Service Slants

Motor, Sep 2007 by Rosario, Tom

Toyota/Scion

Squeak from front seat(s). All 2004-07 Toyota/Scion models are prone to producing an irritating squeak from the front seat(s) when the vehicle is being driven. Toyota attributes the noise to the seat track locating pins making contact with the floor crossmembers. Removing the seat and cutting off the locating pins with a whiz wheel is the permanent fix. Here are the details on how to go about the job:

Start by removing the negative battery terminal. Before going any further, wait a minimum of 90 seconds to allow the air bag module to power down. Using a flat-blade screwdriver with some tape on the end of the blade, carefully pry off the four seat track covers at the front and rear of the seat. Move the seatback to its full upright position. Next, remove the four seat track retaining bolts, disconnect any electrical connectors and remove the seat from the vehicle.

With the seat on your shop floor, tilt it backward to gain access to the front locating pins. On all models except Highlander SUVs, cut off the front pin at the inner seat track with the whiz wheel so no more than 2mm of the pin remains, as shown in the illustration above right. Repeat the procedure at the outer seat track. On Highlanders, it's necessary to cut off the pin only at the inner track.

Continue the job by removing any metal shavings from the seat tracks. Next, dab some paint onto the bare metal to prevent corrosion. Once the paint dries, place the seat back into the vehicle and reconnect the electrical connectors, if applicable. Now install the four seat retaining bolts and tighten to spec. Reinstall the seat track covers, then test the function of the power seat and seat heater, if applicable. If you did the work on the passenger seat, make sure you reinitialize the SRS front passenger occupant system.

GM

Inaccurate fuel gauge. Owners of 2007 Chevy Cobalt and HHR models, as well as 2007 Pontiac G5s, may come into your shop one day with a complaint that the fuel gauge in the car reads Empty, even though there's plenty of fuel remaining in the tank. The problem may be accompanied by a Low Fuel message on the dash, with DTC P0461 stored in computer memory. GM says that if no other codes are stored, you're probably just dealing with software snafus between the fuel gauge and the PCM. Reprogramming the module with revised software should take care of the situation right away. You'll find the new calibration on TIS2WEB.

Ford/Ford Truck

MIL and ETC warning lamps on, DTCs stored. Some 2003-05 Ford cars and trucks built on or before 11/29/04 may illuminate the MIL and ETC (electronic throttle control) warning light simultaneously and store codes P2106 and P2135 in computer memory. Ford doesn't say from where the problem originates, only that there's a two-pronged fix - reprogramming the PCM with updated software and replacing the TPS with a new-design sensor from a kit (Part No. 3L5Z-9B989-AA). You'll find the new software calibrations on WDS release B36.il and higher or B37.2 and higher. If you have a subscription, you can also download the update at www.motorcraft.com.

The following vehicles are prone to the twin-lamp illumination and DTCs: 2003-05 Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln LS models; 2004-05 Ford Explorers & F- 150s and Mercury Mountaineers; 2005 Ford Crown Victorias, Mustangs, E-series vans, Expeditions & F-Super Dutys and Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Cars & Navigators.

Nissan

Brake complaint tips. Nissan has come up with some great tips to streamline the diagnosis of brake complaints on all its vehicles built to date. While the tips are obviously geared to help dealer technicians service Nissan vehicles, they're generic enough to be useful for all the cars and trucks you'll encounter in your shop.

According to Nissan, brake problems can be categorized into three major complaint areas-noise, vibration and pedal feel. Brake noise typically includes squeaks, squeals, groans and clunks. In lots of cases, when the noise occurs or how long it lasts becomes the detennining factor in whether it's normal or not.

For example, a squeak or squeal on the first few brake applications in the morning when the linings are cold is perfectly normal; the same noise when the brakes are at operating temperature is not. When you get a squeak or squeal complaint, always check for applicable TSBs for the vehicle you're working on. If no TSBs are available, look for excess brake dust, which can contribute to squeaks or squeals. Sometimes the lining material itself can cause these particular noise issues. Nissan recommends going with OE brake pads whenever you can't get rid of a stubborn noise. While this advice might seem a little self-serving, there is some justification, as we all know.

A loud, continuous squeak or squeal with or without braking definitely isn't normal. It usually means the wear indicators on the pads are contacting the rotor. Pull the wheels and examine the linings and rotors, servicing as necessary.

Sometimes you'll hear a groaning noise when slowly releasing the brake pedal from a stop. This is called creep groan, and is perfectíy normal. A constant groaning noise while braking is anything but; it usually means that the rotors are glazed, probably from a heavy foot. Replace or machine the rotors and always install new linings.