Scan Tool Will Not Communicate / Power Up

Although the vehicle I am working on is a 2005 Cadillac Escalade, this information is relevant to many OBD2 vehicles. The Tech 2 makes it simple because the tool does not have it’s own battery supply. therefore if the scan tool will not power up there is a basic problem with power or ground to … Continue reading “Scan Tool Will Not Communicate / Power Up”

2005 Cadillac Escalade, Driver’s Side Vents Blow Hot Air, A/C On

This 2005 Cadillac Escalade came in with the complaint that the driver’s side vents have switched to blowing only hot air with the a/c on. The passenger side air is cold. The telltale B0408 code for a faulty driver’s side blend/ temperature door actuator. Granted most people do not have a dealer level scan tool … Continue reading “2005 Cadillac Escalade, Driver’s Side Vents Blow Hot Air, A/C On”

HVAC Actuator Recalibration Procedure For GM Trucks and SUVs

The topic of how to perform the actuator recalibration procedure on Chevrolet , GMC and Cadillac Trucks and SUVs has become an ever increasing topic of discussion. For manual systems it does not matter where the a/c controls are set but if you feel the need to do something, turn the blower switch on (I … Continue reading “HVAC Actuator Recalibration Procedure For GM Trucks and SUVs”

How to Change a Battery Terminal When It Is Part Of A Harness

Although this vehicle is a 2004 Suzuki Verona, this repair can apply to a multitude of manufacturers. The general problem is the battery terminal has failed. The bigger problem is that this battery terminal end is only supplied a part of a larger harness assembly by the vehicle manufacturer. This repair begins with separating all … Continue reading “How to Change a Battery Terminal When It Is Part Of A Harness”

2006 Buick Lucerne, A/C Loses Refrigerant Charge

This 2006 Buick Lucerne came in with very poor a/c performance. A quick check revealed a low system charge and a little looking around and I found the telltale green dye. A little bit better view. I like how the camera flash makes it glow similar to the UV lights we use in the shop. … Continue reading “2006 Buick Lucerne, A/C Loses Refrigerant Charge”

1994 Ford F150, No Run Condition, Burnt Smell In Cab

This 1994 Ford F150 was towed in with a no run condition. The customer told me that he was driving along and started smelling something burning. The next thing he knew there was smoke under the driver’s side of the dash and the engine stopped running. I have seen this before, so I stuck my … Continue reading “1994 Ford F150, No Run Condition, Burnt Smell In Cab”

1990 Chevrolet K1500 Pickup, Multiple Electrical Problems

This 1990 Chevrolet K1500 Pickup came in with multiple complaints. The headlights and park lights did not work. The dome lights did not work and the horn did not work. The vehicle owner had already found out that there were three dead fuses in the interior fuse box. It is kind of strange saying that … Continue reading “1990 Chevrolet K1500 Pickup, Multiple Electrical Problems”

1997 GMC Savana Van, Changing The Blower Resistor

This 1997 GMC Savana van has a problem with the blower speed dropping without the switch being moved. The resistor as you can see in the picture below is quite easy to get to. It is under the hood on the passenger side of the vehicle. If you would click on the picture below to … Continue reading “1997 GMC Savana Van, Changing The Blower Resistor”

1998 Chevrolet K1500, Right Rear Turn Signal Erratic

Well, I got to see something new today. The customer brought this 1998 Chevy K1500 in with the complaint that the right rear turn signals would not work with the park lights on. I thought no big deal, the right rear socket board has weak internal ground. Seen it a hundred times if I have … Continue reading “1998 Chevrolet K1500, Right Rear Turn Signal Erratic”

2005 GMC Sierra, Air Blows Only From Defroster Vents

This 2005 GMC Sierra came in with the complaint that the air will only flow from the defroster vents, regardless of where it is commanded to. This Sierra has auto a/c controls and no floor mounted center console. Of course the customer brought the truck in, knowing that I had to lay under the driver’s … Continue reading “2005 GMC Sierra, Air Blows Only From Defroster Vents”