Gonzo’s Toolbox: I Smell a ‘Rat’
A 2002 Lexus LS430 came in the shop earlier this year. It was stumbling and sounded rough. It had a slight misfire but, overall, the owner said he couldn’t feel it vibrate. The check engine light was on and it didn’t seem to have the power it used to have. There were two codes, P1310 (misfire on #3 cylinder) and P0330 (knock sensor code). I figured I better start with the misfire code and see where it leads. It could be that the knock code was a result of the misfire.
Tech Update: HVAC Diagnostics
Leave it to the OEMs to take a simple system like heating and air conditioning and turn it into an electronic jumble of wiring, sensors and computer components.
K-I-S-S Method: Listen to the Customer Before You Grab the Scanner
An older gentleman came to the shop with wipers that would not turn off. This customer was insistent that it had to be a serious malfunction. He was so sure of himself that it made me think there was something seriously wrong with the car.
Transmission Update: Speed Sensor Diagnostics
Weird and unusual problems are my bread and butter diagnostics. By the time these odd problems get to me the owner of the vehicle has more than likely reached their threshold of poor diagnostics skills and bad results. Their opinion of every technician out there comes down to the same inevitable answer: “We’re all the same.” I doubt that very seriously. It’s almost laughable when you start quizzing them on where they had their car prior to bringing it in.
Airbag Service and Diagnostics: What You Need to Know
Since 1998, all new cars have been required to have Supplemental Restraint Systems as standard equipment. A study done in December 2001 found that a record was set with 7,585 confirmed prevented deaths by proper airbag/seatbelt usage. If that isn’t enough to make you appreciate the airbag systems in today’s cars, I don’t know what will.
Ford Reflash Tech Tip: PC Settings
So, you’ve just finished up a Ford, and you’re about to try and start it up. However, it needs programmed. You’ve decided to use a J2534 tool, but there are certain things you’ll need to consider before purchasing that subscription at www.motorcraftservice.com.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Second Guessing a Second Opinion
Who out there knows everything about automotive repair? Who out there has seen it all, and wouldn’t be surprised if something so common to do now turns out to be not so common? Well, one thing is for sure, it is not me. I learn something new about this crazy car business every day. Especially when it comes to the electronics in today’s cars.
Boosted Brakes: A look at the history of power-assisted brakes.
Since we are talking brakes, let’s do a little comparison of the most popular brake systems that brought us away from dragging a flat plate against the wagon wheel or mashing your foot down on a mechanical linkage arm that eventually either slowed the car down or gave you one really strong leg. What I’m talking about is the power-assisted brake systems we find on modern cars and trucks.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Three Gallons of Trouble
One of my regular customers brought his son into the shop the other day. It was right at opening time and good old dad made it a point to tell his son: “Gonzo probably hasn’t had his coffee yet, so go easy on the old guy.” He was right about the coffee, but that still didn’t prepare me for the story I was about to hear.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Why Men Do ‘Manly’ Things
Some male patrons tend to want to “talk to the mechanic” verses talking to the front-desk person. Especially if that person is female. In my case, the front desk person is my daughter. She has seen it all and is very knowledgeable, I might add. Ask her a car question, any question, and she’ll have
Tech Tip: Cam and Crank Sensor Diagnosis
Today’s cars have several different methods of producing spark and setting fuel injector pulses. All of the sensors create a nominal voltage by way of what is referred to as a “Hall effect,” either from an external magnet mounted on the cam gear or body of the distributor housing, or it has its own small magnet inside itself and the Hall effect is created by passing the sensor over or near a piece of slotted metal.
Gonzo’s Tool Box: Why Men Do Manly Things
Men don’t listen to their wives when they’re driving the car. Real men just drive until the gas gauge reads empty and then stop while the wife goes inside for directions. When she gets back, she very gently explains how to get back on the correct highway. Now why is that? Wrong body chemistry I guess. But, the same thing holds true at the repair shop.