Fixing 2003 2003 GM emissions became available to me when I helped my buddy worked on his Sierra 1500 truck 2 weeks ago. The engine was misfiring, would barely idle and the check engine light was on all the time. It had a P0300 code on his scanner which denoted engine random misfire. He did a major tune-up by replacing all the spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor. A quick compression test on all cylinders showed reading between 140-160 psi (normal). The main question is: how can you fix this without spending too much money?

Vehicle Specs:

2003 GM Sierra with 4.3L 6 cylinder engine with 4 speed electronic tranny, a multi-port fuel injection system and obd2 complaint.

Diagnostics for Fixing 2003 GM emissions:

Fixing 2003 GM emissions for me starts with using my $200 scanner and monitor the live data so I can view what exactly is happening inside the engine.

Scanner monitor live readings:

Engine at Idle:

Engine at 2500 rpm:

Tips in fixing 2003 GM emissions:

When checking for readings in the scanner live data, look for un-even reading between engine banks. Comparison can be made when engine is idling and when the engine is rev up at 2500 rpm.

I noticed the a defined fuel rich mixture concentrated in one bank only. This I observed when bank 1 kept adding fuel and bank2 kept subtracting fuel.

Final solution to Fixing 2003 GM emissions:

When fuel is concentrated in one bank, this usually denotes a blockage in the exhaust system. Using a vacuum gage, I got a high back pressure reading when tested. To do this vacuum test, rev up the rpm to 3000 rpm and take vacuum reading. A reading higher than 6 psi denotes exhaust restrictions. Dropping the catalytic converter (CAT) connections and retesting the fuel trim showed it returned to nomal which is lower than 10 percent. Replacing the CAT fixed the problem.

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This 2002 Silverado Emissions problem came to me when I got a call from my ATS customer last week. According to him, his truck runs rough intermittently, stalls and seems to have a rich fuel condition: thick black soot can be found on the tailpipe and his fuel consumption was bad. He wanted me to help and fix this problem before he takes it to the dealer which will be expensive since the truck is out of warranty.

Vehicle Specifications:

2002 GM Silverado 1500 with 5.3L 8cyl. fuel injected engine with 4 speed electronic transmission and OBD2 compliant including a SFI fuel system.

Diagnostics on 2002 Silverado Emissions:

I took the vehicle for a spin and I confirmed that this engine ran rich because of the occasional black smoke at the tail pipe. After the road test, I scanned it for codes and found P0101 stored which referred to mass sensor fault code. I serviced the mass sensor and probed the ground, power and frequency readings and all were found to be normal. Since it has not been replaced before, we bought a new one and installed it but it did not change anything. I checked the fuel regulator for leaks and found none.

To check this 2002 Silverado emissions, I monitored the scanner live data and these were my findings:

Common fix for 2002 Silverado Emissions problem:

Reading the ATS database, the common fix for these symptoms were:

1.) plugged air filter ( a new one was installed)
2.) defective ecm (the ground, power and reference voltage were all normal, maybe ecm could use reflash or reprogramming).
3.) 02 sensor (no code and readings were normal at live data)
4.) defective egr (no code and rpm slowed down when pintle rod was raised in the egr valve)
5.) bad CAT or catalytic converter but there no post oxygen sensor code that monitors the CAT efficiency which reads normal in the scan graphics.

Final fix for 2002 Silverado emissions:

Since most of the common fixes could not resolve this problem, my customer suggested about sending the vehicle to the dealer to reprogram but at the last moment, I thought about what I was missing here. Looking at the basics and what I have found so far, it seems there is a problem with fuel because of the bad fuel trim and injector pulse width readings. Measuring the fuel pump pressure readings, I found out the pressure reading was 53 psi. The vehicle fuel specs calls for a reading between 55-62 psi. Replacing the fuel pump fixed the problem. (Also, because the old fuel pump was weak, the ecm was compensating which resulted in higher fuel trim and injector spray ms readings).

For more 2002 Silverado emissions tips, please visit my ATS site.

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I came across this misfire code for Dodge trucks when a service contractor asked for my help regarding his 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. According to him, the check engine light came on the dash and the engine started misfiring. It also hesitated and the engine was almost powerless when he showed me the vehicle.

This truck has a 5.2L fuel injected V8 engine and OBD2 diagnostic system. It also featured a remote ignition coil located at the front right side of the engine.

Diagnostic for misfire code for Dodge Trucks:

To troubleshoot misfire code for Dodge trucks, I normally start with a code scanner to determine what fault codes are stored in the engine computer. Unfortunately, my advance $200 code scanner won’t communicate and I have to use an older $40 cheap scanner to do the job. I found 4 misfiring codes namely:

P0300 random misfire
P0301 misfire in cylinder 1
P0303 misfire in cylinder 3
P0305 misfire in cylinder 5

This truck has not been serviced for over a year and fixing misfire code for Dodge trucks like this needs a quick tune up. I replaced the spark plugs, distributor wires including the distributor cap and rotor. When I replaced the coil wire, I noticed the wire has a heat mark and crack on the wire which was touching the exhaust. Obviously, the wire was burned by the hot exhaust manifold causing most of the misfiring problem.

When troubleshooting misfire code for Dodge Trucks, I normally double check my ATS common fix database. This process will tell me what other garages are doing to fix these codes. And guess what? This is supposed to be a common problem caused by fuel pump failure. Reading the database further, it explained that the fuel pump on this model usually goes because of some design problems which features a fuel filter located inside the fuel tank. Because of this, frequent replacement of the fuel filter is next to impossible making the fuel pump to fail.

When the tune up was completed, I reset the code and had the vehicle road tested for about half an hour to see if the code returns. During the road test, we passed by the parts store to pick up a bottle of fuel tank additive. I also told the truck owner to use premium gasoline next time he fills up.

I took a video shot of this diagnostic procedure as shown here below:

Saving money tip for misfire code for Dodge trucks:

This applies for this model only (1996-1997 Ram 2500): If everything fails when troubleshooting the misfiring problem, you are supposed to replace the fuel pump and filter assembly. However, parts cost hovers around $350 (fuel pump) and about 2-3 hours of labor. Before you do this, add a fuel treatment additive to the fuel tank and put a tank of premium gasoline.

Final fix for misfire code for Dodge trucks:

The code returned after the truck was driven for 2 hours. The driver then followed my fuel advice and code has never came back in the last 2 weeks.

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I want this kid to save money on this 1998 Olds Intrigue door parts repair so I agreed. Checking my software, there were 5 screws holding the door panel: one at the door handle lever and 2 at the arm rest including one which won’t show until the arm rest is removed. Two other screws were located at the bottom and the door panel can be pulled out after unplugging all the wiring terminals.

When the door panel was removed, I found the power window motor casing with twisted cable inside which prevents it from turning. One of the 2 cables from the motor hooked up to the regulator is broken. This regulator is where the glass window moves up and down. The motor and cable together with the regulator is sold as an assembly and the total parts cost is about $422 USD as per my laptop software.

My head began spinning on how to save money on 1998 Olds Intrigue door parts?

Here is what I did:

Called up the student and asked him to get the parts from the salvage yard. Took him about a day because he could not find a ride but he got the whole assembly for a whopping $20. He just saved himself $400 for his effort. Put it back and the power window on this 1998 Olds Intrigue is now working.

Shown here are some pictures of 1998 Olds Intrigue power window assembly and the locations of the hidden door panel screws. It is easy to save money on 1998 Olds Intrigue door parts if there is a good salvage yard in your city.

Tip to save money on 1998 Olds Intrigue door parts:

Before ripping your door panel, make sure you have the right info on how to remove the door panel trim. Sometimes, you can easily break a plastic part that is expensive to replace. ATS can give you that info for any vehicle model if you are a member.

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1999 Chevy Venture scanner won’t work when I scanned it 2 weeks ago. The engine ran good all the time and there’s no performance problem. The vehicle driver reported that sometimes, the power door locks would activate by themselves while driving.

Diagnostics for Chevy Venture won’t work:

I would start checking this 1999 Chevy Venture scanner won’t work problem by tracing the engine ground wires. This can be done by getting hold of the vehicle engine wiring diagram. From my experience, a major source of this scanner communication issue comes from corroded ground wiring connections to the ecm (engine computer) terminals. This can be tested by wiggling the engine compartment harness wires especially the ecm ground wires. Voltage measurement is done while the engine is running and measuring the ground voltage with ecm housing connected/disconnected and comparing the results. When measuring the ground voltage, it should read not higher than 0.250 volt where the positive lead of the voltmeter is connected to the ground wire. As always, the negative lead of the voltmeter is connected to the battery negative terminal of the vehicle. Remember to use a digital voltmeter when testing ground voltage reading to get accurate results.

Shown here is a Utube video I made for Chevy Venture won’t work:

Tip for 1999 Chevy Venture scanner won’t work:

With door locks activating by themselves, the BCM module should be disconnected and if the scanner communication is restored, the BCM module is defective. On some engine computer system, a shorted BCM module/wirings will disrupt the ecm operation. A quick pin voltage reading of the data bus terminal pins at the ecm terminal can also be used to test if the BCM is at fault. Normal voltage reading is about 2.5 volt when BCM is connected. If the latter is disconnected and the voltage reading became normal or 2.5 volt, the BCM module is confirmed defective. Please contact ATS for the exact BCM voltage specifications.

Note:

Whenever connecting or disconnecting BCM or ecm modules, always disconnect the battery negative terminal to prevent damage to the ecm and it’s components.

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1.) It won’t start and stay running unless you remove the mass sensor. It then runs but has a rough idle

2.) When scanned for codes, has a fault code P0300 or random misfire.

Diagnostics to fix 1999 Ford Explorer won’t start:

We started the troubleshooting by wiggling the mass sensor wires with engine running. Hope to see any rpm change because some other garages reported a short to the mass sensor circuit. No rpm change.

Removed the vacuum hose off the brake booster cylinder so that we can measure the engine vacuum pressure reading. I wanted to establish if the the fix for this 1999 Ford Explorer won’t start is caused by an engine vacuum leak. These were our findings:

Vacuum needle does not oscilliate which to me means the cylinder head and compression chamber is OK.

Vacuum reading sat at 6 inched Hg at idle which is way below normal of 17-20 inches hg.

Solution to the Fix 1999 Ford Explorer won’t start:

Using a bottled water with a spray mist, we spray on top of the engine manifold of while idling. When the spray was directed at the top upper manifold on the driver side, rpm changed accompanied by a hissing sound. Removed the egr DPFE valve to get a closer look, we found a big crack on the side of the upper intake manifold. The crack was caused by heat made by the egr tube beside it.

Quick tips on Fix 1999 Ford Explorer Won’t Start:

1.) The parts cost to Fix 1999 Ford Explorer won’t start is almost the cost of the truck itself if you call the Ford dealer. However, in a short trip to the salvage yard, we found the parts and bought them at almost 1/10th of the cost. You can do it if you pull the part yourself. Some used parts store store will charge 50 to 75 percent if you buy it from the counter. And if you do the job yourself, you can really do it really cheap.
2.) No money? No problem…Put a glue to seal the intake manifold crack and it should be good for a few months!

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Two weeks ago, I clipped the side mirror of my kid’s 95 Geo Metro after she got her newer 2001 Honda Civic. I was working on my basement renovation when the drywall I was moving hit the side mirror. The new one was roughly about $100-$200 from the dealer and checking with a couple of auto salvage yard, they were asking between $65-$75 for a used one.

Here is where car recycled parts is better if you go to a salvage yard that allows you to get it yourself. For a $1 fee, you can go inside the salvage yard with your tools and find the used part you need.

Tip for car recycled parts:

You can save your time for searching the yard by getting a computer print out of car recycled parts inventory. It will give you the different car models where the part is common and available instead of looking only for your specific vehicle. I paid another $1 for this but sure helped me find the part I need quickly.

After half an hour, the car recycled parts I need was found and removed which I paid about $14 instead of the $65 or $75 had I gotten it from a used parts salvage yard counter. This is another example of saving money in your vehicle if you want your driving cost down. shown on top is the side mirror I bought after I got it installed in my kid’s 95 Geo Metro.

Note on buying car recycled parts from the salvage yard:

You need some basic tools and instructions to remove the used part from the salvage yard. You can get that FREE information from your public library or direct from me if you are a member of ATS. Membership is particularly helpful if working with difficult to access and expensive car recycled parts.

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I have seen these techniques myself and really worked to get saving money on vehicle repairs. It involves using your laptop, desk computer and lately these media darling devices such as your iphones and blackberries where surfing the net and reaching out with vehicle technical help is now a BREEZE. You can basically communicate with a lot of experts by email using your electronic gadgets.

This is the best technique I use to save money on vehicle repairs:

Browse your local classifieds ONLINE for vehicle parts, services and technical information.

Got a problem on your car because one garage just gave you a killer estimates? No worries! If you can describe the vehicle problem, you can search it in the Internet by using your computer and media devices. No technical skill to do this vehicle engine repair? No problem too! If you browse some of the popular online classifieds such as Craiglist or other sources in the Internet, a free lance mechanic will call you and explain the best way in saving money on vehicle repairs.

This global recession has revolutionized how things are done because communicating with everyone is extremely easy. As a matter of fact, any vehicle problem you have, you can fix it quickly and cheaply by:

Posting it in the Internet by giving the description, car type, model and engine size.

Remember: Just like using your Google, use “keywords” to search anything by describing your vehicle problem. Example, you can basically go to Utube and find the technical information you need for your vehicle. Now, besides knowing it online by reading text, you can watch it as a movie and learn it before your eyes. This is fantastic because it will sky rocket your learning curve. Watch this video I made last weekend just before Halloween. I made it after a guy contacted me about his GM minivan would not start in a shopping mall parking lot the day before. An hour later, got it going and the man was happy because he did not have to pay towing and outrageous hourly rates by garages. And the best part is, I did it infront of him and showed him how easy it is done using simple electronic scanner and tools! Check this out:

Forget about what you read in the past…Got an iphone? blackberry? You can start saving money on vehicle repairs if you have the right information!

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Selecting a performance exhaust system might just the remedy you need if you have these problems:

1.) Low catalytic converter (CAT) efficiency codes during engine scans.
2.) Muffler restrictions accompanied by long starts caused by high exhaust back pressure
3.) High gas consumption and premature CAT failures
4.) Downstream Oxygen sensor failures

Of course, nothing lasts forever, right? Well, when selecting performance exhaust systems that is right for your vehicle, you might get close to that. Consider this: one top manufacturer of catalytic back exhaust produces an exhaust system with a one million mile guarantee! How the heck can they do this? By using product components made from aircraft quality stainless steel and that’s how they do it. It is proven; the same steel used by aircraft industry goes into every Borla brand made  exhaust system to create a product that will last longer and durable. Other exhaust brands manufacturers have similar warranties, but Borla is an exception after intensive tests.

So when finally selecting performance exhaust system and using Borla exhaust system as your choice, how does it work? They do it by keeping the same emission components in place which do not interfere with the manufacturer’s fuel management system. Furthermore, Borla catalytic back system incorporates wider exhaust pipes and less restriction performance mufflers into your car which lowers the exhaust back pressure. Beside this, you have the side benefit of deeper, low tone noise produced by this exhaust system design. Because of these, your car’s engine becomes an air pump with catalytic back performance exhaust system that permits the engine to pump and distribute exhaust airflow with less interruption. In conclusion, more power is produced with an engine horsepower increase from 5 to 15 percent which are well within the range of possibility. Finally: you will experience a gain in fuel economy because the exhaust system allows your engine to breathe efficiently and make the engine ran cooler. Just remember to compensate the engine’s cooling system by allowing a bigger radiator installation if necessary.

So, what do you do when selecting performance exhaust system? No big deal really! If you are not intending to keep your car forever, remember the resale value of your vehicle will get higher with a performance exhaust system installed on your car. You will gain the advantage of more engine horsepower and improved fuel economy and still realized later that when it comes to selling your car, you know you will get a good value for it.

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To know your vehicle fuel efficiency means asking the vehicle vendor: “What is the rated vehicle fuel efficiency?” If you do, they usually will pull out the vehicle’s book ratings and explain it to you. Better still, you can actually search it in Google so you can evaluate them at your leisure before making a buying decision. Everyone who drives a vehicle is bound to be concerned about getting a good fuel efficiency but in actual practice, does not do anything after buying the vehicle. People has the usual belief that it is the responsibility of the car makers or the mechanics to keep the car performing at its optimum efficiency. But little do they realize that there is a whole lot that they themselves can do to ensure their car get the best fuel efficiency.

If you drive on a very low gear for example when a higher gear would work just as well, it is natural that the fuel efficiency will decrease. If you follow the proper shifting of the tranny, it will go a long way in keeping the best vehicle fuel efficiency. Another example, you can drive carefully and in accordance with the service manual rated vehicle fuel efficiency but the vehicles manual exists for a reason. And it is to ensure that the gear changes and the driving speeds work in tandem to give your vehicle the maximum fuel efficiency.

Another way to know your vehicle fuel efficiency is to determine the application of air conditioning. The use of air conditioning in your vehicle only when it is absolutely critical. This way, not only can you make your vehicle drive longer on less fuel, but it can also ensures that the battery life is enhanced. There are other simple stuffs to know in your vehicle fuel efficiency. If you drive with your windows open for the purpose of ventilation rather than closing all windows and setting the air conditioning on full blast. It is a matter of saving money and making sense!

Still another overlooked way to know your vehicle fuel efficiency is the usage of vehicle tires. If the vehicle tires are not filled with enough air, the rolling tire friction levels increase dramatically. When this occurs, it takes more power for the engine to move the same distance than say, when the tires are filled to the optimum level and make the vehicle travel along smoother. Although these are clearly mentioned in the service manual, not many people follow it. If these simple instructions are followed, it will surely increase the vehicle fuel efficiency.

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