Repair: General Troubleshooting
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Troubleshooting Starting Point[edit]
This is a troubleshooting starting point. The purpose is to give users a starting point or a rough idea of what is causing their problem. Experts are encouraged to post common problems, with their causes and likely solutions. This is not meant to be all inclusive but may address most problems with enough expert input.
To use this guide is simple: you go into the appropriate section (ie engine, transmission etc), find your problem, then look at the list of possible causes. Each cause will have a sublist of fixes or solution links. Follow the one(s) that you feel most fits your situation.
The layout is Problem -> Cause(s) -> Solution(s)
Please limit solutions to a single sentence or a link in order to preserve readability of this guide.
Here is the Acronym List in case you run across one you don't know.
Engine[edit]
Blue Smoke in Exhaust[edit]
- PCV Valve Failure
- Replace PCV Valve
- Valve Stem Seals Worn
- Replace Valve Stem Seals
- Turbo Failure
- Replace/Rebuild Turbo Turbo: Remove and Install
- Piston Ring or Head Gasket Failure
- Engine: Compression Test Rebuild engine if it fails
- Also see: Engine: Troubleshoot Burning Oil
Cranks But Does Not Start[edit]
- Fuel Pump Failure
- Check Fuel Pump Fuse
- Crank/CAM Angle Sensors Failure
- Large Vacuum Leak
- Perform an intake pressure test and fix all leaks
High Knock Counts[edit]
- Air Fuel Too Lean
- Increase Fuel on your A/F controller
- Upgrade Fuel Pump
- Upgrade Fuel Injectors
- Air Intake Charge Too Hot
- Increase A/F ratio to cool cylinders
- Upgrade Intercoolers
- Add water/alcohol injection
- Replace spark plugs with cooler range spark plugs
- Fuel Octane Too Low
- Use Race Gas
- Add Propane Injection
- Carbon Buildup in Cylinders
- Clean out cylinders with SeaFoam
- Cooling System Inadequate
- Add Water Wetter
- Flush Cooling System
- Upgrade Radiator
- Also see Engine: Troubleshoot
Oil Pressure Gauge Not Working[edit]
- Oil Pressure Sender Disconnected
Overheating[edit]
- Air in Cooling System
- Fill Cooling System and keep overflow tank filled
- Fix Any Leaks
- Radiator Cap Worn
- Replace radiator cap
- Water Pump Failure
- Replace Water Pump
- Cooling Fans Not Functioning
- Check fan relays
- Check fan switches
- Thermostat Failure
- Replace Thermostat
- Head Gasket Failure
- Engine: Compression Test Replace Head Gasket if fail
Running Lean[edit]
- Vacuum Leak
- Perform an Intake Pressure Test
- Barometric Pressure Sensor Failure
- Throttle Position Sensor misadjusted
- Intake Air Temperature Sensor Bad
Stalling[edit]
- ECU Capacitors Bad in 91-93 Cars
Stuttering Over 3,000 RPM[edit]
- Spark Blow Out
- Gap Plugs to .032 or smaller
- Replace Spark Plugs with Copper or Iridium Plugs
- Replace Spark Plug Wires
- Replace Multi-Path Plugs with Single Path Plugs
Ticking Sounds in Engine Bay[edit]
- Lifter Tick
- Team3S How to Get Rid of Lifter Tick
- Upgrade to 99 Engine: Lifters
- Collapsed Lifter
- Replace Lifter
- Fuel Injector Faulty
- Replace Fuel Injector
- Spun Bearing
- Rebuild Engine
Drive Train[edit]
Clutch Not Disengaging[edit]
- Air in clutch hydrolics
- Bleed clutch system
- Clutch Master Cylinder Failure
- Clutch Slave Cylinder Failure
- Replace clutch slave cylinder
- Clutch Pressure Plate Worn Out
- Replace Clutch
- Clutch Fork Bent
- Replace Clutch Fork
Car Won't Move With Clutch Engaged[edit]
- Slipping Clutch
- Replace Clutch
- Broken Axle
- [[Drivetrain: CV Axle]
- Broken Output Shaft (AWD Only)
- Broken Transfer Case
- Replace Transfer Case
Grinding While Shifting[edit]
- Clutch Not Fully Disengaging
- Bleed clutch system
- Adjust Clutch Pedal
- Clutch Pressure Plate Worn
- Replace clutch
- Transmission Synchros Worn
- Rebuild transmission Transmission: Rebuild 5-Speed AWD Getrag
Shifter Arm Moves When Gas Pedal Is Depressed or Released[edit]
- Transmission Bearing Preloads Out of Adjustment Transmission: Rebuild 5-Speed AWD Getrag
- If 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gear, adjust intermediate shaft preload Transmission: Rebuild 5-Speed AWD Getrag
- If 5th, 6th (or reverse on a 5 spd) then adjust input shaft preload
- Engine Mounts Worn
- Replace Engine Mounts
Suspension[edit]
Car Pulls to One Side[edit]
- Tires Underinflated
- Inflate tires to proper pressure
- Fix slow leak in tire(s)
- Tire Damaged
- Replace tire
- Worn Suspension Bushings
- Replace worn bushings
- Alignment off
- Have car aligned
- Bent suspension component
- Replace damage part
- Car Frame Bent
- Repair car frame
Electrical[edit]
Battery Draining[edit]
- Alternator's Voltage Regulator Faulty
- Parasitic Drain
Power Windows Not Working[edit]
- Power Window Motor Failure
- Power Window Switch Failure
- Replace Power Window Switch
Interior[edit]
Air Conditioning Display Not Working[edit]
- Resistor R-38 failure
Body[edit]
Coming soon...
