Service Slants

Motor, May 2004 by Savasta, Bob

To install the new replacement cupholder, partially open the damaged component until you can gain access to its two locking tabs. Using a flat-blade screwdriver, dig into the tabs and twist until they release from the armrest slots, then lift up and remove the cupholder. Next, align the new component to the armrest while guiding its tabs into the slots in the armrest. To complete the repair, apply thumb pressure to the base of the cupholder until its tabs snap into place in the armrest slots, then open and close the cupholder several times to confirm smooth operation. Here are the application and parts specifics for the new cupholder assembly:

Chrysler/Jeep

Delayed transmission engagement. Some 2003-04 Chrysler cars and mini-vans, as well as 2003 Jeeps, may delay or temporarily lose transmission engagement after startup. The condition typically occurs following an extended soak (several hours) and may be accompanied by a harsh 4-3 downshift and/or DTCs P0944/P1791 logged in computer memory. A loss of prime in the front transmission pump is the most likely cause of the trouble.

New-design front pumps are now available to address the concern. Use Part No. 05127197AA for 41TE model transmissions, 05127198AA for 42LE model transmissions and 05127199AA for 42RLE transmissions. After the pump is installed, check and, if necessary, update the TCM to the latest software revision. Here's a list of applications that can benefit from the upgraded tranny pump:

Ford/Lincoln

Insufficient a/c output and/or thumping noise. Owners of some 1998 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis or Lincoln Town Car models may complain of insufficient a/c output and/or a thumping noise when the compressor engages. According to Ford, both problems are most likely due to a clutch switch that cycles too often. It's the location of the switch that causes all the problems.

To home in on the diagnosis, hook up your pressure gauges, then have a helper turn the a/c controls on and off while you check under the hood. If you hear the thumping noise every time the compressor engages, or the cycling switch cycles off at pressures higher than 24 psi, the switch is a candidate for repositioning. To do it, says Ford, you'll have to install a revised accumulator (Part No. F8AZ-19C836-AA) and suction hose (Part No. F8VZ-19867-BA). Figure about one hour labor to complete the changeover.

GM Truck

Scraping noise from rear of vehicle. Owners of some 1999-2003 GM full-size pickups or sport/utes (full list below) may complain of a scraping sound from the rear of the vehicle while driving. The noise may be intermittent, coming and going under different operating conditions and vehicle speeds.

GM engineers have traced the problem to improper contact between the rear parking brake shoe and the hat section of the rear rotor. Installing a new-design shoe (Part No. 88982875) and updated spring clip retainer (Part No. 88982879) should quiet the noise.

The following vehicles are susceptible to the problem and can benefit from the revised parts: