DenLorsTools.com Summary: Duramax diesels that have misfires at low RPM’s and under a load could have faulty glow plugs. In extreme temperatures like in the middle of the summer or winter these type of problems are more likely to occur. In extreme winter weather is when most of our customers report issues. Usually when trying to change a glow-plug a common problem is breaking. That’s when our phones start ringing and the most orders for our W900-0199’s come in through our two websites (DenLorsTools.com and WiseAutoTools.com). We are providing this tech article to inform our customers about options for removing broken glow plugs without removing the cylinder head.

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© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Quick connect transmission cooler lines allow for quick assembly at the factory. Problem is the tiny o’ring inside the coupler can cause ATF (automatic transmission fluid) leaks. Read the rest…

© DenLorsTools.com Product announcement for a new Time Sert Kit. The new Time Sert kit PN 1812CORE-BS is for repairing threads that were previously repaired with a competitive brand insert. Vehicles affected are Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Pontiac’s with 3.1 or 3.4 Liter engines. See the product listing by clicking on the image for more information. Rockers on these cars are held on with one bolt. The heads are aluminum are subject to wear very easily when intake gaskets are being serviced. Heli-Coils may be used, however if their thin coil of wire fails under stress, the cylinder had can still be saved. The Time-Sert 1812CORE BS is an over sized (Time-Sert call it Big Sert) repair that can save the cylinder head if there’s a repeat failure from Heli-Coil.

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© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Master Tech owned car featured AGAIN. Chevrolet vehicles are notorious for having lots of noises in the dash and other interior trim pieces. Loose retainers and plastic in contact with plastic can cause unbearable noises. When the radio is no longer enough to cover the irritating squeaking sounds – it’s time to get better speakers… or pinpoint the real source of the problem. Read the rest…

DenLorsTools.com Summary: Suggestions on how to properly repair stripped threads for rocker arm bolts in cylinder heads. Tools for repairing rocker arm bolt holes for gm 2.8, 3.1 and 3.4’s. Affected engines in GM vehicles are 2.8, 3.1 and 3.4 Liter V-6 motors. Aluminum cylinder heads used in Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Buick and Pontiac’s have a common problem with rocker arms coming loose. Misfire codes and very rough running conditions can indicate a fallen rocker arm.

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The engine may intermittently jump, setting a DTC P2138 fault code.

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: In older cars accelerator pedals were linked to the carburetor by cable, my how times are changing! Now, many automobiles have the “fly by wire” set up. Instead of  cable from the gas pedal, most new cars use computers and various components to make the car GO. This DenLors car repair article covers common fault codes like the P2138 which have to do with the electronic gas pedal used in many cars today. Read on to find out how the auto industry has mimicked the aircraft industry…

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© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Applies to 2002 to 2009 second generation Trailblazers and Envoys with 4.2 Liter in-line 6 cylinders. This auto repair article is for GMC Envoys or Chevrolet Trailblazers when a P1281 fault code is scanned using a code reader or scan tool. The P1281 fault code is related to the engine not reaching operating temperature within the set parameter. More explanation of what the code means and suggestions on how to complete the repair much easier. Using any code reader or scan tool with OBD II capability is all that is needed to read and erase the fault code.

The thermostat is NOT just to keep the engine cool, it also helps the engine heat up quickly to normal operating temperature within a certain time-frame. For the catalytic converter to operate at it’s highest efficiency the computer needs to be in closed loop. Closed loop means that the computer is in more control of fuel mixtures based on inputs from several sensors. Until the engine is running at the normal operating temperature, the computer usually controls the fuel mix less efficiently. That’s why it’s important for the thermostat to stay closed until the engine warms up quickly. If it stays open or opens up too quickly the motor will not reach the desired temp as quickly as it should. Most of the time when this code is retrieved, the t-stat is not working properly.

1/4″ swivel socket and extension pictured above used to start the bolts.

The thermostat is located on the left side of the engine. After removing the driver’s front wheel the t-stat housing can be seen over the frame. A long 1/4″ extension and 10mm swivel socket makes accessing the bolts holding the housing much easier. Usually this thermostat comes with a new housing as well. The tricky part is starting the bolts back in when installing the new t-stat. It’s easy to drop the bolts before actually getting them started. An old trick for holding bolts in place in hard to get to areas is to use small orings to act as a retainer. The o-rings are perfect for preventing the bolts from falling and are small enough to be collapsed when the bolts are tightened as to not cause any problems with the housing seating properly.

To help hold the bolts in place small o-rings are used to prevent them from falling.

Once the thermostat is replaced and the coolant is refilled, the fault code can be cleared. Usually it’s best to run the heater when topping off the coolant to help remove any air pockets that may be in the cooling system. When the heat is blowing hot and the temperature is in the normal range the coolant level will be full. Hopefully this repair article has helped explain and answer questions about the P1281 fault code scanned with a code reader or scan tool. Be sure to check out the links below for even more information and specialty tools.

Related Car Repair Blogs and Auto Tools

Jeep Grand Cherokee Scanned P1281 Fault Code / DenLors Auto Blog 

OBD II Scan Tools and Code Readers – DenLors Tools

Lisle Coolant Funnel to Remove Trapped Air in Cooling System

P0017 Chevy Trailblazer, Envoy, GMC Canyon, Colorado – Fault Codes

Chevy Auto Repair Articles – Automotive Repair Blogs for Chevrolet

Car Mechanics Specialty Tools – Automotive Tools and Shop Supplies

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: How to enter the relearn mode and reset the tire pressure monitoring system on a 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche. The repair blog covers a common GM TPM (Tire Pressure Monitoring) system that uses direct pressure readings which displays on the dash. Lower cost alternatives to the Kent Moore J-46079 factory tool are available and shown in the tool repair article. A less expensive tool that can be used to reset GM TPM systems is the TIPS Reset Tool. Questions as to why tire pressure sensors fail to begin with. Read the rest…

Above is a still image of the Malibu, see below for the You Tube Video.

© DenLorsTools.com  Summary: In this car repair article IÂ (Dennis Bandy) cover mechanics tools and shop equipment also specialty tools that make removing a transmission if a FWD (Front Wheel Drive) easier. A quick stop motion video is included showing the engine cradle and then the transmission being removed. The Chevrolet Malibu had a rear main seal leaking in an Ecotec engine. In the video I share one of my experiences that resulted with me on my back in a puddle of transmission fluid.

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© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Car repair tips article related to loud clicking or popping noise in the dash of a 2007 Chevrolet Impala SS with dual climate control.  Article covers how to quickly troubleshoot and pinpoint the noise. Included are basic instructions and tools required to repair this particular problem. Click on images for a larger view.

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