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  #1  
Old 06-21-2002, 02:34 PM
SB SVX
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Several problems...

My 92 SVX has several annoying problems that I just can't seem to fix. Any thoughts?

1. The oil dipstick doesn't seal properly. Every time I open the hood, the dipstick is sticking out about 2 inches. It seems like there is a plugged crankcase vent somewhere, but I havent been able to find anything. The hoses coming off the valve covers aren't blocked...

2. The seatbelt light on the dash stays on all the time. The belts work fine otherwise. Is there an easy way to disable the light short of removing the dash? Where is the sensor that detects when the belts are locked?

3. The not-so-minor intermittant problem: At least half the time, under hard acceleration there is a terrible vibration coming from under the car, probably the tranny. It's as if I'm driving 40 mph down a dirt road with 6 inch ruts. I discovered that the problem goes away if I put in the fuse to override the AWD, and that worked fine for a while, but now it is starting to do it even in FWD. Am I losing my transmission? Each time I take it to the dealer the problem magically goes away.

Thanks for any ideas.
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  #2  
Old 06-21-2002, 04:06 PM
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Here goes:

1. This is a pretty common symptom. Try replacing your PCV valve.

2. I have no idea, but I would suggest finding the cause instead of just removing the lamp in the idiot light.

3. I could be wrong, but this sounds really bad. I was going to say 'transfer clutch problems,' but now you say that you've been driving around in FWD and it's still happening. I would start saving for that new transmission.
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  #3  
Old 06-21-2002, 08:50 PM
kuoh kuoh is offline
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I did that, but the dipstick still popped out. Then I got a new dipstick seal and it no longer pops out.

KuoH

Quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Pockets
1. This is a pretty common symptom. Try replacing your PCV valve.
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  #4  
Old 06-22-2002, 10:03 AM
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I think I know what has messed up the seatbelts...I use my SVX to surf, and because Yakama and Thule don't make racks for the car, I have to use a soft rack that is basically two straps around the roof. (See the picture in my locker. How many SVX owners have added THAT to the top of their car?) When the rack is on, the seatbelts can't open all the way and the idiot light comes on.
One day it stayed on for awhile after the racks were removed, then it flickered out. A few weeks later it was on permenently. The seat belts still seem to function exactly the same.

As to the PCV valve, thanks, I'll replace it and post the result. As for the trannny, I'm going to leave it at a shop while I go out of town for a week. We'll see what happens. I'm starting to suspect the driveshaft. Is it common for the u joints to fail? I know the joints aren't replaceable and I'd have to buy a new shaft, but that would sure beat buying a new transmission.

Luke
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2. I have no idea, but I would suggest finding the cause instead of just removing the lamp in the idiot light.
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  #5  
Old 06-22-2002, 11:48 AM
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The joints are replaceable - do a search and save some $.
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  #6  
Old 06-23-2002, 02:18 AM
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hmm

does it kinda sound like a rattling heat shield, only every time? Thats waht the symptoms of mine started...then i lost overdrive...then it was down to first.....and ya.....you could be hanging out with me soon, just sitting there staring at your car in teh garage..................pardon me, i have to go sit in my garage.....
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  #7  
Old 06-23-2002, 02:38 AM
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My answers:

1. I don't do anything with the stuff under the hood unless they are wires that goes from the alternator or the wires that goes into the lights. So listen to someone else there


2. There could be a couple of things. First thing. Check your voltage. When your voltage drops, the first light that comes on is your seatbelt light. Don't ask... Second. This is dumb but it just happened to me earlier today. Check and see if your pass. side belt is plug in while the car is running. If it is not, the light will come on. Third. Check your fuses. Fourth, I should have my site up sometime this weeked. When it does, it will tell you how to remove that cluster for you to take anylight out. Or check the howtos in my locker.

3. It is NOT a good idea to drive with the car on FWD mode unless you want to kill your tranny. I know what it does. It was meant for testing purposes only. Even on towing, it will tell you not to do it unless you have no other choices. Seems like your tranny might be in pain. Check your tranny fluid for chunks or burnt smell. When my 94's tranny was going out. I can hear a groaning noise first. Then I feel this slight vibration under hard acceleration. That went to heavy vibration to the whole car jumping like a horse and then the tranny melt down. So be careful. Take it to a nice suby dealer. They can tell if there is anything wrong with the car. Also check and see if you have any blinking power light when you start up the car.

Good luck

Lwin
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  #8  
Old 06-23-2002, 02:39 AM
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Re: hmm

Quote:
Originally posted by Phast SVX
does it kinda sound like a rattling heat shield, only every time? Thats waht the symptoms of mine started...then i lost overdrive...then it was down to first.....and ya.....you could be hanging out with me soon, just sitting there staring at your car in teh garage..................pardon me, i have to go sit in my garage.....
Where in Madison are you at? Have you been checking out the Midwest forum?

Lwin
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Current SVX: NONE
Previous SVXes: •1994 LE Barcelona Red 107k • 1992 LS-L Pearl White 143k • 1994 LSi Bordeaux Pearl 220k • 1992 LS-L Ebony Pearl 184k • 1992 LS-L Liquid Silver 145k • 1992 LS-L Liquid Silver 102k • 1992 LS-L Ebony Pearl 123k
Other current cars:2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Black
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  #9  
Old 06-23-2002, 08:29 AM
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Re: Several problems...

What color and smell is your tranny fluid? It should be red, and should not smell burnt. Put a drop on a clean paper towel, and wait one minute. It should disperse clearly and should not leave a dirt ring anywhere.

Good luck.

VK


Quote:
Originally posted by SB SVX
3. The not-so-minor intermittant problem: At least half the time, under hard acceleration there is a terrible vibration coming from under the car, probably the tranny. It's as if I'm driving 40 mph down a dirt road with 6 inch ruts. I discovered that the problem goes away if I put in the fuse to override the AWD, and that worked fine for a while, but now it is starting to do it even in FWD. Am I losing my transmission? Each time I take it to the dealer the problem magically goes away.

Thanks for any ideas.
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