Torque Converter Clutch Problems
Problem torque converter clutches
Torque Converter Clutch
I have written about torque converter clutch problems in other posts but this one will be a little different. Most often when I have a problem with the converter clutch lock up causing an engine stalling condition I find a problem with the tcc solenoid.
But this is not always the cause of the problem. In fact the last time I faced a converter clutch lock up problem I went for the solenoid right away and it did not fix the issue which was an engine stall only when put into reverse gear. On this particular repair I ran into a clogged transmission cooler.
Although this was the first time I have ever seen this component cause a stalling condition, after checking into the situation it made a lot of sense. The drivers complaint was different this time around then the usual complaint associated with torque converter clutch problems.
The driver stated that the stalling condition was most often when he put the vehicle into reverse. Especially when the engine was cold, like in the morning while backing out of his driveway. In most cases when you have a torque converter solenoid issue the engine will stall as you slow down for a stoplight in a forward gear.
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About Disc Brakes
Learn About Disc Brakes
Replacement Brake Pads
Learning about disc brakes would be good information for any driver to be knowledgeable about. You do not have to be a do-it-yourself mechanic to learn more about the subject. This is valuable information because if you own a car you will probably need a brake job sooner or later.
When you take your vehicle into a repair shop they may throw some up sales your way. It is nice to be able to discuss specific problems with your auto repair shop in and knowledgeable way. Even if your car has a highly technical antilock brake system when it comes to the basic maintenance of replacing brake pads this operation is very similar to the way it was back in the 70s.
Maybe the only difference is back then they where disc brakes in the front and drum brakes on the rear. Although some drum brakes are still around today it is most common to see a four wheel disc braking system. This even true for light duty and heavy duty pick up trucks and vans.
Car disc brakes offer major advantages over the drum brake system. The nice thing about disc brakes is they are resistant to pedal fade due to fluid overheating. Read more
Windshield Wiper Problems
Wiper Linkage
It is the season for windshield wiper problems. Overall the system was designed to be extremely reliable. With that said it is not invincible. Common driver complaints can include poor wiping where the windshield is not swept completely clean as the wipers pass up and back.
Another big complaint would be extremely noisy wiper operation (addressed below). Other complaints related to the wiper linkage or arms may include situations where they are out of adjustment and could be slapping the windshield moldings.
I have seen situations were the blades are touching each other as they sweep back and forth. Although not as common would be other complaints such as intermittent operation and slower than normal sweeping action. We will discuss all of these windshield wiper problems below. I have made available some of the parts that are often required to solve these issues including new wiper blades.
Common windshield wiper problems
Replacing a Car Engine
Removing a car engine
Engine Crane
A lot of site visitors asked me if removing a car engine is difficult. The short answer to this question is yes. Is it possible for someone to accomplish in their driveway? The answer is again yes. If someone is contemplating replacing their own engine and has some good do it yourself automotive skills it is possible to be successful. This article will review some procedures and tips to help increase your chances of success.
Before you begin removing a car engine you really want to make sure you have the tools and equipment required for the job before you start. In addition to basic hand tools and some special tools you will need an engine crane, the special engine lift chains and an engine stand is nice to have also.
Many tool rental companies have these for rent for about $70 for the whole weekend. But before you go out and rent one it is best to prepare as much as possible before you bring the crane home.
Basic procedures for engine removal will vary greatly depending on your make model and year of the vehicle. An auto repair manual for your specific vehicle is highly recommended. And I would strongly suggest you check out an online car repair manual such as all data. This provides procedures from the automotive manufacturer instead of a small book from the auto part store.
Pulling an automotive engine
Testing Oxygen Sensors
Testing oxygen sensors
Heated oxygen sensor
Testing oxygen sensors before replacing them is a good idea. This might not be the most common check engine light code but it is very high on the list of would be codes set in the computer’s memory. There are also many different types of oxygen sensor problems.
Often when a mechanic pulls one of these codes his first reaction may be to just go ahead and replace the sensor. There are more than 30 different codes that relate to the oxygen sensor circuit.
Some of these codes are dedicated to the heating circuit and some are dedicated to the power supply. But I believe by far the most common codes relate to the activity and efficiency of the sensor itself.
Not only can there be a wide variety of problems with the circuit that will throw a code for this exhaust stream sensor but vehicle problems can cause the code to set as well. One of the most common problems would be a vacuum leak that throws off the air fuel mixture providing a lean condition that can eventually set a code for lean exhaust.
Test the oxygen sensor Read more
Windshield Washer Problems
Windshield Washer Pump
Information about some common windshield washer problems on cars and light trucks. We all know that windshield washers spray cleaning fluid onto the windshield that works with the wiper blades to remove dirt from the front windshield. In some cases the same windshield washer pump is used to spray fluid on headlights and in some cases on the rear glass of an SUV or station wagon.
Some manufacturers will use one pump to service all of these surfaces. Other manufacturers will have separate pumps and reservoirs for the rear glass or headlight washer system. Your owner’s manual can give you a few clues about the kind of system that is equipped on your vehicle by showing you the filling locations and therefore where the reservoirs are located.
In most cases vehicle manufacturers will install a washer pump in the fluid reservoir. Although a few vehicles will use a pulse type pumps that gets its power from the wiper motor. Just about all windshield washer systems or activated by pushing and holding a washer switch. A slick feature on many vehicles is that when the washers are operated the windshield wipers are activated at the same time. You may need a car repair manual to diagnose malfunctions in these kinds of systems.
Problems with windshield washer systems Read more
About Timing Belts
timing belt
People often ask me about timing belts. Sometimes the question is when or how to replace a timing belt. On Foreign cars your better off getting a service kit (available below). Other times they might be having a performance problem and deep down inside they believe that the belt may have something to do with it.
All automotive manufacturers have recommended maintenance guidelines for this wearable component. Nothing that is made out of rubber will last forever. With the improved technologies used in the manufacturing process cars today enjoy longer life then vehicles just a few years ago. But they will still need to be serviced.
For example when I worked for Mazda many of their engines had timing belts. The manufacturer’s guidelines for replacement in the 90s were every 70,000 miles. Very few customers followed those guidelines. They either didn’t know the part needed to be replaced or ignored the factory’s recommendations.
In these cases we would most often see the vehicle on the flatbed. What was interesting about it was how long the car would actually go past the recommended interval. Read more
Setting Ignition Timing
standard timing light
Setting ignition timing on cars today is usually not required. I still own 2 timing lights and find it necessary to adjust the engines timing on rare occasions. This is only possible on vehicles that still have distributor type ignitions.
Although most vehicles nowadays have direct ignition my 2004 Chevrolet Blazer with a 4.3 L V-6 engine still has a distributor and you can adjust base timing. Remember only engines equipped with a distributor may need to have their ignition timing set or adjusted.
Although the computer still controls ignition timing on distributor ignition, having the base timing correct is critical for proper performance and fuel economy. If the base timing setting is wrong the advance curve settings can also be wrong.
On modern vehicles with distributor type ignition the timing is advanced as rpm’s increase. These controls are the function of the computer and the curve is not adjustable. To set the base timing there will be different procedures to follow to disconnect the computer from the distributor so that the setting can be adjusted. Read more
Improper Ignition Timing
Timing Tester
Improper ignition timing can cause several car problems. Anything from hard starting to lack of power might be traced back to the root cause of incorrect base ignition timing.
In rare occasions I have also seen a hard start condition from this as well. Often when people are having poor performance from their engine they may wonder if it is an issue with the engine timing.
You have to remember that poor engine performance can also be caused by poor compression, overheating, incorrect valve timing that can be caused by a timing belt that slipped one notch. Clogged catalytic converters and probably about 20 other things can also cause this condition.
How to test for improper ignition timing
When the ignition timing is not correct there are a few tests that can point to the car problem. Read more
