Wisconsin Bill Would Allow Repair Shops to Conduct Emissions Tests
A bill that is moving through the Wisconsin State Legislature would allow vehicle owners to get their required emissions tests done at their local repair shop instead of having to go to a testing station.
Tech Tip: GM Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure
Instances of repeated Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor failure on General Motors applications utilizing the remote-mounted Delco unit can often be traced to an engine back-fire condition. The sudden intake pressure buildup can induce cracking of the heated element resulting in MAF sensor failure.
Tech Feature: Detecting Misfires in OBD II Engines
With OBD II, there’s no missing misfires. Most engine control systems with OBD II monitor the speed of the crankshaft between cylinder firings to detect misfires. The powertrain control module (PCM) notes the relative position of the crankshaft via the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) each time a trigger pulse is sent to the ignition system.
Catalytic Converter Tech Feature: Diagnosing P0420 or P0430 DTCs
Although modern OBD II technology has simplified catalytic converter diagnostics, it’s still important to understand the basics of catalytic converter operation when dealing with a P0420 or P0430 DTC. Gary Goms explores the basics of catalytic converter chemistry and summarizes how common converter failures can be diagnosed.
Tech Feature: Making $ (Money) with Mode $06
Mode $06 is one of the nine diagnostic modes that is part of the OBD II on-board diagnostics system on all 1996 and newer vehicles.
What is Mode $06 and the other OBD II Modes?
OBD II modes are organized into nine categories, each of which is assigned a particular mode number preceded by a $ sign to symbolize the hexadecimal code it represents.
Tech Feature: Boosting Profits Through Turbocharger Services
A turbo’s basic purpose is to boost power, so when an otherwise healthy engine suddenly becomes anemic, it often (but not always) means turbo trouble.
Tech Tip: Loss of Power Assist to the Chrysler Minivan
During high humidity climate conditions, some Chrysler, Dodge or Plymouth vehicles may experience a momentary loss of power assist for the steering when turning corners with the A/C or defroster on or recently on. This Tech Tip describes two repair procedures depending on the diagnosis.
Tech Tip: Honda MIL Comes On
The MIL comes on with one or more of these evaporative DTCs stored: P0451 (FTP sensor circuit range/performance problem); P0452 (FTP sensor circuit low voltage); P0453 (FTP sensor circuit high voltage); P1454 (FTP sensor circuit range/performance problem).
Wells Manufacturing Reports Strong Traffic to Web and YouTube Diagnostic Videos
The new video series – which already tackles more than a dozen common vehicle service topics – is also available for free viewing via the customer-focused Wells website.
Tech Feature: Engine Technology Gets a Boost
As a technician, you’ll need to understand how Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine works, since the automaker plans to incorporate it in 90% of its new vehicles over the next three years.
Tech Feature: Acquiring Data on Scan Tools, Part II
Technical contributor Gary Goms discuss the importance of choosing the right scan tool, using scan tool database systems, graphing data, storing data for future use, analyzing scan tool data and using bi-directional controls.