Tech Tip: DTCs Unlock the Mystery of the No-Crank Buick
Some Buick owners may complain about one or more of the following conditions: Service Engine Soon (SES), Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) or Traction Control System (TCS) lamp may be illuminated; A no-crank/no-start condition; Various intermittent I/P concerns; Shifter will not move out of Park (brake/transmission interlock solenoid inoperative); and/or Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) U1000, U1016, B1422, B2957 or B2958 may be set. Additional codes may be found due to this concern ….
Battery Service & Diagnosis
A good battery with an adequate charge is absolutely essential for reliable cold starting. A weak battery or one that is run down may not deliver enough amps to crank the engine when temperatures plunge and the oil thickens. Cold weather can be hard on batteries, but so can hot weather because it increases water
Electrical System Tools and Equipment
Neutrons, Electrons, Klingons? As today’s cars and systems have gotten more and more complicated, so have the tools and equipment needed to work on those cars. The professional technician is expected to be able to understand electrical theory, electronics, physics, as well as understand and interpret readings from complex electrical test equipment.
Tech Feature: Servicing Supplemental Restraint Systems
KABOOM!!! That’s kinda fun on the holidays isn’t it? Well, the pyrotechnics in a car can be satisfying as well. Satisfying to your wallet that is. I’m sure you’ve heard how "dangerous" air bags can be. Well they can be dangerous, but at the same time, they are pretty safe, too. An electronically controlled air bag requires a sufficient voltage and ground supplied to it or it will not detonate. Notice I specified "electronically controlled." There are some older models that were ….
Tech Tip: Subaru Parasitic Battery Draw
This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure when checking for excessive battery draw for any Subaru model. Prior to beginning test, be certain the vehicle battery is fully charged and that the battery posts and cable ends are free of corrosion, dirt, sealer and in good condition ….
Tech Tip: Identifying Distributors on Ford 351 Engines
One problem technicians may encounter when servicing Ford vehicles with Windsor/Cleveland 351 (5.8L) cubic inch engines is Interchanging or installing parts for the wrong engine. This is often caused by the lack of information on Ford 351 engine differences. The most obvious external difference is the engine valve covers ….
Tech Tip: 15 Tips on Servicing Ford F-150s
A bold new look and some subtle changes probably best describe the 2004-and-up Ford F-150. To the technician, it is the subtle changes that he or she needs to be aware of. Beginning with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F-150. It is a new vehicle inside and out. However, not all of the 2004 F-150s that you see will be the new body style. The 2004 F-150 was also made ….
Getting a Grip on Traction Control
The basic principle of traction control is rather simple. A tire is breaking free and starting to spin so we’re going to place a drag on that wheel so that two things can happen. One is we want that tire to have a chance to regain its grip on the road surface. And two, we
Playing It Safe: Servicing Supplemental Restraint Systems
KABOOM!!! That’s kinda fun on the holidays isn’t it? Well, the pyrotechnics in a car can be satisfying as well. Satisfying to your wallet that is. I’m sure you’ve heard how “dangerous” air bags can be. Well they can be dangerous, but at the same time, they are pretty safe, too. An electronically controlled air
Tech Tip: Wintertime Heater Operation Guidelines
Wintertime heater operation presents numerous questions and problems. Here are some guidelines for professional technicians to ensure the heating efficiency of their customers’ vehicles when the weather turns cold. Verify coolant level and condition. If the system is low, the heater core is the first to lose coolant flow, causing a lack of heat in the passenger compartment. Old coolant can cause ….
Tech Tip: Diagnosing an Engine that Won’t Start
For any engine to start, three things are necessary: fuel, compression and spark. If any of these components is lacking, the engine won’t start. The fuel system must be generating normal fuel pressure, and the air/fuel ratio must be correct for the ambient temperature and engine temperature. If the air/fuel mixture is too lean, it won’t ignite and the engine won’t start. If the air/fuel mixture is too rich, it can flood the engine and also prevent it from starting ….
GM Tech Tip: Inspect and Ensure the Integrity of Wiring Harness Connectors
The first step in any type of electrical diagnosis is a visual and physical inspection of the wiring harness connectors for integrity. Many times, the vehicle may be repaired just by disconnecting and reconnecting the connectors. As with all repairs to wiring harness connectors and terminals, a pull test of the terminals within the connector should be performed. A pull test is performed by ….