Uncovering Potential Repair Issues On Mazda3
In this article, we’ll take a look at routine services on a Mazda3 and some of the more common problems that may be uncovered as they are performed. Our shop has always subscribed to 30,000-, 60,000- and 90,000-mile major service intervals with oil changes and inspections at a maximum of 5,000 miles. That may not exactly match the factory recommendations, but it works well for our customers and us, and covers all of the recommended services.
Tech Tip: Audi MIL Is On
If an Audi customer complains that the engine has reduced performance without a significant loss of power or stalling, verify if Campaign 28F2/J1 has been performed (model years 2002-’07 only). Also determine if the vehicle is experiencing rough idle, the MIL is flashing or constantly illuminated, or one or more of the following DTCs are stored: DTC P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected); or DTC P0301-P0312 (Cyl. 1-12 Misfire Detected).
Tech Tip: Fuel Delivery System
In the last decade, fuel delivery systems have evolved to become a state-of-the-art technology. Changes were made without the service technician having to learn a lot more on how to maintain and service the fuel delivery systems. But one part that has been constantly getting upgraded each and every year is the fuel pump.
Beck/Arnley Adds 629 New Foreign Nameplate Part Numbers In First Half Of 2013
Beck/Arnley announces 629 new part numbers were added to its line of premium quality, genuine foreign nameplate products during the first six months of 2013. Highlights include two new OE Quality Hydraulic Fluids for European applications.
GM Belt Tensioner May Cause Supercharger Failure
When the belt tensioner starts to fail, belt tension increases dramatically. This tension shows up as side-loading in the supercharger rear bearing.
Wells Introduces More Than 80 New Parts Covering 34.6 Million Late-Model Vehicles
Professional automotive technicians now have access to 84 additional sensors, switches and emissions, ignition and fuel injection parts covering approximately 34.6 million late-model vehicles through the latest expansion of the Wells Vehicle Electronics product line.
Delphi Product & Service Solutions Adds 73 Reman Diesel Injectors, 16 Reman Injection Pumps For 3.4 Million Vehicles
Delphi Product & Service Solutions (DPSS) has added 73 remanufactured diesel injectors cover more than 2 million light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles from 1985 to 2010, including Chevrolet, Dodge, Audi, Volkswagen, Ford, International and Advance Mixer vehicles. The 16 remanufactured injection pumps cover more than 1.4 million light-duty vehicles from 1989-2005 for Ford, GM and Dodge vehicles.
Diagnostic Solutions: Variable Camshaft Timing And Back Pressure Issues
When the topic of variable valve timing (VVT) comes up in import repair shops, few realize that the concept of increasing low- and high-speed engine torque by automatically advancing and retarding valve timing isn’t a recent development. For example, I recently discovered an old variable camshaft timing gear that I bought during the 1960s featuring a torsion spring device that retards valve timing in response to the increased rotating torque needed to turn the camshaft at higher engine speeds.
Volkswagen Feature: Don’t Miss Out On Missed Maintenance
“We don’t work on those V8s.” I’ve often heard that said in reference to the 4.2L VW and Audi 8 cylinders. Some criticisms are that the timing belts require too many special tools and you can’t see the engine. I hear a lot of excuses when it comes to V8 Audis and VWs, but, in reality, they are not much different than the V6s and most models don’t require too many special tools. There are many shops that don’t want to do a timing belt replacement on the 4.2 V8, but it’s time to buy the tools and stop sending good paying jobs to competitors.
Breaking Down Why Engine Oil Breaks Down
First off, all oil breaks down. That generally will include base stocks and additives. Without focusing on performance characteristics, the most significant difference from one oil to another is how quickly breakdown occurs. Although there are many factors that contribute to the breakdown of an oil, heat is one of the most important.
Tech Tip: Chrysler’s Engine Experiences No Crank/No Start Condition Due To Electronic Lockup Of WCM/SKREEM
The customer will experience a no engine crank and a no engine start condition. Also, the remote keyless entry (RKE) system will not operate. This condition may be due to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) from the ignition key into the WCM, causing the WCM to electronically lockup. This condition may occur more frequently in dry and/or cold weather conditions where a sufficient electrostatic charge is more easily produced. This condition is corrected by the replacement of the WCM.
Tech Tip: Ford/Mercury’s Engine Stalling On Engagement/Stopping
Some 2005-’08 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles equipped with a CD4E automatic transaxle and built from Aug. 1, 2004 through Feb. 15, 2007, may exhibit an engine stall when coming to a stop or when engaging the transmission into drive or reverse.