Diagnostic Dilemma: 1999 Dodge Dakota Intermittent Stall Complaints
Diagnosing intermittent stalling complaints is a challenging experience for any diagnostic technician because any number of electrical and mechanical failures can cause an engine to intermittently stall. Most of us immediately narrow this laundry list of potential failures down to the most common few, which include components like the crankshaft position sensor and electric fuel pump.
Cold Weather Diagnostics: Modules Go Down With The Temperature
The subject vehicles were 2002-2006 Ford trucks – the first was a 2002 Ford F-150 with a 5.4 liter, second was a 2006 Lincoln Navigator with a 4.6 liter and finally a 2004 Ford F-250 with a 5.4 liter engine. All of the customer complaints with these vehicles were the same: “The vehicle will not crank/start when cold.”
Pulling Codes: Advanced Misfire and Fuel Trim Analysis, Part 2
Contributing writer Carlton Banks continues with his series on Advanced Misfire and Fuel Trim Analysis, using fuel trims and oxygen sensor behavior to determine if the misfire activity is ignition, engine mechanical or fuel related. This article focuses on fuel-related misfires.
Secret Diagnostic Trick: Hint? You Are Doing it Right Now
I was fortunate to have been raised in my father’s auto shop. From the early age of 11, I could be found performing various tasks around the shop from cleaning to observing and helping the technicians whenever an opportunity would arise. I now have my own one-man auto repair facility where I am the only person involved with the repair process of the vehicle. This mandates me making the most efficient use of my time. So, over the next several articles, it is my plan to share with you some of my time-saving diagnostic strategies.
A/C Diagnostics 101: The Value Of Scanners
Leave it to the manufacturers to take a simple thing like heat and air conditioning and turn it into an electronic jungle of wiring, sensors and computer components. HVAC units have come a long way from when I started in the business. Not that I want to dwell on the past, but it might be a good idea to make sure we understand the basics before diving into the problem of today’s systems. I always feel that if I understand a system fully before doing any repair work, I’m more likely to get it right the first time.
GM Makes Transmission Control Module Repair Easier With Release of Programming Tools
The programming setup is easily accessible via a download that can be secured through a TIS2Web Service Programming subscription, GM’s next-generation Technical Information System. Seven subscription packages are offered, varying by price, expiration date and support level. With a subscription in hand, all that’s required for a tech to flash the TEHCM is a J2534 device or scan tool.
Maximizing Tools: Unconventional Diagnostic Methods, Part III
By thinking “outside the box” and using our tools to their fullest potential, we can diagnose more of the perplexing problems without spending an undue amount of time on them. In this article, our writers conclude this popular three-part series of Unconventional Diagnostic Methods, with more time-saving techniques.
Mazda Feature: Driveability And Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Import Specialist Bob Dowie takes a look at some of the more common ailments that will bring your Mazda customers into your service bay with a check engine light complaint, as he covers common DTCs, stalling and ignition issues and new technology.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Sometimes You Get More Than What You Pay For … But That’s Not Always A Plus
One day, one of my customers called and said he just purchased a car from the police auction, but it had some sort of strange noise coming from the driver’s-side electric seat. It seems that every time he moved it, there was a strange electrical sound. He thought there was something wrong with the seat motor. He asked me, an auto electric technician, if I would take a look at it.
Tech Tip: 2004-’05 Nissans Have MIL On With DTC P0300-P0306, P1273 Or P1283
Technicians may encounter an MIL “On” with one or more of the following DTCs stored: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306 (cylinder misfire); or P1273, P1283 (A/F ratio lean). Injector resistance may cause one or more of the listed DTCs to be set. Check the resistance of the injectors against the values in this bulletin.
Audi Tech Tip: MIL On With P1545, P0121, P0123, P0221 Or P0222 Stored In ECM
The MIL is on, with a number of incident memory entries with regard to the throttle valve are stored in the ECM. In most cases, the entries are sporadic. This may be the result of contact resistance in the ECM wiring – throttle valve.
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.