Emissions Diagnostics: Using Your Scan Tool
With an understanding of the cause of emissions problems and a scan tool, a tech is already ahead in the diagnostic game.
Emissions System Diagnosis Starts with a Vacuum Test
Grab your vacuum gauge and your fuel pressure gauge — we’re going to delve into the tools and equipment involved and the information you need to know to pass the X1 ASE Certification Test section that focuses on emissions system diagnosis.
Beyond the Warranty Maintenance Checklist
What happens after the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties wear out? If you look at any factory-recommended service intervals, after 100,000 miles they cease to exist. What does it take to keep a vehicle going for 120,000, 180,000 or 250,000 miles? The key is maintenance and
BMW Fuel System Repair Essentials
The BMW N54 fuel pump recall a few years ago brought to light the importance of the integrity of the fuel system and how it can contribute to the overall reliability of a vehicle. These fuel quality issues apply to all BMW vehicles with either port or direct injection. The underlying message here is that if the cleanliness and overall integrity of the fuel tank is ignored, it will damage any fuel pump. This is why addressing the fuel tank is essential during any pump replacement to prevent costly comebacks that can also hurt your reputation.
Thumping Noise At Cold Start On Honda Accord
Honda Accord owners may report a thump as the ignition switch is released from the start position or as the engine starts. This noise sounds similar to a rubber mallet striking the frame and occurs only on a cold start (the vehicle has been sitting for some time, usually overnight).
Solving Hard Brake Pedal Complaints On Subaru Vehicles
Some Subaru owners may experience a hard brake pedal (high effort) in extreme cold weather. Braking ability gets better as air temperature rises. The vacuum hose in these vehicles has an in-line check valve. Moisture can accumulate in the valve. In cold weather, the moisture freezes, blocking the vacuum to the booster, which causes the need for greater brake effort.
Diagnosing EGR And Secondary Air Systems
The perfect internal combustion vehicle would be able to put the exact amount of fuel and air into the combustion chamber. If the perfect combustion event happened, you would get nothing more than water and carbon dioxide. We are not there yet. In the mean time, we have exhaust gas recirculation systems (EGR), secondary air injection and catalytic converters.
Platinum prices, catalytic converter thefts on the rise?
Platinum miners in South Africa went on strike toward the end of January. This situation half a world away could have real impact on the price, sales and safety of catalytic converters. Also, read how some resourceful shops are marketing services to guard against the rise in catalytic converter thefts.
How Does The EGR And Secondary Air Injection Work With The Catalytic Converter?
The perfect internal combustion vehicle would be able to put the exact amount of fuel and air into the combustion chamber. If the perfect combustion event happened, you would get nothing more than water and carbon dioxide. There would not be any unburned fuel or oxygen. What would be needed to make this happen? Direct injection into the combustion chamber is a good start. You would also need the perfect combustion chamber free from hot spots – areas of unwanted turbulence or carbon build up. In the mean time, we have exhaust gas recirculation systems (EGR), secondary air injection and catalytic converters to reduce emissions
ASE Undercar X1 Specialist Certification: Not What You Would Expect
Are you one of the 7,570 technicians who are ASE-Certified Undercar Specialists? If not, you should be. I recently took the X1 Exhaust Test to qualify as an Undercar Specialist. To gain this certification you must be concurrently certified for Suspension & Steering (A4) and Brakes (A5) from the Automobile & Light Truck Test Series, and Exhaust Systems (X1) from the Specialty Test Series.
Tenneco Reaching Automotive Professionals And Consumers Through Training Videos On YouTube
Tenneco says it is reaching thousands of automotive professionals and consumers as it continues to add hands-on technical training and product videos to the “TennecoInc” aftermarket channel on YouTube.
Mitchell 1 Introduces 2014 Emission Control Application Guide
Mitchell 1 announces the release of its 2014 Emission Control Application Guide (ECAT14) for domestic and import cars, light trucks, vans (diesel engines) and Class ‘A’ motor homes with gasoline engines, model years 1966 – 2014. The new guide provides vehicle-specific emission system information for repair shops that perform smog inspections.