Foreign Affairs: VW P Codes — … Putting Out The MIL
After 10-plus years of dealing with OBD II, it should be apparent that we are on a learning curve that probably has no end. Almost daily we have a Volkswagen model come into the shop with a check engine light on, or a “state OBD II failure” form. Although we have the latest scanner software
Tech Tip: Diagnosing a Nissan Altima with the Check Engine Light On
The engine runs rough, gas mileage is down and more importantly the "check engine" light is on. That little illuminated check engine light strikes fear in the hearts and minds of the average vehicle owner – it’s supposed to. Otherwise, people would keep driving their vehicles as long as they could, eclipsing the light with a piece of electrical tape.
Hybrids: Service & Diagnostics
What do you do when a customer with a Toyota Prius hybrid says his Check Engine light is on and wants you to diagnose his problem? Can you do it? Or, would you send your customer back to the Toyota dealer? To help alleviate anxiety over the complexity and reliability of its hybrid systems, Toyota
Maintenance Essentials…, OBD II & Chassis Checks
All cars need maintenance. The fact is mechanical devices wear and fail in normal use, and deteriorate over time, so being able to diagnose a future failure has become a part of the automotive repair and service industry. Customers always ask how long it will be before a component will fail, and are usually not
Tech Tip: Diagnosing a Nissan Altima with the Check Engine Light On
The engine runs rough, gas mileage is down and more importantly the "check engine" light is on. That little illuminated check engine light strikes fear in the hearts and minds of the average vehicle owner – it’s supposed to. Otherwise, people would keep driving their vehicles as long as they could, eclipsing the light with a piece of electrical tape.
Tech Tip: Nissan Altima Engine Misfire – A Simple Tubular Malfunction
The engine runs rough, gas mileage is down and more importantly the "check engine" light is on. That little illuminated check engine light strikes fear in the hearts and minds of the average vehicle owner – it’s supposed to. Otherwise, people would keep driving their vehicles as long as they could, eclipsing the light with a piece of electrical tape.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: The Misfire Code As a Symptom
Without question, the 1996 and newer OBD II systems have greatly simplified the diagnostic process. Veteran mechanics well remember the technical loopholes that riddled the old proprietary OBD I systems. All too often, the complex diagnostic charts supplied by the auto manufacturers were time-consuming, erroneous and often concluded with the infamous “replace with component of
Engine Diagnostics: Mazda
We’re going to take a look at the Mazda line of cars and trucks with an eye on driveability service and diagnosis. In particular, we’ll look at some driveability problems that may result in an illuminated check engine light, as well as some problems that will illuminate the light but may not result in a
Tech Tip: Dirty Fuel Injectors Can Result in Driveability and Performance Problems
When dirt or fuel varnish deposits build up in the injector orifice, it creates a restriction that reduces the amount of fuel delivered with each squirt. Dirty injectors, therefore, run lean and don’t deliver as much fuel as the engine needs.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Ignition Misfires
A flashing Check Engine light and a P0301 to P0312 diagnostic trouble code is a sure-fire indication that one or more cylinders are misfiring. Occasional misfires may pass unnoticed, but a steady misfire is hard to miss. The engine usually feels rough, lacks power and uses more gas than usual.