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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Northwest Herald Dr. Gizmo Column Dated March 9, 2012


Northwest Herald 03/09/2012

"Dr. Gizmo"
By Phil Arendt

Trans Suffers From Abrupt Shift  
Question 1
Recently, I took my 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL to a dealership because after the initial start of the day the transmission abruptly shifts from first to second gear and sometimes from second to third gear.  My LaCrosse has 17,500 miles and a 3.0-liter engine.
A dealership technician performed tests but could not find a problem.  I plan to keep a close eye on the problem and document my concerns with Buick and General Motors.
My fear is that when the vehicle has 70 or 80,000 miles the transmission will fail and I will have to pay for it at my expense.  When the trouble occurs will it prove anything if I shut off the engine and restart?  Also, should I return to the dealer and insist they install new parts?  R.J., e-mail

Answer 1
Check your owner’s guide warranty information.  More than likely the powertrain warranty coverage is five years or 100,000 miles.  If it is, if the transmission fails within the coverage period the cost of repair should be absorbed under the factory warranty.  Additionally, you can purchase an extended warranty from your dealer or aftermarket source.       

As for returning to a dealer to insist they replace parts, there is a problem.  Under their agreement with General Motors they have to prove there is a faulty part before they can replace it under the terms of the factory warranty.  You can insist that they replace parts but if it does not fail tests you will pay for the replacement. 

As for turning off the engine and restarting, it may show that a module resets indicating that a module has an internal fault or there is a fault in a circuit such as a loose, damaged or corroded terminal.  It’s worth a try and may give a technician a clue as to the cause of the trouble.

Clapping Sound Upon Cold Start
Question 2
Every morning when I start my 2007 Dodge Caravan I hear a clapping sound from the passenger side.  After this the car runs fine.  It only happens when my van is cold. 
I have had it checked by two mechanics.  One mechanic said it might be caused by the catalytic converter.   The other mechanic who is a certified technician did a computer analysis and ruled out the catalytic converter as the cause.
Do you know what’s wrong?  O.G., Marengo, IL

Answer 2
Many years ago I owned a Rambler American.  It had many problems and if it started I clapped.  This obviously is not the trouble with your car.  The noise may be related to a worn engine mount, out of align exhaust pipe or a body panel that shifts a little when you start the engine.  A check of these conditions is in order.

It is also possible ice trapped in a body panel such as the right wheel house or inside the door is the cause of the sound.  If this is true the noise will stop with the help of Mother Nature.
If you are so inclined leave the vehicle with your favorite technician overnight.  In the morning when conditions are right for the sound to occur start the vehicle while your technician examines the area of concern for the source of the sound.  If the noise appears your technician should be able to determine the cause.

Solenoid Replacement No Easy Task
Question 3
There is oil leaking from my Jeep Commander with a 5.7-liter engine.  For about a month I’ve seen drips on my garage floor.  The other day I was having the oil changed at a quick lube and asked the service person if he knew what was leaking.  He said it looked like a MDS was leaking.  He showed me where it is.  There is no doubt that’s what is leaking.  It’s leaking pretty bad.

I have a pretty good set of tools.  Is this something I can replace or should I take this problem to a repair shop?  D.F., e-mail

Answer 3
If you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer you can probably handle the task.  Your engine is equipped with a computer controlled Multi Displacement System.  As you probably know your vehicle is equipped with an 8-cylinder engine.   To improve fuel economy engine power can be reduced by powering the car with only four cylinders.  To do this four valve deactivation solenoids close the valves in cylinders one, four, six and seven.  When you need more power to accelerate or the engine is under a heavy load the solenoids activate the valves so all eight cylinders produce power.

The solenoids have seals on them and there are internal seals.  They can fail and leak.  To access the leaky solenoid it is likely the intake manifold and all its related plumbing and circuitry need removal.  Once the intake manifold is out of the way removing a solenoid is rather simple.  The part is secured in the engine with a bolt and clamp plus the wiring needs to be unplugged.  

It is up to you to decide to tackle the task but I suggest you first obtain a repair manual.  Read the steps and procedures to accomplish the task and make sure you have all the tools, replacement parts and seals to complete the work.  Also, sometimes the solenoids stick in the engine.  If this occurs be prepared to enlist the help of an experienced technician as a repair manual does not offer steps on removing the part if it is stuck in the engine.

Impediment In Software Hinders Repair 
Question 4
The antilock brake light illuminated in my 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer.  I took it to a trustworthy independent repair shop where a mechanic did some tests.  He found a code that he said was a false code.  He said that he had to reprogram the control module to stop the false code that was turning on the light.  He did the programming but about half way through the process the reprogramming stopped giving him an error.  Now he thinks he has a problem with the module because it will not communicate with his equipment.  He thinks replacing the module will cure the trouble.

Is there such a thing as a false code?  Does any of this make sense to you?  N.H., e-mail

Answer 4
Yes it does.  It is possible for a false code to set in a system module.  Often reprogramming the module resolves the trouble.  Unfortunately, most independent shops purchase equipment that is not manufacturer specific such as the tools that are found at a dealer shop.  Independent shops purchase generic equipment that communicates with many different makes and model vehicles.  Because of this sometimes there are glitches in the software that can cause problems such as your technician is experiencing right now.

At this point ask your technician to consider sending the vehicle to a dealership to have the module programmed.  Odds are favorable that their equipment will communicate with the module and programming will be successful.  If this turns out to be true, it will not be necessary replace the module.

Clearing Confusion Over Replacement Parts Myth
Question 5
The air blowing from my heater only blows from the defroster vents in my 2004 Jaguar X-Type.  I took the car to a local repair shop where my mechanic determined that a door in the duct is broken.  He called the local dealership to order the part but was told that it is not available.  They said that even if he ordered the complete duct system the unit does not come with the door that my car needs.  My mechanic says the only alternative is to attempt to repair the break with tape or get a door from a salvage yard.

How is it possible for a manufacturer not to have replacement parts available for their cars?  Isn’t it law that they have to make replacement parts for at least 10 years?  M.K., e-mail

Answer 5
Unfortunately, vehicle manufacturers are not required by a law to make parts or have parts available for 10 years.  It is required for them to have replacement parts or some sort of repair available during the factory warranty period.
Since no parts are available from the manufacturer or dealership, it appears your technician is seeking a lasting resolution by purchasing a used part from a salvage yard.   

Engine Sludge Creates Controversy                   
Question 6
Recently, I took my 2002 Toyota Camry with a 3.0 engine to my local shop because it is using more oil than normal.  My mechanic checked the engine over and suggested that we do an oil consumption test.  He changed the oil and filter and filled the engine to the full mark on the dipstick.  He told me to return in 500 miles and he would measure the oil on the dipstick.  I returned after 500 miles of driving.  My mechanic found the oil level down by a little more than a quart.  With this he removed a valve cover to look at the valves.  What he found was sludge on the springs and other parts on top of the engine.  He said the sludge is probably causing the increase in oil use.  He says to fix the trouble might require a complete overhaul.  I did not authorize the work.

At home I did some checking and learned from a neighbor that Toyota fixes cars with this condition.  When I called my dealer about this I was told that they will be happy to repair the trouble but I will have to pay.  When I told them about what I had learned they said my neighbor is mistaken.  I even called Toyota customer service but was told to take the car to a dealer where the situation can be evaluated but the manufacture representative told me that they don’t pay for problems caused by sludge.

My neighbor insists Toyota does pick up the tab for sludge related repairs.  He recalls reading an article about the problem and how Toyota is paying for repairs.  What do you suggest I do next?  M.M., e-mail

Answer 6
Many years ago Toyota did repair engines suffering from sludge related ailments.  Back in 2002 they issued a statement that the trouble is caused by extended oil change intervals and not engine design.  Despite this they offered to repair engines suffering from the effects of sludge up to eight years from the original vehicle purchase date.  I am not aware of any Toyota policy stating they extended the offer they made in 2002.  Since this likely is the case, your car is not covered under the special policy due to the fact the offer expired in 2010.  Consider contacting the manufacturer again and ask for special consideration but don’t have high expectations they will fix your car for free.
            
Dr. Gizmo can’t wait to answer more.
Phil Arendt is a columnist, consultant and A.S.E.-Certified Master Technician.  Readers may send questions to Dr. Gizmo at P.O. Box 548, Cary, IL. 60013 or e-mail address drgizmo@drgizmo.ws.  ® DR. GIZMO © 1989-2012

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