These technical tips were supplied by Rich Diegle, Senior Automotive Editor, ALLDATA.
TECH TIP #1
KIA RIO’S ENGINE RACES WHEN CLUTCH PRESSED
Vehicle: 2012 Kia Rio, L4-1.6L, Manual Transmission/Transaxle
Mileage: 165.998
Problem: The owner noticed the car normally drove until the clutch pedal was pressed. The engine would then race up to 2500 RPM.
Case Details: The technician checked for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and inspected the throttle body for sticking. There were no DTCs, and the throttle was clean and did not appear to be sticking. At that point, he called an ALLDATA Tech-Assist consultant.
The consultant advised the technician to take the car on a test drive and monitor the clutch switch signal with a capable scan tool to see if it indicated that the clutch was being disengaged. It should show disengagement almost immediately when pressing the pedal.
On the test drive, the technician found that the powertrain control module (PCM) was not seeing the clutch disengagement signal until the pedal was about halfway through its travel.
Confirmed Repair: The technician was able to access and adjust the clutch pedal switch so the PCM would see the clutch disengagement as soon as the pedal started to move. After the adjustment, the technician took the Rio on a road test. No further issues. Easy fix!
The ALLDATA Tech-Assist team fields cases like this every day. See how Tech-Assist can help shops save time and money with on-call diagnostic support from ASE-certified Master Technicians. See more Tech Tips.
TECH TIP #2
FORD F-150 INTERMITTENT STALLING PLUS CRANK, NO START CONDITION
Vehicle: 2010 Ford F-150, 4WD, V8-5.4L, Flex Fuel, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
Mileage: 136,009
Problem: The vehicle was towed in because, although the engine would crank, it would not start. After sitting for a few minutes, the engine would start and run fine for a while then shut off and would not restart.
Case Details: The technician connected a scan tool and pulled diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0690 – Electronic control module (ECM) / powertrain control module (PCM) power relay sense circuit high.
NOTE: DTC P0690 sets when the voltage to the ignition switch position run (ISP-R) and the fuel injector power monitor (INJPWR) voltage readings do not correspond for a calibrated amount of time. The ISP-R is fed by fuse #53 (5 Amp). The voltage for INJPWRM is provided by the fuel pump relay from fuse #27 (20 Amp). Both fuses are in the battery junction box (BJB).
The technician checked technical service bulletins (TSBs) for this truck in ALLDATA and found one that mentioned that a problem with fuse #27 could cause a crank, no start and stalling problem. The problem is fixed by installing a special updated fuse holder (TSB: 15-0137, dated 09-02-15).
The technician followed the diagnostic directions in the TSB and found the fuse contacts for fuse #27 were burned on one side, leaving only 10.5 volts to power up the fuel injectors and fuel pump.
Confirmed Repair: The technician installed the new fuse holder (part# EL3Z-14293-A). After that, the engine started every time and did not stall on a lengthy test drive. Fixed!
The ALLDATA Tech-Assist team fields cases like this every day. See how Tech-Assist can help shops save time and money with on-call diagnostic support from ASE-certified Master Technicians. See more Tech Tips.
TECH TIP #3
DODGE PROMASTER FRONT SUSPENSION CLUNKING
Vehicle: 2018 Dodge ProMaster 2500, V6-3.6L, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
Mileage: 64,572
Problem: The owner brought his Dodge ProMaster to the shop because he was hearing a clunking noise from the left front suspension area while driving. Another shop already replaced the left front strut, sway-bar links and front brakes, but the problem persisted.
Case Details: The technician road-tested the truck to verify the complaint. He found the noise occurred primarily when hitting bumps in the road. An ALLDATA Tech-Assist consultant recommended a thorough inspection of all front-end components and bushings for wear, excessive play or looseness or collision damage. He also advised inspecting the recent repairs done by the other shop to verify everything was installed correctly and to check that all the fasteners were tightened to specification, including the crossmember bolts. As a final recommendation, the consultant said that if no issues were found, he would recommend using Chassis Ears and road-testing the truck to help isolate the source of the noise.
Confirmed Repair: The technician performed all the inspections as advised and found the upper strut mount was not replaced with the strut and was causing the clunk noise. He replaced the left upper strut mount and road-tested the truck to verify the repair. Fixed!
The ALLDATA Tech-Assist team fields cases like this every day. See how Tech-Assist can help shops save time and money with on-call diagnostic support from ASE-certified Master Technicians. See more Tech Tips.
