Saab Tech Tip: Snap Or Pop From The Front Suspension
A customer may complain of a snapping or popping noise on turns from the front suspension. This typically occurs on sharp turns such as a parking lot maneuver. Have the technician duplicate the concern to verify the noise is coming from the front suspension.
Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz Battery Dash Light Illuminated
A Mercedes-Benz owner may complain that the vehicle’s battery/alternator “visit workshop” light on dash display is illuminated. Use a scan tool to perform guided tests. This alternator is internally regulated and is connected by a LIN bus to the PCM so that the regulation control can be intervened.
Tech Tip: Toyota RAV4 Recall And Inspection Tags
If you get a 2005-2011 Toyota RAV4 in your shop for an alignment of a complaint of either rear tire wear or a knocking noise, you need to be aware of a recall and inspection campaign Toyota is performing. Toyota Safety Recall C0J involved inspecting the right and left Rear Suspension Lower Arm No. 1 for looseness. Based upon this inspection, it may have been necessary to replace the arm(s).
Hyundai 1.6-2.4L Tech Tip: Check The Weights On The Shafts Before Installing Belts
The addition of the balance belt won’t cause any problems as long as it’s timed correctly and the counterweights are in the proper position when the belts are installed. There are access holes in the block that allow you to insert a punch or screwdriver to ensure the weights are at the bottom of the shaft, but they are not always necessary.
Tech Tip: Nissan Maxima’s ABS Activates On Normal Braking, ABS Warning Lamp Is On
If you confirm that the ABS light is on with one or more of the following DTCs stored – C1105, C1110, C1124, C1126 – and/or the ABS system activates with normal braking, follow the Service Procedure.
Tech Tip: Nissan Front Brake Caliper Fluid Residue
If you confirm there is oil residue on the brake caliper and it’s not assembly lubricant, refer to the Service Procedure as part of your normal brake diagnostic procedure. Note: Castor oil assembly lubricant is applied to the brake caliper when it’s built and some residue is normal. Do not replace the caliper for castor oil residue.
Tech Tip: 2004-’05 Nissans Have MIL On With DTC P0300-P0306, P1273 Or P1283
Technicians may encounter an MIL “On” with one or more of the following DTCs stored: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306 (cylinder misfire); or P1273, P1283 (A/F ratio lean). Injector resistance may cause one or more of the listed DTCs to be set. Check the resistance of the injectors against the values in this bulletin.
Tech Tip: BMW Intermittent No-Start Problem With A Dead Battery
Some 2006 BMW vehicle owners may complain that their BMW has an intermittent no-start problem and the battery has gone dead. This may be the result of an incorrect battery or the comfort access module.
Audi Tech Tip: MIL On With P1545, P0121, P0123, P0221 Or P0222 Stored In ECM
The MIL is on, with a number of incident memory entries with regard to the throttle valve are stored in the ECM. In most cases, the entries are sporadic. This may be the result of contact resistance in the ECM wiring – throttle valve.
Tech Tip: Nissan Xterra Hesitates Upon Acceleration
The technician connected a scan tool and found code P0102 – Mass or Volume Air Flow “A” Circuit Low. He then performed an inspection of the mass airflow (MAF) sensor and related wiring harness, but found no obvious faults.
Tech Tip: VW’s Check Engine Light Is On With Trouble Code P2187
The check engine light is on, with trouble code P2187, too lean off idle bank 1. Potential causes to consider include: a defective mass air flow (MAF) sensor; leaking engine vacuum; and N80 canister purge solenoid.
Honda Tech Tip: Keep Your Distance When Learning Sensor IDs
When doing sensor ID learning, make sure you keep at least 10 feet of clearance between the tire pressure sensors you’re trying to learn and other tire pressure sensors nearby. Those sensors can be on any TPMS-equipped vehicles, loose TPMS-type wheels, or just other loose tire pressure sensors (including any in your pocket).