Auto Repair Advice

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Question:

Hello Kevin,

I have a problem with starting my car, which is an asuna sunfire 93. And today I was supposed to check out what was wrong with it, but it was snowing outside. But I asked my dad what was wrong with it, and he said something about the ignition coil. What is that, and how can I repair it?

Sincerely,

Rameses

Answer:

Rameses,

The ignition coil creates high voltage for the spark plugs to fire the fuel and air mixture. Depending on your car, you may have one coil or multiple coils. When you have starting problems, you need to check the three major components your engine needs to run… air, fuel and spark.

Air: Check air filter and throttle body for any obstructions. Also check for loose electrical connections on the throttle position sensor.

Fuel: Make sure fuel filter is not clogged. On a fuel injected car, it’s harder to check for fuel flow since the fuel is at high pressure. I would check spark and if that’s good, then suspect low fuel flow as your problem.

Spark: You can pull a spark plug, reattach the spark plug wire and rest the tip of the spark plug on a metal part of the engine. Have someone crank over the engine and you watch the spark plug to see if you are getting a spark. Don’t touch the spark plug while you are turning over the engine, as you will get a shock if it’s working. They do make a tester for this, so you don’t have to take out the spark plug. You could also using a timing light if you have one to test for current to the plugs, but it will not tell you how strong the spark is. While you are there, take a look at the spark plugs themselves. Are they black and sooty or white. Black and sooty means rich mixture (too much fuel) white mean lean (not enough fuel)

As with working on any car, a good repair manual is invaluable to helping track down issues. The Alldata online manuals have troubleshooting procedures in the book, and is what the professional mechanics use to fix cars in their shops.

Good Luck,

Kevin

P.S. You may have to use Isuzu Impulse as your make and model for your repair manuals, since I am not sure Alldata lists the Asuna

Question:

I have a problem. - 86 Celebrity 2.5L

Car will crank but not start.  While swapping battery and connecting
positive cable first I heard a popping sound by the right firewall. I
finished hooking up the battery and tried to start the car:

1. Car would crank but won’t start
2.  Checked for spark wth timing light - no start
3. tried to pull codes (with paper clip) old fashion type - light would not
flash
4. radio fuse blew, all others ok
5. Could it be the computer? If not what could it be?
6. Is there a way out can check the computer - or just buy one from a junk
yard”

Answer:

It could be the computer, or a fusible link in the wiring harness.  A fusible link is basically an inline fuse, that is not replacable.  You would have to find the link in the harnas and replace it.  Sometimes there are fuses/relays in the engine compartment also, but that is more common on foreign cars.  To really diagnose the issue, you need a multi-meter, and a good repair manual with wiring schematics.  You need to see if the computer is getting power, and test some of the outputs to see if it’s working.

You can buy computers out of a junkyard, and this may be an easy way to diagnose your problem without spending too much time or money. (depending on the cost of the computer)  I would think you should be able to get the computer from a junkyard for less than $150.  Check out www.car-part.com to search junkyard inventories.

Kevin

Question:
I have a mint condition F-150 (2001) SuperCrew. Hope you can help the the side
mirrors control no longer works. Can I fix this myself or do I need a dealer?

Thank You,
Tom

Answer:
Tom,

I would check the fuses first, there should be a diagram on the fuse panel
showing you which circuits are which. The side mirror controls are probably
grouped with the power window circuit or door locks.

If it’s not a bad fuse, then I would suspect the switch. Removing the door
panel and getting to the switch is not too hard, but you will have to be careful
when removing the inside door panel. I do not have specific instructions for
your truck, but typically you will need to remove some screws first around the
arm rest and possibly at the bottom of the door, then carefully pry the door
panel away from the door. The trick is to apply enough pressure to pop the clips
which hold the door panel on, but not break the plastic door panel.

You should be able to get the switch from the Ford dealer, a junkyard or possibly
a U-Pull-It Junkyard. Infact, if you have a U-Pull-It type junkyard in your
area, this may be a good way of practicing to remove that door panel ! You can
find a listing of junkyards at www.classicjunkyard.com/junkyards/

Good Luck,

Kevin

Boy, do I get a lot of questions about why my car won’t start. I just went through this problem with my 1969 Lincoln Continental a few days ago, and figured I would detail my process and hopefully help a few of you guys out working on your own cars.

My Lincoln sits a lot and has not been starting very well since I bought it a few months ago. I went to start it and heard the dreaded click-click of the solenoid going, but the starter not turning. I guess it’s time to start diagnosing.

My first suspect was the battery, so I disconnected it and put it on the charger. After a night of charging, I whipped out my battery tester, which is basically a volt meter with a resistor built it to put a load on the battery. I used a model from Harbor Freight.. cheap, but I don’t use it that often and it works.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90636
Well, the battery was marginal, so I replaced it just to be safe. The battery was in the car when I bought it, and was not marked as to when it was installed, so I could not determine the age. When in doubt, replace it !

The next step was to inspect the cables running from the battery to the solenoid, ground cable, and the cable from the solenoid to the starter. The battery cables were in good condition, but the cable from the solenoid to the starter had a huge rip in the insulation and the copper wires were corroded. This will prevent the stater from getting full power, and will make the starter crank slow, if at all. So off to the parts store to get a new cable. $4 later, I was under the car replacing the cable. While I was at the store, I picked up a new starter solenoid for $6 which is just cheap insurance. Since you can not open up the solenoid and inspect it, it’s easier just to replace if you don’t know the age.

After everything was replaced, I got in the car, and the old Lincoln fired right up. The start spun fast, and strong, just like new.

When you are done with all your repairs, it’s a good idea to protect your connectors with a battery terminal grease available at any auto parts store. The grease prevents corrosion and can be found in tube or spray form.

Kevin