Honda
Some 2007-09 CR-V midsize SUVs may illuminate the Check Engine light and store one or more of the following trouble codes in PCM memory: P0134, P0135, P0171 and P1157.
One likely cause of the trouble, reports Honda, is grease inside the underhood fuse box connector melting due to high engine compartment heat. The liquefied grease then travels down the engine wiring harness and into the air/fuel ratio sensor's 4-pin connector, contaminating the sensor in the process. Replacing the sensor and installing a new sub-harness kit, part No. 06322-SWA-305, H/C 9050097, to keep the grease away from the replacement sensor's connector is the fix recommended by Honda. Here's how to do it:
Begin by locating the right branch of the engine harness (it's attached to the right side frame rail, near the power steering hose). Now cut the harness' clip to free it up from the rail. Next, put the SUV on a lift to get at the air/fuel ratio sensor. Disconnect the sensor's connector, remove the sensor and install the replacement sensor, tightening to 33 foot-pounds. Don't attach the connector just yet.
Continue the job by disconnecting the engine harness' 4-pin connector from its retaining clip. Using the illustration above, connect the engine harness connector to the taped portion of the sub-harness, attach the sub-harness to the frame rail, then connect the new air/fuel ratio sensor's connector to the other end of the sub-harness. To complete the fix, insert the sub-harness' button clip into the hole in the frame rail and secure the two harnesses together with the wire tie included in the kit until a loop forms. The loop helps keep the grease from entering the replacement sensor's connector.
Ford
Some 2007-08 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ models with AWD systems may produce a vibration in the drivetrain while being driven at highway speeds. Ford says that the vibration is often accompanied by a howling noise, and that both problems are due to either an improperly indexed or out-of-balance rear driveshaft.
Start the repair off by disconnecting the rear driveshaft and re-indexing it to the rear diff flange as outlined in a repair manual. Now go on a road test to see if the vibration and noise are gone. If they are, you're done with the fix. If the symptoms remain, replace the rear prop shaft with an upgraded unit, part No. 8E5Z-4R602-A.
"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].