20 Years of OBDII Connection
In 1994, select Toyota, GM and Ford models were sold with OBDII emission systems. To the amazement of many technicians, all of these models came with the same diagnostic connector called the data link connector or DLC. In 1995, 40 percent of vehicles sold had a common DLC. By the 1996 model year, all vehicles
Chevrolet: Navigation Information Not Displaying Accurate Location
Customers may complain the navigation radio is not displaying the correct vehicle location icon on the map accurately after a radio or battery has been replaced or after battery power has been removed from the radio. The vehicle location icon accuracy may be degraded if the GPS signal is not available and the GPS displayed
What’s a Battery?
The first documented battery that used two dissimilar metals with an electrolyte between them was invented in 1800. Known as the voltaic pile after its inventor, Volta, this early battery consisted of copper and zinc discs piled on top of each other, separated by a layer of cloth or heavy paper soaked in a
Installing Spark Plugs: Torque and Gap Are Critical
When installing spark plugs, a technician must be aware of the torque specifications for that particular plug. Remember that either overtorquing or undertorquing a spark plug will affect the quality of the installation and the performance of the vehicle’s engine. If a spark plug is undertorqued, it will be loose in the cylinder and, as
The Benefits and Innerworkings of Throttle-By-Wire
A simple cable linking the gas pedal to the throttle plate just wasn’t good enough for engineers, who have now complicated the design with throttle-by-wire. Why do engineers do these things to us? That expensive throttle body can’t be cheaper than a little throttle cable — or can it? Does this design provide any advantages
Honda Oil Pressure Switch Issues
The following Tech Tip comes courtesy of ALLDATA We have noticed an increase in oil pressure switch-related problems with late-model Honda vehicles recently. Two switches that seem to be consistently problematic are the rocker arm oil pressure switch and the engine oil pressure switch. Each exhibits a unique set of symptoms, but the fix is
Driveability Diagnostics and Direct Injection
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. Years ago, all a low-level technician needed to diagnose a fuel problem was a set of “noid lights,” a fuel pressure gauge and maybe a meter. These
A/C Oil Service: Avoid Compressor Failure With Proper Maintenance
HVAC systems often fail because the air conditioning compressor fails. Not following the proper service procedures or compressor oil recommendations could be factors that contribute to premature compressor failure. Refrigerant Since the mid-‘90s, all vehicles have been using R-134a refrigerant, but soon, vehicles will arrive at your shop equipped with R-1234yf refrigerant. This is the
How Ford’s New Grille Shutters Control Airflow
Some new Ford vehicles feature active grille shutters — a new system that optimizes aerodynamics by using vents to control airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment. If air is required to cool the engine, the vents are opened. If no airflow is needed, the vents are shut, contributing to significantly
How Engine Coolant Temperature Sensors Influence The Modern Powertrain
Considering that roughly 1,500 or more different vehicle models are introduced into our domestic market each year, it’s becoming more difficult to predict how a powertrain control module (PCM) will utilize data from a particular sensor or detect an out-of-range sensor in any single vehicle platform. The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor provides a
Diagnosing Power Steering Loss on a 2008 Ford Escape
The vehicle in question is a 2008 Ford Escape with a 3.0-L engine. The customer complaints are as follows: The steering wheel will turn by itself; at times, usually when turning, the vehicle will lose all power steering assist; and occasionally, while turning, the vehicle’s steering seems shaky. The 2008 and newer Escape models use
Cartridge Oil Filter Tips
Cartridge oil filters account for a large number of oil filter applications in the field. The chances of improperly installing a cartridge oil filter are greater than with a spin-on filter. The key is to take your time, inspect before installing and follow the tips below. Use the correct tool to remove the housing. Just
