Converter Codes: How Long Will The Light Stay Out?
Even if the converter is operating below 95% efficiency or the oxygen sensor is bad, the chances of the light coming right back on are slim. If you clear the code, the light might stay off for a while until the system goes through two readiness cycles. This might take a couple of days or a couple of weeks. But, no good deed goes unpunished because the customer will be back and your quick fix will be forgotten.
Fuel Tank Installation: Avoiding The Second Drop
Nothing is worse than a comeback after a fuel tank has been dropped. Discovering that the fuel tank needs to be dropped again to address a problem can kill shop productivity and profitability. Below are tips that can help you avoid comebacks and dropping the fuel tank for a second time.
Intermittent Engine Misfire Analysis
Even for an experienced diagnostic technician, Âattempting to diagnose an intermittent misfire Âcondition that occurs only under specific driving conditions can be a frustrating exercise. Let’s begin by getting the basics out of the way. As we know, the general causes of a misfire fall under the Âgeneral headings of 1.) ignition, 2.) fuel density, 3.) compression and 4.) timing failures.
Loaded Caliper Installation Guidelines
Caliper replacement is often the best course of action to ensure that a braking system will perform at an optimal level, both in terms of safety, performance and maximizing brake pad life.
Kia Driveability Diagnostics: Chasing Intermittent Gremlins
This article looks at a 2004 Kia ÂSorrento that the owner says is losing power and stalling with no established pattern. It will run well for days or even weeks at a time without a problem, only to then act up without warning, but it always restarts.
Replacing Fuel Lines
As vehicles are lasting longer, the chances the fuel lines will spring a leak are increasing. The main reason metal fuel lines fail is corrosion, but most corrosion starts when abrasive materials start to remove the paint or coating on the line. This can occur at a mounting bracket or from Âdebris kicked up from the tire.
Diagnosing Vibration Issues
Here is a primer on bent wheels, out-of-round tires and how to diagnose vibration issues.
Brake Hardware Is Often Overlooked
Many motorists don’t realize how important new brake hardware is when replacing a set of brake pads or shoes. Disc brake hardware is just as important as the friction material in the pads when it comes to controlling noise and allowing the brakes to stop quietly.
Automotive Aftermarket Oil Filters Are Always Evolving
Mounting the oil filter housing on top of the engine rather than underneath makes for easier access and less mess. But, the main reason for the change is to make oil filter disposal more environmentally friendly.
False ABS, ESC Activation Causes And Cures
The first mass-produced anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were introduced in 1985. By 2008, almost every passenger vehicle came standard with ABS. Next, electronic stability control (ESC) became a mandated safety feature for the 2012 model year. Along with all these advancements have come false activation complaints.
Don’t ‘Blow By’ PCV Inspections
Anyone who services vehicles knows that the positive crankcase Âventilation (PCV) valve prevents crankcase blowby vapors from escaping into the atmosphere by siphoning the vapors back into the intake manifold so they can be reburned in the engine.
Ford’s World-First Knee Airbag In The Mustang
The all-new Ford Mustang is the first vehicle to be equipped with a new type of knee airbag that is integrated within the lid of the glove box, instead of the instrument panel, preserving maximum passenger space.
