ECM / PCM Archives - Page 2 of 9 - TechShop Magazine
De-Coding Diagnostic Scan Tool Codes

I like to take full advantage of the codes the manufacturers offer. One of the ways to do that is to understand what all those letters and numbers represent that are in a diagnostic trouble code. Each of the five digits actually has a purpose and can make the job of diagnosing a vehicle’s problem much easier for import technicians if they understand the breakdown of the code’s letters and numbers.

Maximizing Tools: Unconventional Diagnostic Methods, Part I

Explore some unconventional uses of a digital multimeter that will allow you to diagnose problems without a significant investment of time and effort.

CARDONE Now Offers More Than 290 Previously Dealer-Only SKUs

CARDONE now offers more than 290 SKUs that were previously dealer-only, providing a high-quality, low-cost alternative to OE, the company says.

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.

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.

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.

Tech Tip: Cold Temps Set DTC On Some GM Vehicles

Some GM customers may find that their vehicle’s malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates after starting the vehicle when using the engine coolant heater in very cold ambient temperatures.

Tech Tip: Subaru Impreza With DTCs P0705, P0851, P2746, P2750 And/Or No Crank, No Start

If you receive a customer concern of a Check Engine light, AT Temp light or a no engine crank condition, the wiring harnesses to the transmission range sensor (inhibitor switch) should be closely inspected for damage or a short circuit to the CVT transmission case.

Tech Tip: Hyundai Resetting PCM/TCM Adaptive Values

The PCM or TCM contains logic to adjust solenoid duty and line pressure as needed to compensate for normal clutch wear over the life of the transaxle. This bulletin provides the procedures necessary to reset (erase) and “relearn” the PCM/TCM adaptive values.

Tech Tip: Water Intrusion From A/C Drain May Cause DTCs On Ford SUVs

A DTC may appear on some 2006-’10 Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer and 2007-’10 Explorer Sport Trac vehicles due to water traveling down from the A/C drain into the solenoid body connector on the left side of the transmission.

VIEWPOINT: Brake Reflashing takes Centerstage

How a moose and a Cherokee could change your brake business.