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Secondary Ignition: The Art of Spark

What is a coil? From the beginning of the internal combustion engine, several different ignition systems have been used to create a high-energy spark. The most popular system, and the one that’s in use today, is a step-up coil. A coil is nothing more than a transformer, and like any transformer, it has two separate

secondary ignition
Diagnosing Catalytic Converter Failure Symptoms

Although construction can vary according to engine application, the common three-way catalytic converter contains a reduction and oxidation stage. To create maximum surface area, each stage is generally a ­ceramic or stainless steel honeycomb substrate covered with a rough silica and alumina wash coat. Both stages of the converter are coated with precious metal catalysts

catalytic converter diagnostics
7 Reasons Direct-Injection High-Pressure Fuel Pumps Fail

Don’t be scared by direct fuel injection diagnostics. In theory, these systems operate on the same principles as port fuel injection, but direct injection can inject more precise amounts of fuel into the combustion chamber so the engine can run leaner and more efficient. The key to direct injection is a high-pressure fuel pump. This

direct injectors
What To Do With Used Hybrid Batteries

The nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery is the best and most common hybrid battery so far, and the sheer volume of them is staggering. NiHM batteries have been in use for well over 15 years, and out of the more than 7 million hybrid cars on the road worldwide, 90% have NiMH battery packs. Then,

hybrid battery
Ford: Smoke From Vehicle When Starting

Vehicle: 2005 Ford Taurus SE, 3.0L Complaint: The customer says smoke comes from vehicle when starting. Cause: Confirmed the customer’s complaint and found smoke coming from the vehicle when the engine was started. Inspected the vehicle and found an unusual smell coming from the starter motor. With the ignition in the start position, used a

Ford smoke from engine
R-1234yf Safety Procedure Checklist

Remember that R-1234yf is only mildly flammable. To become flammable, the mixture of air and refrigerant in a closed area like a vehicle cabin would need to be between 6.5% and 12.3% of the chemical vapor. This mixture must then experience a significant amount of energy to ignite it. In some lab tests, a spark

R1234yf safety procedures
Refrigerant Revolution: What R-1234yf Means for Service, Equipment, Safety

The new R-1234yf refrigerant is more than just a new jumble of numbers and letters on a label. For your shop, R-1234yf means several new procedures, a certification and new equipment in order to properly handle these new systems. Why the difference in handling and servicing R-1234yf systems versus R-134a? The reason is flammability. Don’t

r1234yf vehicle service
Spark Plug Replacement

Every time a spark plug fires, the spark burns a few molecules of metal off the plug’s electrodes. Over time, this eats away the electrodes and rounds off their sharp edges. The erosion gradually increases the gap between the electrodes, which, in turn, increases the firing voltage required to generate a spark. Eventually the point

spark plug replacement
Remember the Filters During an AutomaticTransmission Fluid Evacuation Service

Fluid evacuation systems in the automatic transmission service industry are commonly being used in lieu of traditional transmission service methods. The use of this method to replace the transmission fluid is a clean, efficient and safe way to remove hot oil from a transmission. However, there are some risks to doing a fluid evacuation service.

Transmission Filter service tips
Oldsmobile: Engine Overheats, Replaced Engine Coolant Thermostat

Model: 2003 Oldsmobile Alero Complaint The customer states the engine is overheating. Sometimes DTC P0125 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Insufficient for Closed Loop Fuel Control will be present. Cause Observed the engine coolant temperature gauge, and found the engine coolant temperature exceeded allowable specifications. Observed the engine, and confirmed the engine cooling fan was operating

Engine overheat oldsmobile
Avoid Alternator Returns, Make Peace With Your Parts Suppliers

If the charging voltage is low, or the alternator isn’t putting out enough current to keep up with the electrical loads that are placed upon it, don’t automatically assume the starter or alternator is bad and needs to be replaced (unless you’re bench testing the unit out of the vehicle). Many times an alternator is

Alternator failures
Selling the Complete Serpentine Belt Job

Technicians and customers have pretty much accepted that the accessory serpentine drive belt should be replaced between 90,000 to 100,000 miles. It is a “slam dunk” sale to just replace the belt, but does that replacement belt have the same chance to survive the same mileage? Chances are in the next 90,000 to 100,000 miles

Serpentine belt inspection