ASE X1: Diagnostic Tests For Catalytic Converters
The X1 ASE Certification Test has a section (8 questions) focused on emissions system diagnosis. For that section, among other things, you will need to: • Identify failed catalytic converter(s); determine cause of failure; determine needed repair. • Identify failed oxygen sensor(s) (O2S/HO2S) component(s) and circuitry; determine cause of failure; determine needed repair. • Inspect
Reflashing & Reprogramming Tools
Contributing Editor Andrew Markel warns “you cannot ignore reflashing any longer.” He provides seven tools you need for reflashing as well as eight problems that can be resolved by reflashing.
Pulling Codes: An Advanced Misfire Story – The Story of P0301
This article will document code P0301 — Misfire Activity on Cylinder No. 1 — a code many of you have run into, but sometimes we have case studies that are worthy of mention. Our subject vehicle is a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer. The vehicle has a P0301 stored in its memory. The lead tech working on this
Telltale Signs Of Cooling System Component Failure
Springtime brings with it the vacation season when many families will hitch a boat or camping trailer to their fully loaded family car, SUV or pickup truck and travel to some remote wilderness hideaway. Needless to say, both the parents and their vehicle’s cooling system will be stressed out long before the trip is over.
Compressor Logic: How Does The Water Get In The Lines?
Nothing is more frustrating than hitting the trigger on an air tool and a stream of water comes out the exhaust port. But, where did it come from? What can be done to prevent it from getting to your tools? Water is all around us. It is in the form of vapor mixed with collection
Analyzing the Cylinder Pressure Waveform from a Running Engine, Part 1
By Vasyl Postolovskyi and Olle Gladso, Contributing Writers and Instructors at Riverland Technical and Community College in Albert Lea, MN In a previous article, we examined the use of unconventional but simple methods for detecting electrical faults in vehicles. We discussed digital multimeters, current clamp meters and a digital oscilloscope. In this article, we will
Pulling Codes: Signal No Longer Detected, The Story of Code P0340
This article will document the infamous P0340 code — Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction. This is a code that involves the CMP signal, and, in many situations, one may be tempted to replace the sensor right away. This article will attempt to provide a game plan of attack. It’s always wise to start with a
Audi: Rattle Noise From Engine Area
Customers complain of a rattle noise from the air conditioning compressor. The noise is particularly audible in ECON operation. When the compressor operates under load, the noise is hardly audible. This condition is exhibited only in vehicles equipped with a DENSO air conditioning compressor with a plastic pulley.
Eight Keys To Selling Auto Service
You’ll need to know your customers’ buying habits as well as their service histories. You should always request your first-time customers’ service records, and should ask them about their service histories verbally as well. This information can be extremely helpful during any sales process, especially when it comes to selling maintenance.
When Saving the Customer Money … Backfires!
A few months back, a customer came in with a broken seat frame on her Honda Pilot. The car had over 150,000 miles on it and the seat frame broke through use. Replacing the seat frame, with labor, would be well over $1,100. My foreman recommended welding the frame, saving the customers hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Two months later the car returned with the seat frame broken in a different spot.
Air Conditioning System Advances Change Service Opportunities
The attention-grabbing headline in the world of air conditioning is usually the switching of refrigerants as the industry and regulators continue to search for the next level of environmental friendliness. But the underrated A/C story that’s slowly developed during the same time period is the overall improvement of A/C systems.
Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems On Import Vehicles
Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) began making a comeback in 2011 on all Audi models. The highly popular Honda Accord switched to indirect TPMS for the 2013 model year. The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is now also using an indirect TPMS. Some of the VW Golf platform vehicles have switched to an indirect TPMS. Most of these models have the optional ABS and stability control system.