Wiring can cause door lock problems, but switches and actuators are more common.

DennisB DenLorsTools.com © Summary: A quick common sense way of thinking about and pinpointing the most common door lock problems on many vehicles. There are several things that can cause the power door locks not to work properly. The most common cause of a single door lock not to work, is a bad door lock actuator (also called a door lock solenoid or door lock motor). Another common problem or cause of door locks not working is simply a bad door lock switch. Many cars today have computers that are also in the loop when it comes to controlling the door locks.

Fortunately, body computer systems are pretty dependable and give problems very seldom. It seems as though the most troublesome vehicles regarding door locks related to computer control issues, are Chrysler’s; Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country vans sometimes have BUS related issues (BUS means “a collection of wires through which data is transmitted from one computer to another”)… but this is still rare. Ford Explorers also have a few BUS issues that can be related to door lock security module, or wiring shorting out that goes from the door into the body. Usually when checked with a scan tool in the body control or security section, there will be a code indicating if there’s a BUS fault.

Read the rest…

Leaves accumulated near the fresh air intake can enter the car’s evaporator case.

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Article on low flow from air conditioning vents in cars. Neglected cabin air filters are the leading cause of this issue. Although, there are several things that can cause low airflow from a vehicle’s air conditioning system. The strongest blowing vents are the middle ones with the setting adjusted to maximum or recirculate. On the max setting, the air is recirculated in the passenger compartment. Obstructions can include leaves, loose articles from the glove-box, a broken or out of position door in the Heating Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC) case.

Read the rest…

UV dye can help in detecting oil leak sources.

It can be very difficult to pinpoint and detect the cause of leaks when the engine is covered with oil. Sometimes it’s best to clean the motor to help determine where the oil is coming from. By adding UV (Ultra Violet) Dye, the leak can be traced much easier back to the source. To begin with, it’s best to determine what type fluid is leaking, there are several things that could be leaking on an automobile.

Read the rest…

Ford Expedition lean codes could caused by a leaky PCV hose.

If a car has a check engine light on and has P0171 and P0174 codes stored, the most likely cause is a vacuum leak. These codes are set by the car’s computer when it sees too much oxygen in the exhaust. Excessive oxygen readings in the exhaust will set lean codes. This does not mean that the oxygen sensors are defective. It is a common mistake for people to replace oxygen sensors when lean codes are present. Just because the code is related to oxygen sensor readings, it doesn’t mean that the oxygen sensors are bad. If both of these codes are stored this means that both banks of the engine have excessive oxygen in the exhaust. If the oxygen sensors are replaced it’s most likely that the same codes will reappear. It is very uncommon for two oxygen sensors to fail at the same time.

Read the rest…

Tree style masking stations like this one holds paper and tape for easy access.

Professional autobody paint shops prevent much overspray by masking the car well prior to painting. Taking time for preparation can save a lot of time on cleanup later. Masking machine stations hold rolls of paper and masking tape for easy application. Windows trim pieces and tires can be taped off to prevent overspray. Many do-it-yourselfers don’t realize how easy it is to get overspray on the car. When there is a chance of getting overspray on the vehicle its best to mask the car.

Read the rest…

Power window problems? Read on for free tips.

© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Tips on pinpointing power window problems. Broken power windows are usually caused by one of several things. The most common problem is a bad power window motor. The second most common problem is the regulator, followed by a bad power window switch. If the window regulator is broken it could be binding or the cable could be off one of the pulleys. In a few cases, the window may just be STUCK. This happens sometimes in rear windows that get little use. The weather stripping that the window slides in (AKA called a window run) can sometimes prevent the window from moving.

Read the rest…

Robinair AC Manifold gauge set was originally for R12, it has been adapted for 134A

To properly diagnose an AC system the use of a manifold gauge set is needed. AC gauge pressure readings help professional auto technicians determine if the system is low and exactly what is going on with the car’s A/C system. A 134A gauge set is also used when attaching a vacuum pump to the car for evacuating/removing the air out of AC components. If air is left in the system, the moisture it contains combines with refrigerant under pressure can cause a corrosive acid to form that can destroy evaporators, condensers or even the AC compressor from the inside.

Read the rest…

Mode $06 misfire information displayed

Misfires particularly in Ford cars and trucks can many times be identified before a misfire code sets and turns the CEL (Check Engine Light) on. This is a huge time saver, especially when there is a definite misfire felt but the code seems to take forever to appear. Fords take a long time in some cases to run through it’s necessary drive cycles needed for self testing. Auto technicians deal with this common problem of diagnosing misfires on Ford vehicles with no codes set by using Mode $06. Usually only manufacturer specific scan tools will display misfire data when there’s no code, but OBD 2 generic scan tools that can access mode 6 on Ford vehicles can be a great help.

Read the rest…

2005 Ford Expedition TPM reset procedure requires a magnet

© DenlorsTools.com – Reset Magnet for sale. Summary: In this auto repair blog post we outline the TPM reset procedure for the 2005 Ford Expedition, first allow me to explain a little about how Tire Pressure Monitoring systems work. TPM (Tire Pressure Monitor) systems are either direct or indirect. The 2005 Ford Expedition uses a direct tire pressure monitoring system. It has sensors that measure the exact tire pressure in each tire (this can also include the spare). The tire pressure sensors are incorporated into the metal valve stems on the Expedition, they transmit the tire pressure information to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit). TPM sensors have a battery that only last so long and will eventually fail over time like any other battery. TPM sensors are not serviceable, so when the battery goes bad the TPM sensor has to be replaced. If a tire is low and the TPM system is working properly, a warning will be displayed on the dash alerting the driver. The tire pressures should be checked as soon as possible to avoid damaging a tire beyond repair. Tire change mechanics must be careful when changing tires with TPM sensors because tire machines can easily damage a sensor. Fix a flat tire sealer or a similar product can also damage the sensors.

Read the rest…

Who knew the EGR passage on this Honda was underneath a cover on the plenum?

The best source for free auto repair manual information on-line can be found by simply using Google or other search engines for the mechanical problem or issue at hand. For instance if you were having a problem loosening a Honda crank pulley bolt for pulley removal; just type into Google “honda crank pulley removal” and you will find helpful information.

Read the rest…