Mysterious Case of the Maddening Mechanical Mysteries
Senior Member
Joined: 06-01-2019
Posts: 245
From: Orlando FL
just trying to help, hope breaking it apart is easier to read
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I have an ex-rental without leather or sunroof but with remote start, so options can be all over the place in regards to LS vs LT
Autzone, Oreillys etc can pull codes, they're not as accurate/detailed as the dealer, but they can normally point you in the right direction
Problem 1- The VF display on factory radio is super dim, to the point that I actually thought it crapped out. But just get dim.
Radio and all components work fine and the background illumination for central climate control console work fine, very bright
I've rolled the dimmer wheel back and fourth a lot
Radio and all components work fine and the background illumination for central climate control console work fine, very bright
I've rolled the dimmer wheel back and fourth a lot
Problem 2- battery won't keep a charge, dies completely overnight. I've had to replace battery 2 times already so now when I park for any significant timeframe I disconnect negative terminal
All grounds are solid nothing looks frayed or damaged. All fuses are seated, bolts tight.
Currently wondering if my broke in half key could be it. I just left the broken off piece in ignition when I park and go inside with transponder end
Could the computer be reading the key is inserted but also noticing the transponder isn't near by be killing the battery?
All grounds are solid nothing looks frayed or damaged. All fuses are seated, bolts tight.
Currently wondering if my broke in half key could be it. I just left the broken off piece in ignition when I park and go inside with transponder end
Could the computer be reading the key is inserted but also noticing the transponder isn't near by be killing the battery?
Problem 3- brakes... They go all the way to floor. When I pump brakes with car off they get hard but by time I turn key to on the built up pressure is gone, not after turning key. That a bad master cylinder right?
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I have an ex-rental without leather or sunroof but with remote start, so options can be all over the place in regards to LS vs LT
Autzone, Oreillys etc can pull codes, they're not as accurate/detailed as the dealer, but they can normally point you in the right direction
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,082
From: Welland,Ont Canada
Problem 3- brakes... They go all the way to floor. When I pump brakes with car off they get hard but by time I turn key to on the built up pressure is gone, not after turning key. That a bad master cylinder right?
Adjust the rear shoes in the drum brakes, check the flex hoses
Adjust the rear shoes in the drum brakes, check the flex hoses
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,532
From: Fredericksburg,VA
The test for a brake booster is: key off pump pedal to hard , keep foot on pedal , turn engine on; pedal should go top floor.
If the pedal goes to the floor while driving the problem is probably the rear brakes have never been adjusted or even looked at u=in the last 12 years. Self adjusting drum brakes are a fiction.
Battery: do you leave anything plugged into the power ports (cig lighters)? Any after market bits installed? Is the CheckEngineLight on? Are you sure all doors lock when you leave the car (including the lift gate)?
If the pedal goes to the floor while driving the problem is probably the rear brakes have never been adjusted or even looked at u=in the last 12 years. Self adjusting drum brakes are a fiction.
Battery: do you leave anything plugged into the power ports (cig lighters)? Any after market bits installed? Is the CheckEngineLight on? Are you sure all doors lock when you leave the car (including the lift gate)?
Senior Member
Joined: 12-05-2014
Posts: 3,368
From: Northern Ohio
RPO - Description, generally, oversimplified, may deviate with model year:
1LS - base model, 2.2, FE1 soft suspension, limited options available
1LT - same as 1LS except a few mostly cosmetic upgrades, fancier options available
2LT - 2.4 and FE3 sport susp. only available with this trim, where it is standard. Several deluxe appointments std like leather, chrome pkg 17" wheels included.
1SS - distinct model, 2.0 turbo, FE5 performance susp. Many specific appointments.
Badges are LS, LT, SS. No number. The 2.4 can be distinguished by the larger bright tailpipe if stock. SS is 2008-2010. FlexFuel badge is 2009-2011.
Last edited by PulpFriction; Oct 11, 2023 at 02:50 PM.
Administrator
Joined: 10-13-2011
Posts: 40,082
From: Welland,Ont Canada
I drove my 2011 today thru a tunnel and noticed then radio display turned dim, then after the tunnel it went back to bright, so it is controlled by the little green bubble photo sensor on the dash in the middle by the windshield.
Senior Member
Joined: 12-05-2014
Posts: 3,368
From: Northern Ohio
Yes, you mentioned it first. Shoulda referenced that.
In hindsight, I suppose MOST people know what a potentiometer is. This fragment from the manual states where it is, sorta, and what it looks like, sorta. Though about going down and taking a pic, also betting there's already one somewhere. Too lazy tho.
In hindsight, I suppose MOST people know what a potentiometer is. This fragment from the manual states where it is, sorta, and what it looks like, sorta. Though about going down and taking a pic, also betting there's already one somewhere. Too lazy tho.
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