Automotive Troubleshooting Secrets : Your auto repair solutions

From the story here...it is obvious that the person above has difficulty checking his/her engine after it was replaced. If he was an ATS member, I could have e-mailed to him/her what to look for and even what to say to the garage so that he/she could get a warranty.

Or try to analyze her problem...

"I just bought a 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera and didn't make it but 10 miles when it shut down just like I had turned the key off. The engine would turn but not start, after letting it sit for 3 hours it started and I made it 8 miles before it shut down again. Letting it sit overnight; I finally made it the last 4 miles home where it shut down.
I was told by the car lot that I bought it as is, so I guess I am out my money plus $157.00 in new parts that was put on it today. A mechanic advised that it was either the Ignition control module and or the coil packs. All those have been put on the engine and it still won't run over 15 minutes without shutting down.

No warning lights come on, and it runs and sounds nice and quiet when it is running. Can you please give me some suggestions on what the problem could be and what I can do to fix it?"...From another ATS prospect

And this is what happened after she joined ATS!

"Just wanted to let you know that they came and got my car late last night and they fixed it today. Cost me $30.00 for the part, I must say that he seemed shocked when I knew what he was talking about. It was the crank sensor as you said. It drives like a dream now, with the exception that it needs new shocks I think.

Thank you so much for your help and kindness. I really had it last night, because when he left here, he left driving it and said he knew that car and he knew he could make it 30 miles without any trouble. He made it 15 and it died, but he owns a tow truck.I was amazed that he admitted it to me that it did it to him also"........................................Mary S. from Kentucky,USA.

Even if you have no mechanical or electrical background, because ATS is so simple to understand and you have direct ONE on ONE contact with our technician, you will immediately grasp the pertinent info you need when dealing with garages.

So even if you don't want to work on it, if you know what to say to your garage, then there is no chance that you vehicle will be repaired with SURPRISES.

This is how ATS will help you fix your vehicle:

" For the people who cannot afford to have their vehicle fixed by the garages (that will charge you from $75-$100 an hour), and want to fix it themselves "

	How to check the "check engine light" in your dash
	Where to find the check engine light "adapter link" in your vehicle
	Give you the meaning of your check engine light code/s
	Give you all the proven checks to verify that code
	Send you all common solutions to the code from ATS database
	You will get wiring diagrams, drawings, pictures of the component you are investigating to make it easier for you
	Verify for you the result of your test so you won't go in circles and waste your time.
	Tell you which part(s) you can buy from the dealer or your local parts store so you can fix it right the first time!
	Show you how to check any engine (even a used one) so that you will know if it's GOOD before you install it. Compression test does not work antmore!
	New vehicle practices like warming up, and do you need them? Which used vehicle will give you big savings in gas or which will cause you more problems later on.
	Where to buy the cheapest engine after market computer, or where to have it repaired because some engine computer cost over a thousand dollars from the dealer! What you need after you buy it from a salvage yard!
	You will get updates of all money saving tips and solutions for the particular vehicle you drive.

How to fix Intermittent Troubleshooting Problem:

Intermittent problems are a pain in the neck. It does not occur all the time but when it does, it's when you least expect it. As a matter of fact, it will not even show itself when you take it to a mechanic. Examples are cutting out or stalling, surging, no-start, loss of power, hesitation, etc. ATS will show you how to check this nasty problem once and for all by using the latest techniques used by top mechanics!

Finally, ATS came up with these tests that allows you to check your engine components quickly. Also it will allow you to fix the problem even without your engine displaying any engine fault code.

Here are some ATS features to help you fix most engine problems:

	How to test your fuel pump by watching your oxygen sensor reading
	Quick way to check your EGR for defects if you have a misfiring engine
	Common sensor to clean when you have engine hesitation problem (and this applies to most vehicles whether domestics or imports
	Hesitation accompanied by cutting out requires replacing this sensor
	What connector to disconnect to check your timing? (for gm or ford)
	Common engine sensors to disconnect when you have hesitation, stalling and cutting out (this has to be done one at a time in order to work)
	Quickest way to chemically tune up your vehicle once a year and regain your engine fuel mileage (this can be done in under 30 minutes)
	Do you know the right color of your spark when testing your coil? This will save you $50-$75 when garages do this for you
	These sensors have to be disconnected when testing for surging
	The most common ignition part to replace when you have stalling after warmed up (this works 90% of the time in most engines)
	This sensor has to be replaced when your engine will only start by pushing the gas pedal to the floor.
	Check this sensor needs replacing when you have no fuel and no spark.
	Check this sensor when you have fuel but no spark.
	This quick tap test will check your engine computer for defects.

Here's what people say about ATS:

Hello Rich, I ended up replacing the engine computer with a new one. My truck did have the right one according to the part number on the box - even though it wasn't good. Anyhow to make a long story short she started right up. That was five minutes ago. I'm going back to finish putting it all together. I really appreciate all your help. You were excellent and patient enough to see it through the end. Without you I probably would have replaced both fuel pumps at over $100 each and still had no results.
.......Randy S. (on his F150 ford truck)

Hi Rich I got the fuel injector/regulator today and installed it. Checked the fuel pressure and it was 60 lbs and just stayed there. The truck runs the best its' run in 6 months HOORAY! Thanks for all your help and hopefully you won't hear from me for a while :-)
........Dave H. 1995 Chevy Blazer

Dear Rich, thank you for all of your help. ATS is the best trouble shooting site on the web , I was very impressed with the direct response that I received to my questions. it only took 3 e-mails to get my no spark condition fixed with my 89' olds cutlass . my car is up and running as good as new thanks to you. thanks again you are the best.. and will recommend you to all my buddies we will spend less time searching for the problem and more time enjoying the free time and money saved by fixing it ourselves. thanks
.......Jeremy (on his 1989 Cutlass)

"Hello Richard, You were right! I installed a dealer Mazda clutch and the problem is gone. Thank you for your help!" .......Oscar R. (on his Mazda RX-7 1991 clutch problem)

Problem Solved! The picture is 99.9% the same. The hose that connects to the 6B608 nipple on the left side of the picture has an additional "L" shaped rubber connector that's not shown in the diagram. It adds a necessary 90-degree turn to the hose so it can connect to the nipple. And, it is in this "L" shaped connector I found a puncture. I plugged it with Motorcraft heat-sealing gasket compound from Ford and the problem disappeared! Thanks for guiding me in the right direction! Regards, . ...Paul S. (1998 Ford Escort)

I found a blown fuse in the engine compartment (at the relays) which fixed the problem - both the check engine light and the fuel pump work now. Thank you for your cooperation! .......Stefan H. (1993 Ford Taurus.)

Thanks Richard,The procedure below worked like a champ in about a minute and a half. I would have never figured that out on my own!!! I figured the system had a reset but just didn't know how or where! ......Kevin S. (1998 Plymouth Voyager)

Thanks Richard: Good exploded view, easy to interpet and I love the extras you have included which you do not get with a service manual. Telling me not to touch the strut bolts has already saved me the costs of an alignment. Thanks for your help. .........Clyde S. (1995 Toyota Camry)

Thank you! i replaced the heat control panel and Wallah! AC is back! ........Renee H. (1993 Caravan )

I recently had a problem with some routine transmission work done on my vehicle. The garage fixed the problem ok but created another which ultimately resulted in my car catching fire and being destroyed. To add insult to injury, I later found out that they had charged me three times the usual charge for the privilege. I tried to resolve this with the garage but because I have no knowledge of the workings of a vehicle and the manager was treating me like the "little female", I was really fighting a losing battle. I needed help from somebody that was independent and knew what they were talking about. I contacted several sites on the internet but the only site to reply with useful information was Rich at the ATS site. He talked to me in depth about the problem and gave me invaluable information to help me. It is very reassuring to know that there are professionals out there that are prepared to help. .........Sandra W. (1989 Dodge Sundance)

Can you afford not to have this INFO nowadays?

I doubt it. Actually, it's just like having a mechanic friend whom you can contact every time you have problems with your vehicle. Even if you don't like to make your hands dirty, knowing what to say to your garage/mechanic can help you protect yourself from RIP-OFFS!

Do you like to work on your vehicle? Try these EXCLUSIVE stories from regular ATS members from every walks of life:
(these were their original emails, please watch spellings)

Hey Rich,

Thanks for leading me to the cruise amplifier. I was able to by-pass it and get the brake lights working using your detailed instructions. My wife's car is back on the road, and safe!

Thanks AGAIN!,

Craig H. dated May 23, 2009 on his Mercury Sable with unsafe brake lighting and cruise control fault codes which he needed to bypass.

_____________________________________________________

Hi Richard,

It's about 10:30 pm and my wife and I just got back home from "Night Driving" thanks to you-----Once I got your solution in your email I swapped the two solid state relays as you suggested and imediately both low beam headlights came on just like they're supposed to. The wiring diagram you sent was extreemly useful. Rich you "Hit the nail on the head"
again with this one and I believed you saved me a lot of money by my not having to bring my trailblazer to the dealer. Not only am I very pleased with your professional expert assistance already but I am very excited about the lifetime support that I now have with you for both of my vehicles. I mentioned on the phone about having such a peace about signing up for lifetime support with you and I'm so very glad I did--- You're the BEST. ----Thanks again for everything--- You're truly a Godsend to us----

John316 dated April 18.2009 from Loisiana USA about his 2006 Chev TrailBlazer which needed immediate low beam headlight repairs to drive safely at night.

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Bingo!

It was the crank position sensor. Installed new one, and the car took right off.

Thanks,

Mike O. dated April 5.2009 from Michigan USA about his Pontiac Sunfire that won't start even after replacing the engine computer (ecm).

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Hello Rich

Just to let you know I found my problem. I had about 10 wires fried, right past the big connector, on the wiring harness, right against the firewall. I had checked the voltage on # 3 pin on the pcm plug and when it did not have voltage I knew my problem was between the pcm and relay box. The wiring digram really helped me find my problem. Is it a major job changing the wiring harness, because the wires are burned close to the harness plug. I could have saved many hours, and a lot of money if I had known about ATS sooner.

Thanks

Louie B.dated March 6.2009 from Arkansas, USA on his Jeep Wrangler that won't start after replacing the crank sensor, ignition coil and engine computer.

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Hello Rich,

The problem was - the old rotor was crack at the bottom - I thought it would make that much of a difference but it did - when I put the new rotor on, it crank right up. The information you sent me was fantastic! Doing this job raise my confidence level. Thank God you were there!

Halbert B. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on his 2.4L engine Honda Accord with no start problems dated Feb.22.2009

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HI RICH,

THE IDLE PULLEY BELOW THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND A NEW BELT DID THE TRICK!

THANKS,

Andy M. from Tennessee USA dated Feb.04.2009 on his irritating serpentine belt noise for his Ford Taurus.

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Hi Rich,

This car is fix beleive it or not it was an open spark plug, after change of all the spark plugs the problem went away.

Thanks for the advice!!

Pablo G. from Mexico on his 1999 Chrysler Sebring with P0300 misfiring code and hesitation dated Jan.30.2009

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Hello Rich,

Got P0301 code on my 2001 Mazda and the garage wants $1500 to fix it. Please help!

Janet R. from Calgary, Alberta, Canada from email dated Nov.28.2008 while I was on holidays in the Philippines about her 2001 Mazda with 3.0L engine that has the "check engine light" coming on all the time.

My email to her after I arrived in Calgary Dec.01.2008:

Dear Janet,

Don't even break a sweat over it. This problem is common on most 2001-2002 Mazda with 3.0L engines. The problem is a weak and poor wire connection located about one inch away from computer terminal pin #26. It is a white/green wire and it always break. I will send you the wiring diagram so your mechanic can locate it. Check that and let me know.

This was Janet response dated Dec.15.2008

Hello Rich,

You are God send! My mechanic neighbor fixed it for $50! Like you said, it was the computer #26 wire. It has been a week and that "check engine light" has not shown up.

Great Service!

------------------------------------------------------

Hi Richard,

My name is GREG from Fresno California and I just joined your program TODAY to help me fix my 1993 Subaru Legacy RHD with 2.2L non turbo engine with AWD transmission. This morning I went to start the engine and the rpm went up/down between 200 rpm to 2000 rpm and almost killed the engine. After it warmed up, it went back to normal but the idling is a little rough and I am now using a lot of gas. Please help because the shop or dealer wants too much money to fix it!!!

From Greg C. Fresno California USA

After ATS emailed the common fixes to GREG, here is what he has to say:

HI Richard!

Everything is ok now. Like you suggested, I just replaced the mass sensor and put a new air filter and it works! I could not believe it till I heard the engine ran and my gas mileage is back now!

Thanks!

Here are what MECHANICS are saying about ATS:

Hi my name is Brian and my question is this...

I have a 91 Ford Escort auto 1.9L and Trany was bad. I Went to a junk yard and got a trany out a 99 Ford Escort and slapped it in. Now I noticed an electrical plug was in fact different..... It also has 7 wires going to it. The old trany has only 6 wire plug and the 99 trany doesn't have a kick down cable. Now the color of the wires are completely different. The car drives smooth only I have to shift it manually (its an automatic) because it feels like it is in 4th gear always until manually putting it into 1st. So if there is a diagram out there that can tell me and what wire colors go from a 91 Escort body to a 99 Escort trany can you please let me know??????? Thank you Brian

From Washington, USA

After Brian fixed it using ATS advice, this was his letter below:

Hello Rich:

I LOVE YOU and it's true!!! My oh my but I thought for sure I would have had to pull the trany back out and search for a correct trany. Nope!!! The emails diagrams and info you sent me on my 91 Escort trany swap with a 99 Escort trany explained everything down to the LAST detail... THANK YOU so much the car up shifts and down shifts on its own perfectly!!! When I really get on it from a complete stop, 1st to 2nd is a sharp shift but if I casually start it feels great shifts...and smooth!!! Thru all gears lockup works!!! I am very satisfied now that I have got a few other problems with different cars how long do I get to use you? how many cars can I use you on and if theres any thing else I missed that I can use from you? Thank-you so much again...you are a genius!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Computer Fixed!!!

Hello Rich,

I took a second look at it today and there was one ground that was loose. It was one of the grounds for the ecm. It had nothing to do with the o2 sensors.

Thanks you for all your help.

Hope to work with you again!

Tom B. independent garage owner, MA. USA dated Sept.30.2008 on his customer's 2002 Ford Taurus with multiple fault codes. Because of ATS, he did not have to buy any parts to fix it..

And if you really want to fix the vehicle yourself, being a member of ATS gives you the latest info like updated service bulletins and recalls, labor and parts instructions that could save you money on parts and labor thereby making your repair quicker and economical.

ATS COURSE PRICE:

So how much do you think this ATS course costs you? For the amount of savings that I mentioned above, I bet this can sell easily for $300 because of the savings you will have in just one trip to the garage. For a limited time, I am selling this for special price that you can afford (check below). This special price will be given to you if you buy before midnight tonight! And here are some BONUSES that you will get:

Bonus One

FREE online support by e-mail if you have questions about your car. The email instructions will come with drawings and wiring diagrams so you can understand it. We will work together until your car problem is solved. (This has unlimited value especially if your vehicle breaksdown in strange places and if you can access a computer, you can access ATS!).

Bonus Two

FREE 6 months subscription for the LATEST car repair SOLUTIONS and STRATEGIES that ATS compile every month.
(A $100 value)

Bonus Three

Get the ATS data link code adapter locator instructions and drawing for your vehicle. Discover how to get your engine Fault code yourself and save yourself a trip to the garage! Good up to 2007 for BOTH domestic and imports (depending on vehicle make). ATS will also supply the meaning of the codes that you get.( A $100 value)

Bonus Four

Free Service Bulletins and Recalls information for all vehicle models up to 2007. This will cover BOTH domestics and imports. (a bulletin number and complete description of the bulletin will be emailed to you upon your request). Now you will know if you qualify for ANY warranty. A priceless value.

Bonus Five

Save 50% or more on your next engine replacement. Using ATS INFO, find out how to check the engine accurately so you know it's good before installing it on your vehicle. (A $300 value)

Bonus Six

Unlimited wiring diagram ONLINE assistance on any vehicles up to 2007 models. This is excellent if you have difficulty using wiring diagrams and complicated service manuals. This includes any WIRING DIAGRAM you need for any vehicle both domestics and imports ($300 value)

Remember: You will get these as long as you are a member of ATS with NO monthly charges.

Get these ATS troubleshooting SECRETS now:

How to check your engine fault codes (and the FIXES) using everyday tools for both domestic and imported vehicles.

How to get ANY fault code for FREE in your location if you see your "service engine light" in your dash! ( for ANY car )

Engine quitting after warmed-up? I will show you how to use your common hair dryer to test your defective sensors!

Common easy tests for engine sensors by unplugging them (comes with illustrative pictures or wiring diagram).

Secrets used by mechanics to test your engine computer using: your hand, magnifying glass, hair dryer, house freezer and common tester.

Quick way to remove a HOT spark plug in tight places using a 3/8" vacuum hose!

How to test ANY electrical relays in your engine including it's location, wirings diagram by using your finger and common tester.

How to test misfiring using a spray bottle filled with water.

How to test multi-wire Oxygen sensors and check your Catalytic converter too!

Quick tests for your Air Conditioner and your HEATER system plus why your cooling system plays a major role?

Don't buy any sensor if your engine hesitates or misfires... you can service it and we will show you how!

Transmission starting to slip? Buy this special oil from the dealer and it will buy you time and get your trany running like new!

Why you don't need your ignition distributor assembly on latest model engines. Is it just for decoration?

What do you check if there is no-start? These 2 SIMPLE tests will tell you right away if you have an ignition or fuel problem or both!

What is the quickest way to check your timing belt? Especially if one of the cam gear jumped one tooth?

Can you still bleed your brakes the old way if you have ABS brakes? Don't waste your time... ATS will give you the RIGHT answer!

Why you need to unplug this trany sensor if you suspect your trany is going bad? Know this secret before the trany garage sells you a whole trany assembly!

You have a 98 model onwards of GM Pickups, it shakes at 45-60 mph and you unplug this sensor and the problem gone! What sensor is this?

How to test your ABS sensors like a pro and save your money.

Or get these right NOW....DEMO Troubleshooting VIDEOS so you can do vehicle repairs quickly!

See the video and learn quickly how mechanics do it!

VIDEO demo on how to test your spark in 2 minutes!

VIDEO demo on how to test your fuel injector in under 5 minutes!

VIDEO demo on how to restore your engine performance and SAVE gas! (priceless)

VIDEO demo on how to test your engine computer without going to a garage!

VIDEO demo on how to use ATS wiring diagram to fix any serious engine problem!

These are just examples of what you will get if you join ATS right NOW!

You don't take the RISK, it's on me:

Within 90 days, after going through this course-ware and you do not agree that this is worth far more than you paid, just e-mail me a "refund" message. I will refund your money with no questions whatsoever. You can then keep all the information supplied to you as a gesture of thanks for taking the time.

OR here's the final offer:

Buy and try this ATS Course right now to solve your important problem that you want fixed. If within a week you are not happy with the service, claim your refund and you can keep all the software, instructions, drawings and wiring diagrams.

Or better still, here is the BEST offer:

Join TODAY and get a LIFETIME membership for 2 vehicles! (which includes common fixes, wiring diagrams and pictures, plus service bulletins and recalls for any 2 cars or trucks you own, BOTH domestic or import). This is like having the secret of what garages use to fix their vehicle problems, and fix them FAST!

If you join TODAY and you happen to like it, I will COVER you for all your (2)vehicle problems for it's LIFETIME! Yes! As long as you own the same 2 vehicles, ATS will be there for you! Try finding any service that would match this. Imagine how much you will save!

Buy ATS personal membership CLICK HERE for $97 USD one time LIFETIME membership good for 4 vehicles of your choice!

(ATS is now on its 10th year building confidence and saving money among SMART vehicle owners and DO IT YOURSELFERS)

NOTE: This offer is only good if you order in the next 4 hours. (Join NOW so you don't forget). Also, you are entitled to a 90 days full refund guarantee if you don't like the service. This LIFETIME offer is for PRIVATE or PERSONAL use only.

Want a mechanic's job? Give your shop a boost? CLICK HERE

I guaranty ATS services or your money back!

Yours truly,

Richard M.Trent
786 Coral Spring Blvd. NE. Calgary,
Alberta, CANADA
Tel: 403 207 0592 (call this number or leave a message if busy)

Professional Background:

Automotive garage owner in Calgary, Alberta CANADA 1985-1995
Automotive consultant in Calgary since 1997
Licensed automotive (gas) Technician 1984 and HD (diesel) Technician 1980, Calgary
BSME (mechanical engineering) graduate 1971

How to check the "check engine light" in your dash

Where to find the check engine light "adapter link" in your vehicle

Give you the meaning of your check engine light code/s

Give you all the proven checks to verify that code

Send you all common solutions to the code from ATS database

You will get wiring diagrams, drawings, pictures of the component you are investigating to make it easier for you

Verify for you the result of your test so you won't go in circles and waste your time.

Tell you which part(s) you can buy from the dealer or your local parts store so you can fix it right the first time!

Show you how to check any engine (even a used one) so that you will know if it's GOOD before you install it. Compression test does not work antmore!

New vehicle practices like warming up, and do you need them? Which used vehicle will give you big savings in gas or which will cause you more problems later on.

Where to buy the cheapest engine after market computer, or where to have it repaired because some engine computer cost over a thousand dollars from the dealer! What you need after you buy it from a salvage yard!

You will get updates of all money saving tips and solutions for the particular vehicle you drive.

How to test your fuel pump by watching your oxygen sensor reading

Quick way to check your EGR for defects if you have a misfiring engine

Common sensor to clean when you have engine hesitation problem (and this applies to most vehicles whether domestics or imports

Hesitation accompanied by cutting out requires replacing this sensor

What connector to disconnect to check your timing? (for gm or ford)

Common engine sensors to disconnect when you have hesitation, stalling and cutting out (this has to be done one at a time in order to work)

Quickest way to chemically tune up your vehicle once a year and regain your engine fuel mileage (this can be done in under 30 minutes)

Do you know the right color of your spark when testing your coil? This will save you $50-$75 when garages do this for you

These sensors have to be disconnected when testing for surging

The most common ignition part to replace when you have stalling after warmed up (this works 90% of the time in most engines)

This sensor has to be replaced when your engine will only start by pushing the gas pedal to the floor.

Check this sensor needs replacing when you have no fuel and no spark.

Check this sensor when you have fuel but no spark.

This quick tap test will check your engine computer for defects.

Here's what people say about ATS:

Get these ATS troubleshooting SECRETS now:

Or get these right NOW....DEMO Troubleshooting VIDEOS so you can do vehicle repairs quickly!

Professional Background:

Back to the start page!