Tech Tip: Don’t ‘Blow By’ PCV Inspections
Most emission control parts, like the PCV valve, require little if any scheduled maintenance, but replacement may be necessary if the Check Engine light is on, the vehicle has failed an emissions test or is experiencing a driveability problem. Other emission control components include the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, the evaporative emission control system (EVAP) vapor canister and purge valves, the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors and all of the engine’s other engine management sensors.
‘Exploring’ Service Needs On The Ford 4.0L V6 Engine
Rated at a rather anemic 210 horsepower, the 4.0L SOHC V6 is not exactly a high output engine. It also has an unusual overhead cam drive setup. Unlike most other OHC V6 and V8 engines that drive both overhead cams directly from the crankshaft with a belt or chain, this engine has an intermediate jackshaft in the middle of the block where a pushrod cam would normally be located.
A/C Update – Are Your Techs ‘Overcharging?’
In the world of public opinion, if you were asked if your technicians were overcharging your customers, you might interpret that as an issue pertaining to the customer’s repair bill. However, in the world of mobile air conditioning service, we’re referring to the problem of some vehicle A/C systems being (unknowingly) charged with too much refrigerant.
Diagnostic Solutions: Hubs/Bearings, CV Shafts & U-Joints
Thanks to advanced technology, modern vehicles operate with fewer noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) complaints than ever before. Consequently, when a noise, vibration or harshness issue arises, it’s most likely to be caused by worn drivetrain components like universal joints, constant velocity (CV) joints or wheel bearing hub assemblies. In any case, NVH complaints can often be the most challenging to diagnose when a tech or service writer can’t duplicate the exact driving conditions under which they occur.
Tech Tip: Honda Suffers From Hard Start/Long Crank Time
If a an owner of a 2003-’04 Honda Accord complains their vehicle is experiencing excessive cranking or hard starting, there are two possible causes – contamination in the fuel pressure regulator or exhaust gas backflow into the intake manifold at engine shutdown.
Tech Feature: Dissecting The Control Module – PCMs, TCMs And BCMs
With the complexity of automotive electrical systems increasing steadily, manufacturers have developed troubleshooting trees and strategies to make it easier for technicians to diagnose problems. These steps and strategies are very helpful for technicians when followed, but they can also prevent them from using their cognitive skills.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Approaching No-Code Diagnostics
Thanks to the increasing reliability of modern vehicles, most diagnostic technicians are seeing fewer pattern-failure driveability complaints. For that reason, many techs won’t gamble expensive shop time chasing an illusive no-code driveability complaint. Instead, many will write “no problem found” on the repair order and move on to the next vehicle. Unfortunately, at some point in time, the intermittent, no-code driveability will either be solved or the vehicle will be traded or sold for scrap.
Mercedes: Diagnosing a P0301 Misfire Code Harnessing the Benefits of an Amp Probe
Electronics Diagnostic Specialist Sergio
Tech Feature: Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus Topology
At the typical repair shop, six-year-old vehicles (and there are 184 million of them on the road today) are some of the most common vehicles driving into the bays. And, since these vehicles are out of warranty, they will fuel service opportunities for the aftermarket and require more attention from independent repair shops like yours. In particular, one growing service area is diagnostics, especially as it relates to the expanding electronic content in today’s vehicles.
Delphi Launches Free Webinar Series on its New Diagnostic Scan Tool
Delphi Product & Service Solutions has launched a free webinar series on its new diagnostic scan tool beginning Feb. 7, 2013 at 2 p.m. EST, which will run every other Thursday until March 21, 2013. Each webinar is hosted live by a Delphi trainer, and will have a question and answer session at the conclusion
Directions: Selling The Fuel-Cell
A collaborative partnership between Daimler, Ford and Renault-Nissan was announced to begin mass producing hydrogen-fueled fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in the next four years.
Pulling Codes: This One Didn’t Go ‘Zoom Zoom’! The Story Of P1345
Top EPA Codes: Carlton Banks investigates a P1345 code – CMP Sensor Circuit Malfunction – in a 2000 Mazda Protege. This is a code that involves the cam sensor input to the PCM. In many situations, one may be tempted to replace the cam sensor right away. This article will attempt to provide a possible plan of attack.