Exhaust & Emissions: Converters & O2 Sensors
What’s the most important emissions control device on a vehicle today? The catalytic converter, because it cleans up any exhaust pollutants that exit the engine. It’s a hot job (literally) with operating temperatures running between 600 to 1,000
Tech Tip: Air Flow Sensors – Understanding Their Function and Potential Problems
Most of us remember the "good old days" when an engine’s air/fuel (a/f) ratio was controlled by a mechanically operated carburetor. Due to the inherent design limitations of mechanical systems, however, carburetors don’t respond efficiently to changes in barometric pressure, temperature and humidity.
Tech Tip: Uncovering Brake Fluid Leaks on Acura Integras
The brake fluid level on 1994 Integras may be low in the ABS reservoir, and fluid may appear to be leaking from under the label on the ABS accumulator. The likely cause is that the ABS accumulator internal O-ring is damaged, allowing brake fluid to leak out.
Exhaust Parts
Too Much Weight
Diagnostic Solutions: Air Flow Sensors…Understanding Their Function & Potential Problems
Most of us remember the “good old days” when an engine’s air/fuel (a/f) ratio was controlled by a mechanically operated carburetor. Due to the inherent design limitations of mechanical systems, however, carburetors don’t respond efficiently to changes in barometric pressure, temperature and humidity. In the quest for improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions, import
Replacing Oxygen Sensor: Saving the Environment and Your Customer’s Catalytic Converter
The oxygen (O2) sensor is the master switch in the fuel control feedback loop. The sensor monitors the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust and produces a voltage signal that varies from about 0.1 volts (lean) to 0.9 volts (rich). The computer uses the O2 sensor’s signal to constantly fine tune and flip-flop the
Monitoring Emission Efficiency With O2 Sensors
As modern OBD II technology marches on, it’s clear that the zirconia-based oxygen sensor now is being sold more as a basic repair part than as a preventive maintenance part, and it changes the way we diagnose and sell oxygen sensors. To illustrate the difference, let’s remember that an oxygen sensor replacement used to be
OBD II Diagnostics: Checking into Mode $06
In this scan tool diagnostics article, we take a look at Mode $06 functions which govern non-continuous monitors (EVAP, catalyst, EGR, etc.)
Brake Tech Update: Uncovering Brake Fluid Leaks on Acura Integras
The brake fluid level on 1994 Integras may be low in the ABS reservoir, and fluid may appear to be leaking from under the label on the ABS accumulator. The likely cause is that the ABS accumulator internal O-ring is damaged, allowing brake fluid to leak out. Diagnosis: Remove the label from the ABS accumulator.
Checking into Mode $06
Mode 06 is the actual system test data that OBD II looks at when it decides to set a pending code or a current fault code. If the test data is within the limits established by the vehicle manufacturer, the item gets a PASS and no codes are set. But if a value is out of range, OBD II flags it with a FAIL and keeps an eye on the component until the system monitor has run at least twice. Then, if the problem is still there, a DTC is set and the MIL light comes on.
Selling Oxygen Sensors
As modern OBD II technology marches on, it’s clear that the zirconia-based oxygen sensor now is being sold more as a basic repair part than as a preventive maintenance part, and it changes the way we diagnose and sell oxygen sensors. To illustrate the difference, let’s remember that an oxygen sensor replacement used to be