Tech Tip: Nissan Xterra Hesitates Upon Acceleration
The technician connected a scan tool and found code P0102 – Mass or Volume Air Flow “A” Circuit Low. He then performed an inspection of the mass airflow (MAF) sensor and related wiring harness, but found no obvious faults.
Tech Tip: Clogged Oil Line Leads To Chrysler/Dodge Turbocharger Failure
Extreme temperatures cause the oil circulating through the turbocharger oil feed line to burn. The coked oil buildup restricts oil flow, which leads to turbocharger failure. The oil line may appear fine externally.
Bringing Down The Bus: Battling A BMW No-Crank
I arrived at the shop and verified the no-crank condition. The dash lit up brightly, but no starter action was forthcoming. Beginning with the basics, I tested power supply at the ignition switch, behind the Car Access System (CAS). This is the module in which the key is inserted. Power and ground was intact; I tested at the starter and found actuation voltage unavailable for starting.
Head Gasket Q & A
One reason head gaskets fail is because of engine overheating. If the engine gets too hot, the cylinder head can swell to the point where it crushes the head gasket (usually between the cylinders because this is the thinnest point). The extruded material and/or cracked combustion armor then provides a leak path for coolant and/or combustion gases.
Diesel Injection Components: Coming To Terms With The Common Rail Diesel Injection System Is Not An Easy Task
For some time now, most of the development in diesel technology has been aimed toward making the engines environmentally friendly. But as diesel engines have become cleaner, the power levels have also increased. This is somewhat backward to what the country went through in the 1970s with gasoline engines.
Diagnosing Blown Fuses
Problems that occur based on temperature can be triggered with a test drive or a heat gun. A spray bottle can be utilized to simulate moisture. If the failure of the fuse is related to movement, a shake down test can be performed by slightly tugging on the wiring harnesses until the circuit breaker or PTC opens.
VIEWPOINT: Going For The Gravy Can you sell diagnostic time?
The gravy in the future will be diagnostic time and procedures performed with scan tools. You can see it with steering angle sensors, TPMS and re-calibration of sensors. In the future, it is only going to get better.
ASE A2 Test Prep (Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Test Prep): Torque Converter Basics
The concept of using a torque converter, oil pump, planetary gear sets, clutches, bands and a computer-controlled hydraulic valve body to transmit torque and to change gear ratios is relatively simple.
Car Quotes: Words to Work By
A great quote only gets better with age. It can stand up to changes in society, technology and morals. Here are six quotes that every shop should live by…
Tech Tip: Caliper Replacement Check List
Check vehicle service information for any special procedures for piston retraction, electronic brake assist system deactivation or proportioning/metering valve reset.
Current State of Brake Pad Copper Legislation
The California Brake Pad Law (Passed)Reformulation Bill
Limits on the copper content of brake friction materials are essential for California cities, counties and industries to comply with federal Clean Water Act mandates. California would need to pay billions for noncompliance to the Federal government if this was not enacted.
Performing A Brake Job On A Volkswagen Routan
The 2008-2012 Volkswagen Routan is a rebadged variant of the Chrysler mini van platform with revised styling, suspension tuning and brake service procedures. So this van has a bit of a split personality when it comes to servicing the brakes.