Sep
19
2009
I have a 1983 Dodge Diplomat, all lights go dim after driving for awhile looses power and stalls needs to be jumped to start. What could be the problem?
Answer:
Your vehicle is running off the battery only. You need to use a multi-meter and check for voltage coming from the alternator on the back of the alternator and at the battery to make sure you don’t have a bad connection . Voltage should be above 13 volts with engine running. If you do not have check your voltage regulator. Also make sure you have battery voltage at the plug in on the alternator for internal regulated alternators. Alternator Testing
Sep
09
2009
To Celebrate this special day of 09-09-09 Freeautomechanic.com opens up to the public a New and exciting way to Ask Auto repair questions and get the answers you need. This is Brand New and the best thing is that anyone can register for free and ask questions for free. Did I mention FREE! There is no limit to the amount of questions you can ask and if you are on the mechanic side of things or just want to share you own fix, you can leave comments as well. So Check out Ask Free Auto Mechanic Experts – (beta) , Register and be set up as an author with all the benefits. Ask questions, get answers and help build the largest auto repair database on the net.
Sep
08
2009
INSTALLING REMOTE START. ALL DIAGRAMS SHOW STARTER WIRE AS POSITIVE.  IT TESTS NEGATIVE.  SYSTEM DOES EVERYTHING BUT START ENGINE.  MANUF TECHS AND FORD TECHS BAFFLED. ANY SUGESTIONS?
Answer:
1) instead of pusshing the start button once to start it … push it twice  I have to do this with my own personal remote start. ( just an idea )
2) make sure the start relay is good , make sure the fuses are good ( I’m sure you already have, just thought i’d mention it anyway )
3) the starter wire that goes to the “s” terminal is always negative until the ignition switch is moved to the “start” position , turns to positive untill it starts and then returns to negative. otherwise it would be cranking the engine over till the battery died. The Positive Battery cable runs to the starter solenoid and is positive all the time. The remote start should utilize the factory starter relay. make sure that a signal comes from the remote starter box …
4) If the engine cranks over with the remote but will not start, then you need to program the tach lead ( or whatever your manual for the remote calls it.) .This is what tells the remote box to quit trying to start the engine after it has already started. It is difficult to do , but if you follow the instructions after reading them 5 times you can figure out what they are telling you to do. I find them difficult to program.
5) If no signal goes to the starter to crank the engine over and all is hooked up corectly, replace the remote system. Feel free to check out some of the other resources on the website as there may be some helpful information available.
Sep
06
2009
- Turn the ceiling light switch OFF.
- Carefully pry the lens (A) off with a small screwdriver.
- Remove the screws, then remove the ceiling light (B).
- Disconnect the 3P connector (C) from the ceiling light.
- Check for continuity between the terminals.
-
- There should be continuity between the No. 1 and No. 2 terminals with the switch in the MIDDLE position.
- There should be continuity between the No. 2 and No. 3 (body ground) terminals with the switch in the ON position.
- There should be no continuity between the No. 1 and No. 2 terminals, and between the No. 2 and No. 3 (body ground) terminals with the switch in the OFF position.
- If the continuity is not as specified, check the bulb. If the bulb is OK, replace the ceiling light.
- Install the light in the reverse order of removal.
Sep
03
2009
Mass Airflow (MAF) sensors measure the weight and rate of air moving through a passage of a known volume or size. Typically, MAF sensors utilize hot wire or thick film technology. Signals generated may be analog or digital depending on the manufacturer. As more air passes through the MAF sensor, the voltage or frequency increases proportionally. The EMS uses this information to calculate injector pulse-width and spark advance. Performance issues from MAF sensor failures range from no-start conditions to stalling, hesitation, stumble and improper air/fuel mixtures.
A faulty MAF sensor due to loose connections, bad grounds, high resistance in the circuit, or opens in the circuit can cause the following symptoms:
- A no start condition
- Stalls at idle
- Surging idle
- Extended crank time when engine is cold
- Hesitation
- Stumble
- Chuggle
- Poor fuel economy
CAUTION
Handle the MAF sensor carefully. Do not drop the MAF sensor in order to prevent damage to the MAF sensor. Do not damage the screen located on the air inlet end of the MAF. Do not touch the sensing elements. Do not allow solvents and lubricants to come in contact with the sensing elements. Use a small amount of a soap based solution in order to aid in the installation.
