
TROUBLESHOOTlNGll-11 
b. Driveshaft misaligned. Check for collapsed or damaged engine and transmission 
mounts, and replace as necessary. 
c. Driveshaft bent or out of balance. Replace damaged components and reinstall. 
d. Driveshaft out of balance. Remove the driveshaft and have it balanced by a competent 
professional, or replace the driveshaft assembly. 
NOTE: Most driveshafts are linked together by universal joints; however, 
some manufacturers use Constant Velocity (CV) joints or rubber flex cou- 
plers. 
All Wheel and Four Wheel Drive Vehicles 
1. Front or rear wheel makes a clicking noise 
a. Check for debris such as a pebble, nail or glass in the tire or tire tread. Carefully re- 
move the debris. Small rocks and pebbles rarely cause a puncture; however, a sharp 
object should be removed carefully at a facility capable of performing tire repairs. 
b. Check for a loose, damaged or worn Constant Velocity (CV) joint and replace if defec- 
tive. 
2. Front or rear wheel vibrates wlth Increased speed 
a. Check for a bent rim and replace, if damaged. 
b. Check the tires for balance or internal damage and replace if defective. 
c. Check for a loose, worn or damaged wheel bearing and replace if defective. 
d. Check for a loose, damaged or worn Constant Velocity (CV) joint and replace if defec- 
tive. 
Front Wheel Drive Vehicles 
3. Front wheel makes a c&kin@ noise 
a. Check for debris such as a pebble, nail or glass in the tire or tire tread. Carefully re- 
move the debris. Small rocks and pebbles rarely cause a puncture; however, a sharp 
object should be removed carefully at a facility capable of performing tire repairs. 
b. Check for a loose, damaged or worn Constant Velocity (CV) joint and replace if defec- 
tive. 4. Rear wheel makes a clicking noise 
a. Check for debris such as a pebble, nail or glass in the tire or tire tread. Carefully re- 
move the debris. Small rocks and pebbles rarely cause a puncture; however, a sharp 
object should be removed carefully at a facility capable of performing tire repairs. 
Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles 
5. Front or rear wheel makes a clicking noise 
a. Check for debris such as a pebble, nail or glass in the tire or tire tread. Carefully re- 
move the debris. Small rocks and pebbles rarely cause a puncture; however, a sharp 
object should be removed carefully at a facility capable of performing tire repairs. 
6. Rear wheel shudders or vibrates 
a. Check for a bent rear wheel or axle assembly and replace defective components. 
b. Check for a loose, damaged or worn rear wheel bearing and replace as necessary. 
1. Burning odor from center of vehicle when accelerating 
a. Check for a seizing brake hydraulic component such as a brake caliper. Check the 
caliper piston for surface damage such as rust, and measure for out-of-round wear 
and caliper-to-piston clearance. For additional information on brake related odors, re- 
fer to section 3-A, condition number 9. 
b. On vehicles with a manual transmission, check for a slipping clutch. For possible 
causes and additional information, refer to section Z-C, condition number 1. 
c. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, check the fluid level and condition, Top 
off or change the fluid and filter using the recommended replacement parts, lubricant 
type and amount. If the odor persists, transmission removal and disassembly will be 
necessary. 
2. Engine accelerates, but vehicle does not gain speed 
a. On vehicles with a manual transmission, check for a slipping or damaged clutch. For 
possible causes and additional information refer to section Z-C, condition number 1. 
b. On vehicles with an automatic transmission, check the fluid level and condition. Top 
off or change the fluid and filter using the recommended replacement parts, lubricant 
type and amount. If the slipping continues, transmission removal and disassembly will 
be necessary. 
1. Brake pedal pulsates or shimmies when pressed 
a. Check wheel lug nut torque and tighten evenly to specification. 
b. Check the brake rotor for trueness and thickness variations. Replace the rotor if it is 
too thin, warped, or if the thickness varies beyond specification. Some rotors can be 
machined: consult the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations before us- 
ing a machined brake rotor. 
c. Check the brake caliper or caliper bracket mounting bolt torque and inspect for loose- 
ness. Torque the mounting bolts and inspect for wear or any looseness, including 
worn mounting brackets, bushings and sliding pins. 
d. Check the wheel bearing for looseness. If the bearing is loose, adjust if possible, oth- 
erwise replace the bearing. 
2. Brakes make a squealing noise 
a. Check the brake rotor for the presence of a ridge on the outer edge; if present, remove 
the ridge or replace the brake rotor and brake pads. 
b. Check for debris in the brake lining material, clean and reinstall. 
c. Check the brake linings for wear and replace the brake linings if wear is approaching 
the lining wear limit. 
d. Check the brake linings for glazing. Inspect the brake drum or rotor surface and re- 
place, along with the brake linings, if the surface is not smooth or even. 
e. Check the brake pad or shoe mounting areas for a lack of lubricant or the presence of 
surface rust. Clean and lubricate with a recommended high temperature brake grease. 
3. Brakes make a flrindinfl noise 
a. Check the brake linings and brake surface areas for severe wear or damage. Replace 
worn or damaged parts. 
b. Check for a seized or partially seized brake causing premature or uneven brake wear, 
excessive heat and brake rotor or drum damage. Replace defective parts and inspect 
the wheel bearing condition, which could have been damaged due to excessive heat. 
4. Vehicle pulls to one side during braking 
a. Check for air in the brake hydraulic system. Inspect the brake hydraulic seals, fluid 
lines and related components for fluid leaks. Remove the air from the brake system by bleeding the brakes. Be sure to use fresh brake fluid that meets the manufacturers rec- 
ommended standards. 
b. Check for an internally restricted flexible brake hydraulic hose. Replace the hose and 
flush the brake system. 
c. Check for a seizing brake hydraulic component such as a brake caliper. Check the 
caliper piston for surface damage such as rust, and measure for out-of-round wear 
and caliper-to-piston clearance. Overhaul or replace failed parts and flush the brake 
system. 
d. Check the vehicle’s alignment and inspect for suspension wear. Replace worn bush- 
ings, ball joints and set alignment to the manufacturers specifications. 
e. If the brake system uses drum brakes front or rear, check the brake adjustment. Inspect 
for seized adjusters and clean or replace, then properly adjust. 
5. Brake pedal feels spongy or has excessive travel 
a. Check the brake fluid level and condition. If the fluid is contaminated or has not been 
flushed every two years, clean the master cylinder reservoir, and bleed and flush the 
brakes using fresh brake fluid that meets the manufacturers recommended standards. 
b. Check for a weak or damaged flexible brake hydraulic hose. Replace the hose and 
flush the brake system. 
c. If the brake system uses drum brakes front or rear, check the brake adjustment. Inspect 
for seized adjusters and clean or replace, then properly adjust. 
6. Brake pedal feel is firm, but brakes lack sufficient stopping power or 
fade 
a. Check the operation of the brake booster and brake booster check valve: Replace worn 
or failed parts. 
b. Check brake linings and brake surface areas for glazing and replace worn or damaged 
parts. 
c. Check for seized hydraulic parts and linkages, and clean or replace as needed. 
7. Vehicle has excessive front end dive or locks rear brakes too easily 
a. Check for worn, failed or seized brake proportioning valve and replace the valve. 
b. Check for a seized, disconnected or missing spring or linkage for the brake propor- 
tioning valve. Replace missing parts or repair as necessary.  

IJront Wheel or Wheel Bearing Loose 
All Wheel and Four Wheel Drive Vehicles a. Torque lug nuts and axle nuts to specification and recheck for looseness. 
b. Wheel bearing worn or damaged. Replace wheel bearing. 
Front Wheel Drive Vehicles 
a. Torque lug nuts and axle nuts to specification and recheck for looseness. 
b. Wheel bearing worn or damaged. Replace wheel bearing. 
Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles a. Wheel bearing out of adjustment. Adjust wheel bearing to specification; if still loose, 
replace. 
b. Torque lug nuts to specification and recheck for looseness. 
c. Wheel bearing worn or damaged. Replace wheel bearing. 
2. Rear Wheel or Wheel Bearing Loose 
All Wheel and Four Wheel Drive Vehicles a. Torque lug nuts and axle nuts to specification and recheck for looseness. 
b. Wheel bearing worn or damaged. Replace wheel bearing. 
Front Wheel Drive Vehicles a. Wheel bearing out of adjustment. Adjust wheel bearing to specification; if still loose, 
replace. 
b. Torque lug nuts to specification and recheck for looseness. 
c. Wheel bearing worn or damaged. Replace wheel bearing. 
Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles a. Torque lug nuts and to specification and recheck for looseness. 
b. Wheel bearing worn or damaged. Replace wheel bearing. 
11-12 TROUBLESHOOTING 
8. Brake pedal goes to floor when pressed and will not pump up 
a. Check the brake hydraulic fluid level and inspect the fluid lines and seals for leakage. 
Repair or replace leaking components, then bleed and flush the brake system using 
fresh brake fluid that meets the manufacturer’s recommended standards. 
b. Check the brake fluid level. Inspect the brake fluid level and brake hydraulic seals. If 
the fluid level is ok, and the brake hydraulic system is free of hydraulic leaks, replace 
the brake master cylinder, then bleed and flush the brake system using fresh brake 
fluid that meets the manufacturer’s recommended standards. 
9. Brakes produce a burning odor 
a. Check for a seizing brake hydraulic component such as a brake caliper. Check the 
caliper piston for surface damage such as rust, and measure for out-of-round wear 
and caliper-to-piston clearance. Overhaul or replace failed parts and flush the brake 
system. 
b. Check for an internally restricted flexible brake hydraulic hose. Replace the hose and 
flush the brake system. 
c. Check the parking brake release mechanism, seized linkage or cable, and repair as 
necessary. BRAKE PERFORMANCE TROU5LESHOOTINc; HIIVTS Brake vibrations or pulsation can often be diagnosed on a safe and careful test drive. 
A brake vibration which is felt through the brake pedal while braking, but not felt in the 
steering wheel, is most likely caused by brake surface variations in the rear brakes. If 
both the brake pedal and steering wheel vibrate during braking, a surface variation in the 
front brakes, or both front and rear brakes, is very likely. 
A brake pedal that pumps up with repeated use can be caused by air in the brake hy- 
draulic system or, if the vehicle is equipped with rear drum brakes, the brake adjusters 
may be seized or out of adjustment. A quick test for brake adjustment on vehicles with 
rear drum brakes is to pump the brake pedal several times with the vehicle’s engine not 
running and the parking brake released. Pump the brake pedal several times and con- 
tinue to apply pressure to the brake pedal. With pressure being applied to the brake 
pedal, engage the parking brake. Release the brake pedal and quickly press the brake 
pedal again. If the brake pedal pumped up, the rear brakes are in need of adjustment. Do 
not compensate for the rear brake adjustment by adjusting the parking brake, this will 
cause premature brake lining wear. 
To test a vacuum brake booster, pump the brake pedal several times with the vehicle’s 
engine off. Apply pressure to the brake pedal and then start the engine. The brake pedal 
should move downward about one inch (25mm). 
1. Tires worn on inside tread 
a. Check alignment for a toed-out condition. Check and set tire pressures and properly 
adjust the toe. 
b. Check for worn, damaged or defective suspension components. Replace defective 
parts and adjust the alignment. 
2. Tires worn on outside tread e 
a. Check alignment for a toed-in condition. Check and set tire pressures and properly 
adjust the toe. 
b. Check for worn, damaged or defective suspension components. Replace defective 
parts and adjust the alignment. 
3. Tires worn unevenly 
a. Check the tire pressure and tire balance. Replace worn or defective tires and check the 
. 
alignment; adjust if necessary. b. Check for worn shock absorbers. Replaced failed components, worn or defective tires 
and check the alignment; adjust if necessary. 
c. Check the alignment settings. Check and set tire pressures and properly adjust the 
alignment to specification. 
d. Check for worn, damaged or defective suspension components. Replace defective 
parts and adjust the alignment to specification, 
1. Excessive play in steering wheel 
a. Check the steering gear free-play adjustment and properly adjust to remove excessive 
play. 
b. Check the steering linkage for worn, damaged or defective parts. Replace failed com- 
ponents and perform a front end alignment. 
c. Check for a worn, damaged, or defective steering box, replace the steering gear and 
check the front end alignment. 
2. Steering wheel shakes at cruising speeds 
a. Check for a bent front wheel. Replace a damaged wheel and check the tire for possible 
internal damage. 
b. Check for an unevenly worn front tire. Replace the tire, adjust tire pressure and bal- 
ance. 
c. Check the front tires for hidden internal damage. Tires which have encountered large 
pot holes or suffered other hard blows may have sustained internal damage and 
should be replaced immediately. 
d. Check the front tires for an out-of-balance condition. Remove, spin balance and rein- 
stall. Torque all the wheel bolts or lug nuts to the recommended specification. 
e. Check for a loose wheel bearing. If possible, adjust the bearing, or replace the bearing 
if it is a non-adjustable bearing. 
3. Steering wheel shakes when braking 
a. Refer to section 3-A, condition number 1. 
4. Steering wheel becomes stiff when turned 
a. Check the steering wheel free-play adjustment and reset as needed. 
b. Check for a damaged steering gear assembly. Replace the steering gear and perform a 
front end alignment. 
c. Check for damaged or seized suspension components. Replace defective components 
and perform a front end alignment. 
1. Vehicle pulls to one side 
a. Tire pressure uneven. Adjust tire pressure to recommended settings. 
b. Tires worn unevenly. Replace tires and check alignment settings. 
c. Alignment out of specification. Align front end and check thrust angle. 
d. Check for a dragging brake and repair or replace as necessary. 
2. Vehicle is very bouncy over bumps 
a. Check for worn or leaking shock absorbers or strut assemblies and replace as neces- 
sary. 
b. Check for seized shock absorbers or strut assemblies and replace as necessary.  

TROUBLESHOOTING 1145 
d. Check the sensor wiring at the wheel sensors and the ABS control unit for a loose or 
shorted wire and repair as necessary. 
Brake Warninu Liaht a. Check the brakefluid~evel and check for possible leakage from the hydraulic lines and 
seals. Top off brake fluid and repair leakage as necessary. 
b. Check the brake linings for wear and replace as necessary. 
c. Check for a loose or shorted brake warning light sensor or wire, and replace or repair 
as necessary. 
Oil Pressure Warning Light a. Stop the engine immediately. Check the engine oil level and check for a sudden and 
rapid oil loss, such as a leaking oil line or oil pressure sensor, and repair or replace as 
necessary. 
b. Check the oil pressure sensor operation by substituting a known good sensor. 
c. Check the oil pressure sensor wire for being shorted to ground. Disconnect the wire 
from the oil pressure sensor and with the ignition in the ON position, but not running, 
the oil pressure light should not be working. If the light works with the wire discon- 
nected, check the sensor wire for being shorted to ground. Check the wire routing to 
make sure the wire is not pinched and check for insulation damage. Repair or replace 
the wire as necessary and recheck before starting the engine. 
d. Remove the oil pan and check for a clogged oil pick-up tube screen. 
Parking Brake Warning Light a. Check the brake release mechanism and verify the parking brake has been fully re- 
leased. 
b. Check the parking brake light switch for looseness or misalignment. 
c. Check for a damaged switch or a loose or shorted brake light switch wire, and replace 
or repair as necessary. 
3. Warning li#ht(s) inoperative with iflnition on, 
and engine not started 
a. Check for a defective bulb by installing a known good bulb. 
b. Check for a defective wire using the appropriate wiring diagram(s). 
c. Check for a defective sending unit by removing and then grounding the wire at the 
sending unit. If the light comes on with the ignition on when grounding the wire, re- 
place the sending unit. 
1. Turn siflnais or hazard iiflhts come on, but do not flash 
a. Check for a defective flasher unit and replace as necessary. 
2. Turn signals or hazard iiflhts do not function on either side 
a. Check the fuse and replace, if defective. 
b. Check the flasher unit by substituting a known good flasher unit. 
c. Check the turn signal electrical system for a defective component, open circuit, short 
circuit or poor ground. 
3. Turn siflnais or hazard lights only work on one side 
a. Check for failed bulbs and replace as necessary. 
b. Check for poor grounds in both housings and repair as necessary. 
4. One siflnai light does not work 
a. Check for a failed bulb and replace as necessary. 
b. Check for corrosion in the bulb socket, and clean and repair as necessary. 
c. Check for a poor ground at the bulb socket, and clean and repair as necessary. 
5. Turn signals flash too slowly 
a. Check signal bulb(s) wattage and replace with lower wattage bulb(s). 6. Turn signals flash too fast 
a, Check signal bulb(s) wattage and replace with higher wattage bulb(s). 
b. Check for installation of the correct flasher unit and replace if incorrect. 
7. Four-way hazard flasher indicator iiflhi inoperative 
a. Verify that the exterior lights are functioning and, if so, replace indicator bulb. 
b. Check the operation of the warning flasher switch and replace if defective. 
0. Turn signal indicator ii#ht(s) do not work in either direction 
a. Verify that the exterior lights are functioning and, if so, replace indicator bulb(s). 
b. Check for a defective flasher unit by substituting a known good unit. 
9. One turn signal indicator liflht does not work 
a. Check for a defective bulb and replace as necessary. 
b. Check for a defective flasher unit by substituting a known good unit. 
1. Horn does not operate 
a. Check for a defective fuse and replace as necessary. 
b. Check for battery voltage and ground at horn electrical connections when pressing the 
horn switch. If voltage is present, replace the horn assembly. If voltage or ground is 
not present, refer to Chassis Electrical coverage for additional troubleshooting tech- 
niques and circuit information. 
2. Horn has an unusual tone 
a. On single horn systems, replace the horn. 
b. On dual horn systems, check the operation of the second horn. Dual horn systems 
have a high and low pitched horn. Unplug one horn at a time and recheck operation. 
Replace the horn which does not function. 
c. Check for debris or condensation build-up in horn and verify the horn positioning. If 
the horn has a single opening, adjust the opening downward to allow for adequate 
drainage and to prevent debris build-up. 
1. Windshield wipers do not operate 
a. Check fuse and replace as necessary. 
b. Check switch operation and repair or replace as necessary. 
c. Check for corroded, loose, disconnected or broken wires and clean or repair as neces- 
sary. 
d. Check the ground circuit for the wiper switch or motor and repair as necessary. 
2. Windshield wiper motor makes a humming noise, gets hot or blows 
fuses 
a. Wiper motor damaged internally; replace the wiper motor. 
b. Wiper linkage bent, damaged or seized. Repair or replace wiper linkage as necessary. 
3. Windshield wiper motor operates, but one or both wipers fail to move 
a. Windshield wiper motor linkage loose or disconnected. Repair or replace linkage as 
necessary. 
b. Windshield wiper arms loose on wiper pivots. Secure wiper arm to pivot or replace 
both the wiper arm and pivot assembly. 
4. Windshield wipers will not park 
a. Check the wiper switch operation and verify that the switch properly interrupts the 
power supplied to the wiper motor. 
b. If the wiper switch is functioning properly, the wiper motor parking circuit has failed. 
Replace the wiper motor assembly. Operate the wiper motor at least one time before 
installing the arms and blades to ensure correct positioning, then recheck using the 
highest wiper speed on a wet windshield to make sure the arms and blades do not 
contact the windshield trim. 
1. Speedometer does not work to minimize sharp bends or kinks. 
If the sheathing has been 
damaged, replace the ca- 
a. Check and verify that the speedometer cable is properly seated into the speedometer ble assembly. 
assembly and the speedometer drive gear. b. Check the speedometer cable for adequate lubrication. Remove the cable, inspect for 
b. Check the speedometer cable for breakage or rounded-off cable ends where the cable damage, clean, lubricate and reinstall. If the cable has been damaged, replace the ca- 
seats into the speedometer drive gear and into the speedometer assembly. If damaged, ble. 
broken or the cable ends are rounded off, replace the cable. 
c. Check speedometer drive gear condition and replace as necessary. 3. Speedometer works intermittently 
d. Install a known good speedometer to test for proper operation. If the substituted a. Check the cable and verify that the cable is fully installed and the fasteners are secure. 
speedometer functions properly, replace the speedometer assembly. b. Check the cable ends for wear and rounding, and replace as necessary.