Top 10 Mercedes-Benz Repair Tips
With new vehicle sales topping 17.8 million units, and import nameplate VIO also on the rise, you’ll be seeing more imports that are in need of repair. And, with the increasing complexity and interconnectivity of vehicle systems, diagnostic expertise becomes all the more important. With that said, we bring you this collection of Mercedes-Benz repair tips to aid your service efforts.
Audi Fuel System Diagnostics
When a 2009 Audi A4 was towed in the other day, and Code P0087/16471 “Fuel System Rail Pressure Too Low” was found stored in the ECM, it was way too easy for my tech to say, “I bet it needs a new high-pressure pump.” If I were a betting man, he would have lost. It seems that nine times out of 10, it does need a high-pressure pump, but there are other problems that will set that code.
Toyota Hybrid Oil Change
Does the thought of changing the oil on a Toyota Prius scare you? Are you afraid you could be shocked with more than 200 volts? Don’t be afraid, changing the oil is not radically different than any other Toyota.
Honda Electrical System Diagnostics
Honda charging systems won’t present many problems for the experienced tech, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. It’s our experience that the charge indicator lamp on the dash does a good job of keeping the system in check – of course, that assumes the light is working as it should.
Honda Electrical System Diagnostics
Honda charging systems won’t present many problems for the experienced tech, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. It’s our experience that the charge indicator lamp on the dash does a good job of keeping the system in check – of course, that assumes the light is working as it should.
Intermittent Engine Misfire Analysis
Even for an experienced diagnostic technician, attempting to diagnose an intermittent misfire condition 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 general headings of 1.) ignition, 2.) fuel density, 3.) compression and 4.) timing failures.
Engine Coolant Temperature Diagnostics
While old-school cooling system service often focused on coolant leaks and overheating engines, let’s begin thinking “new-school” by looking at modern cooling systems through the eyes of the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor.
Toyota Charging System Diagnostics
According to my experience, I estimate that replacing the alternator solves 95% of all charging system failures. If that’s true, what happens in the remaining 5% of charging system failures that results in customer comebacks?
Emissions Codes: Mercedes-Benz Case Study
If the MIL is on, or even commanded on, with no current code related to emissions, it can be cause for a failure. The vehicle will still be scanned for codes and readiness flags will be checked, but an MIL on with the engine running will almost always spell “failure.”
Service Advisor: Diagnostic Tests for Catalytic Converters, O2 Sensors
The X1 ASE Certification Test has a section (eight questions) focused on emissions system diagnosis.
