Send Dr. Gizmo questions regarding your car to drgizmo@drgizmo.ws
“Dr. Gizmo”
By Phil Arendt
Headlights
Turn On Windshield Washers
Question
1
Dr.
Gizmo, I have a weird problem with my 2008 Ford Edge that I hope you can resolve. When I turn on my headlights the windshield
washers dribble and sometimes squirt without me activating the washers. On bumpy roads the trouble seems worse. With the headlights turned off the washers
work normally.
I
went to a shop. They did tests but did
not find any problems with modules or problem codes. They suggest that I go to a dealership.
Have
you ever heard of anything like this?
D.K., email
Answer
1
Over
my many years in this business I have experienced all kinds of unusual issues. For instance, one reader turned on the radio
and the sunroof opened.
Your
car has an interesting issue. Apparently,
it likes a clean windshield especially when the headlights are needed for
optimal vision at night. Your vehicle is
smart. Be this as it may, the trouble
likely is caused by the headlights and windshield wiper system sharing
conductors somewhere in the circuit.
More than likely the trouble is a loose or corroded common ground wire
connection. Ask your favorite technician
to consider this suggestion the next time your vehicle makes its way into a
service bay.
Shocked
Over Branded Vehicle
Question
2
Two
years ago I purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu LT with a 2.4-liter engine. Until recently it’s been operating fine until
the ABS light turned on and now I have learned the car is a salvage
vehicle. This is putting a stop to
repairs.
I
went to two shops for this problem. The
first shop replaced the brake module.
This did not fix the trouble so I went to another independent shop
because the first shop had limited programming abilities.
The
second shop technician attempted to program the newly installed module but the
equipment would not do the programming.
He called a technical help line but was told they could not offer help
because the car is branded as a salvage vehicle. I was shocked to learn this. At the time I purchased the vehicle I was not
aware it was a salvage car. Now my
technician says he can’t program the module.
He doesn’t know what to do next.
Can you help? By: R.N., email
Answer
2
Yes
indeed the salvage issue put the brakes on the repair. I’m sorry to hear about this as it will cause
future problems down the road.
At
this point, perhaps your technician should check over the first shop’s
work. It is possible the cause of the
trouble is not caused by a fault in the old module but by another issue in the
system. If so, once a proper repair is
completed he can reinstall the old module and programming should not be
necessary.
New
Sensor Fails To Fix Condition
Question
3
I
have a 2005 Nissan Altima S and the check engine light turned on. I went to my auto parts supply store where it
was tested. Code P0725 was found. I bought the sensor and installed it. I went back to the store to clear the codes. The light remained off for two days but
turned back on.
I
went back to the store. They tested for
codes and found the same code. They gave
me another sensor. I installed it but
the light came back. What am I
missing? H.L.M., email
Answer
3
First,
I need to identify the sensor for our readers.
The code indicates an issue with an engine speed sensor. The signal is monitored by a transmission
control module.
Next
I have to congratulate you for your efforts.
The next step might require a trip to a repair shop. The cause of the trouble is not likely due to
a failed sensor although it is possible installation of a factory original
equipment part might do the trick.
Before you run to a dealership for this part, it’s highly likely the
trouble is caused by an issue in the circuit.
A problem such as a loose pin in a plug or perhaps a shorted or chaffed
wire might be the cause. Check the
conductors for these issues. If this is
beyond your mechanical prowess roll your wheels to your favorite repair shop.
Engine
Hesitates Due To Faulty Connection
Question
4
Dr.
Gizmo I have a 2015 Ford Escape SE with a 1.6-liter engine that hesitates and
surges when accelerating and the check engine light is on. I went to an auto supply store where they
checked for codes. They found code
P0236.
My
car has 91,000 miles. Is this a major
repair? D.I., email
Answer
4
Wow! With 91,000 miles on the odometer you spend a
lot of time behind the windshield.
This
issue is not a major repair. It involves
repairing a connection related to the turbo-charger circuit. Apparently, a factory splice connection
within a harness might develop a poor connection. The fix is to locate the wiring harness that
contains the connection. Open the
harness and locate the spliced wire. The
next step is to replace the connector.
Once this is completed the issue should be resolved.
Failing
Relay Impairs Starts
Question
5
Once
in a while my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with a 3.6-liter engine and
55,000 miles will not start. When I turn
the key to start the engine turns but won’t start. I left the car with my local shop. They had it for five days. It never acted up until the fifth day. They found a code for no communication with
the security system but they could not find the cause of the trouble.
I
fear someday I will be stranded. Do you
know what‘s wrong? H.L.N., email
Answer
5
This
is an issue that has hit many Jeeps. I
know this might sound strange but your shop might consider checking the fuel
pump relay. The antitheft system impairs
the fuel pump to help prevent vehicle theft.
If indeed a technician finds a faulty relay, replacing it should fix
this condition.
Old
Tires Cause Vibration
Question
6
I
have a 2000 Honda Accord EX with a 4-cylinder engine. It has 24,000 miles. I bought it a month ago. It’s in great condition.
The
trouble is there is a resonate vibration that comes and goes when going more
than 60 mph.
A
local shop drove it and experienced the trouble. They checked the alignment, tire balance,
axles, wheel bearings, motor mounts and engine.
They say the tires are like new and everything else checks out fine.
The
tires are the original factory tires.
Although they are in great condition is it possible they are the cause
of the vibration and sound? M.L., email
Answer
6
It
is possible. It’s appears this vehicle
was not in service very often. Tires
develop flat spots over time. Also,
these tires are old. Tires should be
replaced about every 10 years even if they have plenty of tread remaining and
have no visible signs of road or environmental damage.
It’s
highly likely new tires will cure this issue.
Ask your favorite technician to consider this suggestion the next time
you grace his shop.
Thank
you for all the great questions. 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
his e-mail address drgizmo@drgizmo.ws.
More information is available at http://drgizmo89.blogspot.com 02/26/2018 ® DR. GIZMO © 1989 – Present
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