[V8] HELP NEEDED FROM THE SOUTH OF THE CONTINENT

[urq]

On my first car I solved the flashing CAT light sensor by tightening the
sensor in the cat ... worked fine ... until I bought new cats that didn't
have accommodations for the sensor.  What I did was to find the relay that
makes the CAT light flash (it's in the relay box under the front passenger
footwell) and removed it.  I found the CAT light still comes on when
starting the car, so no smog pro's going to know the difference ... I'd
recommend against shorting the wires out ... 

On the noise ... I remember someone on the list having a big problem with a
front end clunk ... and they finally found that it was the wheel bearing
moving in the strut.  If you've done all the other suspects you might want
to look there ...

Steve B
San José, CA (USA)

----- Original Message ----- 
Subject: [V8] HELP NEEDED FROM THE SOUTH OF THE CONTINENT

> Since springs and shocks I can get here, I was thinking on getting
> everything else for that section and I wonder if they are sold as a kit or
> how? (sleeves/supports/caps/buffers/rings/etc.) I temporarily cannot 
> access
> ETKA and VAGCAT.com seems to have a mistake of some kind and is very
> confusing, if anybody can list the parts and part numbers it will be very
> much appreciated.
>
>

Since upper strut mounts were not mmentioned, I'll assume they weren't done?

If so, they definately can cause clunking noises when worn.

>
> 2)      CAT light started  to blink every once in a  while. A sensor that 
> is
> located in the exhaust at the level of the front passenger seat was 
> adjusted
> and then the CAT light started to blink quickly and constantly and never
> stopped.
>

That is the actual catalytic converter sensor you are mentioning. There are 
two things you can do. The first is to actually figure out why the sensor is

causing problems. The second is to short the two wires together so the light

stays off. They run under hte passenger side carpet, if youtake it out 
you'll see the wires. I believe they are a green/red twisted pair.

>
> I wonder if "S mode" problem has something to do with the CAT light issue?

They are not related, at least on the wiring of the car. Not soo sure what 
the issue with the "sport" mode is. The design is such that the car should 
stay in third until about 120 in the sport mode, IIRC. I'll have to check my

literature to verify.

>
> At the same time most of the instrument cluster lights (PRND321) 1, 2 and 
> 3
> work 20 or more minutes after I start the car;  seat belt alarm/ Oil
> Pressure/ Gasoline and water temp. gauges, they all go on and off as they
> wish. (Everything was working ok when summer began and is still very warm
> and humid).

This sounds like classic instrument cluster issues. Ingo has a great 
write-up on the repair.

> Thank you all
> Leo
>
> 1990 V8 3.6   in Buenos Aires