When you’re considered the automotive know-it-all of either the neighborhood or within your group of friends, people bring you their troubles. “Hey, bro, can you just go for a quick ride? It’s making a funny noise and I can’t tel what the problem is.” I learned years ago to just go for the damn test drive because asking them to mimic the noise that they were hearing was like playing with one of those old See N’ Say toys. “And what noise did the old Ford make? “WHIrrrrrrrr!” And what noise does the Honda make when turning left? “KaTHUNKkaTHUNKkaTHUNK!” Yep, exactly like that.
That was humorous enough, but there was one way to top that: “Dude, you’ve GOT to see this! Come out here!” Over the course of history, I’ve seen a wharf rat that actually seized up the serpentine belt of a Buick Regal, I’ve taken a very hot shower courtesy of an exploding upper radiator hose/thermostat housing on a V6 Thunderbird, and I’ve seen the strut on a Chrysler Pacifica punch through the housing…and the hood.
Every car is just mechanical systems, hydraulic systems and electrical systems laid out in a way that works harmoniously with one another. Yet somehow, “mechanics” manage to find new and interesting ways of doing things…or the sins of the engineer come back to haunt the owner. Whatever the case, here’s ten minutes of “I’m not working on that” for you to enjoy!
(Original video: Car Throttle)
FINALLY! After over a year because of limited funds by the owner and building anger and frustration in me, I repaired the DTC, P0113, IAT high voltage on a 2007 Silverado. Problem indicated an open in the circuit. Another shop had replaced the MAF which houses the IAT sensor and the MAF harness connector. They then tested the harness and determined a defective ECM. Customer came to me for 2nd opinion. I found aftermarket MAF which I replaced with AC Delco. Checked continuity in harness and agreed PCM was the problem, which it wasn’t. After more circuit testing, rechecking resistance through sensor, etc., etc., I determined only the harness connector at PCM was defective. Could not get harness for under $650 and connector alone with or without connectors was unavailable. Was able to get engine light off long enough to get through inspection but light returned. New inspection was due and customer wanted the problem fixed once and for all and agreed to buy a new GM harness. Tried to order new harness but unavailable. Scouring the internet, I found a video of a mechanic altering a harness connector like mine and showed the tool needed. $50 + shipping put the tool in hand and I opened my harness connector to find the individual connector for the IAT signal was extremely loose on the ECM pin. I had a used harness I had also unsuccessfully tried, fixed P0113 but had other connection issues. Spliced a connector from the used harness and I started getting IAT readings but they were totally wrong. Rechecked harness, replaced the aftermarket connector at the MAF with another aftermarket (AC Delco does not make this connector) and the truck from hell was fixed.