TECH TIPS

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STRAIGHT TALK

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1. To remove the selector lever handle, turn the cover counterclockwise (you should feel two clicks).

2. Inspect the white plastic release rod for burrs, and smooth out at the area circled in red.

3. Apply grease to the top area of the plastic release rod.

SMART CAR SHIFTER

If a customer complains about a stiff shifter release button in a Smart car (0.9L engine with dual clutch automatic transmission), this may be caused by an incorrectly engaged release mechanism in the selector lever knob and/or by a fine burr on the plastic cap on the release rod in the gearshift lever. 1. Check the position of the release button in the selector lever handle. Measure the gap at the bottom between the knob and the button. If the gap is less than 1mm, the gap is OK. If the gap is greater than 1mm, replace the selector lever knob. 2. Regardless of the measured gap, if the button appears stiff, remove the selector lever handle by turning the cover two clicks to the left (counterclockwise about 30 degrees) and remove the knob. 3. Smooth the release rod using 120 grit abrasive paper. 4. Apply Optitemp LG2 grease to the smoothed white release rod and reinstall the knob.

ESCAPE PLAN

If you’re dealing with a 2017-2018 Ford Escape equipped with a 1.5L or 2.0L engine with the MIL on and the PCM has stored DTCs P0034, P023A, P0245, P0480, P0481, P0645, P06Ao, P06DB, P188D, P02602 and/or P2681, the vehicle may also exhibit an all-wheel drive fault warning and/ or traction control light on. If this is the case, inspect the 12A690 (1.5L) or 12C508 (2.0L) wiring harness from the battery junction box to the PCM for wiring retainers not installed correctly, allowing chafing to occur. Repair any damaged wires as needed.

O-RING BASICS

Whenever installing any plug, fuel injector or sensor that features an O-ring seal, always lightly lubricate the O-ring prior to installation. If the O-ring is intended to seal engine oil, apply a thin coat of engine oil. If sealing coolant, apply a light coat of coolant. If designed to seal transmission fluid, apply trans fluid. If the application is fuel-related, apply either a light coat of fuel or a light coat of Vaseline (avoid lubricants that can damage the rubber, nitrile, etc. You get the idea. Installing an O-ring dry can lead to damage. Lubrication aids in guiding the O-ring into its recess with minimal resistance.