Modern Fuel Control Diagnostics: Sorting Through The Data Stream Maze
Adapted from Gary Gom’s article in ImportCar. When confronted with a fuel control problem on a modern vehicle, I’ll normally use short- and long-term fuel trims to determine if the problem is caused by one of many failures, such as a vacuum leak or a leaking fuel pressure Âregulator. If you’re like me, you’ll
Making The Case For Copper Spark Plugs
Even the most advanced precious-metal spark plugs are, at their heart, made of copper. The center electrode contains a copper core, surrounded by a nickel alloy, which helps combat wear and corrosion.
Tech Tip: Nissan Versa EVAP Codes
Perform this service procedure if a Nissan Versa’s MIL is “ON” with with certain EVAP codes tripped, and the EVAP vent control valve is stuck open or will not seal when operated/closed.
Diagnosing Flood-Damaged Vehicles
While minor flooding at intersections often doesn’t cause many problems other than rusted brakes, major flooding can damage most of the mechanical and electrical components found in the engine and passenger compartments.
Alignment Jobs: 10 Tips To Increase Productivity
These 10 tips will allow future alignment jobs to be completed more quickly and efficiently. This article reminds techs to check steering angle sensors, look at tire pressure before performing an alignment, and take notes.
Volkswagen Tiguan Brake Job
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV built on the A5 platform that is shared with the Golf and Jetta. The brake system is straightforward, but it has two quirks that can make a brake job difficult: a vacuum pump and electric parking brakes.
Stability Control And Brake Jobs
Automotive technology continues to evolve in several directions. While many manufacturers are concentrating on electric and hybrid technology, higher mileage, and smaller and lighter vehicles, others are focused on performance, horsepower and ever-higher top speeds.
Brake Tech Tip: Low Sinking Or Spongy Brake Pedal
When diagnosing a master cylinder, keep in mind the type of seals that are used are lip cup seals. This design allows for the seal to improve as the pressure increases. Another feature of this seal is that it does not create a vacuum when the piston retracts.
Direct Injection And Carbon Deposits
In 1985, Saab began using the new Bosch LH fuel injection system, and Volvo and other carmakers followed suit. The system worked such that incoming air passed through an airflow meter that sent a signal to the engine ECU telling it how much air was going into the engine. The coolant temp sensor then told the ECU how cold or warm the Âengine was, and it opened and closed the injectors when needed.
Tech Tip: Increased Brake Pedal And Steering Effort
It may be possible to restore proper brake and steering operation by flushing the system. After cleaning, if the filter and fluid show obvious signs of hose contamination, all hoses must be replaced and both fluid and the in-line filter changed again.
Tech Tip: Mitsubishi Front Brake Ringing Noise
Customers may complain of a high-pitch noise from the front brakes during a low-speed light brake application.
Servicing Wheel Ends
The trucking industry has a confusing term it uses called “wheel ends.” The term covers (brakes, hubcaps, tires, seals, lubricant, bearings and spindle nuts. A 16 wheeler truck can mean more than 10 wheel ends units that can go bad.
