first the check engine light comes on occasionally and then goes off

1999 Jeep Cherokee

I got a new(ish) Jeep over the weekend, previous owner beat the snot out of it and now I'm fixing a lot of small problems, got the list down to a few now, first the check engine light comes on occasionally and then goes off for awhile, I tried the flipping of the key and that didn't show any codes or anything then found the trip odometer trick for the newer jeeps and it didn't give any either so then I took it to the parts store and used their scanner and found p0505 and p0743. I found the p0505 is idle air control? and p0743 has something to do with the torque converter? any help with the next step would be appreciated!!! its a 1999 Jeep Cherokee classic(not grand) 4.0 auto 4wd with 225k on it... it was towed behind a motor home so who knows how many miles are really on it

Response:
How does the Jeep seem to run other than the codes? For example, does the idle seem normal? Does it do anything unusual, especially when the light is coming on?

I am unable to turn the immobiliser off

I have a Hyundai coupe w reg. It has a factory fitted immobiliser. I am unable to turn the immobiliser off, I can open the car with the keys, but when I try the ignition it is dead, nothing works, there are no lights when you open the door, everything is immobilized, how can I turn the immobiliser off so I can use the car, and take it to a garage.

ASNWER:

The immobiliser is integral with the cars ECU, and therefore cannot be switched off, it will need to be diagnosed and either repaired or reprogrammed using a JOBD diagnostic system, that has suitable software. Most good auto electrical engineers should have the correct equipment, and some of them also work mobile, so they may be able to get you up and running without you having to take it to them.

2000 vw beetle has a problem with the battery draining after about three days

2000 VW Beetle

My 2000 VW beetle has a problem with the battery draining after about three days of normal use. Both the battery and alternator check out OK. Also have a problem with driver-side electric windows won't go up or down. Any ideas would be great.

Answer:

More than likely the harness going from the back of the alternator to the battery is faulty. Run the car with the radio, seat heaters, headlights, emergency lights, and rear window defroster on for 20 minutes with the hood closed. Then you need to put a voltmeter with one one lead on the positive battery post and the other on the large wire at the back of the alternator. That measurement should be around .06 volt. If it is over .1 volt the harness is faulty. You can buy one new from the dealer.

Where is the thermostat located on a 2001 Mitsubishi Spyder

Where is the thermostat located on a 2001 Mitsubishi Spyder GT 3.0 engine and can a Saturday mechanic replace one? Found the upper and lower hoses. Think the housing is at the end of the lower house on the engine, but not sure. It will probably be there because it is hard to get to.

Answer:

the thermostat will be located at the engine end of the upper hose at. They are a bit of work to replace but with a little time it should be doable.

What does President Obama Drive ?

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

President Obama tossed his Chrysler aside for a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. Is this a sign that he needs more head room, he supports Union workers, or maybe he just likes the extra cargo space?

The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid receives a bolder, rugged design, higher beltline, raised hood and a new front fascia with headlights that sweep up toward the front corners of the vehicle to short side marker lights. The interior features seating surfaces comprised of 100 percent post-industrial materials, a revised dashboard with “a top of dash” display, Electric Power Assisted Steering system, and Ice Blue interior lighting. Also, the improved center console is large enough to hold a laptop computer and it can also be removed and hung from the front passenger side and rear of the console for additional storage. A number of updates have been made to reduce noise, vibration and harshness levels inside the SUV including changes to the roof panel for a better airflow, a new acoustic laminate sandwiched between two glass panels in the windshield and new carpeting.

2002 Subaru WRX with 125k. The check engine light recently came on

I have a 2002 Subaru WRX with 125k. The check engine light recently came on and my mechanic is saying that one of the four cylinders is failing. Note that this mechanic performed at 60k tune-up. He is suggesting that at a minimum I replace the failed head and that I should probably do both considering the small increase in labor at that point. I'm willing to have the work done, but am concerned that the perhaps this isn't the actual problem?

Answer:

I would not commit to a head(S) as 125k and being a Subaru. Rarely are the heads a problem. I would get the trouble code and CLEAR explanation as to why they want to replace head. There could be so many other min- minor things affecting the cyl. I would def get a second opinion. I am not ruling out a possible headgasket etc.. but.. this is a big job, lots of $ and does warrant a clear/ accurate explanation as to why they are quoting this work

Electronic Engine Controls and Sensors | Testing Procedures

All Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) systems use the EEC system. The heart of the EEC system is a microprocessor called the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM receives data from a number of sensors and other electronic components (switches, relays, etc.). Based on information received and information programmed in the PCM's memory, it generates output signals to control various relays, solenoids and other actuators. The PCM in the EEC system has calibration modules located inside the assembly that contain calibration specifications for optimizing emissions, fuel economy and driveability. The calibration module is called a PROM.

Electronic Engine Controls and Sensor Testing Procedures
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Throttle Position (TP) sensor
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor
Idle Air Control (IAC) valve
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S)
Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor
Knock Sensor (KS)
Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)
Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor

My Electric Power Seats are not working?

Power Seat Wiring Diagram

The power motor that operates the up down motion on the front of the passenger seat is not functioning on my 2000 Silverado. IS this common and what are my options?

Answer:
The seat motors can bind up if run all the way up or down. First check for a blown fuse. It is easy enough to turn the drive with pliers to free it up. If it doesn't turn it is bound. Remove the motor and try to turn it again. If it still doesn't turn then the seat base will need replaced. If it does turn plug the motor in and test it to see if it runs. If the motor does run it may be week from a bad armature or worn brushes. If the motor doesn't run check for power and ground at the motor connector. If it has power and ground the motor is no good. If it doesn't have power and ground The module is probably no good. Verify power and ground at the module before you condemn it.

My 1999 Hyundai Accent won't start

1999 Hyundai Accent

My 1999 Hyundai Accent won't start. When I turn the key there is no click , the engine doesn't even try to turn over, there's just nothing. The only thing that happens is that my inside lights go on and radio etc. So i thought it was the starter so i changed it. When i tried starting it nothing happen again beside the lights going on in the car etc. So i thought it was the battery so i got a new battery and put that in. The car started once then died out. Now its back to normal. I Try to start the car and there is no click, there's just nothing besides the lights illuminating inside the car etc. what could be the problem?? Already Tried: changing battery and starter

Answer:
There could be a couple of issues. Your vehicle is equipped with a starter relay (located in the engine compartment relay panel), you can try to replace that. Sometimes there other relays on-board that you can use because they are the same as.Another concern that can't be over looked are the negative and positive battery cable condition. If there is too much resistance in the cables (corrosion) the current cannot flow to the starter. There is a test called a voltage drop test. Let me know if you are interested in performing it. If not, have a professional technician do the test.

Engine No Start Diagnostics

2001 Mercury Sable. Need Rear Coil Springs Replaced?

2001 Mercury Sable. Need Rear Coil Springs Replaced? But they also said something about a "quick strut?"?
Ford only had recall on front springs, which is funny cause i took it in for recall and then had to take it back in to replace the recall springs.

Answer:

A Quick Strut is a complete assembly. It includes a new Strut, New Coil Spring, New Mounting components. If you just replace the coils then you are left with the original strut, which is most likely worn. And in most cases you can have a quick strut installed for the same cost as just installing new coil springs as the labor time is less on the Quick Strut.

A mechanic has suggested I need to have the "timing belt" changed if it has never been done

I have 2001 Honda Accord V6 model with 47,000 miles on it. A mechanic has suggested I need to have the "timing belt" changed if it has never been done. I am an 82 year old widow who is at the mercy of the experts. Can you tell me if this is necessary and the approximate cost. Already Tried: Talking to a friend who runs a car repair business, he has not yet examined the car. Just need a verification and approx cost before I go ahead with this costly ??? repair

Answer:

According to the manufacturer and Honda Repair manuals, replacing the timing belt should be done every 105,000 miles. I do not recommend having this done until that mileage has been reached. Parts and labor should be around $500.00

2000 jeep grand cherokee sounds like the engine is knocking

My 2000 jeep grand cherokee sounds like the engine is knocking, there is no oil presure, and it will not stay running. What do I do?

Answer:

If you have this many problems with this engine I would suggest getting a used engine with low miles and a warranty you can get one for less than a 1,000 and installed for around 500-600 dollars. Once they begin knocking I don't repair them because you don't know about contamination in the engine from metal. And it's very costly to have an engine rebuilt. Especially with no oil pressure it's probably spun a bearing in the lower end of the engine.

When you start the car it will go dead unless you rev up the engine.

Question:

I have a 2001 Mazda 626 with a v-6 manual transmission. When you start the car it will go dead unless you rev up the engine. If you two foot with the clutch and gas you can drive all day but when you go to stop at a light or turn and the idle goes down it dies immediately. It starts right back up as long as you push the gas.

Answer:

From your description it sounds like you have a sticking idle air control valve. When they stick you will need to hold your foot on the gas to keep the engine running. You can try to tap on the valve to see if that will free it up.

2007 Toyota Prius Window will not work after Battery Change

2007 Toyota Prius TSB #PG0003-06

If the battery terminal has been disconnected, the “one-touch open and close” and
“jam protection” functions of the driver’s door power window will be inoperative due to
loss of the driver’s door power window position memory stored in the microcomputer.
Initialization of the driver’s door power window will be necessary after the battery
is reconnected.

NOTE:
Any time the battery terminal has been disconnected, the power window MUST
be re-initialized.

Initialization
Procedure

1. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON”
position. At this time, the power
window switch for the driver’s door
window should be blinking.

2. Push down and hold the driver’s door
power window switch to completely
open the window.

3. Pull and hold up the driver’s door
power window switch until the window
closes. Continue holding the switch
for approximately one second until the
switch changes from blinking to a
constant illumination.

4. Check for proper operation of the
“one-touch open and close” by fully
pushing the switch “DOWN” once and
fully pulling the switch “UP” once.

NOTE:
Jam protection function becomes
effective through the above
initialization procedure.