We are resolving a number of cases every day and wanted to share some of the great conversations and tips we’ve had from across the country. Follow-up on Twitter or Facebook for a regular update.
Contributor: ACDelco’s Weekly TAC Tip comes from the team at ACDelco’s Technical Assistance Centre.
September 18, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Mount Pearl, NL
Vehicle: 2014 Ford Focus 2.0L
Condition: Air conditioning is not working, compressor needs to be replaced and technician needs some info on oil balancing when replacing components on A/C systems.
Agent recommendation: TAC recommended to follow OEM procedures for oil balancing since more than one compressor model can be used on that engine and depending witch one some are becoming fully loaded with all the oil capacity and some are not. The procedure shows how to determine and what to do.
Solution: The technician followed the OEM procedures and was able to determine how much PAG oil was necessary to get the proper amount of oil in the system.
September 11, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Boisbriand, QC
Vehicle: 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Condition: Truck has no trailer light coming on and is equipped with OEM trailer brake and accessories BCM. Trailer light control module has been replaced and still has no trailer light.
Agent recommendation: Make sure the BCM is properly configured for the trailer light control module and check powers and grounds at the trailer light module.
Solution: Technician found that when a new trailer brake module is installed, it needs to be hooked up with a trailer to see the electrical load of the lights and to be driven to see the vehicle speed signal in order to deliver the power for the trailer lights.
September 4, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Simcoe, ON
Vehicle: 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Condition: The vehicle has a Delco theft lock radio and the procedure for the code retrieval is not clear to technician.
Agent recommendation: A revised procedure is available to technicians with the radio locked. For GM vehicles from 1994 to 2002 with Delco theft lock radio a document is available on GMSI for this situation. The document PIC4696B explains the proper method to obtain radio codes for either GM dealers or ACDelco shops.
August 28, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Stratford, PEI
Vehicle: 2009 Dodge Journey 3.4L
Condition: The vehicle’s alarm goes off on its own intermittently overnight.
Agent recommendation: Suggest checking the parameters with a scan tool for the alarm triggers history and to make sure that the contact for the hood is correctly installed and adjusted, specifically vehicles with dark colors since during warmer days the hood absorbs the heat and when parked overnight it cools down and that can affect the hood contact positioning.
Solution: The technician replaced the hood contact as the parameters were not within specification.
August 21, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Mount Pearl, NL
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Trax 1.4L Turbo
Condition: The vehicle has multiple DTCs for lean mixture, P015B, P0171, P1101, P2096 and P2227.
Agent recommendation: Suggest checking for vacuum leaks and exhaust leaks and for dirt on the MAF sensor.
Solution: Technician found that when engine is hot there is a vacuum leak coming from underneath the intake manifold. The PCV was replaced and vehicle is now OK.
August 14, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Mount Pearl, NL
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Trax 1.4L Turbo
Condition: The vehicle has multiple DTCs for lean mixture, P015B, P0171, P1101, P2096 and P2227.
Agent recommendation: Suggest checking for vacuum leaks and exhaust leaks and for dirt on the MAF sensor.
Solution: Technician found that when engine is hot there is a vacuum leak coming from underneath the intake manifold. The PCV was replaced and vehicle is now OK.
August 14, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Mount Pearl, NL
Vehicle: 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.6L
Condition: The air conditioning is blowing cold on the driver’s side but warm on passenger’s side. When air is directed to the floor it is cold on passenger’s side.
Agent recommendation: Check the movement of the blend door and preform relearn procedure for the actuators.
Solution: The technician found that the actuator for the blend door on passenger side was not moving, the actuator was replaced and relearned.
August 7, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Blainville, QC
Vehicle: 2015 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5L
Condition: The engine will not start after replacing the battery. This is a start/stop vehicle.
Agent recommendation: Ask to check all the power supplies at modules like BCM, ECM, etc. Technician found no power coming at the BCM and DLC connector and no power at fuse 200 amps on the battery fuse box.
Solution: TAC found that when the dual battery control module on the battery fuse box is disconnected, it must be disconnected when all the batteries (main and auxiliary) are disconnected; otherwise damages to the DBCM may be created. A published procedure was sent to the technician and he was able to diagnose the issue. DBCM was replaced and car is now OK.
July 31, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Simcoe, ON
Vehicle: 2008 BMW 535XI, 3.0L
Condition: Car has A/C problems and technician cannot complete the recharging of refrigerant, car has only a service port on high-pressure side to check and recharge the system.
Agent recommendation: Since some European models have only one service port on high-pressure side to check and recharge the system, it is recommended to recharge the system when the vehicle and the engine are cold; otherwise, the pressure on the high side of the recharging device is not sufficient to complete the charge.
Solution: The correct procedure was followed and the vehicle was left for soaking time and was recharged for leak test and repairs were done and recharged and system is OK.
July 24, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Mount Pearl, NL
Vehicle: 2011 Toyota Corolla 1.8L
Condition: Car has lost the steering assistance intermittently while driving and has code U0100 in EPS module for lost communication with Vehicle Electric Module.
Agent recommendation: Check with no communication procedures.
Solution: Technician found the positive connector on battery was loose and dirty. The battery was also replaced.
July 17, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Stratford, IPE
Vehicle: 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7L V6
Condition: A/C compressor not cycling ON PCM has no codes.
Agent recommendation: Check for TSB and make sure the refrigerant charge is sufficient and to check with scanner for the evaporator thermos switch after soaking time if it matches the ECT.
Solution: Technician found the temperature for evaporator thermos switch was out of range, checked the 5 volts reference and low reference and were OK, order a new evaporator thermos switch and truck is OK now.
July 10, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Woodbridge, ON
Vehicle: 2018 GMC Yukon
Condition: Truck has code, C056E-4B, in the system and the Distance Learning Module has been replaced due to front collision and cannot erase the code.
Agent recommendation: When that module needs to be replaced, it will also need to be relearned to work properly. When the learning is successful, the code is self-erased.
Solution: The proper procedure was followed and learning was successful. The code went away and the truck is OK.
July 3, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Thetford Mines, QC
Vehicle: 2013 Buick Verano 2.4L
Condition: Engine stalled on road and all the cluster indicators were lost. Vehicle cannot be restarted, no crank. When checked with the scan tool, it could not communicate.
Agent recommendation: First check the GMLAN low and high speed for activity.
Solution: Technician did the GMLAN tests and found that the GMLAN low speed was shorted to ground. Tech was able to locate the issue by checking at junction connection, J234, and found shorted wire. This was repaired and the vehicle is OK now.
June 26, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Perth, ON
Vehicle: 2009 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L
Condition: Car has multiple codes for EVAP, P043E, P043F, P2401, P2402 and P2419. Canister has been replaced and is still getting the codes.
Agent recommendation: Check with troubleshooting procedures in Toyota Matrix 2009 TSB for the same codes.
Solution: TSB for Toyota Matrix has been applied to that car and was fixed.
June 19, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Woodbridge, ON
Vehicle: 2011 GMC Savana 6.6L Duramax
Condition: Cannot do the Diesel Particulate Filter regeneration, has code P24A0.
Agent recommendation: Check TSB and also make sure that, after the vehicle is left overnight, the 4 temperature sensors (2 for the exhaust and 2 for the engine) are within 3 degrees each other.
Solution: Technician has checked the TSB and read the temperature sensors with scan tool and found 1 exhaust temperature sensor was off by 10 degrees. Replaced the sensor and was able to do regeneration.
June 12, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Scarborough, ON
Vehicle: 2011 BMW 323i automatic transmission
Condition: Engine oil leak from the engine oil pan. The technician requested the labour operation time for the procedure.
Agent recommendation: Have checked many places and in the available online service information for this vehicle, there were no labour operation times.
Solution: Always check with us first for labour operation time availability but be aware of some limited information due to their service information structure.
June 5, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Jonquière, QC
Vehicle: 2013 Ford Escape
Condition: Vehicle has battery drain of 110mA. Technician has tried disconnecting different fuses and relays and it’s still showing high draw.
Agent recommendation: Check according to recommended procedures of waiting 45 minutes to make sure all modules are asleep.
Solution: Technician did the procedure as per recommendation and found the cigarette lighter and the 110V module were drawing too much current.
TAC Information
We’re listening! ACDelco’s TAC team listens because they know how frustrating it can be to get good sound advice when it comes to vehicle diagnostics.
It pays to get it done right, and fast - the first time!
That’s the objective for all of our ACDelco Technical Assistance Centre licensed technicians. To get your problem diagnosis dealt with quickly and correctly…and of course, to just be there to listen.
ACDelco Technical Assistance Centre – Diagnostic Hotline
Live Technical support via phone – available 60 hours a week!
Contact the ACDelco Info-Line for further details. 1-800-263-3526 prompt 2
The ACDelco TAC line is fully staffed with multi-lingual technicians Monday – Friday from 8am-6pm EST, ensuring they are available to take your call (or fax, or email). In English or French, our qualified TAC agents will be ready to answer your questions.
The TAC line uses the most advanced technology and current repair databases, in addition to detailed case information and data mining. Our agents have full access to common failure causes and repair procedures databases. Access to these cases can help solve the most complex requests.
Our TAC Specialists
ACDelco’s TAC line has master technicians supporting Domestic, European and Asian import vehicles. The breadth of experience includes:
Systems Support
ACDelco’s TAC agents have a lengthy list of technical resources and databases to support your complex questions. This includes factory OE information, as well as internal technical experts, field engineers, product specialists, and technical writers for several OEM's.
Resource databases include all major all makes manufacturers. Additional repair databases include Alldata, IATN, Mitchell1, Automotive Service Profession, eSI and more.
Access to Service Technical Specialists include the following manufactures: GM, Mercedes Benz, VW, Audi, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chrysler, BMW, Volvo, Honda, Nissan, SAAB, Toyota, Hyundai, & KIA.
Contributor: ACDelco’s Weekly TAC Tip comes from the team at ACDelco’s Technical Assistance Centre.
September 18, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Mount Pearl, NL
Vehicle: 2014 Ford Focus 2.0L
Condition: Air conditioning is not working, compressor needs to be replaced and technician needs some info on oil balancing when replacing components on A/C systems.
Agent recommendation: TAC recommended to follow OEM procedures for oil balancing since more than one compressor model can be used on that engine and depending witch one some are becoming fully loaded with all the oil capacity and some are not. The procedure shows how to determine and what to do.
Solution: The technician followed the OEM procedures and was able to determine how much PAG oil was necessary to get the proper amount of oil in the system.
September 11, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Boisbriand, QC
Vehicle: 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Condition: Truck has no trailer light coming on and is equipped with OEM trailer brake and accessories BCM. Trailer light control module has been replaced and still has no trailer light.
Agent recommendation: Make sure the BCM is properly configured for the trailer light control module and check powers and grounds at the trailer light module.
Solution: Technician found that when a new trailer brake module is installed, it needs to be hooked up with a trailer to see the electrical load of the lights and to be driven to see the vehicle speed signal in order to deliver the power for the trailer lights.
September 4, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Simcoe, ON
Vehicle: 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Condition: The vehicle has a Delco theft lock radio and the procedure for the code retrieval is not clear to technician.
Agent recommendation: A revised procedure is available to technicians with the radio locked. For GM vehicles from 1994 to 2002 with Delco theft lock radio a document is available on GMSI for this situation. The document PIC4696B explains the proper method to obtain radio codes for either GM dealers or ACDelco shops.
August 28, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Stratford, PEI
Vehicle: 2009 Dodge Journey 3.4L
Condition: The vehicle’s alarm goes off on its own intermittently overnight.
Agent recommendation: Suggest checking the parameters with a scan tool for the alarm triggers history and to make sure that the contact for the hood is correctly installed and adjusted, specifically vehicles with dark colors since during warmer days the hood absorbs the heat and when parked overnight it cools down and that can affect the hood contact positioning.
Solution: The technician replaced the hood contact as the parameters were not within specification.
August 21, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Mount Pearl, NL
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Trax 1.4L Turbo
Condition: The vehicle has multiple DTCs for lean mixture, P015B, P0171, P1101, P2096 and P2227.
Agent recommendation: Suggest checking for vacuum leaks and exhaust leaks and for dirt on the MAF sensor.
Solution: Technician found that when engine is hot there is a vacuum leak coming from underneath the intake manifold. The PCV was replaced and vehicle is now OK.
August 14, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Mount Pearl, NL
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Trax 1.4L Turbo
Condition: The vehicle has multiple DTCs for lean mixture, P015B, P0171, P1101, P2096 and P2227.
Agent recommendation: Suggest checking for vacuum leaks and exhaust leaks and for dirt on the MAF sensor.
Solution: Technician found that when engine is hot there is a vacuum leak coming from underneath the intake manifold. The PCV was replaced and vehicle is now OK.
August 14, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Mount Pearl, NL
Vehicle: 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.6L
Condition: The air conditioning is blowing cold on the driver’s side but warm on passenger’s side. When air is directed to the floor it is cold on passenger’s side.
Agent recommendation: Check the movement of the blend door and preform relearn procedure for the actuators.
Solution: The technician found that the actuator for the blend door on passenger side was not moving, the actuator was replaced and relearned.
August 7, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Blainville, QC
Vehicle: 2015 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5L
Condition: The engine will not start after replacing the battery. This is a start/stop vehicle.
Agent recommendation: Ask to check all the power supplies at modules like BCM, ECM, etc. Technician found no power coming at the BCM and DLC connector and no power at fuse 200 amps on the battery fuse box.
Solution: TAC found that when the dual battery control module on the battery fuse box is disconnected, it must be disconnected when all the batteries (main and auxiliary) are disconnected; otherwise damages to the DBCM may be created. A published procedure was sent to the technician and he was able to diagnose the issue. DBCM was replaced and car is now OK.
July 31, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Simcoe, ON
Vehicle: 2008 BMW 535XI, 3.0L
Condition: Car has A/C problems and technician cannot complete the recharging of refrigerant, car has only a service port on high-pressure side to check and recharge the system.
Agent recommendation: Since some European models have only one service port on high-pressure side to check and recharge the system, it is recommended to recharge the system when the vehicle and the engine are cold; otherwise, the pressure on the high side of the recharging device is not sufficient to complete the charge.
Solution: The correct procedure was followed and the vehicle was left for soaking time and was recharged for leak test and repairs were done and recharged and system is OK.
July 24, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Mount Pearl, NL
Vehicle: 2011 Toyota Corolla 1.8L
Condition: Car has lost the steering assistance intermittently while driving and has code U0100 in EPS module for lost communication with Vehicle Electric Module.
Agent recommendation: Check with no communication procedures.
Solution: Technician found the positive connector on battery was loose and dirty. The battery was also replaced.
July 17, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Stratford, IPE
Vehicle: 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.7L V6
Condition: A/C compressor not cycling ON PCM has no codes.
Agent recommendation: Check for TSB and make sure the refrigerant charge is sufficient and to check with scanner for the evaporator thermos switch after soaking time if it matches the ECT.
Solution: Technician found the temperature for evaporator thermos switch was out of range, checked the 5 volts reference and low reference and were OK, order a new evaporator thermos switch and truck is OK now.
July 10, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Woodbridge, ON
Vehicle: 2018 GMC Yukon
Condition: Truck has code, C056E-4B, in the system and the Distance Learning Module has been replaced due to front collision and cannot erase the code.
Agent recommendation: When that module needs to be replaced, it will also need to be relearned to work properly. When the learning is successful, the code is self-erased.
Solution: The proper procedure was followed and learning was successful. The code went away and the truck is OK.
July 3, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Thetford Mines, QC
Vehicle: 2013 Buick Verano 2.4L
Condition: Engine stalled on road and all the cluster indicators were lost. Vehicle cannot be restarted, no crank. When checked with the scan tool, it could not communicate.
Agent recommendation: First check the GMLAN low and high speed for activity.
Solution: Technician did the GMLAN tests and found that the GMLAN low speed was shorted to ground. Tech was able to locate the issue by checking at junction connection, J234, and found shorted wire. This was repaired and the vehicle is OK now.
June 26, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Perth, ON
Vehicle: 2009 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L
Condition: Car has multiple codes for EVAP, P043E, P043F, P2401, P2402 and P2419. Canister has been replaced and is still getting the codes.
Agent recommendation: Check with troubleshooting procedures in Toyota Matrix 2009 TSB for the same codes.
Solution: TSB for Toyota Matrix has been applied to that car and was fixed.
June 19, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Woodbridge, ON
Vehicle: 2011 GMC Savana 6.6L Duramax
Condition: Cannot do the Diesel Particulate Filter regeneration, has code P24A0.
Agent recommendation: Check TSB and also make sure that, after the vehicle is left overnight, the 4 temperature sensors (2 for the exhaust and 2 for the engine) are within 3 degrees each other.
Solution: Technician has checked the TSB and read the temperature sensors with scan tool and found 1 exhaust temperature sensor was off by 10 degrees. Replaced the sensor and was able to do regeneration.
June 12, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Scarborough, ON
Vehicle: 2011 BMW 323i automatic transmission
Condition: Engine oil leak from the engine oil pan. The technician requested the labour operation time for the procedure.
Agent recommendation: Have checked many places and in the available online service information for this vehicle, there were no labour operation times.
Solution: Always check with us first for labour operation time availability but be aware of some limited information due to their service information structure.
June 5, 2018
Thanks to our program member from: Jonquière, QC
Vehicle: 2013 Ford Escape
Condition: Vehicle has battery drain of 110mA. Technician has tried disconnecting different fuses and relays and it’s still showing high draw.
Agent recommendation: Check according to recommended procedures of waiting 45 minutes to make sure all modules are asleep.
Solution: Technician did the procedure as per recommendation and found the cigarette lighter and the 110V module were drawing too much current.
TAC Information
We’re listening! ACDelco’s TAC team listens because they know how frustrating it can be to get good sound advice when it comes to vehicle diagnostics.
It pays to get it done right, and fast - the first time!
That’s the objective for all of our ACDelco Technical Assistance Centre licensed technicians. To get your problem diagnosis dealt with quickly and correctly…and of course, to just be there to listen.
ACDelco Technical Assistance Centre – Diagnostic Hotline
Live Technical support via phone – available 60 hours a week!
Contact the ACDelco Info-Line for further details. 1-800-263-3526 prompt 2
The ACDelco TAC line is fully staffed with multi-lingual technicians Monday – Friday from 8am-6pm EST, ensuring they are available to take your call (or fax, or email). In English or French, our qualified TAC agents will be ready to answer your questions.
The TAC line uses the most advanced technology and current repair databases, in addition to detailed case information and data mining. Our agents have full access to common failure causes and repair procedures databases. Access to these cases can help solve the most complex requests.
Our TAC Specialists
ACDelco’s TAC line has master technicians supporting Domestic, European and Asian import vehicles. The breadth of experience includes:
- Working directly with vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers
- Class training delivery
- Field experience
- Auto body and collision repair
- Heavy-duty and military powertrain experience
Systems Support
ACDelco’s TAC agents have a lengthy list of technical resources and databases to support your complex questions. This includes factory OE information, as well as internal technical experts, field engineers, product specialists, and technical writers for several OEM's.
Resource databases include all major all makes manufacturers. Additional repair databases include Alldata, IATN, Mitchell1, Automotive Service Profession, eSI and more.
Access to Service Technical Specialists include the following manufactures: GM, Mercedes Benz, VW, Audi, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chrysler, BMW, Volvo, Honda, Nissan, SAAB, Toyota, Hyundai, & KIA.