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
Fuel Injector Diagnostics
Why do fuel injectors become clogged or have spray pattern problems? The answer involves a little bit of chemistry and a lot of heat.
OBDII Port Diagnostics
When it comes to data bus diagnostics, a lot can be done with just an OBDII connector breakout box, meter and a scope.
Spark Plug Diagnostics
If you are replacing spark plugs to solve a misfire problem, you might want to take a look at the original plugs to make sure you are replacing them for the right reasons.
Harmonic Dampener Diagnostics
Every time a cylinder fires, the crankshaft speeds up a very small amount for a short period of time. It is then slowed down as the next cylinder in the firing order compresses air and fuel for the next combustion event.
Solving Carbon Deposits In Direct Fuel Injection Engines
When the early direct-injection engines hit the three-year or 30,000-mile mark, some developed driveablity problems due to carbon buildup on the necks of the intake valves.
Remote Diagnostics On Cars: The Future, Or Future Headache?
When I talk to technicians and shop owners about “remote diagnostics,” I find that there are many different levels of understanding as to what that term means. It’s clear that for many, the perception is that remote diagnostics means the ability to read codes.
Serial Data Bus Diagnostics
If serial data buses did not exist, a wiring harness would have to be five times its normal size and use twice as many sensors to deliver the same level of functionality and safety we see in the modern vehicle.
Power Steering Dynamics And Diagnostics
Twenty-five years ago, when the power steering failed, diagnosing the system was easy. The most difficult problem to diagnose was the “morning sickness” that plagued some Âvehicles when they were cold. Today, the introduction of speed sensitive steering, electric power steering and computer controls have made power steering diagnostics more demanding.
Coil-On-Plug Diagnostics: Toyota Tundra
Sometimes simple = complex. For example, the modern coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system is perhaps among the simplest to diagnose, but to illustrate the complexities, let’s look at how a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4.0L V6 might record various misfire codes.
