ImportCar contributor Bob Dowie recently had a late-model Sentra towed in to his shop with a no-crank complaint.
This was the first time they were faced with a smart-key-equipped Nissan that did nothing when the start button was pushed.
His first step on any diagnosis was to put the enhanced scanner on the vehicle and perform a full scan.
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Keeping a vehicle’s battery charged and ready to go is more important than ever.
As vehicle manufacturers steadily increase the amount of electronic entertainment and convenience features on vehicles, the more electrical power is needed to operate them. That means keeping the vehicle’s battery – the main reservoir of electrical power – always charged and ready to go. Although a battery is built to last a couple of years, once in a while, it may “die,” due to extreme cold weather, or prolonged lack of use, the latter being the most common reason, said one shop owner. This may not always mean that something is wrong with the battery or that it needs to be replaced; it might just be “depleted.”
Identifix, Snap-on and Matco Tools are named as the makers of this top technician’s top five favorite tools.
The EGR system module is one of Ford’s latest EGR systems for gasoline engines. It is an EGR valve, EVR, MAP and DPFE sensor rolled into one package. Grab your scan tool, contributing writer Glen Beanard explains how to diagnose problems in these systems.
Routine maintenance makes a huge difference in lifecycle expectancies of our tools and equipment. But even with the best maintenance schedules, you need to replace your capital investments at some point.
Charles’ diagnostic processes may be very different from yours, which may be very different from the tech that works next to you. But the end goal is always the same: Fix the car right the first time, and do it as fast as possible.
Get the low-down on the tools and equipment you need to help you find leaks in four main vehicle systems.
Too much air or not enough fuel at the engine. System lean is not hard to diagnose, once you understand it.
A wheel bearing that’s out of adjustment can reduce bearing life and can affect more than just the bearing. It’s important to adjust the wheel bearing endplay to the proper specifications. If the bearing set is adjusted too loose or too tight, it can cause the bearing to fail prematurely. There are a few types of assemblies, so using correct procedures and tools will ensure a comeback-free wheel bearing installation.
For shops, R-1234yf means several new procedures, a certification and new equipment in order to properly handle these new systems. Why the difference in handling and servicing R-1234yf systems versus R-134a? Flammability.
