2014 Editions Archives - TechShop Magazine
Pulling Codes: The Ghost of Code P0420

Every once in a while you come across a vehicle with a P0420 code that bears mentioning. Using one of his scan tool’s features, Carlton Banks tests the catalytic converter’s efficiency.

Analyzing the Cylinder Pressure Waveform from a Running Engine, Part 3

This is our final installment of the Analyzing the Cylinder Pressure Waveform from a Running Engine series of our Maximizing Tools column. In this article, we discuss the Inlet (or Intake) and Exhaust tabs.

5 Tool Storage Tips

In this article, we highlight five tool storage features, providing details on what you need to know before purchasing your next tool chest, cart or organization ­products.

Editor’s Notes: Are You Going to the AVI Conference, AAPEX or SEMA Shows?

    The 2014 AVI Conference Nov. 3 and 4 — which will feature more than 20 high-end technical and management classes — should be enough to get you to Vegas this fall, but while you’re there, you might be surprised at exactly how many learning opportunities there are specifically for service professionals. AAPEX, in

Pulling Codes: Good Guys Vs. Bad Guys

In the world of automotive module-to-module communication, Code U0100 can mimic a good guy/bad guy situation — the good guy has made an attempt to communicate with the bad guy and the bad guy does not respond.

TPMS: Weighing The Options

The topic of TPMS continues to be an often asked about one. This article delves into the background on some popular sensors, servicing them and the tools that make the job a lot easier.

Analyzing Cylinder Pressure Waveforms, Part 2

In Part 2 of this Maximizing Tools series, we continue our discussion of alternative approaches to diagnosing an engine using the pressure waveforms from an in-cylinder pressure transducer. In this article we analyze the Valve Timing and Ignition Timing tabs on the waveforms.

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.

February 2014
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

Figure 4
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