Brake, suspension and steering repair in Colorado Springs: pads, rotors, calipers, struts, ball joints and air suspension for cars, trucks and fleets. Home / Brakes & Suspension BRAKES · SUSPENSION · STEERING · COLORADO SPRINGS BRAKE & SUSPENSION REPAIR IN COLORADO SPRINGS Pads, rotors, calipers, struts, ball joints and steering on cars, SUVs, work trucks, diesel pickups and fleet vehicles. We measure everything on a lift and show you photos before any work starts. BOOK MY FREE BRAKE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 ★ 4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Female-led, family-owned What we do BRAKE, SUSPENSION AND STEERING REPAIR Colorado hills, mountain grades and heavy trucks work these systems hard every day. 01 Brakes Mountain driving, towing and stop-and-go traffic wear pads and rotors faster than you might expect. ✓ Pads and shoes measured and photographed ✓ Rotors and drums checked for thickness and runout ✓ Calipers and lines plus hoses and hardware ✓ Brake fluid exchange when testing calls for it 02 Suspension Worn parts let the vehicle bounce, lean and wander, and they wear your tires unevenly. ✓ Struts and shocks on cars, SUVs and trucks ✓ Control arms and bushings ✓ Ball joints and sway bar links ✓ Coil and leaf springs including work-truck setups 03 Steering Loose or noisy steering is a safety concern and should be checked quickly. ✓ Rack and pinion and steering gearboxes ✓ Tie rod ends inner and outer ✓ Power steering pumps, hoses and leaks ✓ Electric steering diagnostics and shaft clunks CARS, SUVS & LIGHT TRUCKS KNOWN BRAKE, STEERING AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS Some vehicles have one brake or front-end problem that shows up over and over. These are the ones we see. FORD · RAM · JEEP What is death wobble? Death wobble is a violent shake in the steering wheel and front end after you hit a bump or expansion joint, usually above about 45 mph. It keeps going until you slow way down. It happens on trucks and Jeeps with a solid front axle. FOUND IN Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350 4x4, Ram 2500/3500, Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator. WHAT CAUSES IT Track bar and bushings: the most common cause. Steering damper: a worn damper hides the problem, it rarely causes it. Ball joints, tie rod ends, drag link: any loose joint lets one shake feed the next. Tire balance or pressure: often what sets it off. Known actions: Ford issued a service bulletin for a new steering damper on 2017–2019 Super Duty 4x4. Jeep ran a free damper replacement program on 2018–2019 Wrangler JL. Ram recalled tie rods on 2008–2012 2500/3500 4x4. WHAT WESTCO DOES A full front-end check on a lift, finding the worn part that starts it, not just a new damper to hide it. When the repair affects your alignment, the alignment is done as part of the job. FORD TRUCK SERVICE → RAM TRUCK SERVICE → GM TRUCKS & SUVS Why is my GM truck’s brake pedal hard? On many 2014–2018 GM full-size trucks and SUVs, the engine-driven vacuum pump that powers the brake booster loses output over time. The pedal gets hard and stopping distances get longer. GM recalled these vehicles. FOUND IN Silverado and Sierra 1500 (2014–2018), Tahoe, Suburban and Yukon (2015–2018), Escalade (2015–2017). WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Hard, high-effort pedal: with a “Service brake assist” message and sometimes a ticking noise. Clunk in the steering wheel at low speed or parking: commonly the intermediate steering shaft, a long-running issue on Silverado and Sierra. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check recall status by VIN, test the vacuum pump and booster, and repair what’s failed. CHEVY TRUCK SERVICE → BRAKE LINES Why do brake lines rust out? Steel brake lines rust from the outside in. When one fails, the pedal can go soft or to the floor with no warning. Colorado’s magnesium chloride road de-icer is hard on steel under the truck. MOST AT RISK Trucks and SUVs over 10 years old that have seen a lot of winters. Federal regulators looked into brake line failures on 1999–2003 GM full-size trucks and SUVs and advised owners to wash underneath and have the lines inspected. WHAT YOU NOTICE A soft or sinking pedal: or brake fluid at a wheel or along the frame. WHAT WESTCO DOES We inspect the lines on the lift, photograph any rust, and replace lines that can’t be trusted. AIR SUSPENSION What goes wrong with air suspension? Air suspension rides on rubber air springs instead of steel coils. As they age they crack and leak, and the compressor wears out trying to keep up. FOUND IN Ram 1500, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes (Airmatic), Land Rover and Range Rover, Audi. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Sitting low after parking overnight: one corner or the whole vehicle. A “service air suspension” or “vehicle too low” warning. Compressor running constantly: usually chasing a leak. Causes: leaking air springs or struts, leaking lines and fittings, a worn compressor, a sticking valve block, a failed height sensor, or moisture freezing in the lines in cold weather. WHAT WESTCO DOES We find the leak before replacing parts, then repair the springs, lines, compressor or sensors. On European air systems we use a scan tool that can read the suspension module. MERCEDES SERVICE → ELECTRIC POWER STEERING Why did my power steering suddenly get heavy? Many cars use an electric motor in place of a hydraulic pump. When a sensor or the motor fails, the assist cuts out and the wheel gets heavy, usually with a warning light. KNOWN RECALLS Ford: 2008–2011 Escape and Mariner, and 2011–2013 Fusion, Taurus and Flex were recalled. GM: Malibu, Cobalt, HHR, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura and Ion (specific 2004–2010 years) were recalled. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check recall status by VIN, diagnose the steering module, and repair or replace the steering gear. TRUCKS & SUVS Do you install lift and leveling kits? Yes. We install lift and leveling kits on trucks and SUVs, then check the steering, suspension and brakes so everything works together. The alignment is done as part of the job. BRAKE PARTS, EXPLAINED PADS, ROTORS AND WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR VEHICLE BRAKE PADS Ceramic or semi-metallic brake pads? It depends on how you drive. THE DIFFERENCE Ceramic: quiet, low dust, long life and easy on rotors. The right pad for most cars, SUVs and daily-driven trucks. Semi-metallic: steel fibers handle heat better. The right pad for towing, heavy trucks, work vans and mountain driving. The trade-off is more noise, more dust and faster rotor wear. WHAT WESTCO DOES We match the pad to the vehicle and how you use it, not just what’s on the shelf. ROTORS Are drilled and slotted rotors worth it? Sometimes. THE DIFFERENCE Slotted rotors: sweep gas and debris off the pad and keep the bite consistent, which helps on trucks that tow. Drilled rotors: shed some heat and weight and look good, but cheap drilled rotors can crack around the holes under hard, repeated heat. Most daily drivers: a quality plain rotor stops just as well and costs less to replace. WHAT WESTCO DOES We tell you plainly whether they make sense for your vehicle. EUROPEAN CARS Why can’t my European car’s rotors be resurfaced? Most BMW, Mercedes, Audi and VW rotors leave the factory with very little extra thickness. They’re made thin to save weight, so after one set of pads there’s usually nothing left to cut, and the rotors get replaced with the pads. Many of these cars also use pad wear sensors that are replaced at the same time. Plenty of newer domestic and Asian cars are built the same way. CAN MINE BE RESURFACED? Every rotor has a minimum thickness stamped on it. If cutting it would take it under that number, it gets replaced. WHAT WESTCO DOES We measure every rotor, show you the measurement, and only resurface a rotor that still has the thickness for it. BMW SERVICE → MERCEDES SERVICE → DIESEL & HEAVY TRUCKS BRAKES AND FRONT ENDS FOR HEAVY TRUCKS A diesel pickup towing a trailer down Monument Hill puts more heat into its brakes than any car. We work on the heavy stuff every week. EXHAUST BRAKES How does an exhaust brake save my brakes? An exhaust brake partly closes off the exhaust, so the engine pushes against back-pressure and slows the truck. On newer Power Stroke, Duramax and Cummins trucks, the turbo does this job. On a long grade it takes the load off your brakes so they stay cool. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check that the exhaust brake engages and holds, and diagnose it when it doesn’t. POWER STROKE → DURAMAX → CUMMINS → HEAVY FRONT ENDS What wears out on a heavy truck front end? Heavy engines, big tires and towing wear front ends fast. The usual parts are ball joints, tie rods and the drag link, the track bar, and the steering box. On 4x4 Super Duty and Ram trucks, loose parts here are what lead to death wobble. WHAT WESTCO DOES A lift inspection of every joint, heavy-duty part replacement, and leaf spring and overload work for trucks that haul. The alignment is done as part of the repair. AIR BRAKES Do you work on air brakes? Yes. We service air brakes on trucks and diesel pushers: slack adjusters and pushrod stroke, brake chambers, air dryers, leaks, compressors, and drums, rotors and linings. RV · CLASS A, B & C RV BRAKES, STEERING AND SUSPENSION FORD F-53 Why does my motorhome wander on the highway? Wander and sway on the Ford F-53 chassis is one of the most common complaints from gas motorhome owners. COMMON CAUSES Play in the steering box: and worn steering linkage. Weak shocks: and track bar and sway bar limits. Loading: a coach loaded heavy up high or unevenly. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check the steering box, linkage, shocks and suspension on the chassis, and tell you what will make the biggest difference. RV REPAIR → WORKHORSE Is my Workhorse motorhome under the brake caliper recall? It may be. Workhorse recalled the front brake calipers on W20, W21, W22 and W22D motorhome chassis built from July 2000 to August 2010. The caliper pistons can stick, which weakens braking. WHAT YOU NOTICE Weaker braking: a soft or spongy pedal and longer stops. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check recall status and brake condition when your coach is in. DIESEL PUSHERS What do diesel pusher air brakes need? Air brakes need regular attention, especially in Colorado winters. THE CHECKLIST Air dryer cartridge: replace it on schedule. Moisture in the system corrodes valves and freezes lines. Air tanks: drain them. Slack adjusters and pushrod stroke: check them. Auto-adjusters can hide worn brakes. Chambers, hoses and lines: check for leaks. WHAT WESTCO DOES A full air brake inspection and repair. RV REPAIR → FLEET BRAKES AND STEERING FOR FLEETS Brakes and steering are the biggest part of a DOT inspection, and the parts that take a work truck off the road. We do DOT inspections in-house on all types of trucks. We don’t inspect semi trailers. DOT INSPECTIONS What does a DOT inspection check on brakes and steering? The annual federal inspection checks every part of the brake and steering systems, plus suspension, tires and wheels. WHAT GETS CHECKED Brakes: service and parking brakes, drums and rotors, hoses and lines, the low air warning, the air compressor, slack adjusters and pushrod stroke, and the ABS light. Steering: wheel free play, the column and U-joints, gearbox mounting and pitman arm, power steering, and tie rods and drag links. WHAT WESTCO DOES We inspect to that list and fix what fails, in the same visit when we can. DOT INSPECTIONS → ISUZU NPR What goes wrong with Isuzu NPR brakes? Many NPRs use a hydraulic brake booster with an electric backup pump. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Brake warning light with a buzzer and a hard pedal: commonly reported causes are a failed backup pump or relay, or low fluid. Recalls: Isuzu has issued brake-related recalls on some 2018–2019 trucks. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check recall status by VIN, and do booster, pump and brake repair. ISUZU NPR SERVICE → WORK TRUCKS Do you work on work-truck suspensions? Yes. Leaf springs, overload springs, U-bolts, shocks and heavy-duty front ends on service bodies, box trucks and vans. FLEET SERVICE → COLORADO SPRINGS DRIVING THE MOUNTAINS ON YOUR BRAKES Long grades are where brakes overheat and fade. On the Pikes Peak Highway, rangers check brake temperatures at Glen Cove on the way down and have drivers wait if the brakes are too hot. MOUNTAIN BRAKING How do I keep my brakes from fading on a long grade? Let the engine do most of the work and keep the brakes cool. HOW TO DO IT Downshift before the grade, not halfway down. Use the exhaust brake if you have one. Brake firmly in short bursts instead of riding the pedal. Get your brakes checked before a mountain trip or towing season, and after if the pedal feels different. WHAT WESTCO DOES A free brake inspection with measurements and photos before you go. MORE FROM WESTCO OTHER SERVICES WE OFFER ENGINE REPAIR → TRANSMISSION → BATTERY & ALTERNATOR → AUTO ELECTRICAL → OIL CHANGES → CLASSIC CARS → DOT INSPECTIONS → EUROPEAN → DIESEL REPAIR → ASIAN → FLEET SERVICE → DOMESTIC → ON THE LIFT WHAT WE CHECK ON EVERY BRAKE AND FRONT-END JOB Every inspection goes up on a lift, and you get photos of what we find. BRAKES Pads, rotors, calipers • Pad thickness measured at every wheel • Rotor surface and thickness • Caliper slides and hardware • Fluid condition and leaks ABS Warning lights and sensors • Scan for ABS and traction codes • Wheel speed sensor testing • Tone rings and wiring • Hydraulic unit diagnostics SUSPENSION Struts, joints, springs • Strut and shock leaks • Ball joint and control arm play • Sway bar links and bushings • Springs and heavy-duty setups STEERING Racks, tie rods, pumps • Tie rod and rack play • Power steering leaks and noise • Steering shaft clunks • Pull and wander on a road test FREE INSPECTION BOOK A FREE BRAKE AND SUSPENSION INSPECTION Tell us what you hear or feel. We check pads, rotors, fluid and front-end parts, then show you photos before recommending any repair. Prefer the phone? Call (719) 591-7743. BRAKE AND SUSPENSION QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK Straight answers from our techs HOW OFTEN DO BRAKES NEED REPLACING? It depends on the vehicle and how it is driven. Heavy trucks, towing, mountain grades and stop-and-go traffic all wear pads faster. We measure pad thickness at every visit so you know how much is left. Warning signs Squealing · Grinding · Pulsing pedal · Brake warning light What we do We measure pads and rotors, check calipers, hardware and fluid, and show you photos before recommending anything. Colorado Springs: Coming down Ute Pass or Monument Hill? Use a lower gear so the engine helps slow you down and the brakes stay cool. WHY DOES MY BRAKE PEDAL PULSE? A pulsing pedal usually means the rotors have uneven thickness or deposits on the surface. It often shows up after long downhill braking. Warning signs Pedal pulse · Shake when braking · Noise on stops What we do We measure rotor thickness and runout and tell you whether the rotors can be resurfaced or need to be replaced. Colorado Springs: Long grades heat rotors fast. A pulse that shows up after a mountain drive is worth a check. IS A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL DANGEROUS? Yes. A soft or sinking pedal can mean air or moisture in the fluid, a leak, or a failing master cylinder. A soft pedal or a red brake light means stop driving and call us. Warning signs Soft pedal · Pedal sinks · Red brake light · Fluid at a wheel What we do We find the leak or failed part, repair it and bleed the system, then road-test before you pick it up. WHY DOES MY CAR PULL TO ONE SIDE? A pull can come from a sticking caliper, worn suspension or steering parts, or the tires. The cause decides the fix. Warning signs Pulls when braking · Pulls when driving · Uneven tire wear · Crooked steering wheel What we do We road-test it and check brakes, suspension and tires on a lift, then tell you exactly what is causing the pull. WHAT IS THAT CLUNK OVER BUMPS? Clunks and knocks over bumps usually come from worn sway bar links, bushings, ball joints or strut mounts. Warning signs Clunk over bumps · Knock when turning · Bouncing · Nose-dive when stopping What we do We check every joint and mount on a lift and show you which parts are worn and which can wait. Colorado Springs: Potholes after a freeze-thaw winter are hard on front ends. A new clunk in spring is worth a look. NOT SURE WHAT YOUR BRAKES NEED? Tell us what it is doing when you book. We measure everything and show you photos before any work starts. BOOK ONLINE CALL US BRING YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO WESTCO Free brake and suspension inspection, with photos and a clear explanation before any work begins. BOOK MY FREE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 Westco Automotive & Truck Repair 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM (719) 591-7743

Land Rover repair in Colorado Springs — 5.0L V8 timing chain tensioners and diagnostics. Book a free inspection. Home / European Car Repair / Land Rover European specialists · Colorado Springs Land Rover Repair & Service in Colorado Springs Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, LR3, LR4, Discovery and Evoque — air suspension, supercharged V6 and V8 engines, and the electrical systems that go with them, diagnosed with factory-level tools in our own shop. BOOK A FREE LAND ROVER INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 New · Lyft valet Drop off anytime. A Lyft will be waiting. Book 24 hours ahead and we line up your ride home or to work. BOOK LYFT VALET ★ 4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Female-led, family-owned What we do Land Rover diagnostics, service and repair One shop for everything your Land Rover needs, from the first warning light to the finished repair. 01 Diagnostics & programming We pull live data and factory fault codes to find the root cause of a warning light, a running problem or an electrical fault — the first time. ✓ Factory-level scan tools for engine, transmission, ABS and body modules ✓ Dealer-level module programming in-house, with factory software ✓ Pressure and smoke testing for hidden leaks ✓ Photo and video of every finding 02 Scheduled service Factory maintenance intervals, with fluids and filters that meet Land Rover specifications. ✓ Scheduled service to Land Rover intervals ✓ Transfer case and differential fluid service ✓ Cooling system service ✓ Battery and charging checks 03 Repair Durable repairs on the parts Land Rovers are known to wear out. ✓ Air suspension — air springs, compressors and valve blocks ✓ Coolant leaks — pipes, pumps and housings ✓ Timing chains on the 5.0L supercharged V8 ✓ Electrical faults and battery drains Model by model What are the most common problems on each Land Rover model? Every Land Rover has its own weak spots. This is what we see most in our bays. Range Rover 2003–2012 • Air suspension failures • Coolant leaks • Battery drain and electrical faults Range Rover Sport 2006–2013 • Air suspension failures • 5.0L supercharged timing chain wear, 2010–2013 • Coolant pipe leaks LR3 / LR4 2005–2016 • Air suspension compressor and springs • Coolant leaks • Rear differential noise Range Rover / Sport 2013 and newer • Supercharged V6 water pump and coolant leaks • Air suspension • Electrical faults Evoque / Discovery Sport 2012 and newer • Rear drive unit and PTU noise • Battery drain • Coolant leaks Keep it healthy What we tell Land Rover owners • Fix a suspension fault early • Check coolant level often • Keep the battery healthy • Service the transfer case Land Rover questions we answer every week Straight answers from our techs Why is my Land Rover showing a suspension fault? Land Rover air suspension fails as the air springs crack, the compressor wears out, or the valve block leaks — common on the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, LR3 and LR4. Warning signs Suspension fault message · Sitting low · Leaning · Compressor running constantly What we do We diagnose the whole system and replace only the part that's failing. Fix it early — a leak burns out the compressor. Why is my Land Rover losing coolant? Land Rovers commonly leak coolant from plastic pipes and housings, and supercharged V6 engines from 2013 on are known for water pump leaks. Warning signs Low coolant warning · Sweet smell · Overheating · Coolant under the vehicle What we do We pressure-test the cooling system to find the exact source and replace the failed part. Why does my 5.0L supercharged Range Rover rattle on startup? On 2010–2013 5.0L supercharged V8s, a startup rattle is often worn timing chain tensioners and guides. Ignored, it can lead to engine damage. Warning signs Startup rattle · Cam timing codes · Rough idle What we do We confirm it with a scan and inspection and replace the timing components as one job. Why does my Land Rover battery keep dying? Land Rovers have many modules, and one that doesn't go to sleep can drain the battery overnight. A weak battery also triggers a cascade of warning messages. Warning signs Dead battery · Multiple warning lights · Random electrical faults What we do We test the battery and charging system and find the module causing the drain. Colorado Springs: Cold mornings expose a weak battery first — and Land Rovers are sensitive to low voltage. Why is my Evoque or Discovery Sport whining from underneath? On many Evoques and Discovery Sports, a whine or drone from underneath points to the rear drive unit or the power transfer unit (PTU). Common signs Whine at speed · Drone · Clunk on takeoff What we do We diagnose the driveline and service or repair the unit that's failing. Not sure what's wrong with your Land Rover? Tell us what it's doing when you book. We diagnose before we repair, and you approve the work before we start. BOOK ONLINE CALL US European Car Repair Other European makes we service AUDI → BMW → MERCEDES-BENZ → VOLKSWAGEN → JAGUAR → FIAT → EUROPEAN CAR REPAIR → Bring your Land Rover to Westco Free inspection, factory-level diagnostics, and a clear explanation before any work begins. BOOK MY FREE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 Westco Automotive & Truck Repair 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM (719) 591-7743

BMW engine repair in Colorado Springs: N20/N26 timing chain guides, N52 oil leaks, N54/N55 high-pressure fuel pumps, VANOS and cooling systems. Free diagnostic scan. Home / BMW Engine Repair BMW SPECIALISTS · COLORADO SPRINGS BMW ENGINE REPAIR IN COLORADO SPRINGS Timing chains, oil leaks, high-pressure fuel pumps, cooling systems and VANOS on the 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X5 and Z4. N52, N54, N55, N20, N26 and B58 engines, diagnosed with factory-level BMW scan tools. BOOK MY FREE BMW INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 ★ 4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Female-led, family-owned What we do BMW ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR BMW engines are built for performance, and each one has known failure points. We know where to look. 01 Diagnostics Factory-level ISTA scan tools read BMW-specific fault codes the generic scanners miss. ✓ BMW-specific codes and live data ✓ VANOS and timing faults ✓ Fuel pressure testing on direct injection ✓ Free diagnostic scan before any repair 02 Engine repair The jobs that come up again and again on BMW engines. ✓ Timing chain guides on N20 and N26 ✓ Oil leaks valve cover, filter housing, pan ✓ High-pressure fuel pumps on N54 and N55 ✓ Carbon cleaning by walnut blasting 03 Our process You know what is wrong and approve the work before anything is repaired. ✓ Plain-English estimate in writing ✓ No work without your approval ✓ OEM or quality equivalent parts ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty on qualifying repairs MORE FROM WESTCO RELATED PAGES BMW SERVICE → EUROPEAN → ENGINE REPAIR → AUDI → MERCEDES → AUTO ELECTRICAL → VOLKSWAGEN → OIL CHANGES → LAND ROVER → PRE-PURCHASE → JAGUAR → ALL SERVICES → ENGINE BY ENGINE COMMON BMW ENGINE PROBLEMS WE FIX Here are the BMW engine repairs we see most often, and the models they affect. N20 / N26 Timing chain guides • 2012–2015 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, Z4 • Whine around 4,000 RPM • Rattle on cold start • Timing chain module replacement N52 / N51 Oil leaks • 2006–2011 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, X5 • Valve cover gasket • Oil filter housing gasket • Oil pan gasket N54 / N55 High-pressure fuel pump • 2007–2016 335i, 535i, X5, X6 • Long crank times • Reduced power • Check engine light COOLING All models • Water pumps • Thermostat housings • Expansion tanks • Hoses and overheating BMW QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK Straight answers from our techs WHAT IS A VANOS FAULT? VANOS is BMW’s variable cam timing. When a solenoid or cam adjuster fails, you can lose power, idle rough or hear a rattle on startup. Warning signs Reduced power · Rough idle · Check engine light · Rattle on startup What we do We read the BMW-specific codes and test the solenoids, then replace the solenoid or the cam adjuster unit as needed. Colorado Springs: Mountain climbs and summer heat are hard on BMW cooling systems. A low coolant message is worth a check before a trip. WHY DOES MY BMW WHINE AROUND 4,000 RPM? On the N20 and N26, a whine near 4,000 RPM or a rattle on a cold start can point to failing timing chain guides. It should be checked early. Warning signs Whine at 4,000 RPM · Cold-start rattle · Check engine light What we do We confirm the cause before anything comes apart, then replace the timing chain module if the guides are failing. Colorado Springs: A whine that shows up climbing Monument Hill in a lower gear is worth a listen before the guides fail. WHY DOES MY BMW SMELL LIKE BURNING OIL? Oil leaking from the valve cover or oil filter housing gasket drips onto hot exhaust parts. It is one of the most common BMW repairs. Warning signs Burning oil smell · Oil spots · Low oil warning · Smoke from the engine bay What we do We find the exact leak and replace the failed gaskets, then clean up and check for leaks after. WHAT IS WALNUT BLASTING? Direct-injection engines build up carbon on the intake valves because fuel never washes over them. Walnut blasting cleans it off. Warning signs Rough idle · Hesitation · Misfires · Lower fuel economy What we do We clean the intake valves with crushed walnut shell media, usually recommended every 60,000–80,000 miles on direct-injection BMWs. WHY IS MY BMW OVERHEATING? BMW cooling systems use plastic parts that age and crack, and many use an electric water pump that can fail without warning. Warning signs Temperature warning · Coolant smell · Low coolant message · Leaks under the front What we do We pressure-test the system and replace the failed parts, from the water pump to the expansion tank and hoses. Colorado Springs: Towing or climbing on a weak cooling system can turn a hose into a head gasket. Pull over if the gauge climbs. NOT SURE WHAT YOUR BMW NEEDS? Tell us what it is doing when you book. The diagnostic scan is free. BOOK ONLINE CALL US Get in Touch 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 (719) 591-7743 dra@westcoautomotive.com Have a BMW question? We can help! First Name Last Name Email Whats going on with your BMW? Send Thanks for submitting! Book my FREE BMW Inspection Now BRING YOUR BMW TO WESTCO Free diagnostic scan with BMW-specific tools and a clear explanation before any work begins. BOOK MY FREE BMW INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 Westco Automotive & Truck Repair 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM (719) 591-7743

Transmission, transfer case, differential, drive shaft and U-joint repair in Colorado Springs for cars, 4x4s, diesels and fleets. Free inspection. Home / Transmission & Driveline TRANSMISSION · 4X4 · DRIVELINE · COLORADO SPRINGS TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE REPAIR IN COLORADO SPRINGS Transmissions, transfer cases, differentials, drive shafts and U-joints on cars, trucks, diesel pickups and fleet vehicles. We scan, road-test and check the fluid first, then explain your options before any work begins. BOOK MY FREE TRANSMISSION INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 ★ 4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Female-led, family-owned What we do TRANSMISSION AND DRIVELINE REPAIR Towing, mountain grades and 4x4 use put extra load on every part between the engine and the wheels. 01 Transmission Many transmission problems start with fluid that is low, burnt or overdue for service. ✓ Fluid service with the correct fluid for your unit ✓ Shift and shudder diagnosis on a road test ✓ Computer scans and software updates where available ✓ Rebuild or replace only when damage is confirmed 02 4x4 and AWD The transfer case sends power front and rear. Colorado winters put it to work. ✓ Transfer case fluid service ✓ 4x4 engagement problems and warning lights ✓ Leaks and noises including chain wear ✓ Rebuild or replacement when needed 03 Driveline Differentials, drive shafts and U-joints carry the load, especially when you tow. ✓ Differential service and gear or bearing repair ✓ Whine, howl or clunk diagnosis ✓ U-joints and carrier bearings ✓ Axle seals and axle bearings CARS, SUVS & LIGHT TRUCKS KNOWN TRANSMISSION AND DRIVELINE PROBLEMS WE SEE ON EVERYDAY VEHICLES Most transmission trouble on cars, SUVs and half-ton trucks follows patterns. Some are covered by a recall, a factory bulletin or an extended warranty. We check for those first, before we quote a single repair. NISSAN CVT Why does my Nissan CVT shudder, whine or lose power? Nissan's continuously variable transmissions are known for shudder, hesitation and a droning whine, and they can overheat and drop into a reduced-power mode. Nissan extended the CVT warranty on several models after a class-action lawsuit, so check coverage before paying for anything. GOOD TO KNOW Nissan extended CVT coverage from 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles on 2017-2018 Altima and 2018-2019 Sentra, Versa and Versa Note. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Shudder or jerk: felt from a stop or at light throttle. Whine or drone: that rises with speed. Sudden power loss: the car feels like it hit a wall, often after a long climb or hot day. WHAT WESTCO DOES We scan the transmission computer for stored codes and fluid temperature history, check the fluid, and road test. If the car is inside an extended-warranty window, we tell you and help document the failure. If not, we repair or replace with a remanufactured unit and reprogram the computer. Colorado Springs: long climbs on I-25 over Monument Hill and up US-24 put real heat into a CVT. Fluid service matters more here than on flat ground. WARRANTY CLAIM HELP → FORD 6R80 & 10R80 Why does my Ford F-150 shift hard, clunk, or suddenly downshift? Ford's 6-speed (6R80) and 10-speed (10R80) automatics are behind the most common F-150, Expedition, Mustang and Ranger shift complaints. Some of it is covered by safety recalls, some is software, and some is wear. GOOD TO KNOW Ford has recalled 2011-2013 and 2015-2017 F-150s for the 6R80 unexpectedly downshifting into first gear. A class action over 2017-and-later 10R80 trucks alleges harsh, erratic shifting, and a separate recall covers certain remanufactured 10R80s that may not hold Park. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Harsh or late shifts: especially 1-2, 2-3 or when coasting down. A clunk into gear: or the truck hunting between gears. Sudden downshift: the rear end squats or skids at speed. That one is a safety recall issue. WHAT WESTCO DOES We run your VIN for open recalls and bulletins, pull codes and shift data, check fluid level and condition, and load the latest Ford software with our in-house factory programming tools. Adaptive shift learning gets reset and relearned. Only then do we talk about hard parts. Also check: trucks that tow in the mountains build heat fast. Ask about fluid service if yours has never had one. FORD TRUCK SERVICE → FORD POWERSHIFT DPS6 Is my Focus or Fiesta dual-clutch still under warranty? Maybe. Ford extended coverage on the PowerShift (DPS6) dual-clutch transmission after years of shudder and slipping complaints on the Focus and Fiesta. GOOD TO KNOW For 2014-2016 Focus (built before Nov. 5, 2015) and 2014-2015 Fiesta (built before Oct. 15, 2014), Ford extended clutch coverage to 7 years/100,000 miles and transmission control module coverage to 10 years/150,000 miles. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Shudder from a stop: like driving a manual with a worn clutch. Rollback or delay: on hills before it engages. Transmission warning light: or no-start in gear. WHAT WESTCO DOES We confirm whether your build date and mileage fall inside Ford's coverage. If they do, we point you to it. If not, we diagnose the clutch, the control module and the software, and repair or replace as needed. WARRANTY CLAIM HELP → GM 8L90 & 8L45 Why does my Silverado, Sierra or Cadillac shudder at highway speed? GM's 8-speed automatics (8L90 and 8L45) are known for a torque converter shudder that feels like driving over rumble strips. GM traced it to moisture in the original fluid and issued a bulletin calling for a full fluid exchange. GOOD TO KNOW GM's bulletin covers 8L45/8L90 units in 2015-2019 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500, Yukon, Escalade, Colorado, Canyon, Camaro, Corvette, CTS, ATS and CT6, and calls for replacing the fluid with GM's updated specification. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Rumble-strip feel: between about 25 and 80 mph under light throttle. Harsh 1-2 or 2-3 shifts: and clunks when slowing down. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check whether the bulletin fluid exchange has been done, perform it to GM's procedure if not, update the software and relearn shifts. If the converter is already damaged, we repair or replace it. CHEVY & GMC TRUCKS → GM 6T40 & 6T45 Why did my Equinox, Malibu or Cruze lose reverse or start shifting hard? GM's small 6-speed automatics (6T40/6T45) have a well-documented weak spot in the 3-5-reverse clutch. When its wave plate breaks, you typically lose reverse, third or fifth gear, or get hard shifts and a check-engine light. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY No reverse: or a long delay before it engages. Harsh or flared shifts: especially cold. Code P0776: or other pressure-control codes. WHAT WESTCO DOES We confirm the failure with codes, data and a road test, then repair with the updated parts or replace with a remanufactured unit. We update the software and run the clutch relearn afterward. CHEVY SERVICE → CHRYSLER / JEEP 9-SPEED Why does my Jeep Cherokee or Chrysler 200 shift strangely or drop into neutral? The 9-speed automatic (948TE) in 2014-and-later Cherokee, Renegade, Chrysler 200 and ProMaster City drew years of complaints about rough and erratic shifting. One problem, unexpectedly shifting to neutral, was a safety recall. GOOD TO KNOW A recall covered 2014-2015 Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Renegade and ProMaster (about 500,000 vehicles) for unintended shifts to neutral. The remedy was a software update. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Jerky low-speed shifts: or a lurch pulling away. Sudden neutral: while driving, a recall issue. Hesitation: when you need power to merge. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check for open recalls and software updates first. Many of these improve with the latest calibration and a relearn. If there is mechanical damage, we repair or replace with a remanufactured unit. DODGE & RAM SERVICE → HONDA & ACURA V6 Why does my older Honda or Acura V6 slip or flare between gears? The 5-speed automatic behind Honda and Acura V6 engines in the early 2000s is known for failing third-gear clutches, which shows up as slipping, flares and a flashing D light. It was the subject of a class-action settlement. GOOD TO KNOW The settlement covered 2003-2004 Accord, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2004 Pilot, 2001-2002 MDX and 2003 TL/CL Type S. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Flare between gears: engine revs jump before it catches. Flashing D light: the transmission computer found a fault. Delayed engagement: into Drive or Reverse. WHAT WESTCO DOES These vehicles are well past their settlement windows. We check fluid, pressures and codes, then repair or replace with a remanufactured unit. Correct Honda-spec fluid matters on these. SUBARU CVT Is my Subaru CVT covered by an extended warranty? Many are. Subaru doubled CVT coverage on roughly 1.5 million vehicles after complaints of shuddering and stalling. GOOD TO KNOW Subaru extended CVT coverage from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/100,000 miles on 2010-2015 Legacy, Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek, Forester and WRX with a CVT. Check your VIN for later model years. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Shudder or judder: at low speed or light throttle. Stalling: when coming to a stop. Whine: or a flashing AWD or check-engine light. WHAT WESTCO DOES We confirm coverage by VIN and point you to it if it applies. Out of coverage, we diagnose the torque converter, valve body and control module and repair or replace with a remanufactured unit. Also check: most Subarus here are AWD. Mismatched tire sizes or tread depth stress the drivetrain. Keep all four tires matched. WARRANTY CLAIM HELP → HYUNDAI & KIA DCT Why does my Hyundai or Kia hesitate when I pull away? The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) on many turbocharged Hyundai and Kia models is known for hesitation and shudder from a stop. On the 2016 Tucson it was a safety recall. GOOD TO KNOW A recall covered 2016 Tucson 1.6T models where clutch logic could delay acceleration from a stop; the fix was a software update. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Delay from a stop: you press the gas and nothing happens for a beat. Shudder in slow traffic: or a burning smell after creeping. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check open recalls and software, test clutch engagement with live data, and run the clutch learn procedure. Worn clutches or a failed actuator get repaired or replaced. WARRANTY CLAIM HELP → 4X4 & TRANSFER CASES Why won't my 4x4 engage, or why does my Ford grind in 2WD? Most 4x4 engagement problems are electrical or vacuum, not the transfer case gears. On GM trucks and SUVs, a failed transfer case encoder motor is commonly reported behind the Service 4WD message. On Ford F-150s, grinding in 2WD is often the front hubs. GOOD TO KNOW A Ford bulletin covers 2013-2018 F-150, Expedition and Navigator 4x4s with an intermittent grinding noise in 2WD, caused by lost vacuum to the front hubs or worn hubs. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Service 4WD message: or the selector lights flash and nothing happens. Grinding from the front: in 2WD, often on acceleration. Binding or hopping: in tight turns with 4WD on. WHAT WESTCO DOES We test the switch, encoder motor, module and wiring, check the vacuum lines and check valve, and inspect transfer case fluid. We fix what is actually failed, not the whole case. Colorado Springs: most 4x4s here only engage a few times a winter. Shift into 4WD once a month to keep the system working. FORD TRUCKS → CHEVY TRUCKS → DRIVESHAFTS & DIFFERENTIALS What causes a clunk or vibration from under my truck? A clunk when you shift into gear or a vibration that builds with speed usually points to worn U-joints, a failing center carrier bearing, or slop in the differential. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Clunk into Drive or Reverse: or when you get on and off the gas. Vibration at speed: felt through the floor or seat. Whine or howl: that changes on and off throttle, usually a differential. WHAT WESTCO DOES We lift the truck and check every joint, the carrier bearing, yokes and axle backlash, and we check differential fluid for metal. You get a clear answer on what is worn and what can wait. DIESEL & HEAVY TRUCKS TRANSMISSION WORK ON DIESEL PICKUPS THAT TOW Diesel trucks put more torque through the transmission than anything else in the lot, and most of them tow. Heat and torque converter wear cause most of what we see. ALLISON 1000 · DURAMAX How long does an Allison 1000 last, and what kills it? The Allison 1000 behind the Duramax is one of the toughest pickup transmissions built, and most problems trace to heat, old fluid or modified power. Fluid on the right schedule is the best thing you can do for it. GOOD TO KNOW Allison publishes separate general-duty and severe-duty fluid and filter schedules for its approved fluids, and recommends fluid analysis as the best way to set intervals. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Slipping or flaring: usually under load or after heavy towing. Harsh shifts: after engine tuning or a battery disconnect. Transmission temperature warnings: on long pulls. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check fluid condition, codes and shift adapts, and verify the truck's software. If the fluid is burned, we find out why before we change it. We repair or replace with a remanufactured unit when needed. DURAMAX SERVICE → FORD 6R140 & 10R140 · POWER STROKE What goes wrong with Super Duty TorqShift transmissions? Ford's 6-speed (6R140) and 10-speed (10R140) TorqShift automatics are strong, but shift flares, harsh shifts and delayed engagement are commonly reported. Many cases improve with software updates and a proper relearn before any hard parts are needed. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Flare on the 2-3 shift: the engine revs up before the gear catches. Delayed engagement: into Drive or Reverse when cold. Clunky downshifts: while slowing down with a load. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check for Ford bulletins and software, read shift data live during a loaded road test, and verify fluid level with the procedure Ford requires. Programming is done in-house. POWER STROKE SERVICE → RAM 68RFE & AISIN · CUMMINS Is my Ram's 68RFE or Aisin transmission failing? The 68RFE behind the 6.7L Cummins is commonly reported to struggle with heat and torque converter wear when towing heavy, especially on modified trucks. The Aisin in heavy-duty Rams has its own reported issues, including overheating on steep grades and rough shifts. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Converter shudder: felt as a vibration at steady cruise. Overheating or limp mode: on long climbs pulling a trailer. Slipping after power upgrades: a tuned truck can outrun the stock transmission. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check codes, converter slip and temperature data, fluid, and cooler flow. We tell you plainly whether the transmission can handle what you are asking it to tow, then repair or replace with a remanufactured unit. CUMMINS REPAIR → RAM SERVICE → TOWING HEAT Why does heat kill transmissions on tow rigs? Heat breaks down transmission fluid, and burned fluid wears clutches and the torque converter. On a diesel pulling a heavy trailer up a long grade, transmission temperatures climb fast. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Temperature gauge climbing: on grades or in slow traffic with a trailer. Burnt smell: or dark fluid. Shudder at cruise: a common first sign of converter wear. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check the cooler, lines and thermostat for blockage or leaks, test converter lockup with live data, and recommend fluid service based on how you really use the truck. Colorado Springs: Ute Pass, Monument Hill and the passes west of town are long, steep pulls. Watch your transmission temperature and use tow/haul mode. MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS When does a diesel clutch or flywheel need replacing? A clutch on a diesel manual usually needs attention when it slips under load, chatters when you pull away, or the pedal feels different. Many diesel manuals use a dual-mass flywheel that wears along with the clutch. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Slipping under load: revs rise but speed doesn't. Chatter or shudder: when pulling away with a trailer. Rattle at idle: that goes away with the clutch pedal pushed in. WHAT WESTCO DOES We road test, check the hydraulics, and inspect the flywheel when the clutch comes out, so you do not pay for the same labor twice. RV CHASSIS TRANSMISSION SERVICE FOR MOTORHOMES A motorhome transmission moves a lot of weight up long grades and then sits for months. We work on Ford F-53 and E-Series gas chassis, Workhorse chassis, and diesel pushers with Allison transmissions. ALLISON · DIESEL PUSHERS How often should the Allison in my diesel pusher be serviced? It depends on the fluid in it and how you use the coach, and Allison recommends fluid analysis as the best way to decide. Many coaches sit for months, so time matters as much as miles. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Service or check-transmission light: on the shift pad. Harsh shifts: after sitting for a long time. Leaks: around the cooler lines and pan. WHAT WESTCO DOES We confirm the fluid type, check codes and fluid life reported by the transmission computer, and change fluid and filters to Allison's schedule. RV REPAIR → FORD F-53 & E-SERIES What goes wrong with transmissions on Ford gas motorhomes? On V10 chassis, the TorqShift automatics are commonly reported to overheat and wear the torque converter on long grades with a heavy coach. The 2020-and-later F-53 uses the 7.3L V8 with a 10-speed TorqShift. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Converter shudder: at steady speed on the highway. Overheating on grades: especially with a car in tow. Harsh or slipping shifts: after a long climb. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check codes, converter lockup data, cooler condition and fluid, and update software where Ford has released it. We repair or replace with a remanufactured unit when needed. Colorado Springs: coming down from the mountains, use grade braking or a lower gear so the brakes and transmission both stay cool. RV REPAIR → WORKHORSE · ALLISON 1000 Does my Workhorse chassis need special transmission care? Workhorse gas chassis commonly use the Allison 1000, and the same rules apply as on a Duramax: correct fluid, on schedule, and keep it cool. Fluid that has sat for years in a stored coach is worth checking before a long trip. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check fluid condition, codes and cooler flow, and service to Allison's schedule for your fluid type. FLEETS KEEPING FLEET TRANSMISSIONS ON THE ROAD Fleet vehicles idle, stop and start, carry weight and rack up hours that don't show on the odometer. That is severe service by almost every manufacturer's definition, and it shortens fluid life. SEVERE-SERVICE INTERVALS How often should fleet transmissions get fluid service? Usually far sooner than the normal schedule. Most manufacturers publish a separate severe-service schedule for towing, heavy loads, extended idling and stop-and-go use, and most fleet vehicles fall under it. WHAT WESTCO DOES We set fluid service by how each unit is actually used, track it on your vehicle records, and flag units running hot or showing early wear before they strand a driver. FLEET SERVICE → FORD TRANSIT What should Transit fleets watch in the transmission? Transits use Ford's 6R80 and, on later vans, the 10R80, and they share the same shift complaints as F-150s: harsh shifts, clunks and gear hunting. Software updates and relearns fix many of them. WHAT WESTCO DOES We run every VIN for recalls and bulletins, program Ford software in-house, and check fluid on the severe schedule. FLEET SERVICE → ISUZU NPR · AISIN What fluid does an Isuzu NPR automatic take? It depends on the transmission, and the wrong one causes damage. Isuzu's bulletin says the 6-speed Aisin takes Isuzu's own fluid, and that fluid is not compatible with Dexron. GOOD TO KNOW Isuzu's service reminder for 2017 and earlier N-Series trucks lists different fluids and intervals for the 4-speed and 6-speed automatics, and warns that mixing the two causes transmission damage. WHAT WESTCO DOES We identify the transmission, use the correct fluid, and set the level to Isuzu's procedure. ISUZU NPR SERVICE → SPRINTER · 7-SPEED Why does my Sprinter go into limp mode? On Sprinters with the Mercedes 7-speed automatic, a failed speed sensor on the internal conductor plate is commonly reported to cause limp mode, harsh shifts and stuck gears. Low or wrong fluid can cause similar symptoms. WHAT WESTCO DOES We read Mercedes-specific codes, check fluid level to the factory procedure, and program and adapt the transmission after repair. MERCEDES & SPRINTER → COOLERS & IDLE HEAT Do fleet vehicles need an auxiliary transmission cooler? Often, yes. Idling, stop-and-go routes and heavy loads keep transmission temperatures high, and a larger or added cooler is one of the simplest ways to protect the transmission. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check the existing cooler and lines for blockage and leaks, and recommend an added cooler when a unit's workload calls for it. HOW WE WORK HOW WE DIAGNOSE, AND WHEN TO SERVICE FLUID Transmission repairs are big decisions. You should know exactly what failed and why before you agree to anything. DIAGNOSIS How do you figure out what is wrong with my transmission? We test before we recommend anything. Many problems turn out to be software, a sensor, wiring or fluid, not a full transmission. WHAT WE CHECK Scan and live data: codes, shift timing, clutch slip, converter lockup and fluid temperature with factory-level tools. Fluid check: level, color, smell and debris. Pressure test: when the data points to a hydraulic problem. Road test: to feel what you feel and record it. Software and relearns: we check for updated calibrations and program them in-house, then relearn shifts. WHAT WESTCO DOES You get a clear explanation of what failed and your options: a targeted repair, or replacement with a remanufactured unit. Repairs are backed by our 24-month/24,000-mile warranty. FLUID SERVICE When should I change my transmission fluid, and is it really lifetime fluid? If you tow, haul, drive in the mountains or sit in stop-and-go traffic, change it on the severe-service schedule in your owner's guide. Many newer vehicles list no normal fluid change, but that doesn't mean the fluid never wears out. WHAT TO KNOW Heat is the enemy: towing and long grades break fluid down much faster. Colorado counts as severe: steep grades and trailers put most local trucks on the severe schedule. Correct fluid only: modern transmissions are built around a specific fluid, and the wrong one can cause shift problems. Very old fluid: on a high-mileage unit we check condition first and explain the options before changing it. WHAT WESTCO DOES We use the fluid the manufacturer calls for and set the level to the factory procedure. MORE FROM WESTCO OTHER SERVICES WE OFFER ENGINE REPAIR → BRAKES & SUSPENSION → BATTERY & ALTERNATOR → AUTO ELECTRICAL → OIL CHANGES → CLASSIC CARS → DOT INSPECTIONS → EUROPEAN → DIESEL REPAIR → ASIAN → FLEET SERVICE → DOMESTIC → COMMON JOBS DRIVELINE WORK WE DO EVERY WEEK The path from the engine to the wheels, and what usually goes wrong along it. TRANSMISSION Slipping, shudder, harsh shifts • Fluid condition checked first • Scan for transmission codes • Road test under load • Leak repair TRANSFER CASE 4x4 and all-wheel drive • Fluid service • Engagement faults • Chain wear and noise • Leaks at seals DIFFERENTIALS Front and rear • Fluid service • Whine or howl diagnosis • Pinion and axle seal leaks • Bearing and gear repair DRIVE SHAFTS U-joints and carrier bearings • Vibration at speed • Clunk into gear • Squeak that changes with speed • Axle shaft and bearing repair FREE INSPECTION BOOK A FREE TRANSMISSION AND DRIVELINE INSPECTION Slipping, shuddering, or a new clunk or vibration? We check the fluid, scan for codes and road-test it before recommending anything. Prefer the phone? Call (719) 591-7743. TRANSMISSION QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK Straight answers from our techs WHY IS MY TRANSMISSION SLIPPING? Slipping can come from low or burnt fluid, a software issue, or internal wear. Fluid is the first thing to check because it is the cheapest thing to fix. Warning signs Engine revs without speed · Late or harsh shifts · Warning light · Burnt smell What we do We check the fluid level and condition, scan for codes and road-test before recommending any repair. Colorado Springs: Towing up I-25 or Ute Pass is hard on transmissions. A new shudder or slip after a trip is worth a check. WHY DOES MY TRUCK SHUDDER AT A STEADY SPEED? A shudder at steady speed often comes from the torque converter clutch. On some transmissions a fluid service with the correct fluid helps, on others parts are worn. Warning signs Rumble-strip feel · Shudder at 30–50 mph · Harsh shifts · Transmission codes What we do We road-test it, scan the transmission and check the fluid, then tell you what will actually fix it. Colorado Springs: Towing a trailer up I-25? A transmission that shudders under load needs a look before the next trip. DO I NEED A TRANSMISSION FLUID SERVICE? Most transmissions need fluid service at some interval, and towing or mountain driving shortens it. The right fluid matters as much as the change itself. When to do it Dark or burnt fluid · High miles · Towing · Shift changes What we do We use the fluid your transmission is built for and check for leaks while it is on the lift. WHAT IS THAT CLUNK WHEN I SHIFT INTO GEAR? A clunk into drive or reverse often points to a worn U-joint, loose driveline parts or worn mounts. It is worth checking before a joint lets go. Warning signs Clunk into gear · Squeak at low speed · Vibration · Drips at the axle What we do We check every joint, mount and seal on a lift and show you which parts are worn. WHY WON’T MY 4X4 ENGAGE? It can be the switch, an actuator, wiring, the transfer case motor or the transfer case itself. Scan data narrows it down fast. Warning signs 4x4 light flashing · Grinding when engaging · No front drive · Service 4WD message What we do We scan the system, test the electrical side and inspect the transfer case, then repair the part that failed. Colorado Springs: Snow season is when 4x4 problems show up. Test it before the first storm. NOT SURE WHAT YOUR TRANSMISSION IS DOING? Tell us when it happens and how it feels when you book. We diagnose before we repair. BOOK ONLINE CALL US BRING YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO WESTCO Free transmission and driveline inspection, with a road test and a clear explanation before any work begins. BOOK MY FREE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 Westco Automotive & Truck Repair 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM (719) 591-7743

Westco Automotive & Truck Repair in Colorado Springs. Female-led, ASE-certified, serving drivers and fleets since 2018. 24-month/24,000-mile warranty. Home / About Us FEMALE-LED · FAMILY-OWNED · SINCE 2018 ABOUT OUR COLORADO SPRINGS AUTO REPAIR SHOP Our mission is to apply all of our knowledge, skills and experience to accurately diagnose, service or repair your vehicle. When you leave Westco, we want you to be satisfied and tell others you were treated fairly and professionally. Most of all, we want you to enjoy doing business with the Westco family. BOOK MY FREE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 ★ 4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Female-led, family-owned Who we are THE WESTCO FAMILY A Colorado Springs shop built on a simple belief: auto repair should be transparent, respectful and stress-free. 01 Our story Kyndra McLaughlin founded Westco Automotive in 2018 and leads the shop today. ✓ Female-led and family-owned ✓ Founded in 2018 in Colorado Springs ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Everyone welcome whatever you drive or know 02 How we work You will never be pushed into a repair you do not need. ✓ Diagnose first then repair ✓ Photos of what we find ✓ Clear options before any work ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty 03 What we work on Gas and diesel, domestic and import, cars, trucks, vans and RVs. ✓ Domestic, European and Asian makes ✓ Diesel trucks and Isuzu NPR ✓ Fleet vehicles and DOT inspections ✓ Classic cars and RV mechanical QUESTIONS ABOUT WESTCO Straight answers from our team WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED? 1130 Valley St Ste A/B, Colorado Springs, CO 80915, with easy access from Highway 24 and Powers Boulevard and parking right in front of the shop. Near Highway 24 · Powers Boulevard · Parking out front Finding us Look for the Westco signage when you pull in. Colorado Springs: Proudly serving the Springs since 2018. WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS? Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. We are closed Saturday and Sunday. Hours Mon–Fri · 9 AM–5 PM · Closed weekends Tip After hours? Use our key drop. Need a ride? Book our Lyft valet at least 24 hours ahead. Colorado Springs: Closed weekends. Book online anytime. WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE? Colorado Springs, Fountain, Manitou Springs, Monument, Security-Widefield, Peterson SFB, Fort Carson and Pueblo. Nearby Colorado Springs · Fountain · Monument · Fort Carson Our promise Wherever you are coming from, we are worth the drive. WHAT WARRANTY DO YOU OFFER? Our repairs carry a 24-month / 24,000-mile parts and labor warranty. Covered Parts · Labor · 24 months · 24,000 miles What we do If something we fixed fails within the warranty, bring it back and we make it right. WHY CHOOSE WESTCO? Clear communication, honest recommendations and repairs that last, from a female-led, family-owned shop trusted in Colorado Springs since 2018. Credentials ASE-certified · CARFAX Top Rated · RepairPal Certified · 4.9 stars on Google What we do We explain your options clearly and help you make the best decision for your vehicle and your budget. Colorado Springs: Every customer is treated like family. That is the promise we keep with every repair. READY TO MEET THE TEAM? Book online or call. Every visit starts with a free inspection. BOOK ONLINE CALL US BRING YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO WESTCO Free inspection, honest answers, and the Westco family taking care of you. BOOK MY FREE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 Westco Automotive & Truck Repair 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM (719) 591-7743

Pre-purchase, safety and rideshare inspections in Colorado Springs with a digital photo report. Need an annual DOT inspection? See our DOT page. Home / Vehicle Inspections DOT · PRE-PURCHASE · SAFETY · RIDESHARE DOT & VEHICLE INSPECTIONS IN COLORADO SPRINGS In-house DOT inspections for commercial trucks and vans, plus pre-purchase, safety and rideshare inspections. Every inspection comes with a digital report and photos you can keep or print. BOOK MY INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 ★ 4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Female-led, family-owned What we do INSPECTIONS WE PERFORM Whether you are buying, keeping a fleet compliant or driving for a rideshare service, you find out exactly where you stand. 01 DOT inspections Annual DOT inspections do ne in-house for $99.99, so fleet and commercial vehicles do not need to go anywhere else. ✓ Brakes and steering and suspension ✓ Lights and tires and other required items ✓ Repairs to pass done in the same shop ✓ Records for your fleet files 02 Pre-purchase Have a used car or truck inspected before you pay. We look for what a test drive will not show you. ✓ Engine and transmission condition ✓ Computer scan for stored and pending codes ✓ Frame and rust and signs of prior damage ✓ Diesel checks on Power Stroke, Duramax and Cummins 03 Safety and rideshare Every routine visit includes a digital safety inspection, and we handle rideshare inspections too. ✓ Digital report with photos ✓ Brakes, tires fluids and suspension ✓ Rideshare inspections for Uber and Lyft drivers ✓ Repairs to pass done here VEHICLE INSPECTIONS · COLORADO SPRINGS WHAT DOES A VEHICLE INSPECTION AT WESTCO COVER? Most of these are pre-purchase inspections: a full look at a car, truck, diesel or RV chassis before you buy it. We also do general safety inspections. Commercial trucks that need an annual federal inspection should see our DOT inspection page. PRE-PURCHASE What does a pre-purchase inspection check? Everything that costs real money if it's wrong: engine, transmission, driveline, brakes, suspension, frame, leaks and stored trouble codes. WHAT WE CHECK Engine and transmission: how it runs and shifts, fluid condition, noises, and signs of overheating. Leaks: oil, coolant, transmission, differential and brake fluid. Brakes and suspension: pad and rotor wear, shocks, ball joints, bushings and steering parts. Frame and underbody: rust, rot, previous accident repair and bent parts. Computer scan: stored and pending trouble codes, and whether codes were recently cleared. Tires: tread depth, uneven wear that points to alignment or suspension problems, and tire age. WHAT WESTCO DOES You get a photo report showing what we found, so you can negotiate, walk away or buy with confidence. Colorado Springs: book the inspection before you hand over money. A private seller who won't let a shop look at the vehicle is telling you something. DOT INSPECTIONS → DIESEL TRUCKS What should I check before buying a used diesel truck? On a diesel, look at the fuel system, the emissions equipment and each engine's known trouble spots. Those are where the expensive surprises are. DIESEL-SPECIFIC CHECKS Power Stroke: each generation has its own weak points. On a 6.0L that includes the head gaskets, oil cooler and EGR cooler. On a 6.7L it's the high-pressure fuel system and emissions parts. Duramax: some model years used a high-pressure fuel pump that can fail expensively. We also look at injectors, coolant loss and the emissions system. Cummins: on older 5.9L engines, whether the 'killer dowel pin' was addressed. On 6.7L trucks, the DPF, EGR and DEF systems. Emissions equipment: whether the DPF, EGR and DEF systems are present and working. Tampering with emissions equipment is prohibited under federal law, and a deleted truck can be hard to register or sell. Scan data: codes, regen history where it's available, and fuel system readings. WHAT WESTCO DOES Our techs work on Power Stroke, Duramax and Cummins trucks every week, so we know where each engine tends to hide problems. Colorado Springs: parts of El Paso County require diesel vehicles to pass an emissions test, including before a sale. We don't do state emissions testing. Check with the state emissions program or your county motor vehicle office. POWER STROKE → DURAMAX → CUMMINS → RVS Can you inspect an RV before I buy it? Yes, the chassis and drivetrain: engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, tires and frame. We don't inspect the coach side. CHASSIS ONLY What we inspect: engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, steering, suspension, frame, exhaust and tires, including tire age. Old tires with plenty of tread are common on RVs that don't get driven much. What we don't: coach systems like the roof, slide-outs, plumbing, appliances, generator and house electrical. Have an RV specialist look at those. WHAT WESTCO DOES You get a photo report on the part of the RV that actually has to move it down the road. RV REPAIR → FLEETS Should I inspect a used truck before adding it to my fleet? Yes. A pre-purchase inspection tells you what the truck will cost you before it's yours, and whether it's ready for its next DOT inspection. ACQUISITION INSPECTION Mechanical condition: a full pre-purchase inspection of the engine, drivetrain, brakes, suspension and frame. DOT readiness: we look at the items an annual federal inspection checks, so you know what has to be fixed before the truck goes into service. Box trucks and work trucks: Isuzu NPRs, service bodies and cutaways, plus their lift gates, body mounts and frame condition. WHAT WESTCO DOES Fleet accounts can send units straight from the auction or dealer lot to us. FLEET SERVICE → DOT INSPECTIONS → ISUZU NPR → COLORADO WHAT SHOULD COLORADO BUYERS WATCH FOR? Colorado roads and weather cause problems you won't see as much in other states. We look for them on every inspection. LOCAL CONDITIONS What Colorado-specific problems do you check for? Corrosion from winter de-icer, hail damage, and the wear that comes from altitude and mountain driving. COLORADO CHECKS Mag chloride corrosion: road crews here use liquid magnesium chloride de-icer, and CDOT has studied how corrosive it is to vehicle parts. We look at brake lines, fuel lines, wiring connectors, frame and suspension hardware. Hail damage: the Front Range gets a lot of hail. We note hail damage and signs of hail repair, which can affect value and insurance. Altitude and mountain driving: Colorado Springs sits around 6,000 feet, and many vehicles here see steep grades. We look at cooling system condition, brake wear, and turbo and intake condition. Emissions: El Paso County isn't in the gasoline emissions program area, but parts of the county require diesel emissions testing. We don't do state emissions tests. Confirm the requirements with the state program before you buy. WHAT WESTCO DOES A truck that spent its life on Colorado winter roads can look clean on top and be rusted underneath. We put it on a lift and look. YOUR REPORT WHAT DO I GET AFTER THE INSPECTION? A digital report with photos, in plain English. PHOTO REPORT What's in the inspection report? Photos and notes on everything we checked, marked good, watch or needs attention. WHAT YOU GET Photos: the actual parts we looked at, including leaks, wear and damage. Plain-English notes: what we found and why it matters. Priorities: what's urgent, what can wait and what's fine. Printed copy: available if you ask. WHAT WESTCO DOES If you buy the vehicle and want anything fixed, repairs we do come with our 24-month/24,000-mile warranty. BRAKE REPAIR → MORE FROM WESTCO OTHER SERVICES WE OFFER ENGINE REPAIR → BRAKES & SUSPENSION → TRANSMISSION → BATTERY & ALTERNATOR → AUTO ELECTRICAL → CLASSIC CARS → OIL CHANGES → EUROPEAN → DIESEL REPAIR → ASIAN → FLEET SERVICE → DOMESTIC → WHAT YOU GET EVERY INSPECTION COMES WITH A REPORT You see what we see. Photos of every finding, in writing, to keep. DOT Commercial trucks and vans • Annual inspection in-house • Required items checked • Repairs to pass done here • Records for your files PRE-PURCHASE Before you buy • Lift inspection • Full module scan • Photos for your negotiation • Diesel-specific checks SAFETY Every routine visit • Brakes and tires • Fluids and leaks • Suspension and steering • Printed report on request RIDESHARE Uber and Lyft drivers • Rideshare inspection • Repairs to pass • Quick turnaround • Report you can submit BOOK AN INSPECTION SCHEDULE YOUR DOT OR PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION Tell us the vehicle and the type of inspection you need. Not sure whether you need a DOT inspection? Call (719) 591-7743 and we will help you find out. INSPECTION QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK Straight answers from our techs DOES MY TRUCK NEED A DOT INSPECTION? It depends on how the vehicle is used and registered. Commercial trucks and vans operating in commerce often need an annual inspection. We’re not lawyers, but call us and we will help you find out. Common reasons Commercial use · Company name on the door · Towing for work · Fleet vehicle What we do We perform the annual DOT inspection in-house and can do any repairs needed to pass in the same visit. Colorado Springs: Fleet vehicles working the I-25 corridor stack up miles fast. Scheduling DOT inspections with routine service keeps them on the road. WHAT DOES A DOT INSPECTION CHECK? Brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tires, the frame, fuel and exhaust systems and the other items on the required list. What we check Brakes · Steering · Lights · Tires What we do We inspect every required item, show you what fails, and fix it here so you are not sent somewhere else. Colorado Springs: Mountain grades wear brakes and tires fast, so check them before inspection day. SHOULD I GET A USED CAR INSPECTED BEFORE I BUY IT? Yes. A pre-purchase inspection finds leaks, worn parts, stored codes and prior damage that a test drive will not show you. What we find Stored codes · Leaks · Frame rust · Prior repairs What we do We put it on a lift, scan every module and photograph what we find, so you can negotiate or walk away. WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT A DIESEL PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION? Diesel trucks have engine-specific weak spots and emissions equipment that is expensive to repair. Those need their own checks. What we check Hard start · Smoke · Coolant loss · Emissions faults What we do We run diesel-specific checks on Power Stroke, Duramax and Cummins trucks and check that emissions equipment is in place and working. DO YOU DO UBER AND LYFT INSPECTIONS? Yes. Rideshare companies require vehicles to pass an inspection, and we perform it here. When you need one Annual requirement · New driver · New vehicle · Failed item What we do We inspect it, give you the report, and can take care of any repairs needed to pass. Colorado Springs: New to the Springs with a rideshare car? We can inspect it and handle any repairs to pass. NOT SURE WHICH INSPECTION YOU NEED? Call us and tell us about the vehicle. We will help you find out. BOOK ONLINE CALL US BRING YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO WESTCO DOT, pre-purchase, safety and rideshare inspections, with a photo report on every one. BOOK MY INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 Westco Automotive & Truck Repair 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM (719) 591-7743

In-house DOT annual inspections for trucks, vans and fleets in Colorado Springs (no semi trailers). Digital report with photos. Call (719) 591-7743. Home / DOT Inspections DOT · FLEET · COMMERCIAL TRUCKS & VANS DOT INSPECTIONS IN COLORADO SPRINGS Annual DOT inspections done in-house for commercial trucks, vans and fleet vehicles. $99.99, a digital report with photos you can keep for your files, and any repairs needed to pass done in the same shop. BOOK MY INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 ★ 4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Female-led, family-owned What we do WHAT A DOT INSPECTION AT WESTCO INCLUDES One visit covers the inspection, the paperwork and any repairs needed to pass, so the truck goes back to work instead of to another shop. 01 DOT inspections Annual DOT inspections done in-house for $99.99, so fleet and commercial vehicles do not need to go anywhere else. ✓ Brakes and steering and suspension ✓ Lights and tires and other required items ✓ Repairs to pass done in the same shop ✓ Records for your fleet files 02 FLEET ACCOUNTS One schedule for the whole fleet. ✓ Power Stroke, Duramax, Cummins and Isuzu NPR ✓ Inspections lined up with routine service ✓ Dealer-level programming in-house ✓ Records kept for your fleet files 03 REPAIRS TO PASS If something fails, we show you what and why, then fix it here. ✓ Digital report with photos ✓ Brakes, tires fluids and suspension ✓ Photos of every failed item ✓ Repairs to pass done here DOT INSPECTIONS · COLORADO SPRINGS WHAT IS A DOT INSPECTION, AND DOES MY TRUCK NEED ONE? A DOT inspection is the annual federal periodic inspection required for commercial motor vehicles under 49 CFR 396.17. We do these in-house on all types of trucks. We don't inspect semi trailers. THE BASICS What is a DOT annual inspection? It's a once-a-year safety inspection of a commercial vehicle against the federal minimum standards in Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 396. HOW IT WORKS The rule: 49 CFR 396.17 says every commercial motor vehicle a motor carrier controls must pass a periodic inspection of every component in Appendix A at least once every 12 months. Who can do it: the carrier can inspect its own vehicles, or use a commercial garage like ours. Either way, the inspector has to meet the qualifications in 49 CFR 396.19. Appendix A vs. Appendix G: older paperwork and many websites still call the standard 'Appendix G.' FMCSA moved it to Appendix A to Part 396 in 2021. It's the same standard under a new name. WHAT WESTCO DOES We inspect every Appendix A item that applies to your vehicle, write up the results, and give you the report and decal for your records. FLEET SERVICE → WHO NEEDS IT Does my truck count as a commercial motor vehicle? Under federal rules, probably, if it runs in interstate commerce and has a GVWR or GCWR of 10,001 lb or more. Colorado's line for intrastate-only work may be different, so check your own situation. THE THRESHOLDS Federal definition (49 CFR 390.5): a vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to carry passengers or property is a CMV if its GVWR, GCWR, gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight is 10,001 lb or more. Certain passenger and hazmat vehicles also count. Trailers count toward the combination: a pickup pulling a trailer can go over 10,001 lb GCWR even when the truck alone doesn't. Colorado intrastate: Colorado has its own motor carrier rules for intrastate-only work, with their own thresholds and exceptions. Confirm your status with Colorado State Patrol Motor Carrier Safety. WHAT WESTCO DOES We can inspect your truck whether you're required to or just want the peace of mind. Your regulatory status is between you and the State Patrol or FMCSA. Colorado Springs: lots of local contractors run a 1-ton pickup with a gooseneck or equipment trailer. Add up the truck's GVWR and the trailer's rating before you assume you're exempt. PAPERWORK What paperwork do I get, and how long do I keep it? You get a written inspection report and a decal. Federal rules say to keep the report for 14 months from the inspection date. WHAT THE RULES SAY The report (49 CFR 396.21): it names the inspector and the motor carrier, gives the date, identifies the vehicle, lists the components inspected and the results, and certifies the inspection. Retention: keep the original or a copy for 14 months from the inspection date, where the vehicle is housed or maintained. On the vehicle: proof of inspection has to be on the vehicle. A decal works if it shows the date, the carrier's name and address, the vehicle, and that it passed. WHAT WESTCO DOES Every report comes with photos. Fleet accounts can have us keep a record of each unit's inspection history so due dates don't sneak up on you. FLEET SERVICE → THE INSPECTION WHAT GETS CHECKED ON A DOT INSPECTION? We go through every Appendix A group that applies to your truck. APPENDIX A TO PART 396 Which systems does the federal standard cover? The standard is organized into inspection groups. Most trucks use all of the main ones; a couple only apply to vehicles with that equipment. THE GROUPS Brake system: service and parking brakes, adjustment (pushrod stroke), air or hydraulic leaks, hoses and lines, drums, rotors and linings, low-air warning, compressor and ABS where equipped. Coupling devices: fifth wheels, pintle hooks, drawbars, safety chains and their mounts. Exhaust system: leaks ahead of or below the cab, and exhaust parts close enough to burn wiring, fuel or brake lines. Fuel system: leaks, tank mounting and fuel caps. Lighting devices: every required light and reflector, working and the right color. Safe loading: cargo securement, and anything that could fall or shift. Steering mechanism: wheel free play, column, gearbox, pitman arm, tie rods and drag links, power steering. Suspension: axle parts, springs, U-bolts, torque and radius arms, air suspension. Frame: cracks, sagging, loose or missing fasteners, and tires or wheels rubbing the frame. Tires: tread depth (4/32" on steer tires, 2/32" on the others), cuts, bulges, exposed cord, flats and leaks. Wheels and rims: cracks, loose or missing lugs, and damaged rims. Windshield and wipers: cracks in the driver's view, and working wipers. Where equipped: motorcoach seats and rear impact guards. WHAT WESTCO DOES We photograph anything that fails or is close to the limit, so you can see exactly what we saw. BRAKE REPAIR → FAILURES WHY DO TRUCKS FAIL DOT INSPECTIONS? Most failures come from a short list of things, and most of them are fixable the same day. WHAT WE SEE MOST What are the most common reasons a truck fails? Lights, brake adjustment, tires, leaks and steering play. Hardly anything exotic. TOP 5 Lights: burned-out marker, clearance or brake lights, corroded trailer plugs and broken lenses. Brake adjustment: on air-brake trucks, pushrod stroke past the limit. On hydraulic trucks, worn pads and shoes, leaking calipers or wheel cylinders, or a parking brake that won't hold. Tires: steer tires under 4/32", others under 2/32", sidewall cuts, bulges or exposed cord. Leaks: air, brake fluid, fuel, and exhaust leaks near the cab. Steering play: worn tie rod ends, drag links or steering boxes. WHAT WESTCO DOES Before your inspection, walk around the truck with the lights and flashers on, and look at the tires. That alone catches a lot of failures. Colorado Springs: mag chloride on winter roads is hard on trailer wiring, light sockets and brake parts. Corroded connections are a common light failure on local trucks. BRAKE REPAIR → REPAIRS What happens if my truck fails? We show you what failed with photos, give you the repair estimate, and fix it in the same visit when we can. HOW WE HANDLE IT Photo proof: you see the actual failed part, not just a line on a form. Same-visit repairs: lights, brake parts, tires, leaks and steering parts can often be fixed while the truck is already here. Warranty: repairs we do come with our 24-month/24,000-mile warranty. Your call: nothing gets repaired without your approval. WHAT WESTCO DOES Once the repairs are done, we finish the inspection and give you the passing report and decal. FLEETS CAN YOU HANDLE DOT INSPECTIONS FOR MY WHOLE FLEET? Yes. We set up fleet accounts for Colorado Springs businesses that need a few trucks or a lot of trucks inspected and kept on schedule. FLEET ACCOUNTS What kinds of trucks do you inspect? All types of trucks, from pickups to heavy trucks. We don't inspect semi trailers. WHAT WE INSPECT Box trucks and cab-overs: Isuzu NPR, Ford and Chevy cutaways, and similar. Service and utility bodies: contractor, plumbing, electrical and utility trucks. Pickups that tow: 1-ton and 3/4-ton trucks pulling equipment or gooseneck trailers. Diesel trucks: Power Stroke, Duramax and Cummins. WHAT WESTCO DOES We keep track of when each unit is due, work around your schedule, and keep inspection records on file so an audit isn't a scramble. FLEET SERVICE → ISUZU NPR → SCHEDULING & RECORDS How does fleet scheduling work? You tell us which units and when. We stagger inspections so your whole fleet isn't parked at once. FLEET ACCOUNT Scheduling: we book trucks around your routes and slow days. Records: a photo report for each unit, kept on file, which helps you meet the 14-month retention rule. Same-visit repairs: failed items get fixed while the truck is here whenever we can. One shop for everything: the same techs handle brakes, diesel engine work and routine maintenance on your fleet. WHAT WESTCO DOES Call (719) 591-7743 to set up a fleet account. POWER STROKE → DURAMAX → CUMMINS → LIMITS What don't you inspect? Semi trailers. We inspect all types of trucks, but we don't do DOT inspections on semi trailers. GOOD TO KNOW Bumper-pull and gooseneck trailers behind pickups are a different case. Call us first and we'll tell you whether we can inspect yours. WHAT WESTCO DOES If you're not sure whether we can take your vehicle, call us before you book. MORE FROM WESTCO OTHER SERVICES WE OFFER ENGINE REPAIR → BRAKES & SUSPENSION → TRANSMISSION → BATTERY & ALTERNATOR → AUTO ELECTRICAL → CLASSIC CARS → OIL CHANGES → EUROPEAN → DIESEL REPAIR → ASIAN → FLEET SERVICE → DOMESTIC → BOOK AN INSPECTION SCHEDULE YOUR DOT INSPECTION Tell us the vehicle and the type of inspection you need. Not sure whether you need a DOT inspection? Call (719) 591-7743 and we will help you find out. INSPECTION QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK Straight answers from our techs DOES MY TRUCK NEED A DOT INSPECTION? It depends on how the vehicle is used and registered. Commercial trucks and vans operating in commerce often need an annual inspection. We’re not lawyers, but call us and we will help you find out. Common reasons Commercial use · Company name on the door · Towing for work · Fleet vehicle What we do We perform the annual DOT inspection in-house and can do any repairs needed to pass in the same visit. Colorado Springs: Fleet vehicles working the I-25 corridor stack up miles fast. Scheduling DOT inspections with routine service keeps them on the road. WHAT DOES A DOT INSPECTION CHECK? Brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tires, the frame, fuel and exhaust systems and the other items on the required list. What we check Brakes · Steering · Lights · Tires What we do We inspect every required item, show you what fails, and fix it here so you are not sent somewhere else. Colorado Springs: Mountain grades wear brakes and tires fast, so check them before inspection day. HOW MUCH IS A DOT INSPECTION AT WESTCO? $99.99 for the annual DOT inspection. If something fails, we show you what failed and why before any repair work starts. WHAT'S INCLUDED Inspection · Photo report · Paperwork for your files What we do We inspect it in-house, give you the paperwork for your files, and handle any repairs needed to pass. HOW OFTEN DOES A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE NEED A DOT INSPECTION? At least once every 12 months for vehicles that fall under the federal inspection rules. Call us and we will help you find out if yours does. WHEN IT'S DUE Every 12 months · New fleet vehicle · Fleet records What we do We schedule DOT inspections alongside routine service, so fleet trucks are not down twice. CAN YOU INSPECT MY WHOLE FLEET? Yes. We inspect fleet trucks and vans in-house, including Power Stroke, Duramax, Cummins and Isuzu NPR trucks. WHAT WE WORK ON Work trucks · Vans · Pickups · Isuzu NPR What we do We inspect each vehicle, give you the paperwork for your files, and fix what fails here. Colorado Springs: Fleets working the I-25 corridor stack up miles fast. Schedule DOT inspections with routine service. NOT SURE WHICH INSPECTION YOU NEED? Call us and tell us about the vehicle. We will help you find out. BOOK ONLINE CALL US BRING YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO WESTCO In-house DOT inspections for $99.99, with a photo report on every one and repairs to pass done here. BOOK MY INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 Westco Automotive & Truck Repair 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM (719) 591-7743

Duramax diesel repair in Colorado Springs for Chevy and GMC trucks — diagnostics, CP4 fuel pump prevention and service. Book a free inspection. Home / Diesel Repair / Duramax Diesel specialists · Colorado Springs Duramax Diesel Repair & Service in Colorado Springs Chevy and GMC Duramax diagnostics and repair on every generation, from the LB7 to the L5P. Factory-level GM diagnostics and programming in our own shop — and a free scan and visual inspection before any work. BOOK A FREE DURAMAX INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 ★ 4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Female-led, family-owned What we do Duramax diagnostics, service and repair One shop for your diesel, from the first warning light to the finished repair. 01 Diagnostics & programming We read Duramax-specific codes and live data to find the root cause of smoke, a hard start or a warning light — the first time. ✓ Factory-level GM diagnostics ✓ J2534 pass-thru programming with factory software, in-house ✓ Injector balance-rate and fuel pressure testing ✓ Photo and video of every finding 02 Diesel maintenance Service that keeps a Duramax from becoming a big repair. ✓ Fuel filters and water-in-fuel service ✓ Cooling system service for towing at altitude ✓ DPF, DEF and glow plug diagnosis ✓ Allison transmission fluid service 03 Repair Durable repairs on the parts each Duramax is known to wear out. ✓ LB7 injectors — all eight, done once ✓ CP4 fuel pump — plus disaster prevention kits on the LML ✓ Cooling system — LLY overheating fixes ✓ Turbo, EGR and DPF repair Generation by generation What are the most common problems on each Duramax? Not sure which one you have? Check the RPO code sticker in the glove box or on the driver's door jamb. LB7 2001–2004 • Injector failure — white smoke at idle • Fuel in the oil • We replace all eight injectors, not one LLY 2004.5–2005 • Overheating on mountain grades • Cooling system that struggles when towing LBZ 2006–2007 • Among the most durable Duramaxes • Transfer case pump rub at high mileage • Front hub wear LMM 2007.5–2010 • First Duramax with a DPF • Clogged filter and frequent regens LML 2011–2016 • CP4 fuel pump failure • DEF system faults L5P 2017–present • Glow plug failures • DEF tank heater faults Keep it healthy What we tell Duramax owners • Change fuel filters on schedule • Drain water from the fuel filter • Don't ignore white smoke or fuel in the oil Duramax questions we answer every week Straight answers from our techs Why is my LB7 Duramax smoking white at idle? On 2001–2004 LB7 engines, white smoke at idle and fuel in the oil are classic signs of failing injectors. They're the LB7's best-known weak point. Warning signs White smoke at idle · Fuel in the oil · Rough idle · Hard starting What we do We test injector balance rates to confirm it. When they're failing, we replace all eight — replacing one at a time means paying for the same job again. Why does my LLY Duramax overheat when towing? The 2004.5–2005 LLY is known for a cooling system that struggles under load — towing up grades is when it shows. Warning signs Temperature climbing on grades · Overheating when towing · Coolant loss What we do We pressure-test the cooling system and address the known weak points, so it can handle a loaded climb. Colorado Springs: Towing up to Monument or Woodland Park is exactly the load that finds an LLY's cooling limit. What goes wrong on a high-mileage LBZ Duramax? The 2006–2007 LBZ is one of the most durable Duramaxes. At high mileage we still see transfer case pump rub and worn front hubs. Things to check Transfer case leaks · Front hub noise or play · 4WD problems What we do We inspect the transfer case and hubs and repair what's worn before it strands you. Why is my LMM Duramax regenerating all the time? The 2007.5–2010 LMM was the first Duramax with a diesel particulate filter. A clogged DPF or a faulty sensor leads to frequent regens and reduced power. Warning signs Frequent regens · DPF warning · Reduced power · Poor fuel economy What we do We diagnose the sensors and the DPF, run a service regen when appropriate, and repair what failed. We repair emissions systems — we don't delete them. What happens when an LML Duramax CP4 pump fails? The CP4 high-pressure fuel pump on 2011–2016 LML engines can fail and send metal through the entire fuel system, turning a pump into a whole fuel-system repair. Warning signs Hard start or no start · Loss of power · Stalling · Low rail pressure codes What we do We check how far the damage spread before quoting. On a healthy LML, we recommend a disaster prevention kit before the pump fails. Colorado Springs: If an LML stalls or loses power, stop driving it — running it can spread the damage. What are the known problems on the L5P Duramax? The 2017-and-newer L5P is a reliable engine. What we see most are glow plug failures and DEF tank heater faults. Warning signs Hard cold starts · Glow plug codes · DEF warning · Reduced power mode What we do We scan it, test the glow plugs and the DEF heater circuit, and replace the part that failed. Colorado Springs: Cold Colorado mornings are when weak glow plugs and DEF heaters show up first. Have a Duramax problem not listed here? Tell us what it's doing when you book. We diagnose before we repair, and you approve the work before we start. BOOK ONLINE CALL US Diesel repair Other diesel and truck pages POWER STROKE → RAM CUMMINS → ISUZU NPR → CHEVROLET TRUCK → GMC → ALL DIESEL REPAIR → FLEET SERVICE → FAQ → MORE FROM WESTCO OTHER SERVICES WE OFFER ENGINE REPAIR → BRAKES & SUSPENSION → TRANSMISSION → BATTERY & ALTERNATOR → AUTO ELECTRICAL → CLASSIC CARS → OIL CHANGES → EUROPEAN → DIESEL REPAIR → ASIAN → FLEET SERVICE → DOMESTIC → Bring your Duramax to Westco Free scan and visual inspection, factory-level diesel diagnostics, and a clear explanation before any work begins. BOOK MY FREE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 Westco Automotive & Truck Repair 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM (719) 591-7743

Battery testing and replacement, alternator, starter and charging system repair in Colorado Springs for cars, trucks, diesels and fleets. Free inspection. Home / Battery & Alternator STARTING & CHARGING · COLORADO SPRINGS BATTERY & ALTERNATOR SERVICE IN COLORADO SPRINGS We test the whole starting and charging system, not just the battery, so you replace the part that actually failed. Cars, SUVs, diesel trucks and fleet vehicles, with batteries in stock. BOOK MY FREE BATTERY TEST CALL (719) 591-7743 ★ 4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Female-led, family-owned What we do BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND STARTER REPAIR Cold Colorado mornings are hard on batteries, and a weak charging system can leave you stranded. 01 Battery A battery can pass a quick voltage check and still fail on the first cold morning. ✓ Load testing under real starting demand ✓ Correct replacement size and cold cranking rating ✓ Terminals and cables cleaned or replaced ✓ Battery registration on vehicles that need it 02 Charging system When the alternator weakens, the battery slowly drains until the vehicle will not start. ✓ Alternator output tested before replacement ✓ Belts and tensioners checked ✓ Charging wiring and grounds ✓ Dual-battery systems on diesel trucks 03 No-start Clicking, slow cranking or nothing at all can come from several parts. We test each one. ✓ Starter testing and replacement ✓ Cable and ground repair ✓ Relays and switches diagnosed ✓ Security and immobilizer no-starts CARS, SUVS & LIGHT TRUCKS WHY DO BATTERIES AND ALTERNATORS FAIL SO OFTEN IN COLORADO SPRINGS? Cold mornings, big day-to-night temperature swings and a lot of short trips around town are hard on a 12-volt system. Newer vehicles add a second layer: the car watches its own battery and has to be told when a new one goes in. COLD STARTS Why does my battery quit on the first cold morning? Because cold cuts what a battery can deliver at the same moment the engine asks for more. GOOD TO KNOW AAA puts the loss at about 35% of a battery's strength at 32°F and about 60% at 0°F, while a cold engine can need up to twice the current to start. SIGNS IT'S ON THE WAY OUT Slow crank: the engine turns over sluggishly on cold mornings but fine in the afternoon. Clicking or dim dash: the battery can't hold voltage while the starter pulls. Age: AAA puts average battery life at three to five years, closer to three on vehicles loaded with electronics. WHAT WESTCO DOES We load- or conductance-test the battery against its cold cranking amp rating, check the cables and grounds, and test the alternator so you don't put a new battery on a bad charging system. Colorado Springs: the cold snaps, the wide temperature swings and the short trips that never fully recharge a battery are what wear it out. Get it tested in the fall, before the first hard freeze. BATTERY TYPE Does my car need an AGM battery? If it came from the factory with one, yes. And most cars with engine start-stop need either an AGM or an enhanced flooded (EFB) battery. WHAT TO KNOW Start-stop cars: the battery restarts the engine at every light and runs the electronics while it's off. A standard flooded battery isn't built for that and wears out fast. Match what's there: the vehicle's charging strategy is set up for a specific battery type. Downgrading can shorten battery life and cause start-stop and charging messages. Size and rating: the replacement should meet or beat the original's cold cranking amps and reserve capacity. WHAT WESTCO DOES We identify what your vehicle calls for and install the correct type, size and rating. BATTERY REGISTRATION Why does a new battery need to be registered or coded? Because many newer vehicles adjust their charging to the battery's age. If nobody tells the car a new battery is in, it keeps charging it like the old, worn one. BY MAKE BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW: these typically require the new battery to be registered, and often coded for its type and capacity, with a scan tool. Skipping it can shorten the new battery's life. Newer Ford: the battery management system uses a sensor at the negative terminal and needs time with the vehicle locked and asleep to relearn the battery. Newer GM: the charging system uses a battery current sensor on the negative cable to decide when and how hard to charge. Mercedes auxiliary battery: many Mercedes models have a second, smaller battery. An 'Auxiliary Battery Malfunction' message commonly points to that battery, not the main one. WHAT WESTCO DOES We register and code the new battery with factory-level software as part of the job, not as an afterthought. BMW SERVICE → MERCEDES SERVICE → GM TRUCKS & SUVS What does 'Service Battery Charging System' mean on my Chevy or GMC? It means the truck's charging management has seen voltage or current it doesn't like and can't correct on its own. It is not always the alternator. WHAT'S BEHIND IT Common causes: a worn battery, a weak alternator, a faulty battery current sensor, or corroded cables and grounds. Why guessing costs money: the system decides charging from sensor data, so a bad sensor or ground can look exactly like a bad alternator. WHAT WESTCO DOES We read the charging-system data with a scan tool, test the battery and alternator, and check the sensor and grounds before replacing anything. CHEVY TRUCK SERVICE → CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP & RAM Why does my Jeep, Ram or Chrysler say start-stop is unavailable? Often it's the Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) on the negative terminal, or a battery that isn't fully charged. It's not always a bad part. GOOD TO KNOW A Chrysler technical bulletin says many sensor replacements are unnecessary. It calls for resetting the sensor, letting the vehicle sleep to relearn, checking the sensor's wiring, and charging the battery through the correct ground point. WHAT TO KNOW Charging it wrong: clamping a charger straight to the negative post can bypass the sensor and throw off its reading. Battery light vs. start-stop light: a lit battery warning points at the charging system, not the sensor. WHAT WESTCO DOES We follow the factory procedure, test the battery and charging system, and only replace the sensor if a fault stays active. RAM TRUCK SERVICE → PARASITIC DRAIN Why does my battery keep going dead overnight? Something is staying awake after you shut the vehicle off. That's called a parasitic draw. WHAT TO KNOW Common culprits: a module that won't go to sleep, a stuck relay, a glovebox or trunk light, aftermarket accessories, or a failing alternator diode. It takes patience: modern vehicles can take up to about an hour for every module to shut down, so a quick check can miss it. WHAT WESTCO DOES We measure the draw after the vehicle is fully asleep, then isolate it circuit by circuit and module by module until we find the source. ELECTRICAL REPAIR → ALTERNATORS How do I know if it's the alternator and not the battery? A bad alternator usually shows up while you're driving. A bad battery usually shows up when you try to start. SIGNS Warning light or message: a battery light or charging message while the engine is running. Dimming lights: headlights or dash lights that dim at idle and brighten with RPM. Repeat dead batteries: a new battery that keeps going flat. Noise or smell: a whine or growl from the front of the engine, or a hot electrical smell. WHAT WESTCO DOES We test alternator output under load, check the belt and cables, and scan the charging system before recommending a replacement. HYBRIDS & EVS Do you work on hybrid or electric vehicle batteries? No. We don't service hybrid high-voltage batteries or electric vehicles. WHAT WESTCO DOES We do test and replace the regular 12-volt battery on hybrids, and diagnose the 12-volt starting and charging side. DIESEL TRUCKS WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT DIESEL TRUCK BATTERIES AND CHARGING SYSTEMS? Power Stroke, Duramax and Cummins pickups carry two batteries, pull big current through glow plugs or an intake heater, and often run high-output or dual alternators. That changes how you test and replace them. DUAL BATTERIES Do both batteries have to be replaced at the same time? Yes. The two batteries are wired together, so a new one paired with an old one gets dragged down to the old one's level. WHAT TO KNOW Why it matters: the stronger battery keeps trying to charge the weaker one, which shortens the new battery's life and can still leave you with a slow crank. Match them: same type, same size, same rating, same age. Check the cables: corroded or loose cables between the two batteries cause many 'bad battery' complaints. WHAT WESTCO DOES We test each battery individually, replace them as a matched pair when needed, and clean or replace the cables and grounds. COLD STARTS Why does my diesel crank slow on cold mornings? Before it fires, a diesel spends a lot of battery on glow plugs or an intake grid heater. Weak batteries show it first. WHAT TO KNOW Glow plugs: Power Stroke and Duramax engines heat each cylinder with glow plugs, controlled by a module or relay. Grid heater: Cummins engines in Ram trucks use an intake air grid heater, which draws very high current. Recall on 2021–2023 Ram 6.7L Cummins: the intake heater grid relay is under recall because it can short and cause a fire. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. WHAT WESTCO DOES We test batteries, glow plug or grid heater circuits and relays together so we're not chasing a slow crank one part at a time. Colorado Springs: diesels that sit outside overnight in January ask the most of their batteries. A fall load test catches the weak one before it strands you. POWER STROKE → DURAMAX → CUMMINS → 6.0L POWER STROKE Can weak batteries really damage a 6.0 Power Stroke? They can. The 6.0's fuel injection control module (FICM) turns 12 volts into about 48 volts to fire the injectors, and low battery or alternator voltage is widely blamed for wearing out its power supply. WHAT TO KNOW Symptoms: hard starts, rough cold idle, smoke and misfire codes. Prevention: keep the batteries strong and the charging system healthy, and test both every fall. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check battery condition, charging output and FICM output voltage before anyone spends money on injectors. POWER STROKE → ALTERNATORS My truck has two alternators. Does that change anything? Yes. Many diesel pickups offer a factory high-output or dual-alternator setup for plows, upfits and heavy electrical loads, and both have to be working. WHAT TO KNOW One can hide the other: a truck can seem to charge fine on one alternator until the load goes up. Belt and wiring: a second alternator adds a belt path, brackets and a heavy charge cable to inspect. WHAT WESTCO DOES We test each alternator's output separately under load and check the charge cables and grounds. RVS DO YOU SERVICE RV BATTERIES? We handle the chassis side of motorhomes: the engine starting battery, the alternator and the cab's 12-volt system. We don't work on coach or house systems like house batteries, inverters, converters or solar. CHASSIS VS. HOUSE Which battery starts my motorhome's engine? The chassis battery. It's separate from the house batteries that run the living area, and it's the one we test, charge and replace. WHAT WE DO AND DON'T Chassis side (we do): engine starting battery, alternator, starter and cab electrical. House side (we don't): house batteries, inverters, converters, solar and coach wiring. Some coaches link them: many motorhomes have a dash switch that ties the house batteries to the chassis battery for a boost start. It helps in a pinch but can also pull both down. WHAT WESTCO DOES We diagnose why the chassis battery won't hold a charge and repair the starting and charging side. RV REPAIR → STORAGE Why is my motorhome dead after sitting all winter? Batteries slowly lose charge on their own, and small loads keep pulling even when nothing seems to be on. WHY IT HAPPENS Disconnect switch left on: clocks, radios and modules keep drawing. Some loads bypass the switch: even with it off, certain circuits can still draw a little. Freezing: a discharged battery can freeze at temperatures a fully charged one handles easily, and a frozen battery is finished. WHAT WESTCO DOES We test the chassis battery, measure any draw with the disconnect off and on, and replace or recharge as needed before your first trip. Colorado Springs: a motorhome parked from October to April sees plenty of hard freezes. Keep the chassis battery charged or disconnected, and have it tested before spring. FLEETS HOW DO YOU KEEP FLEET BATTERIES FROM FAILING? Work trucks, Isuzu NPRs and Sprinter vans carry extra lights, upfit equipment and tracking hardware, and they idle a lot. All of that shows up at the battery. IDLE & ACCESSORY DRAIN Why do our work trucks keep killing batteries? Usually a load the charging system can't keep up with, or one that never shuts off. COMMON CAUSES Upfit equipment: strobes, work lights, inverters and power outlets running at idle. Tracking devices: units wired to constant power can draw after the truck is parked. Grounds on the battery post: Ford warns not to ground accessories directly to the negative post because it throws off the battery sensor. Upfits often do exactly that. Idling: long idle time with heavy electrical load may not keep a battery fully charged. WHAT WESTCO DOES We measure draw with the truck asleep, check how upfit and tracking wiring is powered and grounded, and correct it so the charging system sees the true load. FLEET SERVICE → TESTING SCHEDULE How often should fleet batteries be tested? At every scheduled service, and once more before winter. WHY IT PAYS Catch it in the bay, not at the roadside: a battery that tests weak in the bay costs far less than a truck that won't start at a job site. Record it: tracking test results by unit shows which trucks are eating batteries and why. WHAT WESTCO DOES We test the battery, charging system and cables at each visit and note the results so you can plan replacements. FLEET SERVICE → ISUZU NPR → SPRINTER → OUR PROCESS HOW DOES BATTERY AND CHARGING TESTING WORK? A new battery on a bad alternator, or a new alternator on a bad ground, is money wasted. We test the whole system before we recommend anything. WHAT WE TEST What happens when you test my battery and charging system? We test the battery, the alternator, the starter circuit and anything draining the battery with the key off, then show you the results. THE TESTS Battery test: a load or conductance test compares what your battery can actually deliver to its rated cold cranking amps. Charging system test: we measure alternator output at idle and under load, and check for voltage drop in the cables and grounds. Starter draw: we check how much current the starter pulls and whether the cables can carry it. Parasitic draw test: with the vehicle fully asleep, we measure what's still drawing power and trace it to its source. Registration: on vehicles that need it, the new battery is registered or coded before it leaves. WHAT WESTCO DOES Parts and labor are covered by our 24-month/24,000-mile warranty. ELECTRICAL REPAIR → MORE FROM WESTCO OTHER SERVICES WE OFFER ENGINE REPAIR → BRAKES & SUSPENSION → TRANSMISSION → AUTO ELECTRICAL → OIL CHANGES → CLASSIC CARS → DOT INSPECTIONS → EUROPEAN → DIESEL REPAIR → ASIAN → FLEET SERVICE → DOMESTIC → WHAT WE TEST THE WHOLE STARTING AND CHARGING SYSTEM A dead battery is a symptom. These are the four places the cause usually hides. BATTERY Condition under load • Load test, not just voltage • Cold cranking capacity • Terminal corrosion • Age and date code ALTERNATOR Output and ripple • Output at idle and under load • Diode and ripple check • Belt condition • Wiring and fuse links STARTER Cranking circuit • Voltage drop on cables • Starter draw • Relay and switch • Ground connections PARASITIC DRAW Dies overnight • Draw measured with the key off • Modules that stay awake • Aftermarket accessories • Traced circuit by circuit FREE INSPECTION BOOK A FREE STARTING AND CHARGING TEST Slow crank, clicking, or a battery that keeps dying? We load-test the battery and check the alternator, starter and cables before recommending anything. Prefer the phone? Call (719) 591-7743. BATTERY QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK Straight answers from our techs WHY DOES MY BATTERY KEEP DYING? Either the battery is worn out, the alternator is not charging it, or something is drawing power with the vehicle off. Replacing the battery alone only fixes the first one. Warning signs Dead after sitting · Slow crank · Battery light · New battery died too What we do We test the battery, the charging output and the key-off draw, so you fix the real cause the first time. Colorado Springs: Cold mornings are when weak batteries fail. Get it tested before the first hard freeze. HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS THE BATTERY OR THE ALTERNATOR? A bad battery usually struggles to start the vehicle. A bad alternator lets it start but drains the battery while you drive, often with a warning light or dim lights. Warning signs Battery warning light · Dim or flickering lights · Whine from the engine bay · Dies while driving What we do We test both on the vehicle and show you the readings before recommending a part. Colorado Springs: Short winter trips may not recharge a weak battery. A test tells you where it stands. WHY DOES MY CAR CLICK BUT NOT START? A single click or rapid clicking can mean a weak battery, a bad connection, a failing starter or a relay. Each one needs a different fix. Warning signs Rapid clicking · Single click · Lights work but no crank · Intermittent no-start What we do We test voltage at each point in the starting circuit to find the failed part. DO DIESEL TRUCKS NEED BOTH BATTERIES REPLACED? Most diesel pickups run two batteries that work as a pair. A weak one drags the good one down, so they are usually tested and replaced together. Warning signs Slow cold crank · Uneven battery test · Corroded cables · Glow plug season What we do We load-test each battery separately and check both cable sets before recommending anything. WHAT DRAINS A BATTERY OVERNIGHT? Modules that do not go to sleep, aftermarket accessories, stuck relays and lights that stay on are the usual causes. Warning signs Dead after a few days · Dead every morning · Accessory installed recently · Warm battery What we do We measure the draw with the key off and trace it circuit by circuit until we find the source. Colorado Springs: A vehicle that sits for weeks, like during a deployment or a long trip, can come back to a dead battery. A tender helps. NOT SURE WHY IT WON’T START? Tell us what it does when you turn the key. We test before we replace anything. BOOK ONLINE CALL US BRING YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO WESTCO Free starting and charging test, batteries in stock, and a clear explanation before any work begins. BOOK MY FREE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 Westco Automotive & Truck Repair 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM (719) 591-7743

Engine repair in Colorado Springs for gas, diesel, RV and fleet engines: head gaskets, timing, oil consumption and engine replacement. Free inspection. Home / Engine Repair ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS & REPAIR · COLORADO SPRINGS ENGINE REPAIR IN COLORADO SPRINGS Misfires, leaks, timing chains, head gaskets and full engine replacement on cars, trucks, diesels and fleet vehicles. We find the actual cause, show you what we found, and give you clear options before any work starts. BOOK MY FREE ENGINE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 ★ 4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Female-led, family-owned What we do MAJOR AND MINOR ENGINE REPAIR From a loose gas cap to a full engine replacement, one shop that diagnoses before it repairs. 01 Diagnostics Factory-level scan tools and real-world experience to pinpoint what is wrong. No parts swapping. ✓ Check engine light codes and live data ✓ Smoke testing for vacuum leaks ✓ Misfire diagnosis plugs, coils and injectors ✓ Photo and video of every finding 02 Minor repairs Small problems rarely fix themselves. Catching them early prevents the big failures. ✓ Spark plugs and ignition coils ✓ Sensors oxygen, MAF and throttle body ✓ Belts and hoses before they strand you ✓ Thermostats and coolant service 03 Major repairs When the big stuff is needed, we lay out honest options: repair, replace, or let the vehicle go. ✓ Head gaskets and cylinder head work ✓ Timing belts and chains tensioners and guides ✓ Oil leaks pans, rear mains and covers ✓ Engine replacement used or remanufactured GAS ENGINES · CARS, SUVS & LIGHT TRUCKS KNOWN ENGINE PROBLEMS WE FIX Most engines have one or two weak spots that show up over and over. These are the ones that come through our bays. Find your engine to see what it’s in, what it does when it’s failing, and how we handle it. FORD What goes wrong with the Ford 3.5L EcoBoost? The 3.5L EcoBoost is a strong engine with a timing problem. Early engines stretch timing chains, and later ones wear out cam phasers. FOUND IN F-150 (2011 on), Expedition, Navigator, Explorer Sport, Flex, Taurus SHO. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Rattle at start-up and cam timing codes (2011–2016): timing chain, guide and tensioner wear. Old oil makes it worse. A 2–5 second rattle on a cold start after sitting overnight (2017–2020): worn cam phasers. Ford released a bulletin to replace all four phasers on engines built through October 2019. Stumble or misfire on hard acceleration after highway driving in wet weather (2011–2012): condensation in the intercooler. Ford has a software and air-deflector fix. WHAT WESTCO DOES Timing chain and phaser replacement, bulletin lookups by VIN, and oil service on schedule. FORD What goes wrong with the Ford 5.4L 3-valve? The 5.4L 3-valve has two known problems: spark plugs that break during removal, and cam phaser noise. FOUND IN F-150 (2004–2010), Super Duty (2005–2010), Expedition and Navigator (2005–2014). WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Plugs that break off during a tune-up: a two-piece plug that seizes with carbon, on engines built before October 2007. It needs Ford’s extraction procedure. Ticking or knocking at a hot idle, often with cam timing codes: worn cam phasers or a sticking cam timing solenoid, plus timing chain guide wear. Low or dirty oil is the usual trigger. WHAT WESTCO DOES Plug removal to Ford’s procedure, and cam phaser and timing chain repair. FORD What goes wrong with the Ford 1.5L and 1.6L EcoBoost? These small EcoBoost engines can leak coolant into the cylinders. Ford has acknowledged the problem on some vehicles. FOUND IN Escape, Fusion (1.5L and 1.6L), Fiesta ST, Transit Connect (1.6L). WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Low coolant, white exhaust smoke and misfires (1.5L, 2017–2019 Escape and Fusion): coolant leaking into a cylinder. Ford runs a program that covers the short block for 7 years / 84,000 miles on covered vehicles. Overheating (1.6L, 2013–2015): low coolant lets the head overheat and crack. These vehicles have safety recalls. WHAT WESTCO DOES Coolant-loss diagnosis and pressure testing, recall and program checks by VIN, and engine repair or replacement. GM What goes wrong with the GM 5.3L and 6.2L V8? The most common failure is a collapsed lifter in the cylinder deactivation system (AFM or DFM). We also do the permanent fix. FOUND IN Silverado and Sierra 1500, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, Escalade. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Ticking, then a misfire on one cylinder: a deactivation lifter sticks or collapses and often damages the camshaft. WHAT WESTCO DOES Lifter and camshaft repair, and the permanent AFM/DFM delete: a hardware conversion plus a computer reprogram to match. AFM is a fuel-economy system, not emissions equipment. Also check: 2021–2024 trucks and SUVs with the 6.2L are under a GM recall for connecting rod and crankshaft defects. That’s a bearing problem, not a lifter one. We check recall status by VIN. GM What goes wrong with the GM 3.6L V6? The 3.6L V6 is known for timing chain stretch, especially in 2007–2012 models. FOUND IN Traverse, Acadia, Enclave, Outlook, Equinox, CTS, SRX, Camaro and more. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Check engine light with cam timing codes, rattle, rough running: stretched timing chains. Long oil change intervals and low oil speed it up. WHAT WESTCO DOES Timing chain replacement, and oil level and interval advice to keep it from coming back. GM What goes wrong with the GM 2.4L Ecotec? The 2.4L four-cylinder is known for burning oil. GM acknowledged it on many vehicles. FOUND IN Equinox and Terrain (2010–2013), Malibu, Regal, LaCrosse, Captiva. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Adding oil between changes, low oil pressure warning, fouled plugs: stuck piston rings. GM issued special coverage for piston replacement on some models. WHAT WESTCO DOES Oil consumption testing, coverage checks, and engine repair or replacement. CHRYSLER · DODGE · RAM · JEEP What is the Hemi tick on a 5.7L? The “Hemi tick” is a lifter failure. A roller in a lifter seizes and wears down the camshaft. FOUND IN Ram 1500, Durango, Grand Cherokee, Charger, Challenger, 300. Most reported on 2009–2016 models. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY A tick that doesn’t go away when warm, a misfire on one cylinder: a failed lifter roller and a worn cam lobe. It happens with and without the cylinder deactivation system. WHAT WESTCO DOES Lifter and camshaft replacement, with the oil checked for metal before and after. CHRYSLER · DODGE · RAM · JEEP What goes wrong with the Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar? The Pentastar V6 has three known issues: the oil filter housing, the rocker arms, and the left cylinder head on early engines. FOUND IN Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Durango, Ram 1500, Charger, 300, Challenger, Pacifica, Grand Caravan and more (2011 on). WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Oil or coolant leak at the back of the engine: the plastic oil filter housing and cooler crack. Ticking and a misfire on one cylinder: rocker arm bearing failure and lifter wear. Tick and misfire on the left bank (some 2011–2013): valve seat wear in the left head. Chrysler extended coverage on affected engines. WHAT WESTCO DOES Oil filter housing replacement, valvetrain repair, and coverage checks by VIN. HYUNDAI · KIA What goes wrong with the Hyundai and Kia 2.0T and 2.4L engines? These engines can fail connecting rod bearings. Hyundai and Kia recalled them and added a lifetime warranty on the affected parts for many vehicles. FOUND IN Sonata, Optima, Sportage, Sorento, Santa Fe Sport, Tucson (about 2011–2019). WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Knocking, stalling, oil light, metal in the oil: machining debris starves the rod bearings until they spin. WHAT WESTCO DOES Diagnosis and documentation, and a check of recall and lifetime-warranty status. If it’s covered, we’ll tell you where it needs to go. WARRANTY CLAIMS → SUBARU What goes wrong with the Subaru 2.5L? Older Subaru 2.5L engines are known for head gasket leaks. Newer ones are known for burning oil. FOUND IN Forester, Outback, Legacy, Impreza, Baja. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Slow coolant loss, sweet smell, oil and coolant seeping at the head (about 1999–2011): the original head gaskets leak with age. They’re replaced with multi-layer steel gaskets. Overheating and bubbles in the coolant (about 1996–1999): internal head gasket failure. Burning oil (newer engine, about 2011–2015): a different problem. Subaru extended coverage on some models. WHAT WESTCO DOES Head gasket replacement with the heads checked flat before reassembly, plus cooling system repair. TOYOTA Why does my Toyota 2.4L burn oil? The 2.4L four-cylinder (2AZ-FE) is known for burning oil from stuck piston rings. Toyota acknowledged it on many models. FOUND IN Camry, Solara, RAV4, Corolla and Matrix (2.4L), Scion tC and xB (about 2006–2015). WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Adding oil between changes, blue smoke: piston rings stuck by carbon. WHAT WESTCO DOES Oil consumption testing and engine repair or replacement. HONDA What goes wrong with the Honda 3.5L V6? The 3.5L V6 with cylinder deactivation (VCM) is known for fouled plugs, oil use and worn engine mounts. FOUND IN Accord V6, Odyssey, Pilot, Crosstour (about 2008–2013). WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Misfire and fouled plugs, often on the rear bank: oil fouling from cylinder deactivation. Vibration or shudder at idle: worn engine mounts. WHAT WESTCO DOES Misfire diagnosis, plug and engine mount replacement, and oil consumption testing. VW · AUDI What goes wrong with the VW and Audi 2.0T? Earlier 2.0T engines (about 2008–2014) can fail the timing chain tensioner. When it lets go, the chain jumps and the engine is damaged. FOUND IN GTI, Jetta, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Eos, Beetle, Audi A3, A4, A5, Q5, TT. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY A rattle for a second at start-up: the warning sign. Don’t ignore it. WHAT WESTCO DOES Timing chain and tensioner replacement before it fails, and module programming with our factory-level tool. VW SERVICE → AUDI SERVICE → BMW What goes wrong with BMW N20, N54 and N55 engines? The N20 four-cylinder is known for timing chain guide failure. The N54 and N55 six-cylinders are known for oil leaks. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY N20 (about 2012–2015 328i, 428i, 528i, X1, X3, Z4, 228i): a whine from the front of the engine is plastic timing chain guides breaking down. Left alone, the chain jumps. N54 and N55 (335i, 135i, 535i, X models): oil smell or smoke from leaks at the oil filter housing gasket, valve cover and oil pan. N54 only: long cranking or limp mode from high-pressure fuel pump failure, and a rattle off-throttle from wastegate wear. BMW extended coverage on both for some years. WHAT WESTCO DOES Timing chain and guide replacement, oil leak repair, and module programming. BMW SERVICE → MERCEDES-BENZ What goes wrong with the Mercedes V6 and V8 (M272, M273)? Some 2005–2008 Mercedes V6 and V8 engines wear a timing gear. Cam timing drifts until the check engine light comes on. FOUND IN C, E, CLK, ML, R, GL, S and SLK models built before the 2008 fix. WHAT OWNERS NOTICE, AND WHY Check engine light with cam timing codes, rough running: worn balance shaft gear (V6) or idler gear (V8). WHAT WESTCO DOES Timing and balance shaft repair or engine replacement. MERCEDES SERVICE → DIESEL & RV ENGINES DIESEL ENGINE REPAIR Diesel repair is a big part of what we do. Here’s the short version for each engine. Each one has its own page with the full story. FORD Ford Power Stroke (7.3L, 6.0L, 6.4L, 6.7L) THE SHORT VERSION 7.3L: injectors and sensors. 6.0L: EGR cooler, oil cooler and head gaskets. 6.4L: radiator, EGR cooler and fuel in the oil. 6.7L: high-pressure fuel pump, early turbos and emissions sensors. POWER STROKE REPAIR → GM GM Duramax (LB7 to L5P) THE SHORT VERSION LB7: injectors. LLY: overheating on grades. LMM: particulate filter. LML: high-pressure fuel pump. Early L5P: glow plugs and DEF heater. DURAMAX REPAIR → RAM Ram Cummins (5.9L and 6.7L) THE SHORT VERSION 5.9L: lift pump and injection pump. 6.7L: particulate filter, EGR and DEF faults. 2019 and newer: fuel pump concerns. CUMMINS DIESEL REPAIR → ISUZU Isuzu NPR (4HK1, 4JJ1 and 6.0L gas) THE SHORT VERSION Diesel: particulate filter and EGR cooler, DEF and SCR faults, turbo vanes. ISUZU NPR SERVICE → MERCEDES-BENZ Mercedes Sprinter diesel THE SHORT VERSION 3.0L V6 and 4-cylinder diesels: oil cooler seals, limp mode, injector seals, DEF heater. MERCEDES SERVICE → RV · CLASS A, B & C Do you repair RV engines? Yes. We repair the gas and diesel engines under Class A, B and C motorhomes: the Ford V10 and 7.3L, Workhorse 8.1L, Chevy Express, Cummins ISB and ISL, CAT C7 and Sprinter diesels. The RV page covers every engine and what goes wrong with it. RV ENGINE REPAIR → We repair emissions systems. We don’t delete them. FLEET ENGINES ENGINE REPAIR FOR FLEETS A truck in the bay isn’t earning. We diagnose before we tear down, so the repair is right the first time and the truck goes back to work. The engines fleets run most WHAT GOES WRONG Ford 6.8L V10 and 7.3L gas (Super Duty and E-Series work trucks): plug breakage on 3-valve V10s, and lifter wear reported on 2020–2023 7.3L engines. Ford Transit 3.5L and EcoBoost: timing chains and cam phasers. Chevy Express and GMC Savana 6.0L and 6.6L: exhaust manifold bolts and misfires. Isuzu NPR, Power Stroke, Duramax and Sprinter diesels: see the diesel cards above. What wears out fleet engines THE BIG THREE Idle hours: a truck that idles all day racks up engine wear the odometer doesn’t show. Short runs: diesels that never get hot enough to clean their particulate filter. Stretched oil intervals: the number one cause of the timing chain and lifter failures on this page. How we keep fleets moving Priority scheduling, dealer-level diagnostics, factory module programming in-house, DOT inspections in-house, and photo reports you can approve from the office. FLEET SERVICE → TEST FIRST · REPAIR OR REPLACE HOW WE FIND THE REAL PROBLEM How we find the real problem THE TESTS Scan and live data: codes are a starting point. Live data shows what the engine is doing right now. Compression test: measures how well each cylinder seals. A low cylinder points to valves, rings or a head gasket. Leak-down test: pressurizes each cylinder and listens for where the air escapes: intake, exhaust, crankcase or cooling system. Combustion gas test: checks the coolant for exhaust gas, the clearest sign of a head gasket or cracked head. Cooling system pressure test: finds leaks that only show under pressure. Borescope camera: looks inside the cylinder without taking the engine apart. Oil consumption test: measures exactly how much oil the engine uses over a set number of miles. Repair or replace your engine? We repair engines and we replace engines. We don’t rebuild them. After testing, we lay out the options plainly: YOUR OPTIONS Repair when the damage is contained: a head gasket, a timing chain, lifters, leaks. Replace with a used or remanufactured engine when the block, crank or bearings are damaged, or when the repair would cost more than a replacement. Let it go when the vehicle isn’t worth either. We’ll tell you that too. Every repair and replacement is covered by our 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty. MORE FROM WESTCO OTHER SERVICES WE OFFER BRAKES & SUSPENSION → TRANSMISSION → BATTERY & ALTERNATOR → AUTO ELECTRICAL → OIL CHANGES → CLASSIC CARS → DOT INSPECTIONS → EUROPEAN → DIESEL REPAIR → ASIAN → FLEET SERVICE → DOMESTIC → COMMON JOBS ENGINE WORK WE DO EVERY WEEK Every engine has its known weak spots. These are the jobs that come through our bays most often. HEAD GASKETS Overheating and coolant loss • White exhaust smoke • Milky oil • Coolant loss with no visible leak • Heads checked flat before reassembly TIMING Belts, chains and tensioners • Belts at the maker interval • Chain stretch and rattle • Tensioners and guides • Belt failure can destroy an engine OIL USE AND LEAKS Burning or dripping oil • Oil consumption testing • Valve cover and pan gaskets • Rear main and timing cover seals • Turbo oil leaks REPLACEMENT When repair no longer makes sense • Rebuild versus replace, laid out plainly • Used or remanufactured engines • Installed and road-tested • Covered by our warranty FREE INSPECTION BOOK A FREE ENGINE DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION Hear a knock, see a leak, or staring at a check engine light? We scan it, inspect for leaks and noises, and give you a plain-English answer. Prefer the phone? Call (719) 591-7743. ENGINE QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK Straight answers from our techs IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON? A steady light usually means something needs attention soon. A flashing light means an active misfire that can damage the catalytic converter. Pull over safely and call us. Warning signs Steady light · Flashing light · Rough running · Loss of power What we do We read the codes, study live data and test the part before recommending a repair, so you replace what actually failed. Colorado Springs: Cold mornings and thin air are hard on weak ignition parts. A misfire that shows up in winter is worth a scan. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A BLOWN HEAD GASKET? Overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, milky oil or coolant that keeps disappearing can all point to a head gasket. Other problems cause some of the same symptoms, so it has to be tested. Warning signs Overheating · White exhaust smoke · Milky oil · Coolant loss What we do We pressure-test the cooling system and check for combustion gases before anything comes apart. Colorado Springs: Climbing Ute Pass or towing up I-25 is when a weak cooling system shows itself. Watch the temperature gauge. WHEN SHOULD MY TIMING BELT BE REPLACED? At the interval your vehicle maker sets. On many engines a broken belt lets the valves hit the pistons, which turns a maintenance job into an engine job. Warning signs High miles on the original belt · Squeal or tick from the front · Oil leaks near the belt What we do We look up the interval for your exact engine and replace the belt, tensioner and related parts together. WHY DOES MY ENGINE RATTLE ON A COLD START? A rattle in the first few seconds after a cold start often points to timing chain stretch or a tensioner that is not holding oil pressure. Low oil can make it worse. Warning signs Rattle on startup · Cam timing codes · Check engine light · Rough idle What we do We check oil level and condition first, then find the exact source before quoting a repair. MY ENGINE IS BURNING OIL. WHAT NOW? Some engines use oil because of worn rings or valve seals, others because of a leak onto a hot exhaust. The fix depends on which one it is. Warning signs Adding oil between changes · Low oil warning · Blue smoke · Burning smell What we do An oil consumption test measures how fast it uses oil. Then we explain the options, from monitoring it to repair. Colorado Springs: Low oil makes timing chains louder. Check your level before a mountain trip. NOT SURE WHAT YOUR ENGINE IS DOING? Tell us what you hear, see or smell when you book. We diagnose before we repair. BOOK ONLINE CALL US BRING YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO WESTCO Free engine diagnostic inspection, factory-level scan tools, and a clear explanation before any work begins. BOOK MY FREE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 Westco Automotive & Truck Repair 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM (719) 591-7743

Auto electrical diagnostics in Colorado Springs: wiring, shorts, parasitic draws, module programming and check engine lights on all makes. Free inspection. Home / Auto Electrical ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS · PROGRAMMING · COLORADO SPRINGS AUTO ELECTRICAL REPAIR IN COLORADO SPRINGS Wiring faults, dead modules, parasitic draws, security no-starts and check engine lights on domestic, European and Asian vehicles, diesel trucks and fleets. Scan tools, wiring diagrams and step-by-step testing, with dealer-level module programming done in-house. BOOK MY FREE ELECTRICAL INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 ★ 4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Female-led, family-owned What we do ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR Modern vehicles run on dozens of modules and miles of wiring. Guessing gets expensive fast. 01 Diagnostics We trace electrical problems to the source instead of replacing parts until something works. ✓ Shorts, opens and corrosion ✓ Fuses that keep blowing ✓ Intermittent faults that come and go ✓ Ground connection faults 02 Programming Many repairs need a module programmed or set up after installation. We do it here. ✓ PCM and module programming ✓ J2534 pass-thru with factory software ✓ Module setup and resets after repairs ✓ Network faults and no-communication 03 Lighting and accessories The everyday electrical items, plus the heavy-duty wiring on work trucks. ✓ Lights head, tail and turn ✓ Power windows locks and mirrors ✓ Climate control blower motors and controls ✓ Trailer wiring and brake controllers CARS, SUVS & LIGHT TRUCKS WHAT CAUSES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN NEWER VEHICLES? Newer vehicles run on dozens of computer modules that talk to each other over a network. When one wire, ground or module goes bad, the symptoms can show up somewhere else entirely. We find the cause instead of guessing at parts. NETWORK FAULTS Why did a bunch of warning lights come on at once? Usually because modules stopped hearing from each other. When the network loses a module, every system that depends on it can throw a warning. WHAT'S BEHIND IT Common causes: a weak battery or low voltage, a loose or corroded ground, a damaged network wire, or one failing module disrupting the others. Communication codes: 'U' codes point to lost communication between modules. They tell you where to look, not what to replace. WHAT WESTCO DOES We scan every module, map which ones are and aren't talking, then test the network wiring, power and grounds to find the break. RODENT DAMAGE Can rodents really chew through my car's wiring? Yes, and it's one of the more common causes of sudden electrical problems in cars that sit outside or in a garage for a while. WHAT TO LOOK FOR Signs: warning lights that appear out of nowhere, a no-start, nesting material under the hood or around the air filter. Insurance: comprehensive coverage often pays for rodent damage. Check your policy. WHAT WESTCO DOES We trace every damaged circuit, repair or replace the harness sections, and seal and protect the repairs. WATER LEAKS Can a water leak cause electrical problems? It can. Many vehicles mount modules and connectors under the seats, in the kick panels or near the cowl, right where leaking water collects. WHAT TO KNOW Common sources: clogged sunroof or cowl drains, bad door seals and windshield leaks. What it looks like: intermittent problems after rain or a car wash, green corrosion on connectors, or a battery that drains overnight. WHAT WESTCO DOES We find and repair the leak along with the damaged module or wiring, so the problem doesn't come back after the next storm. CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP & RAM Is my TIPM causing my electrical problems? On 2007–2016 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles it's a common suspect. The Totally Integrated Power Module is the under-hood fuse and relay box that feeds dozens of circuits. GOOD TO KNOW Recalls covered a fuel pump relay problem in the TIPM on about 527,000 2011–2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. WHAT TO KNOW Commonly reported symptoms: no-start or stalling, a fuel pump that won't run or won't shut off, horn or wipers acting on their own, and battery drain. Not always the TIPM: some of these symptoms come from wiring, grounds or other modules. We test before we replace. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check recall status, test the circuits, and repair or replace the TIPM with factory-level programming when needed. RAM TRUCK SERVICE → BODY CONTROL MODULES What does a body control module do, and why does it fail? The body control module (BCM) runs your lights, locks, windows, wipers, alarm and more. When it fails, those features act strangely or quit. WHAT TO KNOW Common causes: water intrusion, low or spiking voltage, and internal failure. Programming: a replacement BCM usually has to be programmed to your vehicle's VIN and options before it works. WHAT WESTCO DOES We confirm the BCM is actually at fault, then install and program the replacement in-house with factory-level software. KEYS & IMMOBILIZERS Can you program keys and fix immobilizer problems? On many vehicles, yes. If the engine cranks but won't start, or a security light flashes, the immobilizer may not be recognizing the key. WHAT TO KNOW Common causes: a bad key chip or fob battery, a failed antenna ring, wiring faults, or a module that lost its programming. Dealer-only security: some newer vehicles lock key and module programming behind the manufacturer's own security access. We'll tell you up front if yours needs it. WHAT WESTCO DOES We diagnose the immobilizer system and program keys and modules where your vehicle allows it. LIGHTING Why are my lights flickering or not working? Most lighting problems come down to a bad ground, a corroded connector, a failed module or a damaged wire, not just a bulb. WHAT YOU NOTICE Common symptoms: flickering headlights, turn signals that blink fast, dash lights that come and go, or lights that stay on. WHAT WESTCO DOES We test the circuit from the switch to the lamp, including the module that controls it. HYBRIDS & EVS Do you work on hybrid or electric vehicles? We don't work on hybrid high-voltage systems or electric vehicles. WHAT WESTCO DOES On hybrids we can diagnose the regular 12-volt system: battery, lighting, body electrical and the like. DIESEL TRUCKS WHAT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE COMMON ON DIESEL TRUCKS? A diesel's electrical system does heavy lifting: heating the engine to start, firing high-pressure injectors, and powering emissions sensors that live next to a hot exhaust. COLD-START CIRCUITS Why won't my diesel start well in the cold? Often the glow plug or grid heater circuit isn't doing its job, so the engine doesn't get the heat it needs to fire. WHAT TO KNOW Glow plugs: Power Stroke and Duramax engines use glow plugs run by a control module or relay. A failed plug, module or harness makes for hard, smoky cold starts. Grid heater: Ram's 6.7L Cummins uses an intake grid heater. Its relay on 2021–2023 trucks is under recall for a short that can cause a fire. WHAT WESTCO DOES We test each glow plug or heater element, the relay or control module, and the wiring between them. POWER STROKE → DURAMAX → CUMMINS → 6.0L POWER STROKE What is the FICM on a 6.0 Power Stroke, and how do I know it's failing? The fuel injection control module (FICM) takes 12 volts and steps it up to about 48 volts to fire the injectors. When it can't hold that voltage, the engine runs badly. WHAT TO KNOW Symptoms: hard or long cranking, a rough idle when cold, smoke, power loss and misfire codes. Voltage matters: weak batteries and a tired alternator are widely blamed for FICM failures. WHAT WESTCO DOES We measure FICM output at key-on, while cranking and while running, and check battery and charging health before repair or replacement. POWER STROKE → INJECTOR WIRING Could it be the injector wiring and not the injector? Sometimes. Injector harnesses and connectors live in a hot, oily spot and wear over time. WHAT TO KNOW Commonly reported: chafed or oil-soaked injector harnesses and loose connectors on Power Stroke engines, which cause misfire codes that look like a bad injector. WHAT WESTCO DOES We test the harness and connectors at each injector before recommending injector replacement. EMISSIONS SENSORS Why does my diesel keep going into limp mode from sensor codes? NOx and exhaust temperature sensors sit near the exhaust, and their wiring takes a beating from heat and road debris. WHAT TO KNOW Commonly reported: failed NOx sensors and melted or chafed sensor wiring, triggering warning lights and reduced power. Wiring first: a damaged harness can produce the same codes as a bad sensor. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check the sensor data, inspect and test the wiring and connectors, and replace only what's failed. We repair emissions systems. We don't delete them. RVS DO YOU DO RV ELECTRICAL WORK? We handle the chassis and cab electrical on motorhomes. We don't work on coach or house systems like inverters, converters, house batteries, solar or living-area wiring. CHASSIS & CAB What RV electrical work do you do? Everything on the driving side of the motorhome. WHAT WE COVER Dash and gauges: instrument cluster, warning lights and dash switches. Chassis lighting: headlights, turn signals, brake and marker lights. Chassis wiring: starting, charging, engine and transmission circuits. Tow connectors: the rear hitch wiring for towing a car or trailer behind the motorhome. WHAT WESTCO DOES We diagnose chassis and cab faults using factory information for the chassis your coach was built on. RV REPAIR → FLEETS WHAT ELECTRICAL WORK DO YOU DO FOR FLEETS? Fleet trucks and vans pick up years of added wiring: light bars, power outlets, trailer controls and tracking hardware. When it's done carelessly, it causes dead batteries, blown fuses and failed inspections. UPFIT WIRING Can you fix or clean up upfit wiring? Yes. We repair and re-route the wiring behind strobes, work lights, power outlets and other added equipment. WHAT WE FIND Common problems: accessories tapped into the wrong circuit, missing fuses, poor grounds and wires chafing through. WHAT WESTCO DOES We trace every added circuit, fuse and ground it properly, and route it so it lasts. FLEET SERVICE → DOT LIGHTING Will my trucks pass a lighting inspection? Only if every required lamp and reflector works. Federal rules for commercial vehicles spell out the required lighting. WHAT FAILS Common failures: marker and clearance lights, brake lights and turn signals, often from corroded connectors and bad grounds. WHAT WESTCO DOES We check every lamp, repair the circuits and connectors behind them, and fix the cause rather than just swapping bulbs. DOT INSPECTIONS → ISUZU NPR → TRAILERS & TRACKING Can you wire trailer brake controllers and tracking units? Yes. We install and repair the wiring for trailer brake controllers and trailer connectors, and the power and ground wiring for tracking units. WHAT WE SEE Trailer problems: brakes that don't engage, lights that work intermittently, or a connector full of corrosion. Tracking units: wired to the wrong power source, they can drain the battery overnight. WHAT WESTCO DOES We wire to the correct circuits with proper fusing and grounds, and test everything before the truck leaves. FLEET SERVICE → SPRINTER → OUR PROCESS HOW DO YOU DIAGNOSE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS? Electrical problems get expensive when parts get swapped on a hunch. We test until the fault is proven, then fix that. HOW WE WORK What happens when you diagnose my electrical problem? We start with a full scan and the factory wiring diagram, then test the circuit until we can show you what failed. OUR TOOLS Module scan: we read codes and live data from every module, not just the engine computer. Wiring diagrams: we follow the factory diagram for your exact vehicle to know what the circuit should do. Voltage drop testing: we find wires, connectors and grounds that look fine but can't carry current under load. Oscilloscope: we watch sensor and network signals in real time to catch intermittent faults. Programming: when a module has to be replaced, we program it in-house with factory-level software. WHAT WESTCO DOES Repairs are covered by our 24-month/24,000-mile warranty. BATTERY & ALTERNATOR → MORE FROM WESTCO OTHER SERVICES WE OFFER ENGINE REPAIR → BRAKES & SUSPENSION → TRANSMISSION → BATTERY & ALTERNATOR → OIL CHANGES → CLASSIC CARS → DOT INSPECTIONS → EUROPEAN → DIESEL REPAIR → ASIAN → FLEET SERVICE → DOMESTIC → COMMON JOBS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WE FIX EVERY WEEK A code tells us which system reported a problem, not which part failed. Testing finds the part. CHECK ENGINE Codes and live data • Codes read and explained • Live data reviewed • Sensor and wiring tested • Flashing light means pull over SECURITY Immobilizer no-starts • Key and transponder faults • Ford PATS concerns • Module communication • Key programming where available BATTERY DRAIN Dies overnight • Key-off draw measured • Modules that stay awake • Stuck relays • Aftermarket add-ons TRUCK WIRING Work trucks and diesels • Trailer plugs and brake controllers • Upfit and accessory wiring • Sensor wiring on diesels • Corrosion from winter roads FREE INSPECTION BOOK A FREE ELECTRICAL INSPECTION Warning lights, dead accessories or a battery that keeps dying? We scan every module and test the circuit before recommending anything. Prefer the phone? Call (719) 591-7743. ELECTRICAL QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK Straight answers from our techs WHY DO MY FUSES KEEP BLOWING? A fuse blows to protect a circuit that is drawing too much current, usually from a short to ground or a failing motor. Replacing the fuse without finding the cause just repeats it. Warning signs Same fuse blows again · Accessory stops working · Burning smell · Melted connector What we do We isolate the circuit and trace it section by section until we find the short. Colorado Springs: Winter road treatment is hard on connectors under trucks. Corrosion is behind many trailer and sensor faults. WHY DOES THE PART NEED TO BE PROGRAMMED? Many modern modules ship blank or need to learn the vehicle they are installed in. Without programming, the new part may not work or may set new faults. When it comes up New module not working · Warning lights after repair · No-communication codes · Key not recognized What we do We program modules in-house with a J2534 pass-thru and the maker’s factory software. Colorado Springs: Low battery voltage on a cold morning can set false electrical codes. The battery gets tested first. WHAT CAUSES AN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEM? Loose or corroded connections, chafed wiring and failing grounds are the usual causes. They are hard to catch because they come and go with heat, cold and bumps. Warning signs Comes and goes · Worse over bumps · Worse in cold or rain · Several systems glitch at once What we do We try to reproduce it, check connectors and grounds, and use data logging to catch it in the act. WHY WON’T MY CAR START WITH THE SECURITY LIGHT ON? The immobilizer is not recognizing the key, or a module is not talking to it. The engine cranks but will not run, or will not crank at all. Warning signs Security light flashing · Cranks but no start · Starts then stalls · Key not detected What we do We scan the security system, test the key and the communication path, then repair or program what failed. IS A FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AN EMERGENCY? Yes. A flashing light means an active misfire that can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. Pull over safely and call us. Warning signs Flashing light · Shaking · Loss of power · Fuel smell What we do We find the cylinder and the cause, whether it is a plug, coil, injector or something mechanical. Colorado Springs: Cold snaps expose weak connections. A fault that only shows up below freezing is still worth chasing. NOT SURE WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WIRING? Tell us when it happens and what else is going on when you book. We test before we replace. BOOK ONLINE CALL US BRING YOUR CAR OR TRUCK TO WESTCO Free electrical inspection, in-house module programming, and a clear explanation before any work begins. BOOK MY FREE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 Westco Automotive & Truck Repair 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM (719) 591-7743

Dodge repair in Colorado Springs — HEMI exhaust manifold bolt extraction, TIPM electrical failures and diagnostics. Book a free inspection. Home / Domestic Car Repair / Dodge Domestic specialists · Colorado Springs Dodge Repair & Service in Colorado Springs Charger, Challenger, Durango, Journey and Grand Caravan — HEMI V8s and Pentastar V6s, diagnosed with factory-level tools and dealer-level programming in our own shop. Ram trucks have their own page. BOOK A FREE DODGE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 New · Lyft valet Drop off anytime. A Lyft will be waiting. Book 24 hours ahead and we line up your ride home or to work. BOOK LYFT VALET ★ 4.9 stars · 247 Google reviews ✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty ✓ ASE-certified technicians ✓ Female-led, family-owned What we do Dodge diagnostics, service and repair One shop for everything your Dodge needs, from the first warning light to the finished repair. 01 Diagnostics & programming We pull live data and factory fault codes to find the root cause of a warning light, a running problem or an electrical fault — the first time. ✓ Factory-level scan tools for engine, transmission, ABS and body modules ✓ Dealer-level module programming in-house, with factory software ✓ Pressure and smoke testing for hidden leaks ✓ Photo and video of every finding 02 Scheduled service Factory maintenance intervals, with fluids and filters that meet Dodge specifications. ✓ Factory maintenance schedule ✓ Transmission fluid service ✓ Cooling system service ✓ Brake fluid exchanges 03 Repair Durable repairs on the parts Dodges are known to wear out. ✓ HEMI tick — manifold bolts and lifters ✓ Pentastar oil cooler housing leaks ✓ TIPM and electrical faults ✓ Water pumps and cooling Model by model What are the most common problems on each Dodge model? Every Dodge has its own weak spots. This is what we see most in our bays. Charger / Challenger HEMI V8 • HEMI tick — manifold bolts or lifters • Suspension wear Durango 2011 and newer • Pentastar oil cooler housing leak • HEMI tick on V8 models Grand Caravan 2008–2020 • TIPM electrical faults • Pentastar rocker arm tick • Sliding door problems Journey 2009–2020 • Water pump leaks • Electrical faults Ram trucks? 1500 · 2500 · 3500 • Trucks have their own pages • See Ram Truck and Cummins Keep it healthy What we tell Dodge owners • Don't ignore a tick • Check under the car for oil at the oil cooler • Keep the battery healthy • Service the transmission Dodge questions we answer every week Straight answers from our techs Why is my Dodge HEMI ticking? A HEMI tick is often a broken exhaust manifold bolt — or a lifter problem, which is more serious. It has to be diagnosed. Warning signs Tick on cold start · Tick that doesn't go away · Misfire What we do We find the source and repair it — bolts or lifters. Why is my Pentastar V6 leaking oil? The 3.6L Pentastar in many Dodges is known for a leaking plastic oil cooler housing in the valley of the engine. Warning signs Oil smell · Oil leak at the back of the engine · Coolant mixing in some cases What we do We confirm the source and replace the housing with the updated part. Why is my Grand Caravan having electrical problems? Random electrical faults on 2008–2014 Grand Caravans often trace to the TIPM (the main fuse and relay module). Warning signs No-start · Horn or wipers acting up · Random warning lights What we do We test the circuits to confirm it's the TIPM before replacing anything. Why does my Pentastar tick? Some Pentastar V6s develop a tick from worn rocker arms, often with a misfire code. Warning signs Ticking · Misfire code What we do We confirm it and replace the rocker arms and lash adjusters. Do you work on Ram trucks? Yes — gas Rams and Cummins diesels, on their own pages. Related pages Ram Truck · Cummins What we do See our Ram Truck and Cummins pages, or book a free inspection. Not sure what's wrong with your Dodge? Tell us what it's doing when you book. We diagnose before we repair, and you approve the work before we start. BOOK ONLINE CALL US Domestic Car Repair Other domestic makes we service FORD → FORD TRUCK → CHEVROLET → CHEVY TRUCK → GMC → RAM TRUCK → JEEP → DOMESTIC CAR REPAIR → Bring your Dodge to Westco Free inspection, factory-level diagnostics, and a clear explanation before any work begins. BOOK MY FREE INSPECTION CALL (719) 591-7743 Westco Automotive & Truck Repair 1130 Valley St Ste A/B Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Monday–Friday · 9 AM–5 PM (719) 591-7743