Diagnostic Solutions: Exhaust Restriction Diagnosis
To put exhaust restriction diagnostics in perspective, import specialist shops have been dealing with loss-of-power complaints caused by exhaust restriction since catalytic converters were popularly introduced in 1974. Early “cats” experienced frequent failure because the carbureted engines of that era were notorious for poor fuel control.
Recovery & Ruin: Could the Recovery Mean Tough Times for Shops?
With many economic indicators like unemployment, same store sales and the stock market pointing to a final recovery, it is time to look at what it really means for your shop. While these are some of the toughest times to operate a shop, it is also a period of great opportunity and prosperity for shops willing to make investments in training, tools and people.
Tenneco Introduces In-Depth Walker Converter Diagnostics and Strategies Workshop
Tenneco Inc. has introduced an intensive emission control diagnostics training workshop under the Walker exhaust brand that will reach automotive service professionals in close to 60 North American cities during 2011.
Diagostic Dilemmas: Lost in ‘The Diagnostic Woods’
This real-world case study of a 2002 Chevy S-10 pickup, a 1995 Buick and a 1995 Lincoln Town Car illustrates why “chasing” trouble codes can get you lost in the Diagnostic Woods.
Tech Tip: Follow These Steps Prior to Replacing Kia’s Catalytic Converter After Finding DTC P0422
Kia’s OBD II engine management systems use dual oxygen sensors, which among other things allow monitoring of the efficiency of the Manifold Catalytic Converter (MCC), also referred to as the “warmup” cat. Some technicians who retrieve DTC P0422 – Main Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) mistakenly replace the catalytic converter under the floor of the vehicle (possibly because the converter under the car has been referred to as the “main” catalyst). This leads to repeat repairs, unnecessary expense and customer dissatisfaction.
Tech Feature: Mazda6 and Mazda3 Driveability Diagnostics and Electronic Throttle Control
Drive-by-wire throttle control systems are pretty much trouble-free but have to be taken into consideration as you perform routine service and diagnose problems, and it changes the way you service these cars when it comes to cleaning the throttle plates, advises Bob Dowie, import specialist contributor, who also covers electronic throttle control’s tie in with ABS and VSC systems.
Tech Feature: Lack of Power Leads to Exhaust Restriction Analysis
In the early days of carburetors and mechanical fuel pumps, most lack-of-power complaints stemmed from vapor locking on the fuel pump or the fuel filter clogging. But that’s becoming the exception rather than the rule.
Tech Feature: Making $ (Money) with Mode $06
Mode $06 is one of the nine diagnostic modes that is part of the OBD II on-board diagnostics system on all 1996 and newer vehicles.
Tool Feature: Scan Tools and Software Updates
Though some vehicles have diagnostic modes that can show fault codes and other diagnostic information via the instrument panel, climate control system or driver information display, most simply turn on the check engine light or another warning light when a problem occurs. So without a scan tool, there’s no way to tell what the problem might be, let alone make an accurate diagnosis of which sensor or other component may need to be replaced.
Tech Feature: Mazda Driveability Diagnostics and Check Engine Light Complaints
From a torn air intake hose to ignition system concerns, Bob Dowie tackles driveability issues as well as some of the more common ailments that will bring Mazda vehicles into your bays with a check engine lamp complaint.