Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

Got a Quick, Technical Question?

18990929495114

Comments

  • burdawgburdawg Member Posts: 1,524
    Who told you that the pads needed replacing? Were they actually checked or just someone said it without really knowing? I have to agree with bolivar that it doesn't sound like brake noise, but with a hybrid I'm not 100% sure.
  • ducks13ducks13 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 97 honda passport with a 3.2 V6, it is the same as an Izuzu. I have never worked on an engine with highly stressed head bolts before and am a little confused by what I have observed.

    The bolts seem to be extremly tight although the torque spec for the new bolts is only 47 ft-lbs. I would guess that it is taking 125+ ft-lbs to break them loose. One of the bolts actually broke when I loosened it and one of the bolts was already broken when I got to it. The shop manuals say these bolts should be replaced, not reused, when you change the head gaskets. I believe they are 12mm bolts.

    I have the hayes shop manual and got alldata's online shop manual too and they both have the same torque spec. I think hayes says they should be lubricated while alldata's said dry.

    So, my questions is, does 47 ft-lbs sound like the right torque spec and if so why were the bolts so tight when I removed the old ones?

    Thanks
  • bison2bison2 Member Posts: 31
    I have no experience with your particular engine, but generally in a case like yours ,the headbolts could have seized in the treads or on the bolt shank if no antiseizure compound or tread sealant was used at installation in the past due to corrosion by coolant seepage. an other possibility could be that the bolts where overtorqued by the last person that worked on the engine.

    generally takes more force to loosen a bolt that has been tight for a long time than was required to tighten it.

    most head bolts are torque to yield these days and stretch a bit ,so they recommend using new bolts once removed,maybe yours where reused.

    bolt torque is lower if you have a aluminum head and/or block,than on steel components.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Those are M11 bolts and 47 ft lbs is correct. AllData says not to use oil. If you use anti-seize do NOT overtorque even one little ft lb. Installing dry is also fine but you have to chase the threads (clean them with a tool) in the head to make sure you aren't getting false torque readings from a binding thread. Over-torquing is just as risky, if not riskier, than under torquing since it's quite possible the bolt will move off its higher than normal torque.

    And yes, brand new bolts all around, please.
  • tmorettatmoretta Member Posts: 2
    I have a '99 Ford Expedition 5.4 liter 92000 miles. It has developed a vibration only when pulling hard uphill or towing. It feels like a u joint, but, on inspection they look, feel tight. There is some play in the output shaft from the trans. I know that the Explorers have a problem in this area. Is this a problem common to the Expediton too? What is the fix?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Does this sound applicable?

    Article No.
    99-15-7

    07/26/99
    ^ BODY BOOM - SPEEDS OVER 72 KM/H (45 MPH) -
    DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE

    ^ SHIMMY - SPEEDS OVER 72 KM/H (45 MPH) -
    DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE

    ^ VIBRATION - SPEEDS OVER 72 KM/H (45 MPH) -
    DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE

    FORD:
    1997-1999 EXPEDITION

    LINCOLN:
    1998-1999 NAVIGATOR

    ISSUE
    A vibration at speeds above 72 km/h (45 mph) may occur on some vehicles. This may be caused by an imbalance in one or more of the driveline components resulting in a resonance that produces a vibration in the seat or steering column.

    ACTION
    Refer to the following Drive Diagnostic Procedure and System Balancing Procedure. Follow the initial drive diagnostic and note any changes after each drive.

    PART NUMBER PART NAME

    XL1Z-4602-AB Driveshaft
    XL1Z-4802-AA Driveshaft
    F85Z-5E269-EA Exhaust Pipe Bracket
    XL1Z-4602-BA Driveshaft
    F85Z-4B473-AA Damper Assembly

    OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 98-18-7, 98-5-2, 99-1-1
  • 1potato1potato Member Posts: 1
    My F 150 automatic with the 4.6 Triton and 107,000 mi sort of sputters, coughs, lurches (hard to describe), when I am on the gas. The engine light does not come on and it keeps running. It seems to involve the AC. If I run the air it does it, if I turn the air off while driving it still does it. If I turn the air off before shutting the truck off, and don't turn it back on the next time I drive, it runs fine. Please help, I need to sell this truck, but want to solve the problem first
  • clif2clif2 Member Posts: 5
    1988 Eldorado, 4.5L, 115K. Car has sat for most of last 3 years, only started occasionally to move around. BUT, when it starts, and runs normal, after a few seconds it will sputter badly and then stop. I suspect the ethanol gas has somehow absorbed water, but have been told it is probably the fuel pump. I have replaced the fuel filter and lines.
    Questions: 1. If I buy/rent a pump pressure gage, where do I hook it up?
    2. Is there a way to siphon the fuel? I've tried, but cannot get even a small line all the way down to the tank.
    Will appreciate any comments.
    Thanks.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Oh well, 3 years? The gasoline is no good. It has changed chemically and you need to drain it all out and put in fresh gas, and a new fuel filter. You may have to take it in to have the gas tank dropped, or possibly the service station could disconnect the ignition, open the fuel line at the front of the car, insert a tube into a fill can, and then energize the fuel pump relay and let the car itself pump out the fuel.

    If you drop the take, I'd probably put in a new fuel pump and fuel filter since you are in there. The old one might be all gummed up with "varnished" gasoline.
  • darc3353darc3353 Member Posts: 1
    My husband is changing out the brake shoes on my 2003 Chevy Cavalier and there is a rivet looking piece attaching the shoe to the emergency brake arm; it doesn't turn. The older brakes had a horseshoe piece that slipped off and on. Does this need a special tool? Anyone have a blow up of the brake assembly? Thanks!
  • luisferluisfer Member Posts: 6
    Hi , it's me again, please help me. Chevrolet TRacker 2000 A.T. 2000cc
    I have a cuestion, my MC told me, must change 3 motor mounts Front, left and rigth, can enyone tell me, if those three motor mounts are the same or they have differences? i check some parts dealers, and aparently are the same. but please, help me whit this. tanx.
  • bison2bison2 Member Posts: 31
    94 Grand am quad 4 sohc engine.

    Cooling system does'nt build pressure at all.What could cause this ????

    Temp gauge goes up on occasion to 240 f ,always ran at 160/180.But now it fluctuates between 150 and 200 f.
    the recovery tank has a 15 psi cap. System pressure tests OK,holds 15 psi steady for hours.with cap in place.I took the psi reading tee'd in small rad return hose.Temp is verified and gauge is reading accurate.The fan works fine
    The waterpump was recently replaced,[had leaking seal]But not by myself.It has less than 1000 km on it, thermostat was tested at same time and found good.
    The heating Problem started on trip from Edmonton to peace river, Driver had to add 1 ltr of antfreeze before trip and system was 1 ltr low upon arrival.

    The temp fluctuations could be caused by sticking T stat, but what about the no pressure build?
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    Check for a blown head gasket, or a leak on/around the waterpump and replaced hoses.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Yep I agree. Re-pressurize and then pull the spark plugs and look for coolant on them.
  • jtricker11jtricker11 Member Posts: 2
    1990 Honda accord Lx
    manual trans
    110,000 mi
    ignition switch control arm
    can it be replaced and how hard is it
  • bison2bison2 Member Posts: 31
    No leaks found, Pressure holds steady with pressure tester at 15 psi.
    No anti freeze in the oil either.
    If compression would leak trough faulty head gasket then the cooling system pressure would build rapidly i would think.And yet there is never any pressure,even after 100 km trip.
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    well if you are loosing fluid, then:
    - it's leaking out on to the ground, which you haven't seen any.
    - you could have a heater core leak, leaking onto your floor in the passenger compartment
    - you have a pin hole leak in your radiator, and it's leaking and evaporating before you see a leak.
    - it could be leaking into the engine, either into the oil, or maybe being sucked into the intake and being expelled out the exhaust pipe (while at the same time contaminating and ruining your cat converter).

    Perhaps your problem only occurs when the block is hot, and when the engine cools down and you do a pressure test it's fine?

    Any white smoke out your exhaust? or wet passenger carpet?
  • bison2bison2 Member Posts: 31
    OK, I replaced the T stat and rad cap yesterday.i press tested system again.
    Press holds steady same as before,engine cold or hot.
    NO leaks no where , Not internal or external,I opened the oil drain plug after overnight stand to check for coolant in the oil before even posting.There was not a single drop.
    I had checked for a leaking heater core as well.
    There is no white smoke or sweet smell from the tail pipe either.

    If a rad pinhole exist that is so small that one cant find it, then it might leak a minimal amount of coolant but it won't be the cause of no pressure building in the system. I have extensive mechanical abillities and know how to do these things.
    Went for 80 km drive,no fluid loss observed.
    Temp held fairly steady at around 160-F with pressure APLIED by press tester wich was left hooked up in between radiator to recovery tank return hose.The 15 psi rad cap is on the recovery tank. Pressure held steady the entire trip.

    After relieving system pressure and leaving the tester in place and letting the engine to build the pressure up, I took a second trip, I found on return that there still was not a single pound of press in the cooling system.The temp was slightly higher at 170/180-F though.
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    Doesn't make sense, this has me baffled. It will hold pressure that is built up, but won't build it's own pressure up.

    You have regular coolant liquid in there, right?......not some sort of new non-expanding liquid?
  • harboharbo Member Posts: 136
    Heck .... just drive it til' something blows and the analysis will be easy.
  • maverick7wimaverick7wi Member Posts: 1
    I have an "Identity" anti-theft system installed on my 2000 Toyota Tundra. The previous owner installed it. I have brought it to two different Alarm/Car Radio shops and they both claimed I do not have an anti theft system installed. They looked in the ignition area, behind the radio and couldnt find anything. This system utilizes a keyfob. I push a button when it wont start and what do you know, it starts. It does this intermittently. The FCC ID is: QY7ADM625 I have looked on the internet and cannot find the company who made this particular device. Any help disabling this system would be greatly appreciated. I dont have to worry about my truck being stolen in North Dakota.
  • bison2bison2 Member Posts: 31
    That's right , it has me baffled as well, never seen it before. maybe this car has allways had this oddity as i never checked for press before, was no need .
    regular green coolant used,nothing exotic.

    Doughter drove car back to Edmonton today[500 km]. temp steady at 170-F all the way, no issues at all, no coolant loss either, but still NO pressure at all.
    You go figure.
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    So the coolant loss is sporadic? Sometimes you loose coolant, sometimes you don't? But all times you have no pressure.
  • bison2bison2 Member Posts: 31
    that is correct.no pressure " period" very odd indeed.

    i now come to blame the coolant loss on the erratic working T stat, as there was some evidence of boil over or spill at the rad cap, wich may have been cross treaded on by my doughter after topping of the coolant level the day after the water pump was replaced. said cap was somewhat hard to remove, and may not have seated correctly.
  • pam4waterpam4water Member Posts: 14
    I have a 2002 Camry LE with over 100K on it. I took it in for inspection 2 days ago. I took it too a new place because I the place I used to go went out of business. Pennsylvania's State Inspection you have to take the tires off and measure the rotors and the pads. At the old place they alway looked a the brakes then took it for a road test. The new place took my car for a road test first.They were gone what seem a little a long. My car didn't pass inspection because they said there was leak in the front hydraulic mount. And there was a lot of hydraulic fluid leaking out of the front mount. It was dripping out rapidly.

    When I got home I check my parking space there were no oil spots on it. I'm going to go to a different place for the repairs, but is there a way to tell if they punched a whole in the engine mouint while they were road testing my car?
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    You let a perfect stranger drive your car without your being in the car with them? :confuse:
  • pam4waterpam4water Member Posts: 14
    That is how inspections work in Pennsylvania. You have to let them road test it for a mile plus. It was that or get into a car with a perfect stranger. Me Safety > Cat Safety . Inspections really s*** in Pennsylvania.
  • wesbellmorewesbellmore Member Posts: 11
    2001 Trooper 4x4, only owner, 42,000 miles, maintained, never off-roaded or abused.
    6 cyl, auto, shift on the fly 4x4 (Does NOT have Torque on Demand system)

    PROBLEM: Front axle will not engage (will not go into four wheel drive) when the dash button is pressed. At idle I can hear a "cla-chunk" when I press the dash 4x4 switch, so there is 'something' trying to engage the front axle, but the dash 4x4 indicator light just blinks and the axle will not lock up. SOMETIMES the front axle will engage if I press the dash switch BEFORE I start the engine, then for dash indicator light stays on and the front axle locks up and runs fine in four wheel drive. SO, this tells me the mechanism in the front axle is FINE, it's the engagement system that is out of whack. It has a vacuum system to lock the front axle up...anyone have any experience with this goofy system?

    Wes
  • euphoniumeuphonium Member Posts: 3,425
    You can be safe with a stranger when your hand is on the Glock. Why go around unarmed, the crooks aren't?
  • natekellynatekelly Member Posts: 2
    when driving my car and hitting 2500 RPM it starts stalling and jumping like it has a real bad miss. does anyone have any opinions on this? thx.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Sounds like an ignition system issue. Have we had a tune up lately?
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    or fuel delivery issues.

    Doesn't use much fuel when idling, but as you are revving it up it would need more fuel delivery from the fuel pump/filter.

    But your problem could be many things, you should take it somewhere to have them diagnose it properly.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Could be, but I'm always suspicious of ignition when the problems start at a specific rpm....seems to me if you had fuel pressure that bad you'd never get up to 2,500 rpm.
  • inkieinkie Member Posts: 281
    It would be appreciated if anyone can let me know what Toyota models {if any] have steel timing chains? Also, do any engines they manufacture are non-interference? Thanks.
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    I know the 2.0L 4-cyl in the 2001 and forward RAV4 has a timing chain, not a belt.

    I have read that Toyota engines are non-interference (unlike Honda).

    -ss4
  • inkieinkie Member Posts: 281
    Thank You, I have not had too much luck with these questions at the dealers in the Lehigh Valley.Whenever I get there the service manager is not in and the underlings were probably told not to discuss anything and refer me to the service manager. Pretty fancy not like Honda and GM. Now that I have some engine models it may be easier to get specs. :)
  • shooter7shooter7 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2000 saturn l series 300 v6 with transaxel.
    it wont go forward or reverse. code checker says 1810...
    ATF pressure manual valve position switch malfunction.
    can I fix this from under the car or does the tranny have to be taken apart?
    thanks
  • edouble1edouble1 Member Posts: 18
    Trying to replace the front rotors. Seems pretty straight forward: remove the wheel, remove the break calliper, remove the calliper bracket, slide the rotor off.

    I can't get the rotor off. I don't think they were ever replaced before, and there is 270K miles on it. What are the chances it's rusted on? Will PB blaster help in the process? How hard can I bang on the back of the rotor with a hammer, if I use a Hammer/block of wood, or a rubber mallet?

    Thanks for your help.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    You can bang really hard. But at 270,000 miles?????

    If there are not separate bolts that hold the rotor on, the lug nuts hold both the wheel and rotor, here is an old shade tree mechanic trick that you might try.

    Put the thing back together. But leave all the lug nuts loose. I don't know how loose, maybe about one turn from being tight. Then just move the car back and forth a short distance. Maybe turning the wheel back and forth. This might break the rotor loose.

    Don't blame me if this strips nuts or shears them totally off. This is just a 'trick' I've read about, never actually done.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    The Transaxle Fluid Pressure (TFP) switch assembly consists of six pressure switches. Five of the switches are normally open, and determine gear range selection. The sixth switch is normally closed, and detects Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) release fluid pressure. The TFP switch assembly also contains the Transmission Fluid Temperature (TFT) sensor. These components are combined into one unit, mounted on the valve body. The TCM provides ignition voltage on the three range signal circuits. By closing (thus grounding) one or more of the switches with fluid pressure from the manual shift valve, the TCM detects the selected gear range. When the transmission electrical connector is disconnected and the ignition switch is On, the ground potential for three range signals from the TCM will be removed, and an illegal gear will be indicated. (Refer to TFP Switch Assembly Logic Table.)

    DTC PARAMETERS

    DTC P1810 will set if:

    * The gear position indicated by the TFP switch assembly is illegal for 60 seconds .
    * Engine running.

    DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
    A pressure regulator problem could set DTC P1810. Inspect the wiring at the TCM, the transmission connector and the TFP Val. Position Sw. connector, and all other circuit connecting points for the following conditions:

    * A bent terminal
    * A backed out terminal
    * A damaged terminal
    * Poor terminal tension
    * A chafed wire
    * A broken wire inside the insulation
    * Moisture intrusion
    * Corrosion

    When diagnosing for an intermittent short or open condition, massage the wiring harness while watching the test equipment for a change.
  • shooter7shooter7 Member Posts: 5
    thanks for your time!
  • shogrenshogren Member Posts: 15
    2002 Isuzu Axiom 140K, Rear wiper only works when I use the window washer solvent button. When it stops the cleaning cycle the wiper blade does not return to the bottom of the window. Up until the last week or so the wiper blade would stay up for a period of time but would always return the the bottom. The regular rear wiper button does not work at all. Any idea to resolve the problem.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I think I'd replace the relay that operates the rear wiper. It's the easiest, cheapest and best guess I can make without actually having a multi-meter on your wiper motor.
  • bubbling_13bubbling_13 Member Posts: 1
    my car is a 1992 acura legend and i was stuck last night because my key wouldn't turn in the ignition and we tried turning the steering wheel and it got locked and would only move about an inch, and we also noticed that it wouldn't let the steering wheel move up or down, do you know if there is a locking problem with the car? or what is wrong with it?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Before you tear into anything, I'd try the spare key. I had the exact same problem and the spare key worked great. The "real" key would still work the door locks but would no longer turn in the ignition.

    Keys wear out, locks wear out too. You might have to remove the cover and see if something got loose or fallen out in the mechanism.
  • tgisttgist Member Posts: 1
    Where can I find which engines and years interchange on a particular model like the salvage yards do?
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Someone in a topic dedicated to that particular type of car might know, so you can use the "Search Forums" feature by Keyword (on the right of this page) or the "Browse by Vehicle" feature----and then pick an appropriate topic and ask there.

    If you lived in a very large metro area the public libraries *might* have the Hollander Exchange manual, which is what most salvage yards use---sometimes you see them on eBay.

    Or you can contact a club dedicated to the car you are working on. Usually you can google for specific clubs.

    When doing engine swaps into other years of the same car, it's always best to talk to someone who has done it before you. Being a pioneer or "first timer" is generally not as much fun as it sounds, unless you are very adept technically and have a generous budget.
  • oregonboyoregonboy Member Posts: 1,650
    If the key is reversible (aren't ALL car keys by now?), you might try just trying it upside down, or downside up.... or whatever. Same logic as Shifty's comment. :shades:
  • jojo2014jojo2014 Member Posts: 1
    have a 2002 honda accord V6-105000 miles replacing the alternator on the tension er will i relieve the prusure on the front or the back side the front has a- looks like a 13mm-15mm bolt thanks
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Alternator Replacement

    1. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the radio, then write down the frequencies for the radio's preset buttons.
    2. Disconnect the battery negative cable, then disconnect the positive cable.

    3. Move the auto-tensioner (from your right to your left) to relieve tension from the alternator belt, and remove the alternator belt.
    4. Disconnect the condenser fan motor connector from the condenser fan shroud.
    5. Remove the condenser fan/shroud assembly
    Disconnect the 4P connector and BLK wire from the alternator.
    7. Remove the mount bolt (10mm) and alternator bracket mounting bolt (8mm), then remove the harness clamp (6mm) from the alternator bracket.
    8. Install in the reverse order of removal.
    9. Enter the anti-theft code for the radio, then enter the customer's radio station presets.
Sign In or Register to comment.