Toyota
Some 2006-08 RAV4 SUVs with 2GR-FE V6 engines may turn on the check engine light and store one or more variable valve timing trouble codes in computer memory. In some cases, misfire codes may be present, as well.
According to Toyota, all these problems could be due to defective cam timing oil control valves (OCVs). Updated oil control valves are now available to address the concerns.
If you look at the illustration above, you'll notice that there are four OCVs on this V6—two on each bank.
Determining what control valve(s) has failed is simply a matter of writing down the code(s) that you pull with your scan tool. For example, if you get code P0011, P0012 and/or P0016, the intake OCV on bank 1 is history. Replace it with an updated valve, part #15330-0P030.
If you pull code P0021, P0022 and/or P0018, the intake OCV on bank 2 is defective. Replace the valve with part #15330-0P020. If the scan tool display shows code P0014, P0015 and/or P0017, the exhaust OCV on bank 1 has gone by the wayside. Replace the valve with part #15330-0P020.
Finally, if you pull code P0019, P0024 and/or P0025, the exhaust OCV on bank 2 has failed. Remove it and replace with an updated valve, part #15340-0P020.
Before installing the new control valve(s), coat its O-ring with engine oil to ease installation, then torque the retaining bolt to 80 in-lbs. To complete the repair, clear the trouble code(s) from computer memory, then start the engine and make sure the check engine light remains off.
Drivers of 2004 Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks may complain about abnormally long crank times after the engine is shut down for a few minutes and an attempt is made at restarting.
Toyota says one likely cause for the starting difficulties is a defect in the fuel pump's suction tube assembly.
To make a definitive diagnosis, hook up a fuel gauge and start the engine. Now shut the engine off and look at the gauge reading. If the residual fuel pressure holds, look elsewhere for the problem. If it drops quickly, the suction tube is the culprit. New-design tube assemblies are now available to address the problem.
For the Tacoma, order part #77203-04060 for 2RZ-FE and 3RZ-FE engines, or part #77203-04070 for 5VZ-FE engines. For the Tundra, go with part #77203-0C050. The suction tube assembly gasket, part #77169-04010, is identical for all engines and models.
GM
Drivers of some 1999-2003 Chevrolet Trackers with 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter engines may complain of an alarming ticking sound from the engine compartment.
According to GM, the noise is most obvious following several months of inactivity or anytime after the valve lifters or camshaft have been removed. It is most likely due to air entrapment in the valve lifter bodies.
Installing new-design lifters, part #91177364, that are less susceptible to bleed-down is the only reliable fix.
Acura
Acura says that some 1999-2000 3.2 TL models may turn on the ABS and TCS warning lights on the dash simultaneously. Among the trouble codes you might see from your scan tool are TCS codes 28 and 81, and ABS codes 52, 53, 54 and/or 81.
One likely cause for the trouble is water finding its way into the brake modulator connector. Drying out the connector with compressed air is the quick fix.
Start the job by depressing the lock tab on the connector lever, then disconnect the connector from the brake modulator. Using a blow gun, direct compressed air into the connector cavity for several seconds until the electrical terminals are dry.
Next, pack the cavity with lithium-based dielectric grease, part #08798-900. To complete the fix, plug the connector back into the brake modulator, clear the trouble codes, then go on a road test to make sure the ABS and TCS lights stay off.
Chrysler
Some 1999 Dodge Ram Vans, Dakota pickups, Ram pickups and Durango SUVs with 3.9-liter and 5.2-liter engines may produce an oil leak that's especially difficult to trace.
According to Chrysler, the oil seepage can mimic a rear main seal leak, a leaking oil pan gasket, a leak at the rear intake manifold seal or a leaky oil filter gasket. In reality, the most likely source of the leak is the joint between the oil filter adapter plate and engine block.
A bad adapter plate gasket is the culprit. Replacing the gasket with an upgraded, more durable design, part #53020461AB, should eliminate the leakage issue immediately.
“Factory Fixes” is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected]