Tech Feature: Courage Under Misfire
Generally, when a customer brings a vehicle into a shop that has a misfire concern, they will describe it as bucking, jerking or loss of power. They also may describe it, depending on the cause, as a jerking when they take off from a start, but smoothes out once the vehicle gets moving. They may tell you the check engine light has been flashing.
Latest Wells ‘CounterPoint’ Newsletter Covers Nissan Variable Timing Diagnostics
Wells Vehicle Electronics has issued a new edition of its popular quarterly CounterPoint newsletter featuring an illustrated guide to diagnosing Nissan engines equipped with variable valve timing technology.
Tech Feature: The Changing Face of Automatic Transmissions
Today’s computer systems have completely redefined automotive operation, particularly when it comes to transmission control.
Tech Tip: Audi ABS Activates Upon Light Braking
ABS activates when braking lightly or control noises are heard from the ABS unit at low speed without brake application. This may be caused if an ABS control takes place without the flashing of the ESP lamp and, therefore, without ESP operation.
DENSO Sales California Offers New Training Courses for Technicians
DENSO Sales California announces the introduction of three new Engine Performance Technical Training seminars for the automotive service professional. The seminars focus on service, diagnostic and repair best practices and will be available beginning in 2011.
Wheel Speed Sensors: ABS and TCS Signal Use
The signals from the Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS) are the most important sensor input to the Brake Control Module (BCM) for ABS activation.
Don’t Miss the 2010 AVI Training Conference in Las Vegas
Automotive Video Inc. (AVI) is bringing together some of the nation’s elite automotive instructors, tool companies, industry organizations, repair shop owners and technicians to provide you with cutting-edge seminars and top-notch speakers during the 2010 AVI Training Conference. If you’re already heading to Las Vegas for Industry Week, why not stay an extra day? Held
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Automotive Lab Scope Dilemmas
Although digital storage oscilloscopes or “lab scopes” have now become standard equipment for most modern automotive repair shops, they still possess a mystique that tends to intimidate many technicians. Right off the top, a lab scope is basically a voltmeter that displays voltage signals along a time base. The vertical scale measures the amplitude or amount of the voltage and the horizontal scale measures an incremental time line along which the signals are displayed.
Top 5 Tools: David Chiffens, Ambler Tire Co.
David Chiffens, owner/technician Ambler Tire Co. Ambler, PA Robinair 34788 A/C Machine — Does a great job on all R-134a vehicle A/C systems. Easy to use. Great results. Vacula Drain Twin Brake Fluid Pressure/Vacuum Brake Bleeder Machine — Easy to use; OEM-approved for many models. Wi Tec, the new Chrysler Scan Tool — Shows
Tech Feature: Detecting Misfires in OBD II Engines
With OBD II, there’s no missing misfires. Most engine control systems with OBD II monitor the speed of the crankshaft between cylinder firings to detect misfires. The powertrain control module (PCM) notes the relative position of the crankshaft via the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) each time a trigger pulse is sent to the ignition system.