Maximizing Tools: Inquiring Minds Want to Know
Can a classic misfire be diagnosed by analyzing pressure transducer waveforms?
Maximizing Tools: Engine Dentistry
Our repair shop mainly sees low-end cars with the most popular brands being Chevrolet, Renault and KIA. Occasionally we may see some Toyotas. Every once in a blue moon we may see a Subaru or Isuzu. So, in a shop like ours, you need to know how to diagnose and repair all of them.
Maximizing Tools: DTC P0304 & The Cost to Find a Problem
Many technicians are just itching to replace the spark plug or coil when faced with a misfire code. However, if you understand that a misfire code actually means “lack of combustion,” then there are suddenly many possible reasons for the code, such as a defective injector or lack of compression.
Maximizing Tools: 4th Time’s a Charm – DTC P0340
The saying goes that lightning never strikes twice in the same place. Apparently, this was not the case for a Mitsubishi Eclipse 2.4 2003 4G64 that showed up with a complaint of a rough running condition and a no-start when warm.
Maximizing Tools: Big Consequences of a Small Problem
When the brake pedal was pressed, the park lamps illuminated along with the stop lamp. The opposite was also true. Find out the reason for this VW’s errant behavior.
Maximizing Tools: Diesel & EGR
A 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe with no codes but an intermittent loss power and throttle response caused a few problems for our contributors — as well as other shops before it reached them.
Maximizing Tools: No-Pressure Nissan Won’t Start, Gushes Exhaust Gases
This month’s Maximizing Tools involves a Nissan that was towed into the shop as a no-start. The engine stalled while driving and would not restart. See what DTCs were pulled and how our experts diagnosed this vehicle.
Maximizing Tools: Diagnosing a Common Rail Diesel Engine
Our contributors diagnose a hard cold start, blue smoke from the tailpipe, engine shake or miss, increased fuel consumption and decreased power on a 2003 Opel Vivaro.
Maximizing Tools: Using Software to Aid in Engine Mechanical and Electronic Failure Diagnosis
See how a modern oscilloscope or engine analyzer along with software can enhance engine mechanical and/or electronic failure diagnosis.
Maximizing Tools: Simple Answers to Difficult Questions: Troubleshooting Complex Systems
A good diagnosis and repair relies on the experience, knowledge, flexibility of mind and logical thinking skills of the technician.
