Tooling Up For The Diagnostic Process
Automotive trainer John Forro advocates knowing your tooling needs and developing a strong relationship with those tools. Knowing a tool’s capabilities and limitations will help you advance your diagnostic process.
Japanese Auto Masters: Shop’s Customer Service Philosophy Hinges On The ‘Golden Rule’
Tom and Cindi Potter have had quite the adventure when it comes to the location of their successful import shop, Japanese Auto Masters in Virginia Beach, VA. The husband-and-wife team opened the shop in 1982 at a time when few independent repair shops focused on Asian vehicles.
OBD II Misfire And Diagnosis
When diagnosing misfires, it’s important to use tools that allow you to go beyond a simple code reader that displays a P03XX. Even an OEM-level scan tool can’t tell you what the firing voltage is or what the ignition pattern looks like. Nor can it tell you if the serial data is accurate or correct. For that kind of information you need a DVOM or a graphing multimeter/oscilloscope that can look at sensor voltages directly and display primary and secondary ignition patterns.
Pulling Codes: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction
Pulling a P0135 Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1) code means you’re dealing with a possible oxygen sensor heater element and/or associated components in this circuit. This article provides a game plan for diagnosing a vehicle with this code.
PaceSetter Offers Direct-Fit Manifold Catalytic Converter For Mazda 6 S
PaceSetter Direct-Fit Manifold Converters utilize mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing for maximum efficiency and CNC-machined thick steel flanges for a factory-like fit and good seal, said the company. In addition, these Direct Fit Manifold Converters (#757465 &757466) have fittings for the O2 Sensor and A.I.R. Injection.
Diagnosing EGR And Secondary Air Systems
The perfect internal combustion vehicle would be able to put the exact amount of fuel and air into the combustion chamber. If the perfect combustion event happened, you would get nothing more than water and carbon dioxide. We are not there yet. In the mean time, we have exhaust gas recirculation systems (EGR), secondary air injection and catalytic converters.
Platinum prices, catalytic converter thefts on the rise?
Platinum miners in South Africa went on strike toward the end of January. This situation half a world away could have real impact on the price, sales and safety of catalytic converters. Also, read how some resourceful shops are marketing services to guard against the rise in catalytic converter thefts.
Air Filter Fuel Trim Diagnostics
The modern engine measures two things extremely well, the amount of air going into the combustion chamber with the mass airflow sensor (MAF), and the byproducts that are generated by the combustion event with the oxygen sensor. These measurements allow the engine’s computer to put the right amount of fuel and spark into the cylinder to give the most efficient and cleanest combustion event.
Pulling Codes: Advanced Misfire and Fuel Trim Analysis, Part 2
Contributing writer Carlton Banks continues with his series on Advanced Misfire and Fuel Trim Analysis, using fuel trims and oxygen sensor behavior to determine if the misfire activity is ignition, engine mechanical or fuel related. This article focuses on fuel-related misfires.
PaceSetter Performance Products Offers Direct Fit Catalytic Converter For 2004-2007 Nissan Murano, 3.5L Engine
PaceSetter Performance Products now offers a direct fit catalytic converter for the 2004-2007 Nissan Murano with the 3.5L engine. PaceSetter Direct-Fit Catalytic Converters utilize mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing for maximum efficiency and CNC-machined thick steel flanges for a factory-like fit and good seal, said the company.
Digital Edition Of January Brake & Front End Magazine Is Now Available
The digital version of the January issue of Brake & Front End magazine is now available on-line. Access the easy-to-view digital version that features articles on Aluminum Suspensions, Catalytic Converters, Copper Regulations, Dodge Alignment Specs, TPMS, a host of tech tips, and more!
How Does The EGR And Secondary Air Injection Work With The Catalytic Converter?
The perfect internal combustion vehicle would be able to put the exact amount of fuel and air into the combustion chamber. If the perfect combustion event happened, you would get nothing more than water and carbon dioxide. There would not be any unburned fuel or oxygen. What would be needed to make this happen? Direct injection into the combustion chamber is a good start. You would also need the perfect combustion chamber free from hot spots – areas of unwanted turbulence or carbon build up. In the mean time, we have exhaust gas recirculation systems (EGR), secondary air injection and catalytic converters to reduce emissions