Car Engine Electronic Control Systems
What Kills An Ignition Coil?

Modern ignition coils are typically located between two camshafts on the valve cover and exposed to dirt and oil. But, even if a coil is mounted in a cool, clean and vibration-free environment, if the gap on the spark plug is not correct or there are issues with high resistance in the cylinder, it won’t take long for a coil to fail.

Technology Corner: Singing In The Wires

The large majority of techs in service bays right now did not have a ground-up automotive education, and many of those who did certainly did not get a ground-up electrical education. This is no indictment of anyone, just cold, hard facts.

Picking The Right Spark Plug

If you are ordering spark plugs, the number of choices on your parts screen has grown out of control. From choosing the manufacturer to the electrode design it can be very confusing when selecting the right plug for the customer. But, if you understand why the manufacturer specified a particular plug technology, you can pick the correct replacement plug.

VIDEO: Syncing The Intelligent Proximity Key On Nissan Vehicles

Andrew Markel discusses a TSB which describes the syncing procedure when an Intelligent Key stops working with its vehicle. Sponsored by Nissan.

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VIDEO: Module Communication Codes? Check The Alternator

Andrew Markel talks about AC voltage and what to test for when module communication codes appear while a vehicle is on the road. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

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Alternator Ripple Testing: The Ghost In The Machine

Before computers and networks in vehicles, an alternator that was producing AC voltage or ripple through the electrical system would cause flickering lights and maybe an ignition problem. Today, excessive ripple voltage can cause communication issues with networks and communication DTCs in multiple modules.

VIDEO: When Can A Battery Freeze?

Andrew Markel discusses batteries in winter conditions, and how the state of charge can determine when it freezes. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

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Direct Fuel Injection Diagnostics

Direct injection is becoming standard on more and more late-model vehicles. These systems can be a diagnostic challenge but, with the right foundation, problems can be solved profitably.

Alternator Testing Tips

If only battery voltage is present at the battery on a running engine, does this mean the alternator is “bad?” No, it does not. It only means that the alternator is not charging, but does not reveal why. Therefore, it does not prove a faulty alternator.

VIDEO: How Misfire Codes Get Set

Andrew Markel discusses misfire codes, and how the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors detect rotational anomalies to set them. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

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VIDEO: Installing A Battery Vent Kit Properly

Andrew Markel discusses battery vent kits, and why installing them properly is essential to ensure proper ventilation of gases. Sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

Using Fuel And Ignition Waveforms Together

Fuel injector and secondary ignition waveforms can show the condition of the fuel and ignition system, and combined they can give you new insights on misfires and if they are related to the fuel or ignition system. Scan tools can tell you if there is a misfire and which cylinder is misfiring. Rarely will you be able to determine if it is the ignition coil and spark plug or if the fuel injector is causing a rich or lean condition. With a scope that has the correct probes, it is possible.