocket is tight (retorque the bolt, if necessary) and the hydraulic lifters aren't spongy or collapsed. You'll also want to verify that the timing chain tensioner pin has been removed at the plant. If the noise still remains after this whole procedure, install the new-design cylinder head(s) with confidence.

Vehicles that can benefit from the upgrade are 2001-04 Mercury Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Cars and Ford Crown Victorias, Mustangs, E-Series vans, Expeditions and F-150 pickups; and 2002-04 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers.

Honda

ABS light on. If the ABS light illuminates on the dash of a 1998-2002 4-cylinder Accord, pull out your scanner and start digging for codes. If you pull codes other than DTC 51 from the ABS computer, proceed with normal diagnostics and fix the problem(s), then clear the light. If the only code you pull on that initial go-round is Code 51, however, the control unit has an internal glitch and has gone belly-up, says Honda. Installing a revised ABS ECU (Part No. 39790-554-A02) should bring the ABS back to proper working order.

GM

New replacement cupholder. If the owner of a 2002-03 Buick LeSabre or Pontiac Bonneville comes into your shop with a broken cupholder in the center armrest, give him the good news that the cupholder is now available separately. Previously, the whole armrest had to be replaced if the cupholder broke.