Diagnostics Archives - Page 38 of 39 - TechShop Magazine
Diagnostic Solutions: Upgrades That Deliver Performance and Pizzazz

Checking the Basics Saves Time When Chasing Check Engine Codes

Tech Feature: Solving Intermittent Electrical Problems

Intermittent electrical faults are the bane of the auto repair business. If an electrical component has failed, or there is an open or a short in a circuit, you can usually find it fairly quickly because it isn’t hiding from you. It’s a persistent fault that can be isolated by a systematic process of elimination.

The Future of Diagnostics Is In The CAN

Since model year 2003, a growing number of domestic and import vehicles have been built with a new onboard communications protocol called CAN (Controller Area Network). CAN is essentially an engineering standard for how computers and modules talk to one another via the serial data bus in a vehicle’s wiring system. It’s a high-speed standard

Diagnostic Dilemmas: Diagnosing Rodent Damage

Of all the technical innovations of the past century, the plastic-insulated copper wire is one of the most dependable components found in the modern automobile. Sure, this summer I had three different cases of the copper wire actually being broken inside the plastic insulation. In the first two instances, I had the intake air temperature

VW OBD II Revisited: Good Vehicle Service History Helps Determine Causes of Repeat Failures

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 VAG 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

Diagnostic Dilemmas: Making the Case with Scan Tool Graphing

I’ve recently updated to test equipment that’s able to save graphed data on a compact flash or CF card. In this case, while the equipment happens to be a Snap-on SOLUS scan tool and a Snap-on Vantage Pro lab scope and graphing multimeter, keep in mind that other equipment on the market is equally capable

The PCM Effect on Oil Service

As with everything else under the automotive sun, technology is changing the lube, oil and filter market. More specifically, modern technology is making it possible to use the vehicle’s on-board engine management system to mathematically determine the length of an oil change interval. At the most basic level, the PCM simply adds up the mileage

Diagnostic Solutions: Identifying Ignition Switch Failure Symptoms

Although the basic ignition switch has remained unchanged for many years, the way it supplies electrical current to modern on-board electronics has made it a key factor when diagnosing intermittent failures in various electronic operating systems. Going back into automotive history, the ignition switch’s sole purpose on early imports was to energize the primary ignition

Electrical System Service

Electrical System Service

Diagnosing GM LT1 V8 Engines

The Chevrolet LT1 engine is the second-generation (Gen II) design of Chevy’s famous small block. The LT1 was fitted in Chevy’s Corvette, Camaro and Caprice/Impala SS. This engine also was used by Pontiac for the Firebird, by Buick for the Roadmaster and by Cadillac for the Fleetwood. The LT1 was first available on the Corvette

Foreign Affairs: Can Your Shop Handle OBD Multiplexing?

“CAN” is the new buzz word in automobile diagnostics. It stands for Controller Area Network and is a protocol for onboard diagnostics and scan tools. CAN is a high-speed data link that provides more information at a faster rate for better communication between onboard electronics and external diagnostic equipment. Many manufacturers have already started incorporating

Diagnostic Solutions: Air Flow Sensors…Understanding Their Function & Potential Problems

Most of us remember the “good old days” when an engine’s air/fuel (a/f) ratio was controlled by a mechanically operated carburetor. Due to the inherent design limitations of mechanical systems, however, carburetors don’t respond efficiently to changes in barometric pressure, temperature and humidity. In the quest for improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions, import