Diagnostic Solutions: Air/Fuel Ratio Sensors
Diagnose and Solve the Root Cause of Sensor Failure Before Sensor Replacement
Cleaning Carbon from TDI Intake Systems
Volkwagen has been selling diesel-powered cars in the U.S. for almost 30 years. Turbocharged versions have been available for 25. That is a lot of experience and a testament to the development of a reliable, efficient and durable powerplant. The introduction and development of the TDI (turbocharged direct injection) brought the VW diesel into the
Performance Exhausts for Late-Model Vehicles
What’s hot in exhaust performance products? Bolt-on free-flowing exhaust systems for diesel trucks, big bore mufflers for sport compact cars, and low restriction street performance mufflers for cars like Mustangs, Pontiac G8s, Dodge Chargers and Chevy Corvettes. The diesel market has been really hot lately. Turbo diesel engines are a popular option in full-size Dodge,
Diagnostic Solutions: Exhausting the Possibilities…Performance Upgrades
Depending upon the market to which an import shop might be catering, the term “performance exhaust” can have two different meanings. The first market actively seeks out the throaty rumble and chrome-plated look as part of the street-driving scene. The second market installs an exhaust system that produces the most horsepower for a performance application.
Tech Tip: The PCM Relies on Good Information from the Oxygen Sensors
Do you know your oxygen sensors? Oxygen sensors have been used for more than a quarter of a century, dating back to 1980 when the first computerized engine control systems appeared. The oxygen (O2) sensor is part of the fuel management system. It monitors unburned oxygen in the exhaust. The powertrain control module (PCM) uses this information to determine if the fuel mixture is rich (too much fuel) or lean (not enough fuel) ….
Hot Tips From Hot Rod Builders
Sometimes the best opportunities are cleverly hidden in plain view. As one example, when Chris Lafferty of Lafferty Engine Creations was asked why he opted to expand beyond race engines into the hot rod and muscle car arenas, he snorted, “Just look outside.” His North Carolina facility sits squarely in the middle of both NASCAR
Mercedes: Addressing MIL Issues
‘Systems Operation’ Knowledge and Proper Equipment Saves Diagnostic Time and Speeds Repair Process It may not be a Mother-in-Law light, but the effect can be about the same. Just when you don’t want to see it, there it is! The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) has been around for more than 25 years, but since OBD
Honda Tech Tip: Dealing with EGR Issues
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) has been used for years to control combustion temperature to prevent spark knock as well as control NOx emissions. For the most part, these systems were trouble-free and required service only if you were dealing with a spark knock issue, or if the valve opened too early, resulting in a tip-in acceleration stumble, or the more common, bad idle quality caused by the valve not closing completely at idle.
Mitchell 1 Integrates Google Search into OnDemand5.com
Mitchell 1 announced today that a new Google search feature has been integrated into OnDemand5.com to allow users to find what they’re looking for faster and easier than ever before.
EGR Issues: Dealing with P0401 Codes
ht=”245″ alt=”” align=”right” /> As emission controls got tighter, and with the advent of OBD II, things started to change. We not only saw additional driveability complaints, but we also had the check engine light (CEL) telling the customer there was an emissions failure that had to be dealt with for the good of the
Mischievous Cats
By definition, a catalytic converter should last the lifetime of the vehicle. It can last this long because a catalyst is something that, just by being present, causes a reaction to other materials without itself being a participant in the reaction. However, real life has proven that the life span of a catalytic converter varies
Volvo Tech Tip: Updated Routing of O2 Sensor Wiring
New routing has been developed for oxygen sensor wiring on 1997-1998 Volvo 850 models, S70/V70/C70, to prevent contamination from reaching the probe’s reference air. If one oxygen sensor is replaced, the new adapter wiring must be installed for both sensors.