Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Last summer while towing my rather light boat (4500#) around the mountains of Utah both the engine and tranny would heat up to the 215-225 range on long uphill climbs. I changed the thermostat thinking that it may not be opening completely, this did not fix the prob.
The truck now has a small coolant leak, I don't know where, but I will find and fix.
I need some ideas about how to improve overall cooling of engine afterwards to avoid future probs.
My current line of thinking is to put a lower temp thermostat in, and change to a dual electric fan setup on the back of the radiator and eliminate the stock pulley driven fan.
Is this going to help or make no difference?
Thanks for any advice. Chris.
An electric cooling fan might help if your truck is bogging down a bit on speed as it goes uphill, that's possible, because of reduced air flow across the radiator. I'm not sure though on your truck if you can disconnect the drive pulley for the fan belt without disconnecting other functions as well.
You might consider a bigger and better trans cooler, also check your tire pressure carefully!
Last of all, it could be time to flush out or replace that radiator. Eight years can accumulate a lot of crud. In fact, that's the first thing I'd do, have the radiator flow-tested.
My thinking on the electric fans is the same as yours. There are some mountain passes that I travel that are very steep with multiple switchbacks, vehicle speed going up or down is limited to 30 mph or less, thus less air going across the radiator.
As far as the pulley driven fan, I should be able to disconnect the fan from the pulley, the pulley must remain driven as it also drives the water pump, and its a serp. belt system anyway.
If my radiator is bad, from the flow test, I think I might upgrade it. When doing some research I saw some aftermarket radiators that promise 20 degree lower temps. Anyone know if these really work better or not? I only want to buy something that is really going do work, especially at the prices they were asking, >$600.00 for a radiator.
I agree with shifty that a good course of action is to get the radiator checked. I'm not sure but in 96 was the radiator an aluminum core with plastic tanks? If so, consider replacing it with a good aftermarket all metal radiator. If the tanks seals aren't already leaking then their on borrowed time.
Replacing the clutch driven fan with electric fans is a viable change, and kits already exist to do it, but the I think the difference may be negligible for your situation.
here's surface prep matrix for better adhesion
http://cms.3m.com/cms/US/en/2-167/cluRlFW/view.jhtml
and weatherstrip attachment tapes matrix
http://cms.3m.com/cms/US/en/2-167/cluReFX/view.jhtml
in 3M marine products, they do have a line of citrus-based adhesive removers
http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/auto_marine_aero/marine/- node_BZFJVSQS17be/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_GS4JK4Y166ge/gvel_QH8HT- 14PGTgl/theme_us_marine_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html
and some tube adhesives that are probably the same stuff that I used to see for automotive products
http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/auto_marine_aero/marine/- node_GS64SJM58Dbe/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_GS4JK4Y166ge/gvel_QH8HT- 14PGTgl/theme_us_marine_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html
not as easy to navigate this site as it was two years ago, but the products are still basically there. your better body shops should have or can get in what you're needing, or order off their web site.
yes, there are other companies in the business. these guys are local and I keep up with 'em.
A few times since then, when we start the van, all of the gear shift indicators light up. The van went in for a leak in the power steering lines in February and I asked them to check this too. They said there were no codes.
Yesterday I was driving and the road was blocked so I had to back up. Well the thing would not go into reverse. I am wondering if there was damage caused by low fluid. Any info would be greatly appreciated. There are less than 4000 km on the van and we are ready to park it and refuse to make payments. Thanks
What does the owners manual say about 'all the gear shift indicators light up'. This could be an error condition being reported.
In any case, the vehicle is 4 months old and 4,000km milage.
Let them rebuild the transmission under warranty. I would request a loaner to drive. Discuss this with management at the dealership.
Do what bolivar said - go talk with the service manager - make sure they check transmission pressure, do a thorough road test - not just drive it around the parking lot and hook up the diag tool.
So many technicians today check for trouble codes, and if there are none, they assume there's nothing wrong. There are many things that can be wrong with a transmission (or engine) that a few sensors won't tattle on.
If not, make sure they do. That way, when it happens, you have proof of an existing problem.
check on line here at edmunds and see if you're in the money, then print a copy and head on over to your dealer.
I'm not sure about the minimum coolant level because I can't recall where the sensor is on your car. If it's plugged into your reserve tank, that might be your answer.
Anyway, I always tell people to diagnose "from the simple to the complex". Pick the easiest thing first (sensor is tripped due to level in coolant tank), to more complex (bad sensor) to more complex (system not bled properly).
Low-beam headlamps will not turn on / Daytime running lights stay on til hi-beams are turned on ... replaced low-beam lamps (they were'nt burned out though) checked fuses they're okay too ... seems that when I turn on hi-beams, low-beams WILL illuminate "in-between clicks" but when I let go of control arm, they go off ? They sometimes come on briefly when I use left turn signal too. Daytime running lights work fine when hi-beams are off and when headlamps are turned to the off position ... I have an aftermarket (Bulldog brand)alarm that was installed prior to my ownership that has never been operable and may be the root of previous electrical "gremlins" i.e. parking lights staying on after car is turned off, hazards blinking for no apparent reason even when car is parked with no keys in it. Could this low-beam failure be a short in the turn signal arm or a hidden fuse that is blown?
internal wiring around the botched alarm install could also do it. IMHO outside alarm systems that aren't plug compatible with the OEM wiring are the devil's spawn, and often lead to all sort, manner, and kind of electrical nonsense. it IS possible for Scotch-Taps to cut the wire they are bridging to a one-ended wire if the wrong one is chosen, or installed crooked.
the likeliest issue should be the four IR transmit-receive sensors that twist-lock into ports on the back bumper. pulled one to eyeball it... the connector is clean and dry, there are no hits on the sensor itself. these things are almost certainly one or more IR LED light emitters and a PIN photodiode as a sensor, and almost certainly work on a doppler effect similar to sonar with the LEDs pulsed, and delay measured from the photodiodes (I built an ultrasonic system similar but analog in junior high back in the germanium transistor days.)
the wiring diagrams are not real instructive on which lead does what coming out of the parking aid computer in the rear inside fender panel. I'm not likely to suspect the computer, especially at a reported $200 or so, because it stays tight, dry, and is not subject to wide and fast temperature swings.
anybody have any good ideas on troubleshooting the pig, other than taking all the sensors out and using one new one to qualify wires and then using that to qualify the four sensors? or is the module going to go into barf mode again if any of the four sensors is not receiving pulses? I should be able to use a Radio Shack "TV remote tester" card to see if there is light from the IR LEDs, it's the detector section I'm a little curious about.
I did win an eBay bid for a sensor, so I should have one with the scratch shield still on its face coming in a few days, at half the dealer cost of about $80. I strongly suspect the seller had their issues chasing a similar bug
the "parking aid" system is probably better known as backup alert, lets you know if you're about to run into anything.
I have got to believe it's a fuel leak that needs to be chased, but not familiar with nissan engine compartments. places I'd be chasing with a penlight and an angled mirror to look for drips or sprays before they hit the engine and vaporize are all connections in the fuel system, the hoses next to them, any pressure regulators that may be at the fuel rail, the Schrader valve pressure test port, or the piece of hose going to the EVAP canister.
there might be an injector-to-rail seal issue that would be hard to find... gently flowing water across the fuel rail from a hose that kills the odor might be a good way to find that. and that is an urgent (and potentially costly) repair. mopar had some o-ring seal issues on the fuel rail on caravans a few years back that was recalled, which is what tickled my memory.
at any rate, a fuel-odor issue needs to be chased quickly. good luck with it.
nah, I got no clue here. can't see a pattern
if plugs were changed at 80,000, then test the wires and start looking for things like a munged fuel filter, low rail pressure, etc.
pull one of the plugs and check its gap, check for the platinum buttons. if no buttons and the gap is over .060, they weren't done. replace 'em.
-0-
you can't successfully clean a paper air filter, they need to be replaced.
other possibilities include the EGR valve is charcoalled up and needs cleaning or replacement, the MAF airflow sensor is dirty or goofy, low or intermittent fuel pressure (when was the filter changed last? they're only good for 45,000 or so miles.), nutty 02 sensors (don't always set a code in the computer), etc.
I would concentrate, of course, on the cheapest and most likely parts to fail first (hot, exhaust, etc) and go from there. because there isn't much computer on the 93s to indicate where to look, pressure test the fuel manifold, do a DVM check on DC volts across the 02 sensors when warmed up, insure all vacuum hoses are clean, tight, and not leaking or cracked, etc. I would expect voltage across any of the 02 sensors to swing through a half volt nominal voltage and have ends around 0.2 and 0.8 volts, someplace like that. if the voltage on the sensor wires (not the heater wires) is stuck at one end or the other, suspect idenfitied. if the sensor is tracking properly, you might not see anything other than a bouncing voltage something close to a half volt. depends on the refresh timing on the DVM. engine-side sensor might be expected to cross the half-volt mark multiple times a second, while a cat-side sensor will be a LOT slower.
had an 02 go lazy on my 90 ranger and it wouldn't run after the engine started warming up from the 20 below air temperature.
a coolant sensor that is stuck cold can also push the computer into limp mode and cause horrid mileage and stumble issues, too.
A decient comprehensive Automatic Transmission Service includes?
1.) Drain Fluid and Discard
2.) Remove Pan
3.) Clean and Inspect Filter
4.) Refill Fluid with Fresh Fluid
-yes, ???
Question #2-
The Owners Manual on my wife's 2004 Pontiac Vibe states, "Check the automatic transaxle fluid every 15,000 miles. Change automatic transaxle fluid every 60,000 miles...."
-Does this sound reasonable and prudent?
Question #3-
My new Car Dealer's Service Department recommends the " Automatic transmission flush with BG Quick Clean and Conditioner" at the 15,000 mile service and the "Automatic transmission filter service with BG trans conditioner" at the 30,000 mile service. What do you folks think? This is a Pontiac-GM Dealer in Lancaster, PA.
-Will this extra service increase the life of the tranny?
Respectfully,
Larry Kline
Question #3 - totally useless, profit generating BS. Definitely NOT recommended by the manufacturer.
If it's not in your manual, don't do it - same with engine oil "flushes" - they cause more problems than they help.
Repectfuly,
Larry
The problem is that new cars (under 80k miles) don't need them, and older cars can have major problems after one of these operations. The engine flush, for instance, can break loose all kinds of gunk that gets trapped in the oil pomp screen and has been known to cause engine failure.
So much for the preventive maintenance nature of that operation....
The "conditioners" are simply a profit add-on - if they were really necessary, the manufacturer would recommend or mandate them in your manual. There's a lot of fluff in the typical dealership service department's major service menu. If it's on the manufacturer's list (not the dealers), then you should have it done.
The frequency of transmission servive varies by manufacturer and by severity of service. My PT GT, for instance, does not require a transmission maintenance at all if you drive it lightly. The turbo version, on one in more sever service, requires a service every 48k miles.
Typically, once every two years keeps me sleeping at night, knowing I'm not neglecting my ride.
The trans had developed a TCC lockup control valve wear problem that's in some TH65 transmissions by 75K.
If you can drop the pan and refill it yourself at 36K that's ideal. I don't think I would change the filter until 72K unless there is a lot of particle goop in the bottom of the pan. The gasket on GM TH65 is rubber and reuseable, so there's no need to purchase a gasket even to do an oil change.
I have an 03 LeSabre. IT will be changed at 36K, but no filter.
A do-it-yourself change of engine or transmission fluids is a cheap insurance rather than running more miles than running longer up to manufacturer's maximums potentially with dirty/weak fluids.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I disagree on the transmission filter issue, though. The filter can trap particles that can become dislodge from the filter and recirculate through your transmission. To me, that's as bad, and as financially foolish, as changing your oil but not springing for a $3 filter. Transmission kits are usually less than $20 and since it's only done once every two years or so, spend the money and sleep better.
It's a 20$ filter and gasket set for my car. I don't think the filter is available separately. Maybe you can tell me that it is. NAPA?
Since the rubber gasket is reuseable, I changed my fluid every 5K after the alleged gunking at 75K. Two more fluid changes without filter. That freshened up the additives in all the fluid (only 60% at most gets replaced on a drain and fill).
Now I'm about due for another at 105K. If I can buy a filter, I'd do that.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
It's not a matter of the particles going through the filter, it's a matter of the filter trapping junk, then letting it go again - easy enough to do with new fluid and the swishing around that the fluid does.
I just want to eliminate all possibility of metal fragments cruising around in the fluid, looking for a bearing surface to mess up.
But my service manager sounded like shellacing could occur after additives are used up. He liked my theory of using new fluid to redissolve some shellac or gunk (if any occurred), but draining old which has dissolved some and adding new a couple of times. It did improve the shift quality, but the TCC lockup is still leaking past the sliding piston. I'm going to check into getting it repaired cheaply if I can. I want to keep the car.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I've done that on the older used cars I've bought, especially the two that we autocross.
http://www.transmissionspecialty.com/parts/parts/84754-34k.htm
P.S. There's no "t" in Dexron.
Question 1: Yes
Question 2: Yes
Question 3: NO!
-Larry
Your welcome, but I was just echoing the responses before me.
Seroiusly though, the flushes have their place, but realistically, if your transmission needs the flush, then the damage has already been done and flushing it is only going to make things worse.
Regular servicing is the way to extend the life of your transmission.
I have a 2000 Bonneville SLE. Each and every time it rains or snows, the car takes a good 3 seconds to begin stopping. (Very scary in an emergency stop). However, after they "warm" up (or dry out), they have no issues stopping. If I drive for about 10 minutes, they again take a good 3 seconds to begin stopping. Though when it is dry out, there are no problems.
The problem seemed to be getting worse so I took the car into the shop and had the brakes completely redone -- all pads and rotors completely replaced. The dealer said they had a lot of glazing, but otherwise they couldn't see anything. Well, the problem is better, but it is still there.
When it rains or snows, it now takes only a good full second to begin stopping. There has been a previous posting on this #546 with the same problem description. The answer to that posting stated that it was probably just due to very heavy rain. However in the exact same weather, this does not happen in my other car. In fact, it doesn't have to be raining very hard at all for this problem to occur. This seems to be an issue with this car only.
Does anyone know of a solution?
Any ideas?
I was wondering about setting the timing from the distrubiture but can't seem for figure out how that can be done since only two of the mounts are sloted and the center hole in the head where the cam drives the dist is tight with the o-ring seal (two fixed points, the fixed hole mount and the dist drive)?
Thank you,
Gatesay