Shop Talk: Start Here
Seventy-plus diagnostic write-ups from the shop floor. Every one follows the same rule: prove the fault before you buy the part. Start with the section that matches what your vehicle is doing.
Diagnostic trouble codes
- P0016 — prove the chain is stretched before you pull the cover
- P0300 random misfire — check what every cylinder shares
- P0301 misfire — move the coil before you buy parts
- P0171 and P0174 together — smoke the intake first
- P0420 — test the converter before you sell a converter
- P0442 / P0455 — test the EVAP purge valve first
- P0011 / P0010 — bench test the VVT solenoid
Seals and leaks
- How deep do you drive a seal? Flush, recessed, and too deep
- Front crank seal leaking — the harmonic balancer job done once
- Converter seal leak — it is not always the rear main
- 2GR-FE timing cover leak — reseal once and stay dry
- RTV vs gasket — what actually seals
Electrical and body
- ABS light on — test the wheel speed sensor
- Battery dead overnight — measure the parasitic draw
- Power window dead — test the motor first
- Wipers not working — test the motor
- Crimp or solder? Repairs that stay fixed
Drivetrain, brakes and HVAC
- Wheel bearing noise — load it before you pull the hub
- Electronic parking brake — service mode first
- New clutch slipping already — check the input shaft seal
- AC blows hot on one side — blend door actuator
- Blower only works on high — test the resistor