Repair: General Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Starting Point

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

Blue Smoke in Exhaust

• Engine: Troubleshoot Burning Oil

PCV Valve Failure

• Replace PCV Valve

Valve Stem Seals Worn

• Replace Valve Stem Seals

Turbo Failure

• Replace/Rebuild Turbo Turbo: Swap

Piston Ring or Head Gasket Failure

• Engine: Compression Test Rebuild engine if it fails

Cranks But Does Not Start

Fuel Pump Failure

• Check Fuel Pump Fuse

Crank/CAM Angle Sensors Failure

• Engine: Troubleshoot Camshaft and Crankshaft Position Sensors Also see Engine: Troubleshoot

Large Vacuum Leak

• Perform an intake pressure test and fix all leaks

High Knock Counts

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

Oil Pressure Sender Disconnected

• Engine: Check Oil Pressure Sender

Overheating

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

Vacuum Leak

• Perform an Intake Pressure Test

Barometric Pressure Sensor Failure

• Engine: Troubleshoot Barometric Pressure Sensor also see Engine: Troubleshoot

Throttle Position Sensor misadjusted

• Engine: Adjust Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) also see Engine: Troubleshoot

Intake Air Temperature Sensor Bad

• Engine: Troubleshoot Intake Air Temperature Sensor (IAT) also see Engine:_Troubleshoot

Stalling

ECU Capacitors Bad in 91-93 Cars

• ECU: Replace Capacitors (1991-1993)

Studdering Over 3,000 RPM

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

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

Clutch Not Disengaging

Air in clutch hydrolics

• Bleed clutch system

Clutch Master Cylinder Failure

• Clutch: Replace Master Cylinder

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

Slipping Clutch

• Replace Clutch

Broken Axle

• [[Drivetrain: CV Axle]

Broken Output Shaft (AWD Only)

• Transmission: Replace Output Shaft Without Pulling Transmission

Broken Transfer Case

• Replace Transfer Case

Grinding While Shifting

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

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

Car Pulls to One Side

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

Battery Draining

Alternator's Voltage Regulator Faulty

• Alternator: Troubleshoot and Replace

Parasitic Drain

• How to Find a Parasitic Battery Drain

Power Windows Not Working

Power Window Motor Failure

• Door: Replace Power Window Motor

Power Window Switch Failure

• Replace Power Window Switch

Interior

Air Conditioning Display Not Working

Resistor R-38 failure

• HVAC: Repair Electronic AC Display

Body

Coming soon...