Featured Archives - Page 8 of 16 - UnderhoodService
GM HVAC Door Actuator Motors: Operation And Calibration

There are several types of electrically driven actuator motors used in today’s GM cars, and they all function differently. Keep reading for operation tips.

GM: Transmission Not Moving Or Excessive Slipping

When a GM 6L80/90 transmission finds its way into your shop with a complaint of no forward or reverse movement, or is slipping badly in all ranges, initial inspection may reveal a cracked or split sump filter. However, filter quality may not be the underlying issue.

Drivetrain Diagnostics Transmission
Solving Carbon Deposits In Direct Fuel Injection Engines

There are several fixes available to solve carbon buildup problems. The first is preventive maintenance. Scheduled oil changes can keep the camshaft actuators working in optimal condition to control the exposure of the intake valves.

Ford EcoBoost Engine direct injection
A/C Compressor Oils: Types, Uses And Differences

A/C compressor oil types can vary due to the compressor manufacturer, refridgerant and OEM requirements. See which oils to use for modern A/C systems.

EGR System Trouble Code Fixes

Testing EGR System Trouble Codes P047A and P047B on Volkswagens with the Tier2 BIN5 TDI 2.0L CBEA Diesel EGR System.

Head Gasket Do’s And Don’ts

To ensure accurate torque values and to avoid cracking the cylinder block, clean any dust, dirt, oil and fluid from the cylinder block head bolt holes before installing the new head gasket and head bolts. Never lubricate the head bolts with a friction-modified oil. Unless otherwise specified, lightly lubricate the bolt threads with 30w non-detergent motor oil.

Gaskets
Executive Interview With Ryan Kooiman, Director Of Training, Standard Motor Products

Before being promoted as Standard Motor Products’ director of training in 2013, Ryan Kooiman already had a world of technician training under his belt from his time as Standard’s technician training developer, and from his days as lead tech/driveability specialist at a 20-bay independent shop in Michigan. Kooiman brings his years of hands-on experience in the shop to technicians in a manner they can relate to and immediately put to use.

ryan-kooiman-headshot-featured
Using Your Oscilloscope: Current Ramp Test Ignition Coils

The diversity of modern ignition coil designs has made ignition oscilloscope analysis more difficult because many ignition coil waveforms deviate from the conventional norm. Consequently, oscilloscope diagnosis shouldn’t be considered a definitive test of ignition coil condition unless it can be compared with a known-good waveform.

ignition coil scope tip
Serial Data Bus Diagnostics

Serial data buses help eliminate multiple sensors and wiring. One sensor can share information with multiple modules without having to connect directly to the multiple modules. Serial data buses may seem like a daunting concept to some technicians, but understanding them is now a required skill to work on most modern vehicles.

Throttle-By-Wire Codes: P1512 On 2002 GMC Envoy

The PCM continuously monitors the commanded and actual throttle positions. The commanded throttle position is compared to the actual throttle position based on accelerator pedal position and possibly other limiting factors, and both values should be within a calibrated range of the other.

GMC Envoy throttle by wire large
Window Washer Fluid Issues On BMWs

The window washer fluid mixture ratio is regulated by the U.S. EPA and many individual states; do not exceed the allowable window washer fluid “dilution/ratio limits” that apply. Follow the usage instructions on the window washer fluid container.

Phillips 66 Lubricants Announces Consolidation Of Its Brand Portfolio

The company will consolidate its lubricant portfolio into two brands, Phillips 66 and Kendall Motor Oil, beginning July 1. According to the company, transitioning away from a tri-branded strategy will help to elevate the profile of Phillips 66 Lubricants as a national lubricant supplier.