Electrical Archives - Page 3 of 22 - TechShop Magazine
New SOLAR BA9 12V Digital Battery and System Tester from Clore Automotive

Clore Automotive introduces the BA9, a digital battery and system tester designed for 12-volt batteries, from SOLAR. The BA9 is a pocket-sized unit that features an easy-to-read LCD display and has a wide testing capacity from 40-1200 CCA.

Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz Battery Dash Light Illuminated

A Mercedes-Benz owner may complain that the vehicle’s battery/alternator “visit workshop” light on dash display is illuminated. Use a scan tool to perform guided tests. This alternator is internally regulated and is connected by a LIN bus to the PCM so that the regulation control can be intervened.

Schumacher Electric Offers 6/12V Manual Bench Top Charger With Engine Start

The PSC-2030T 200 / 30 / 10 Amp Bench Top Manual Starter/Charger with Timer from Schumacher Electric Corporation charges 6- and 12-volt batteries. It features a large face, clear-view amp meter with an easy-to-read graduated scale.

Clore’s Jump-N-Carry 1100 Peak Amp 12 Volt Jump Starter Now Features Automatic Charging

The JNC4000 jump starter delivers 1100 peak amps and 325 cranking amps of jump-starting power from its Clore PROFORMER battery, which is specifically designed for vehicle jump-starting.

Tech Tip: BMW Intermittent No-Start Problem With A Dead Battery

Some 2006 BMW vehicle owners may complain that their BMW has an intermittent no-start problem and the battery has gone dead. This may be the result of an incorrect battery or the comfort access module.

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.

Tech Tip: Nissan Xterra Hesitates Upon Acceleration

The technician connected a scan tool and found code P0102 – Mass or Volume Air Flow “A” Circuit Low. He then performed an inspection of the mass airflow (MAF) sensor and related wiring harness, but found no obvious faults.

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.

Diagnosing Blown Fuses

Problems that occur based on temperature can be triggered with a test drive or a heat gun. A spray bottle can be utilized to simulate moisture. If the failure of the fuse is related to movement, a shake down test can be performed by slightly tugging on the wiring harnesses until the circuit breaker or PTC opens.

Tech Feature: Ignition Coil Diagnostics

Import Specialist Gary Goms says there are a variety of opinions about how to test ignition coils and ignition systems. The most basic method is measuring a coil’s primary and secondary resistance. If a coil doesn’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications, it should be considered defective. But meeting primary and secondary resistance specifications on the bench is no guarantee that the coil will perform correctly under extreme heat and load.

GMs, Hummers And Saabs May Experience Intermittent MIL With DTC P2138 And Reduced Power

Some customers may comment on an intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) being illuminated with a message or an indicator that displays Reduced Engine Power. The technician may observe on a scan tool DTC P2138 – Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation set as Current or in History.