Sunday, February 23, 2014
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Labels:
2001,
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codes,
dodge,
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You can retrieve and rest the trouble codes for your 2001 Dodge Ram right from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. The Ram comes standard with an On-Board Diagnostics II computer -- OBD II -- that retrieves and stores all trouble codes sent to it from sensors within the vehicle. When these sensors detect a problem, they send a trouble code to the computer, which lights up warning or service lights on the instrument panel. You can retrieve these trouble codes using an OBD II code scanner. You can buy one at many auto-parts retailers.
Instructions
1 Find the diagnostic port on the drivers side dashboard under the steering column. It will be the same size and shape as the connective end of the OBD II code scanner. Plug the code scanner into this diagnostic port.
2 Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position. Dont start the engine. This will power on the code scanner.
3 Select the "Read Codes" command or something similar within the code scanners menu. Wait while the code scanner retrieves the codes from the computer. Write the alphanumeric codes it displays on a piece of paper.
4 Look up the codes in the scanners manual. Unplug the scanner and have the car serviced or repaired based on the trouble codes.
5 Repeat steps 1 and 2. Select "Delete Codes." Wait while the scanner responds to the command. You will know it has finished if you see the message "Command Sent" on the code scanner or if the main menu has reappeared on the code scanner. When the process is complete, unplug the scanner from the port.
6 Start the engine and verify on the instrument panel that all warning and service lights have shut off.
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Monday, January 27, 2014
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Labels:
1993,
850,
a,
code,
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on,
reset,
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volvo
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You can reset the trouble codes on your 1993 Volvo 850 right from your home garage, saving time and money. The On-Board Diagnostics I computer (OBD I) receives and stores trouble codes sent to it from sensors positioned throughout the car. The computer alerts you to any malfunction or service need by illuminating a warning or service light on the instrument panel. After the scan tool reads the codes, and after you have had the vehicle serviced or repaired, then you or your mechanic can reset the trouble codes by using the same OBD I scan tool.
Instructions
1 Located a port on the lower part of the drivers side dashboard near the hood release handle. This port should be the same size and shape as the connector on the OBD I scan tool. Plug the scan tool into this port.
2 Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position, but dont start the engine. This will turn on the scan tool.
3 Wait for the scan tool to read the trouble codes. Look for a command that says "Delete Codes" or a similar command. Select this command. Wait for the scan tool to complete the task. It will indicate that it has finished by displaying "Command Sent" or it will return you to the main menu. Scan tools vary a bit according to which company manufactured it.
4 Unplug the scan tool and turn on the engine. Verify that all warning and service lights have shut off of the instrument panel.
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Monday, January 20, 2014
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Labels:
441,
chrysler,
code,
problems,
purge,
sebring,
trouble
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The computer in a car generates an error code and turns on the "Check Engine Light" when it runs a diagnostic of one of the electrical circuits in the car and finds something that is out of bounds. Error code 441 refers to the part of the cars emissions system that deals with fumes in the gas tank. It has to be dealt with before the error code can be cleared.
All fuel tanks allow the fuel inside to evaporate slightly. Before emissions controls, the car simply dumped the fumes into the outside air, increasing pollution. Cars with emission control systems send these fumes to a canister filled with charcoal to be stored. At intervals, the emissions system opens a valve in the canister and purges the fumes by drawing them through a hose to the engine. The computer chip checks the process by pumping air out of the system to see if the canister responds. If it doesnt, it reports error 441, which means that something has interfered with this process and the canister hasnt been purged.
The error could come about because of a faulty canister or switch, a broken or damaged hose, a failure in the computer chip that controls the purge or a break in the electrical circuit controlling the process.
Depending on the cause of error 441, the cure could be replacing the pump that tests the system, replacing the canister or hoses, repairing or replacing a component in the electrical circuit, replacing or reprogramming the cars computer chip or replacing the vacuum switch controlling the flow of fumes from the canister to the engine.
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Thursday, September 19, 2013
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Labels:
car,
diagnose,
ford,
how,
to,
trouble
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Ford is one of the leading automakers in the world, producing cars, SUVs, trucks and other types of vehicles. When your Ford car is experiencing trouble, you need to diagnose the problem. The proper diagnosis of any issues with your Ford car will facilitate the correct repairs. A thorough diagnosis of any trouble will allow you to maintain your Ford for as long as possible.
Instructions
1 Check your Fords engine for a low oil level if you hear a periodic tapping sound. This kind of sound is coming from the valvetrain. Low oil levels make it more difficult for the hydraulic filters to operate properly, which creates the noise you are hearing. Turn the engine off. Open the hood. Use the dipstick to check the engine oil. Remove the oil cap, and add the necessary amount of oil. Replace the engine cap, and start the engine. If the sound does not go away, this is indicative of a greater problem such as an oil leak.
2 Investigate the source of the problem on your Ford when you are having trouble starting the engine. If you turn the ignition switch and nothing happens, or you hear a clicking or slow cranking noise, check the battery connectors to ensure proper fastening. Use a car battery tester to ensure your battery is fully charged and functional. If the battery is working, the problem most likely lies in the starter or the ignition switch. You will need to repair each of these devices or have each replaced.
3 Locate the cause of any brake problems. Check the master cylinder for low oil fluid levels if the brake warning light appears on your dashboard. If you hear a squeaking sound when you pump the brakes, check the master cylinder as well. If the fluid levels are adequate, the problem is specific to the brake system itself. A squeaking noise is usually the result of friction between the brake pads and the caliper or the brake pads and the rotor. Replace the brake pads. Any extreme metal-to-metal sound coming from your brakes is an urgent sign; the wear on your brake pads is so severe your Ford is a danger to drive. The damage done by the worn pads has most likely affected the rest of the parts, including the drums and rotors. You will likely need to replace these parts and perform a full brake job.
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Tuesday, September 17, 2013
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Labels:
2001,
a,
chevrolet,
code,
is,
on,
po452,
silverado,
the,
trouble,
what
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The 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500 came with either a 4.3-liter six-cylinder, 4.8-liter eight-cylinder or a 5.3-liter eight-cylinder engine. The six cylinder base model was offered with a five-speed manual transmission, but the extended cab and other models equipped with an eight-cylinder only included a four-speed automatic transmission; with or without four-wheel drive. Despite the many differences and options available all of them have a fuel tank pressure sensor that is used to detect the amount of pressure or lack there of. Code P0452 is directly related to this sensor, but the reason your Silverado is displaying this trouble code can vary and will require some inspection.
The fuel pressure sensor is connected to the powertrain control module or PCM via a five volt reference signal and a ground. The sensor relays a voltage back to the PCM in relation to the amount of pressure inside the gas tank and is used to detect leaks in the evaporative emissions system. A high voltage return signal indicates tank pressure is low and a lower voltage return signal indicates a higher tank pressure.
Code P0452 is set anytime the ignition is on and the return voltage signal is less than .1-volts for longer than five seconds. The code will not be set until the PCM test fails twice consecutively when the ignition is cycled. In general code P0452 indicates an evaporative system leak somewhere in the system or a failure with the fuel pressure sensor. Double check your diagnostic trouble codes before attempting diagnoses because if P1639 was also set with P0452 there is a short to ground in the 5-volt reference circuit inside the PCM, requiring the PCM be replaced.
The fuel pressure sensor on your Silverado is connected to the fuel pump module and is located inside the tank; however, the harness connector extends upward and is outside of the fuel tank. There are three wires connecting the PCM to the sensor; grey is for the five volt reference signal, black is the pcm connected ground and dark green is for the signal sent back to the PCM. First and foremost check the wiring harness from the sensor connector to the PCM for any damage and fix as necessary. Disconnect the pressure sensor harness and set your digital multimeter to the volts setting. Turn the ignition key to the on position and probe the gray wire and black wire, you should receive five volts in this case the PCM is sending the proper signal and is not at fault. Connect the harness to the sensor and probe the dark green wire with the positive multimeter probe and direct the negative to a known good ground. ; if there is no reference signal the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced. If the signal is between .1 and 5 volts examine the harness up to the PCM for a break in the circuit.
Replacing the sensor will require draining the fuel tank and lowering the tank from the vehicle. As always remember to relieve fuel system pressure by depressing the schrader valve on the fuel rail with a screwdriver wrapped in a shop towel. Disconnect all fuel tank lines, connectors and vacuum lines, then remove the tank from under the vehicle. Remove the fuel pump lock ring and remove the module. Remove the screw for the sensor, it is located just above the electrical pump. Install the new sensor and set the harness into place. Lower the module into the tank and replace the lock ring gasket. Tighten the fuel tank straps to 30 foot-pounds alternating back and forth. Use a scan tool to clear any trouble codes before driving the vehicle.
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Saturday, September 14, 2013
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Labels:
150,
1992,
a,
abs,
check,
codes,
f,
ford,
how,
on,
to,
trouble
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You can check the ABS trouble codes on your 92 Ford F-150 right from your home garage, saving yourself both time and money. The 92 F-150 comes equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics I computer (OBD I) that retrieves and stores all trouble codes sent to it from sensors positioned throughout the truck. When these sensors detect a malfunction in the anti-lock brake system (ABS), they send a code to the computer which, in turn, illuminates the ABS warning light on the instrument panel. You can retrieve these trouble codes using a small, handheld computerized device called an OBD I scan tool. You can buy one at any auto parts retailer.
Instructions
1 Find the OBD port on the drivers dashboard underneath the steering column. Plug the scan tool into this port.
2 Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position. Dont start the engine.
3 Wait for the scan tool to turn on. Some scan tools need to be turned on, so you may have to find the on/off switch.
4 Select the command "Retrieve Codes." Wait while the scan tool interfaces with the OBD computer. Write the codes down on a piece of paper.
5 Look up the codes in the manual that came with the scan tool. Unplug the tool and have the Fords brake system repaired based on the information obtained from the codes.
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