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Check Engine Light How To

Decoding the P0008 Code: Chevy Traverse Troubleshooting Guide

Discovering a P0008 code on your Chevy Traverse can be unsettling, but understanding the root cause and potential solutions is key to regaining confidence in your vehicle’s performance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the P0008 code, covering everything from repair costs to common causes and the parts needed for a fix. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the issue head-on and get your Chevy Traverse back on the road in no time.

Understanding the P0008 Code:

The P0008 code indicates a potential issue with the engine’s timing, specifically relating to the camshaft position and the correlation with the crankshaft. This can lead to issues with the engine’s performance and fuel efficiency, making it essential to address the problem promptly.

Repair Costs and Service Bulletins:

When faced with a P0008 code, it’s natural to be concerned about repair costs. The expenses associated with fixing this issue can vary depending on the severity of the problem and the parts needed for the repair. Additionally, consulting service bulletins from Chevrolet can provide valuable insights into common issues and recommended repair procedures.

Most Common Causes of P0008:

Several factors can contribute to the appearance of a P0008 code, including issues with camshaft timing, problems with the engine’s variable valve timing (VVT) system, or issues with the timing chain. By understanding these common causes, you can more effectively diagnose and address the problem.

Cost of Repairs and Parts Needed:

Repairing a P0008 code may involve replacing components such as the camshaft position sensor, crankshaft position sensor, or the variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid. The cost of these parts can vary depending on factors such as brand, quality, and where they are purchased. Additionally, labor costs associated with the repair should be taken into account when budgeting for the repair.

Ten Reasons you vehicle could set code P0008:

  1. Camshaft Timing Issues: One of the primary reasons for a P0008 code is a problem with camshaft timing. This could be due to a malfunctioning camshaft position sensor, timing chain, or other related components.
  2. Variable Valve Timing (VVT) System Malfunction: Problems with the VVT system can also trigger a P0008 code. This might include issues with the VVT solenoid, which controls the timing of the engine’s valves.
  3. Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure: A faulty crankshaft position sensor can disrupt the synchronization between the camshaft and crankshaft, leading to a P0008 code.
  4. Timing Chain Wear or Stretch: Over time, the timing chain can wear out or stretch, causing the camshaft and crankshaft to fall out of sync and triggering a P0008 code.
  5. Engine Overheating: Excessive engine heat can cause components like the timing chain to expand or warp, affecting their performance and potentially leading to a P0008 code.
  6. Oil Contamination: Contaminants in the engine oil can interfere with the operation of components like the VVT solenoid, leading to timing issues and a P0008 code.
  7. Incorrect Oil Viscosity: Using the wrong type or viscosity of engine oil can affect the performance of the VVT system and trigger a P0008 code.
  8. Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM): A malfunctioning ECM can misinterpret sensor data and cause timing issues that result in a P0008 code.
  9. Electrical Issues: Problems with the wiring or connectors associated with the camshaft and crankshaft sensors can lead to erratic readings and trigger a P0008 code.
  10. Incorrect Installation of Timing Components: Improper installation of timing components during engine repair or maintenance can cause the camshaft and crankshaft to fall out of alignment, resulting in a P0008 code.

The Cost to Repair p0008:

The cost to repair a P0008 code can vary depending on several factors, including the issue’s underlying cause, the damage’s extent, and the repair shop’s labor rates. Here are some potential costs associated with repairing a P0008 code:

  1. Diagnostic Fee: Before any repairs can be made, the vehicle will need to undergo diagnostic testing to identify the root cause of the P0008 code. Diagnostic fees typically range from $50 to $150, depending on the shop and location.
  2. Parts Replacement: The cost of parts needed to repair a P0008 code can vary widely depending on the specific components needing replacement. This may include items such as the camshaft position sensor, crankshaft position sensor, timing chain, timing belt, VVT solenoid, or other related parts. Parts costs can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the vehicle make and model and the quality of the parts used.
  3. Labor Costs: Labor rates for automotive repairs can vary significantly depending on the shop’s location, reputation, and expertise. Labor costs for repairing a P0008 code may range from $100 to $300 per hour, and the amount of time required for the repair will depend on the complexity of the issue and the accessibility of the affected components.
  4. Additional Costs: In some cases, additional costs may be incurred for related services such as fluid changes, engine cleaning, or other maintenance tasks that may be necessary as part of the repair process.

Overall, the total cost to repair a P0008 code can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, depending on the specific circumstances. It’s essential to consult with a qualified mechanic or repair shop to get an accurate estimate based on your vehicle’s make, model, and condition.

Conclusion:

Facing a P0008 code on your Chevy Traverse can be intimidating, but with the right knowledge and resources, you can confidently address the issue. By understanding repair costs, consulting service bulletins, identifying common causes, and determining the cost of repairs and parts needed, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix the problem. Don’t let the P0008 code hold you back – tackle it head-on and get back to enjoying the performance and reliability of your Chevy Traverse.

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Automotive Repair Videos Blog Chevy Repair DIY Auto Repair

P0140 P0138 Code Chevy Truck

P0140 P0138 Code Chevy Truck, If you have a P0140 or a P0138 code in your chevy truck this video is for you. I will be showing you a few things you should check before replacing the oxygen sensor in your Chevy truck. Both these codes p0138 and p0140 are both for the bank 1 sensor 2 O2 sensor.


If you having trouble locating the right oxygen sensor I also have a video on that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYUkcz64VU4

Mini code reader, I used in the video: https://amzn.to/34mOior

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Automotive Repair Videos DIY Auto Repair

How The Flat Rate Mechanic Pay System Works

In this video, we will go over how the flat rate mechanic pay system works along with how much you can expect to make as a flat rate mechanic. We will be talking about some of the advantages and disadvantages of working as a flat-rate mechanic vs and hourly paid mechanic.

Flat rate pay is when someone is paid per job instead of a salary or per hour. This flat-rate system motivates workers to finish as many jobs as possible but can lead to sloppy work if the workers sacrifice quality for quantity. Some shops pay their mechanics a flat-rate fee.

Working a 40 hour week as a mechanic does not mean you will get paid 40 hrs. You will only get paid what you flagged for hrs that week. If you out preform you could get paid much more than 40 hrs but if it was a slow week you may have been at work for 40 hrs and still only get paid 20$ so working as a flat-rate mechanic definitely has its ups and downs.

Being a Flat Rate Mechanic – How Does it Work? And Is it Better?

Being a mechanic is a rewarding and fulfilling career. You learn invaluable and sought-after skills that allow you to provide a crucial and much-needed service to your community. Whether you are currently training to be a mechanic, or an established and practicing professionals with years of experience under your belt, you might consider to yourself the important question of how best to operate — using a flat rate mechanic pay system or an hourly pay system.

In this piece, we’ll explore the key differences between the two in how they work, as well as the advantages and drawbacks of each approach. Is flat pay better than hourly? How much do flat rate mechanics make? You’ll hopefully know more clearly by the end of this article.

How a flat rate pay system works
Put simply, the flat rate payment system is one in which the mechanic gets paid a fixed pre-determined amount rather than charging for the number of hours it took to complete that same job. For instance, let’s say a mechanic is repairing a car’s water pump. A mechanic working on an hourly rate of around $80 an hour would make 80 times the number of hours it took. A flat rate mechanic would earn the preset price — say $300 — no matter how long the job took to finish.

The price that the flat rate mechanic uses typically comes out of a repair handbook like Mitchell’s, in which will be laid out typical labor times and rates that are representative of a trained and experienced mechanic doing the same job somewhere else. They give the consumer a reference point, and most mechanics also use them as a starting point for developing prices for their services. The difference between the two payment methods can be found mostly in their flexibility — more on that later.

I’m not writing today to tell you that one system is definitely better than the other. It really depends on your experience, energy level and overall motivation to get work done. To take the above example as a demonstration, the hourly mechanic makes more money if that job was complicated or made difficult by other circumstances, forcing them to use more hours to complete it. Their total bill might come to $400 if it took four hours. The flat rate mechanic earns $300 regardless of speed, meaning that the faster they work, the better their rate of pay becomes. If they change the pump in one hour, then they’ve earned almost four times as much as the hourly mechanic. But the opposite is also true, whereby a 10-hour completion still results in just $300.

Let’s dive in and look more closely at the advantages and disadvantages of the flat rate mechanic pay system.

Advantages of a Flat Rate Pay System

  1. Helps experienced mechanics boost their income and grow their business
    Running a flat rate pay system is all about efficiency. The more jobs you finish in a day, the higher your income will be. This can mean a serious boon to those mechanics who have accumulated years of experience on many common job types. This experience allows them to finish each task far ahead of the recommended “typical” labor time listed in an industry guide book. A job that is listed as typically being finished in 4 hours might be a 2-hour task to the mechanic with 5 or more years’ experience under their belt.

So, whether you’re a contracted mechanic working in a dealership, or a self-employed mechanic with your own shop, the flat rate system is a door to more income and/or more cash to invest and grow your business.

  1. It motivates and incentivizes greater productivity
    Dealerships and garage owners like the idea of their employees adhering to fixed rate payment models because it incentivizes them to work harder and be more productive. It’s logical to suppose that when you are on an hourly rate, it’s in your interest to work more slowly and as inefficiently as you can. It’s a system in which the slow get rich quicker. A flat rate means the only way to financial stability is through more results.
  2. It pushes for greater organization and efficiency
    A garage that runs on pure results is one that will have to be more streamlined and organized in its daily operation. When the goal is to finish as many jobs as possible in one day, the last thing you want is for mechanics to be scrambling around looking for parts, for fluids and other items they need to complete those jobs. You’ll want a clean, well-arranged and ergonomically sound workplace in which a mechanic can operate with ease and without having to think where the next tool they need is hiding.
  3. Makes a typical garage more profitable
    Any garage operator will likely be aware that the mechanic’s bread and butter is still found in routine maintenance jobs that are uncomplicated for a professional, but still beyond the skills of a layman. Things like an oil change, air/oil filter changes, spark plug maintenance, tire rotation/changes, transmission fluid check, coolant level check etc. Many of these routine jobs can easily be done inside of an hour, which means that the hourly mechanic is selling themselves somewhat short by not having a fixed rate. The fixed rate mechanic can sail through these jobs piling up the invoices day by day.

But as I said earlier on in this article, I’m not here to tell you that one way is definitely better than the other. There are also good reasons not to adopt this payment model.

Drawbacks of a Flat Rate Pay System

  1. Complex jobs become a financial drain
    A good mechanic knows that no matter how simple a job “typically” is, there are always many cases in which it is complicated by other circumstances. If you would normally charge a flat rate of $100, but the job ends up taking you half the day, then it quickly turns into a very unproductive and non-profitable day. This is especially true when you factor in the many running costs of your mechanic business.
  2. Division of labor can get messy
    Let’s say you’re running a garage and you employ four mechanics. All are qualified, but each has a different level of experience on the shop floor. Your instinct may, therefore, be to allocate the more expensive paying jobs to the most experienced mechanic because they can guarantee the quality within the limited timeframe. This leaves younger mechanics feeling frustrated, and also missing out on key opportunities to learn and grow.
  3. It can negatively impact quality
    Another concern with the flat rate system is that in order to meet quotas, targets or just to make more money in the short term, a mechanic will get sloppy or slapdash with their work. A car’s engine and connected parts are a finely tuned machine in which every part has to be in optimal condition in order for it work properly. Working in a rush could lead to mistakes that negatively impact your garage’s reputation, and your long-term earnings.

In conclusion
As you can see, it’s not a simple question. You have to consider all the factors of your own situation before you decide whether or not to take up a flat rate mechanic pay system. How much do flat rate mechanics make? That depends on their experience, efficiency and efficacy in their work. Is flat pay better than hourly? That depends on whether or not you have what it takes to make it work for you.

If you prefer a low-pressure work environment, in which you have the time and space to learn, grow and develop your skills carefully over time, while ensuring good quality work and customer satisfaction, then an hourly rate might be better for you. If you prefer a high-pressure, high-stakes and fast-paced garage environment where you are focused on quantity and results, then a flat rate system is the right choice.

I hope this article is helpful for those still making up their minds. Take your time and make sure you consider as many relevant factors as possible before you choose your business direction. This is not something to take lightly. Keep an eye on my blog for more articles and videos designed to help mechanics gain from the knowledge and experience of a veteran mechanic!

About Me:
I’m a master-certified mechanic (also ASE- and Diesel-certified) with 20 years’ industry experience. I started working as a mechanic when I was very young. My entire family are gear heads, and mechanic work has always been a huge and important part of my life. I’ve developed a wide range of experience across the country, working under both a flat rate system and an hourly system. I’m glad to share my experiences here on this blog and hope to provide insight to other aspiring mechanics out there.

Hopefully, this video will help you decide what is better for you.

Subscribe to my youtube channel here: https://goo.gl/j1pCfn
For the most common automotive fixes to the most common car and truck problems. DIY auto repair to help you save money.

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Automotive Repair Videos DIY Auto Repair

P0442 P0445 P0456 EVAP Leak Jeep “Common Problem”

In this video will be diagnosing an EVAP system leak on a Jeep Wrangler. p0442 small evap leak, P0445 indicates that there is improper purge flow, EVAP System – Small Leak. One of the most common trouble codes with the Jeep Wrangler is the P0456 code. This trouble code references a number that is given to you when you plug your Wrangler into a OBDII scanner. P0456 Indicates that there is a small leak in the evaporative emission control system.

We did not find any evap leaks in this system and determined the leak detection pump was bad. You can find them on Amazon here:
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Smoke Machine and adapter on Amazon.

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AutoLine Pro EVAP Vacuum Automotive Smoke Machine Leak Detector Diagnostic Tester – Shop Series – Compact:
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P0442 P0445 P0456 EVAP Leak Jeep “Common Problem
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Automotive Repair Videos Blog Brake Repair How To

How to Compress an Ebrake Style Rear Brake Caliper

How to Compress a Rear Brake Caliper “Follow Up Video”

This is the correct tool http://amzn.to/2ECIIWW for compressing an e-brake style rear brake caliper.

Here is a link to my first video on, How to Compress Rear Brake Caliper “No Special Tools”

Subscribe to my youtube channel here: https://goo.gl/j1pCfn
For the most common automotive fixes to the most common car and truck problems

Connect with me:
FaceBook: https://goo.gl/rKg2Bv
Twitter: https://goo.gl/mmpqts
Instagram: https://goo.gl/NCjRhM

Check out The Flat Rate Mechanics Tool Store on Amazon https://goo.gl/M8MpdC

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Blog News Offer Shop

How the Flat Rate System Works Part 1 “Give Away” Behind the Scenes

This is a Premier for “How the flat rate system works” and the giveaway I’m going to be doing along with a confession I have to make about the flat rate mechanic.

All you need to do to enter to win is subscribe to my channel hit the notification bell and leave a comment in the comment section. Let me know what you think of my channel possible ways to improve it or maybe some content you have liked to see.

The Flat Rate System

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZHt-ZPISjE

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For the most common automotive fixes to the most common car and truck problems

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Automotive Repair Videos Check Engine Light DIY Auto Repair Wi-Tech Software

p2010 p0032 p0647 Dodge Caliber Patriot “Bad Ground

In this video, I find a common ground wire that was broken or had a bad connection and was able to repair it and it took care of all the diagnostic trouble codes on this dodge Patriot.

2007 Caliber 2.0
2008 Caliber 2.0
2007 Caliber 2.4
2007 Patriot 2.4
Customer Concern: Trouble codes P0647, P2010 and P0032 are setting. The Air Conditioning (A/C) does not work.
Average Reported Mileage: 120075
Tests/Procedures: 1. These circuits share a common ground. If the ground is missing/poor, circuit high trouble codes will set.

2. Inspect the Z916 ground circuit (Black or Black/White wire) to the G110 ground. G110 ground is located on the right frame rail just ahead or below the washer reservoir. If the ground is poor/missing, add a redundant ground using a jumper wire and test for further problems.

Diagnostic Codes
#P0032
#P0647
#P2010
Potential Causes

With Service Manual diagrams, components, TSBs, and R&R procedures
G110 Ground
Z916 Ground Wiring
Confirmed Fix Summary

Confirmed Fix

With Service Manual diagrams, components, TSBs, and R&R procedures
12 – Bypassed/Repaired/Connected c100 Ground Wiring
4 – Repaired G110 Ground
1 – Cleaned G110 Ground and Repaired Z916 Ground Wiring

The one tool every mechanic should have: http://amzn.to/2FN2r70

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Brake Repair DIY Auto Repair

How To Replace Drum Brakes with No Special Tools

Complete guild to replacing your rear drum brake shoes. In this video, I will show you from start to finish how to replace the rear brake shoes on your car or truck.

Rear drum brake can be tricky to service sometimes, from getting the old rusty brake drums off to hanging the new brake shoes and getting all the springs and brake shoe adjuster all in just the right place.

This video on drum brake repair will help you will all of that. Thanks for watching and hope this video was helpful. Here are a few links to tools that will help when doing a drum brake service.

Drum brake toolkit: https://amzn.to/2wYYZyO
Rear Brake Shoes: https://amzn.to/2wXOZ8S
Brake grease: https://amzn.to/2x1MlPI

Here is my other video on how to compress a rear e-brake caliper with no special tools: https://youtu.be/wSqDP-pwj2s

The one tool every mechanic should have: http://amzn.to/2FN2r70

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Automotive Coolant System Diagnostic Cars Cooling System

How a Cars Thermostat Works “Code P0128 Cause”

In this video I will be talking about trouble code P0128 – Coolant Temp Below Thermostat Regulating Temp and going into how your cars thermostat work and how it fails to cause this code to be set.

Also, we will be trying for the first time to open the t-stat with A torch and its pretty cool and surprisingly works. Hope this video helps you understand a little better why this pesky little p0128 code can set sometimes.

T stats on most cars are relatively easy to replace and save you a bunch of money for any DIYer. Too saving money everyone “stay greasy my friends”.

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My other video on P0128 on a Honda https://youtu.be/MDsbs1vcsLE

How to tell if you have a blown head gasket https://youtu.be/wVDsreabEr8

What to do if you find coolant in your oil https://youtu.be/jFFp4ExM1Gc

The one tool every mechanic should have: http://amzn.to/2FN2r70

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Automotive Repair Videos No Start Diagnosis

No Crank, No Start Diagnosis with No Tools

There is a big difference between a no start, no crank and a crank, no start. In this video, we will be going over a few easy checks you can make with no tools or equipment that can help you get out of a bind if you run into a no crank no start.

I will be checking the ignition switch, park switch, starter, battery, and fuel pump with no tool.

It is also a great Idea to keep a jumper pack inside your car at all times so you never have to worry about a dead battery again. Here is a link where you can get them on Amazon cheap. https://amzn.to/2BdsDWu

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