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Common Vehicle Issues & Repairs
If your vehicle is experiencing performance issues, unusual noises, or warning lights, it's essential to diagnose and address the problem early. Below, you'll find a list of common engine, transmission, braking, and electrical issues affecting various makes and models. Each section provides details on symptoms, affected vehicles, diagnosis, repair time, cost estimates, and preventative maintenance tips to help you stay ahead of potential failures.
MOPAR Vehicles with 3.6L Pentastar Engines (Equipped with 2-Stage Oil Pumps)
Issue:
- Check Engine Light (CEL) On – Displays P06DD code and possible timing codes.
- During test driving and monitoring, oil pressure does not increase at elevated RPMs, indicating the Pentastar engine’s oil pump is not engaging the high-pressure stage.
Affected Vehicles:
- Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram vehicles equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine (Model years 2011 and newer).
Diagnosis:
- Monitor oil pressure and confirm that the Pentastar engine’s oil pump fails to transition to high-pressure mode under high RPM conditions.
Repair Details:
- Estimated repair time: ~2 days.
- Cost: $1,200 – $2,000, depending on the vehicle model.
Prevention & Additional Notes:
- Timely oil changes are crucial. Dirty oil can clog the solenoid, which controls the transition between low- and high-pressure modes in the Pentastar engine.
- If failure occurs, install a revised oil pump to resolve the issue.
Dodge TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Issues
Common Symptoms:
- Fuel pump not receiving power
- Doors self-locking unexpectedly
- Parasitic battery drain
- Horn or alarm sounding randomly
- Other electrical malfunctions
Affected Vehicles:
- Mopar vehicles (Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram) from 2002 to present
- Some Volkswagen models
Diagnosis & Repair:
- Solution: Bypass the TIPM and send voltage directly to the fuel pump.
- Estimated repair time: ~1 day, excluding shipping time for a remanufactured TIPM assembly.
- Cost: Approximately $800
Prevention & Additional Notes:
- Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent this failure.
Hyundai Steering Coupler Issues
Problem:
- Plastic steering couplers degrade over time, leading to steering issues.
Affected Vehicles:
- Hyundai models (2007-2015):
- Elantra
- Sonata
- Kia models with electronic steering:
- Optima
- Soul
Common Symptoms:
- Clicking noise when turning the steering wheel, even when the vehicle is stationary.
Repair Details:
- Estimated repair time: ~4 hours
- Cost: Approximately $600
Prevention & Additional Notes:
- Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent this failure.
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Loss of Braking Power & Brake Pedal Sinking Issue
Symptoms:
- Brake pedal sinks to the floor when attempting to stop.
- Loss of braking power or vehicle not stopping at all.
Affected Vehicles:
- Ford models (2013-2019):
- Fusion
- Edge
- Lincoln models (2013-2019):
- MKX
- MKZ
- Possibly affects: F-150 pickups from the same generation.
Diagnosis & Repair:
- Inspection: Raise the vehicle on a lift and check for brake hose leaks at the rubber-to-metal crimp fitting.
- Estimated repair time: 4-5 hours
- Cost: $650-$800
Prevention & Additional Notes:
- Stay vigilant for:
- Changes in brake pedal feel
- Brake fluid leaks
- Brake system warning lights on the dashboard
- Important: This issue is part of a recall. It is highly recommended to take the vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for inspection and possible recall repair.
6.0 PowerStroke Head Gasket Issues
Problem:
- Head gasket failure due to insufficient clamping force.
- Caused by a reduced number of cylinder head bolts per cylinder, leading to inadequate sealing.
Affected Vehicles:
- 2003.5-2007 Ford F-250 and F-350
- Equipped with 6.0L PowerStroke diesel engines
Common Symptoms:
- Excessive pressure in the cooling system
- Exhaust gases detected in the coolant
Repair Details:
- Estimated labor time: ~20 hours
- Involves removal of the cab and engine cylinder heads
- Cost: Approximately $7,500
Recommended Fix (“Bulletproofing”)
- Replace head gaskets
- Upgrade factory head bolts to head studs to improve clamping force and prevent future failures.
Nissan CVT Transmission Issues
Symptoms:
- Vehicle does not move when in gear
- Difficulty accelerating
Affected Vehicles:
- Any Nissan model equipped with a CVT transmission
Diagnosis:
- Inspect transmission fluid for condition and check for the presence of metal shavings.
Repair Details:
- Estimated repair time: 2-3 days (excluding waiting time for parts).
- Cost: Approximately $6,500 for a new OEM CVT unit.
Prevention & Maintenance:
- Regularly perform transmission fluid and filter changes at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals to extend the lifespan of the CVT transmission.
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