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  • spy888spy888 Member Posts: 2
    Mazda '97 protege 1.5L auto --need cranking CONTINUOUSLY 1 or 2 min to start. It sounds like almost start a few times in the mids of it. If still not start,I open the PVC tube to let air in and eventually after holding key another min. it starts. No problem hot start, Hard to start again after 5 hours' rest. Have ck all injectors --no leaks overnite.
    Coolant temp sensor within spec. Air temp. sensor too lo resistance when cold. I had substitute it with a 40kOhm resistor, still no help. Fuel press ok but leaks to tank in 20 min after shutdown, but cranking 1 sec gets it back. Are TP and MAF sensors also related to Starting? What else should I check? This prob existed since i bought it used. 1/2 yr ago
    Thanks
    Al
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Ok, know nothing about Mazda. Except their pickup is essentially a Ranger. And I have owned a Ranger.

    On a Ranger, if difficult to start cold, but starts fine hot - here is one usual problem. The motor has 2 temperature sensors. One goes to the temp gauge on the dask. There is another sensor that feed the computer. It tells the computer that the motor is cold. In a cold start, the computer changes the fuel delivery - more fuel, in a longer pulse of the injectors. If this sensor is bad, the computer thinks it is a hot start - and it is real tough to start when cold.

    These temp sensors are usually both on or near the housing for the thermostat. The gauge one usually has one wire. The one that talks to the computer usually has two wires, many times they are a black wire and a yellow wire twisted together.

    If I had a hard start problem, I would replace this temp sensor.
  • stephieatonstephieaton Member Posts: 5
    1994 Mercury Grand Marquis/ V8/Auto Trans/Mileage 135K

    My headlights go off and on, After researching this and checking the fuses under the dash & relay under the hood and owners manual I understand the relay and all the mechanics are in the switch itself. (RIGHT?) The switch being the device on the dash used to turn the lights off and on. How in the world do you get this out? I don't want to try anything with out advice. The Ford place is too expensive.

    2 other small problems
    My speedometer still works but my odometer and of course tripometer quit.

    My left front turn signal lense is busted. The local Ford dealership says they can not get this. Do you know where I could get one?

    My keyless handheld entry unlocks all doors but the drivers. You can unlock all doors but the drivers with the pad on the door if you put the code in the push 3. Any ideas?
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    I don't have electrical schematics for your vehicle, but typically the headlight switch turns on power to a relay (or relays), and it is those relays that provide the power to the lights. Now having said that, there can be other controls in this circuitry if you have DRL (Daytime running lights), or headlights that go off and/or on by themselves. All depends upon your yr/make/model/trim-option levels. I would not take the light switch stalk out until you definitively prove that it is defective by using a digital volt/ohmmeter. You might consider looking as to whether www.helminc.com has electrical schematics for your vehicle. If so, for a nominal charge you can enroll for a couple days, and print off what you need.

    Can't help you on the odometer. If everything wasn't working, I'd suspect the sensor that is on the transmission...but that is obviously working since your speedometer is working. Possibly your odometer cluster might have a problem, or the odometer reset switch.

    Go to a junk yard to pick up a 'pre-owned' left front signal lens. Look in your yellow pages, or online if by some chance you don't have a wrecker yard in reasonable proximity.

    On your drivers door, I would suspect a linkage broke in your drivers door, from the unlock actuator to the door locking mechanism. You have to take the door apart to see what is going on.

    If helminc has your vehicle, in addition to the schematics you could also see the factory service manuals to show you how to take the door (and/or electrical switch) apart.
  • alanap98alanap98 Member Posts: 3
    Hi all My cars heater is not working.... Ac works fine ,heater core not leaking just no heat! any ideas? it blows cold air no heat and its mighty cold out so I really need heat any help greatly appreciated! its a 97 lincoln mark viii heated seats work but need the real heat!!!! have been unable to even find repair manual help please Kids freezing in mornings going to school!
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    Just checked, www.helminc.com has your service manuals available online at reasonable nominal charge for couple days.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,675
    $16.95 for a month access
    $9.95 for a 72-hour period access

    I didn't know they did that.

    I was going to suggest getting Helm manuals for Lincoln online from ebay or something if possible.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    With Adobe, you can print to softcopy and create your own set of softcopy manuals. You can get everything you'd want for a 10 buck session. You can't beat factory service manuals.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    First thing check your coolant level (simplest things first).

    If you have plenty of coolant, chances are its not your thermostat, because if it were stuck you'd overheat in ten minutes.

    That leaves us with the possibility of a stuck or inoperative heater control valve.

    The tricky part comes next.

    How is your heater valve controlled? (vacuum servo? vacuum/electric?)

    AND is the heater valve or servo defective, or is it not getting the proper signal to operate from your automatic climate control system?

    Some ideas for you....
  • aba414aba414 Member Posts: 1
    My car is Passat 2007 sedan, automatic 1.6 lit
    Kindly let me know if I can clean pefume spots on gear leather handel,aluminum interior surrounding it including ashtray cover and black blastic aircondition indicator.I am in jeddah KSA.
    Many thanks.
  • alanap98alanap98 Member Posts: 3
    I checked Helminc.com and couldnt find them kept getting no documents found when searching for the manuals! and have had no luck finding one anywhere else too! Also have checked thermostat etc and it is working fine. not sure about the vacuum hises though and I have no idea which they would be thats why I need a manual I guess! I'm lost! and other suggestions????
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,675
    Pick ford & lincoln

    click Submit

    Pick Service and Owner Information --right on the words or on the "click here"

    Put in 1997
    Put in Mark viii for the model
    click on search

    This should get ou to a list of choices. Read down and you'll find the online stuff.

    Often the original factory service manuals are offered on Ebay (at your risk)and if you know what it should look like you can pick up the right ones there. But only one for 1997 shows and it looks like a ring binder rather than a Helm bound book that's a factory service manual. I'm not sure it will be what you'd want.

    I don't recommend the disks sold on Ebay with factory manuals on them. I bought one on a lark and can't get it to work on my computer.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • alanap98alanap98 Member Posts: 3
    Yeah tried that says no documents found etc.... arrrgggghhhhhhh
  • stephieatonstephieaton Member Posts: 5
    www.helminc.com only goes back to 1996. It is my understanding the relay is in the switch.I have checked everywhere a relay or fuse box is located under the dash and hood and owners manual. According to the owners manual the relay is located in the switch.
    Ford does not give you alot of information on this. I guess the I need to see if I can get a service manual from FORD.
    I should probably have mentioned I do not have the digital da
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    Again, without an electrical schematic, you are going to be pretty stuck on this. In regards to relays, a lot of times you'll find them on the backside of fuse boxes. Fuses on one side, relays and wiring on the other side.
  • 0patience0patience Member Posts: 1,712
    One common problem is that something has fallen down the defrost vent and is blocking the "blend" door (or called Secondary Air Temperature Control Door) from closing all the way.
    Another common problem is that you have lost vacuum to the actuators for the blend doors.

    It is sounding like you have a broken or cracked vacuum line though.
    You may want to check all of the vacuum hoses to see if they are cracked or broken.
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    First off, do you have an owner's manual?

    Second, have you tried your local library for a Chilton's manual? If they don't have it, they can probably request it for inter-library loan.

    Or go to a good bookstore and buy one.

    I don't think you need an OEM or other service manual for this.

    I really believe the stalk switch is going to control a relay for the headlights. You may have "flash to pass" and hi-beam relaying as well.

    If there is a relay in the stalk, I'd be really really surprised.

    One thing you could do is pull and replace each fuse and each relay you find, to make sure everything is seated well.

    Good luck.
  • stephieatonstephieaton Member Posts: 5
    I was editing my reply and somehow lost it so here goes.

    I have an Owners Guide. I have checked all fuses having any thing to do with headlamps in the instrument panel fuse box (left of steering wheel ) and under the hood high current fuse pane (behind the battery). All fuses good,checked visually and with test light and are well seated. Hand traced wiring from head light as far as possible for bare wires. Made sure all ground wires are tight at firewall. Checked battery cable ends for corrosion and replaced cable ends just in case. Alternator working properly.
    I still have not located a relay for headlamps? Could it be any other place but locations I have discussed.
    owners guide shows -listed under Fuse/CB/Relay Location it shows in headlamp switch with a description showing headlamp sensor / high beam indicator.
    Ford service manager said switch and connector probably bad but could not get it in for a week or more and last time I took it in for some a window motor and a few other minor things that i just wanted repaired to keep it up to date I did not get it back for 2 weeks. Of course he would only give minimal info.
    I guess I will try to figure out how to access the switch and replace it
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    Does the unit have auto-off headlights? Or DRL?

    Schematics here:
    http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/17/3d/a8/0900823d80173da8/repai- rInfoPages.htm

    and this:
    http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ford-Repair-811/headlight-switch.htm

    and this for motocraft parts like headlight switches:
    http://www.motorcraft.com/catalog.do?from=page

    OK, after looking at a few of these schematics, maybe it is all a function of the multi-function switch, i.e. no interposing relay. But if there is an auto-off function, then that would suggest some intermediate relay to kill power and that might be involved...

    Sorry I cannot be of more help to you.
  • stephieatonstephieaton Member Posts: 5
    It has auto off and DRL, I had the auto off turned off. I ran to town, on the way back I ran the lights when they would go off I turned the auto off to on they would come back on for a time but there is something getting hot or trying to short out. With the auto off on I could hear a clicking behind the dash when the lights would go out & the auto off was trying to over ride the head lights so I had to turn it off.

    I bought a manual at Advance. I'm going to read through it. I can use it in the future.
  • dyfdyf Member Posts: 4
    2002 Ford Ranger XLT
    6 cyl
    Transmission: Auto
    Mileage: 75k
    Problem: I live in South Florida and just had a change in radiator coolant but am driving up to Ga where, due to a cold front, the predicted drive time temperatures will at times be below freezing. As I may be stopping for an hour or two along the way, what precautions should I take. Needless to say, there was no antifreeze available at the stores I checked in S. Fl.
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    I guess I would select figure 20 from the first URL in my previous post.

    It could be a bad DRL module. I guess I would check for it in the vicinity of the radiator below the headlights, although maybe your manual has better advice.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Are you saying someone replaced your factory fill coolant with straight water?

    If so, stopping for an hour or two isn't going to freeze up the motor, but overnight stop with 20 degree temps could freeze and crack the block. And in Ga I think you might see those temps.

    No one should run straight water. I would hope any service person would refill a coolant system with 50/50 coolant and water. Even in south Florida there should be antifreeze for sale everywhere because it is needed 12 months of the year, in any temperature range. It allows to cooling system to not boil over until about 250degrees, which is needed in the heat to keep the car running cool.
  • 0patience0patience Member Posts: 1,712
    Your vehicle has a problem with the headlight switch.
    Pull the headlight switch and disconnect the connector from it and I am sure you will see that the connector has burnt.

    You will have to replace the connector and the switch.
    Most Ford dalers keep the replacement connectors in stock.

    The first check I would do is pull the switch and see if the connector is melted.
    It will be pretty obvious, if it is.
  • fasterdfasterd Member Posts: 1
    2001 chevy silverado 4x4
    5.4L V8
    auto
    214 406kms
    it keeps stalling when and not driving.
    I ve already cleaned out the tank,replaced fuel filter also added all kinds of pour in your tank remedies.so far none have worked.
    i have found when cleaning the tank their was about a 1/4 inch of dirt and ice in it
    what can i do to fix this. :mad:
  • burdawgburdawg Member Posts: 1,524
    My niece had this problem with her Mustang. It turned out that it was the headlight switch itself. The switch has a circuit breaker built in that was faulty and would cause the lights to go off and on. The guys at the parts counter said they have heard of this several times on Fords.
  • 0patience0patience Member Posts: 1,712
    Yep, it is pretty common on the Ford headlight switches.
    The connector starts to have a problem and causes heat. When that happens, the breaker starts kicking in and out.
    Replacing only the switch is often only a temporary solution.
    Usually you have to replace the connector and switch.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,336
    sounds like you might have something clogging the works farther up the line? If the tank and fuel filter are now clean, work back from the injectors maybe?

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    thanks guys for clarifying how Ford does things in that area. i sort of find it surprising that they don't use an interposing relay, with the express purpose of switching a high-current ckt using low-current switches.

    they probably fail because the conductor surface is small and the HL must sink a good deal of current transiently and then a fair amount steady-state. this no doubt causes oxidation and localized heating and failure, either at the SW contacts or on a crimped connection.

    not a great implementation.

    i only provided probable (guessed) location of the DRL module incase replacement of the SW (and connector) doesn't clear the problem - but it seems you got a good handle on the situation.
  • stephieatonstephieaton Member Posts: 5
    Thanks to all of you for your advice. I was like everyone else I thought there should be a relay other than in the switch itself. With everything being in one component when one frys they all fry. I have been in the trucking industry for 19 years and drove for about 9 of those so I have a basic idea of how to troubleshoot a problem. I have run into a few garage nightmares also. Being a women they will try you at the shop and parts house so I like to have the basics if I have to use an outside source for repairs. Once, I ot my car out of the shop from having brakes put on, my AC would not work, I stopped & checked under th hood and found a connection unplugged. There was no reason to make that disconnect for the repair they had done I took the car back to see what they would tell me was wrong with my AC. They said I needed an compressor. I reached under the hood redone the connection and drove off leaving them looking at each other.
    Anyway, It has been 20 degrees here the last 3 morning so I havent messed with it much but I will let yall know when I change the switch. wish me luck
    THANKS
  • blondieljablondielja Member Posts: 2
    How do you adjust a door for a 1991 Ford Explorer with automactic window, locks?
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    You need to be more precise on what you want to adjust.

    The door's fit into its opening?
    Or, the window fit?
  • howdhowd Member Posts: 2
    this car has a 3800 series II engine, 4 speed automatic with overdrive & is a 2003 grand prix gt. can someone let me how to remove this battery. not enough room to lift out.
    on the net the newsest info i could find was for a 1996 grand prix

    thank you
  • blondieljablondielja Member Posts: 2
    The doors fit into the opening-when it's shut, it looks like it's not latched from the outside-alot of people have thought it was not shut just to open it shut it again with no change
  • dakota6479dakota6479 Member Posts: 9
    Most likely you will have to take the tire off, remove the inner panel and take it out that way. That's what I had to do to my 98 Stratus. Be carefule removing the clips though, they break easily.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Ok, one possibility - the car has previously been in a wreck, hit in the door, repaired, and this might be as good as it gets.

    Or, the 'striker plate' just needs adjustment. This is the part on the door post where the door latches onto. If you are not handy with tools, I don't advise you attempting to do this. A large screwdriver, or maybe torx driver, or maybe other tool might be needed to loosen this up.

    This is a minor adjustment for a body shop. A nice one might do this for a 15 minute or half hour charge - $25 or $50. Ask for an estimate before you let them do the job.
  • ryan77300dryan77300d Member Posts: 64
    1990 Ford Ranger
    2.3L 5spd.

    In the Hayne's manual, there is a very vague description of how to read trouble codes with the Key On Engine Off, by means of sweeps made by the Voltage gauge. One sweep followed by another sweep after two seconds have elapsed would mean "Code 11", for instance.

    Is there a trick to getting these codes to be presented? Would I have to connect a code reader, or are these types of trouble codes infinite in that they are readable whenever the key is in the 'On' position, and don't require a code reader to be activated.

    I haven't been able to get the Voltage Sweeps they're talking about, despite my 'Check Engine' light being on.

    Thanks in advance
  • 0patience0patience Member Posts: 1,712
    http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/

    Follow the directions on that page.
  • eurodogeurodog Member Posts: 1
    My dealer replaced the rear brakes 7000 miles ago. Yesterday he did the pads. Why would he have not done the pads when he did the rotors etc?
  • burdawgburdawg Member Posts: 1,524
    Don't fully understand your post. Do you mean that the rear brakes were done 7000 miles ago, and now the front brakes needed to be re-lined? If so, what's wrong with that? Would you rather they did it without really needing it?
  • neurochipneurochip Member Posts: 1
    I've got a 1970 el camino.Driver side door suddenly won't open.Acts locked,but isn't.Tried key,pull lever,still acts locked. Removed door panel ,all components appear to work,even looked in passenger door to compare.Problem must be internal but can't remove mechanism unless door is open.Tried wd40,oil,etc.,pushing pulling prying pounding and praying.Door won't open.Does someone have a trick,or tip?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Did you work the rod that goes from the inside door handle to the door lock. Do you give that a good yank? Look again at the passenger door and see how it releases the lock and make sure the driver's door rod is actually moving a part in the door lock.

    If the rod is releasing the lock, it must be something broken right in the locking mechanism itself. Maybe you can get your fingers in there. It's just a little ratchet wheel holding it shut.
  • freddie5freddie5 Member Posts: 1
    my 93 lincoln mark 8 is real low on the driver side it has an air ride system and the passinger side air strut is pumped up but the driver side isnt what would cause this
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    bad suspension height sensor, bad air solenoid, leaking shock, leaking airtube to shock.
  • hpaproskihpaproski Member Posts: 2
    I am working on a 1991 dodge spirit for a friend. The turn signals slowed down and eventually no longer worked. We replaced the flasher and relay twice, checked switch for continuity, undid wiring harness[found no burned or bad wires], There is apparently only one flasher that works 4-ways and signals[as far as i can tell. there is only one flasher in fuse panel. The 4-ways work fine. Am I missing a flasher somewhere maybe, or any other ideas? This is a 2.5L 4 cyl with 90,000 miles.
  • hpaproskihpaproski Member Posts: 2
    I remembered working on a spirit about 10 years ago. The turn signal is actually separate from the 4-way flasher and is to the right and higher up than the fuse panel. I replaced the flasher and the lights flash fine but the check engine light also comes on with the signals. Weird.
  • k25002haulk25002haul Member Posts: 6
    is there is a diagonal fender to radiator support? unbolting this will help.is there a air filter box w/rubber tubing to engine?the box unbolts or fits over plastic anchors / w/rubber grommets holding it in place. i work for gm dealer.a lot of batteries are bigger than the "nest" they sit into.have too make do by moving things for access.i sometimes have to pull battery vertically out of some, to get it out!there is a vent on top on one of the ends.some acid can drip out :surprise: be carefull.this is not what you should do, unless you are a pro! you could short circuit car,tools,wires etc ...
  • daliniodalinio Member Posts: 2
    1993 SC400 LEXUS does not emit any hot air at all even though the AC is set at MAX HOT. I suspect that is has a bad thermostat and needs replaced. Is this a good 1st step to fix the problem? If so, can anyone advise location of the thermostat in the engine compartment? Thanks :(
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Most autos have a temp guage. If your does, how is it moving? If a thermostat is stuck open, the temp guage will not be moving up to the usual 'normal' position.

    I would guess some other thing in the climate control system is probably broken. I'm sure this Lexus has automatic climate control, and there are a lot of sensors, controls, vacuum lines, and moving vanes that could have failed. Especially on a 15 year old vehicle.
  • daliniodalinio Member Posts: 2
    The temp gage indicator (on the dashboard console) works just fine. So, you are right...perhaps some other thing in the climate control system is probably broken. Thanks for the help.
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