Getting Plugged In
Have you ever plugged in the scan tool into the Diagnostic Communication Link (DCL) and saw a no communication message? Is it a scan tool issue or something going on with the circuits for the 16 pins in the connector?
TPMS And Radio Waves: What You Can’t See Can Hold Up A Relearn
TPMS and keyless entry can be difficult to understand because these systems rely on transmitting, receiving and decoding radio waves. You can see wires connecting modules and components, but seeing radio signals takes a little faith in science.
Getting The TPMS Light Out On The First Try
Whether the customer brings in the vehicle with a TPMS light triggered, or one triggers as a result of performing some tire service, not being able to turn off the MIL can sometimes cause headaches for shops. Here are a few commonly overlooked issues that could be triggering a warning light.
Transmissions And Scan Tools
The transmission game has changed. Solenoids, sensors and computers have replaced vacuum lines, governors and kick-down cables on modern automatic transmissions. The tools have also changed: Scan tools, scopes and meters have replaced pressure and vacuum gauges.
Ford TPMS Service
Ford embraced tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) as early as the 2002 model year on the Explorer and Windstar. These systems can be either direct or indirect. From 2006-’09, Ford used banded sensors mounted in the center of the rim. In 2010, Ford reverted to valve stem-mounted sensors. All the systems are straightforward and common service procedures apply to most models.
Can You Save A Life With A VIN?
Your shop may have the opportunity to save a life every day – it could happen in the alignment bay, quick lube lane and even the front office. It is an opportunity to tell your customers you care about their safety. So, what is this opportunity? Checking to see if their vehicle is involved in the Takata airbag recall.
Understanding Hyundai TPMS
Hyundai TPMS has an auto relearn function, but if a shop is initializing a sensor or doing a manual relearn, you will need a TPMS tool that can capture the sensor IDs and program them into the TPMS module.
Subaru TPMS: Better Service These Direct Systems With Dedicated TPMS Tools
Subaru first started experimenting with TPMS in its vehicles in 2004 with the Subaru Outback and Subaru Legacy. The Subaru B9 Tribeca was outfitted with TPMS in 2006 and the automaker added TPMS to all of its other models in 2008. The TPMS on Subarus are direct systems. In order to properly service and reset these systems, it’s important that a shop invests in a TPMS tool that can interface through the OBDII port.
Ford Tech Tip: SYNC GEN 1 And GEN 2 Vehicle Health Report Service Ending
Ford has made the decision to discontinue the Vehicle Health Report service for SYNC GEN1 & GEN2 available on 2008-2016 vehicles. Consistent with the terms and conditions in the user agreement and starting August 1st, 2018, this decision will result in the following changes.
Follow The MAP Sensor
In this article, I want to introduce you to the seldom-used diagnostic power of the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor. A tech asked me to come by and look at a Dodge 1500 pickup with a P0305 code that indicated a cylinder 5 misfire. The tech’s primary tool was a code reader. His question was, is there a quick way to determine which direction to take in the diagnostic procedure?
Selling Four TPMS Sensors
If a single sensor has reached the end of its lifespan, it is highly recommended to replace all sensors at the same time. Similar to headlights, once one sensor dies, the rest are likely to be close behind. This is an important point for your customers to understand. Taking care of the issue before there is a problem also provides a convenience to them.
TPMS Service Kits: The Key To TPMS Maintenance
Anytime a tire is removed from the rim of a vehicle, a new TPMS kit must be installed. The existing sensor kit could be brand new or years old, but every tire removal should include the replacement of the TPMS sensor kit. Not replacing the kits could cause big problems with tire pressure and the vehicle’s TPMS if not properly serviced.
