Auto Diagnostics and Codes
Snap-on Offers TechAngle Torque Wrenches

The advanced technology and intuitive design of the new Snap-on TechAngle Torque Wrenches make it possible to tighten fasteners to exacting torque and angle standards faster and more accurately, even under the most demanding conditions.

Tracer Products Offers Versatile, Dual-Head LED Leak Detection Flashlight

Tracer Products has introduced the Tracerline Vio-Blu – a cordless, dual-head LED flashlight that is ideal for locating all automotive system leaks. The Vio-Blu features a high-output True UV LED at one end and a super-bright blue light LED at the other. As a result, it provides optimal fluorescent response and contrast, regardless of the type of dye. This ensures that all leaks glow brilliantly.

New DENSO VitalScan Diagnostic System Provides Fast and Accurate Vehicle Testing

DENSO’s new diagnostic tool and supporting online data system allows technicians to perform hundreds of OBD II tests in minutes, providing detailed vehicle health reports.

Air Ride: Compressor Diagnostics

On most modern vehicles, the compressor and air ride control unit are very intelligent components. Most communicate with the Body Control Module (BCM) on a high-speed serial data bus. These systems have malfunction indicator lights on the dash and require the use of a scan tool to diagnose the system.

Diagnosing Air Ride Systems

Air ride diagnostics is more than a spray bottle of soapy water. On today’s late-model vehicles, it requires a scan tool, meter and scope. Swapping components will only lead you down a diagnostic black hole that leads to an angry customer and parts supplier. Modern air ride systems have a compressor and a module to control the flow of air to the struts or shocks. Control modules can have as many as 10 valves. They can also have three or more sensors to measure the pressure.

Using Scan Tools To Diagnose Faulty Fuel Pumps

The most common diagnostic procedures for fuel pumps in the past were analog and hands on. Most fuel pump-related problems could be solved with a pressure gauge and voltmeter. Today, the scan tool is the most important tool when diagnosing a fuel supply problem.

Pulling Codes: The Importance Of Communication – No Code Analysis

For this month’s Pulling Codes case, we will attempt to provide a plan of attack for communication issues on General Motors products with the Class 2 Protocol. Our diagnostic journey begins with a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. This vehicle was tested at the EPA test facility in our area and it was determined that there is no communication with the PCM.

Air Ride Height Sensor Diagnostics

Some ride height sensor modules connect to the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus or other SAE or ISO bus or ride control module. The module can connect directly to the ABS/ESC module on a CAN bus or it can be part of the overall CAN Network in a loop that connects various modules in the vehicle.

Diagnosing Fuel Pumps Using Voltage Drops And Current Testing

Some of the best diagnostic tests for fuel pumps are voltage drops and current testing. Fuel pressure and volume are influenced by voltage, current and the demand controlled by the regulator. If a fuel pump is not receiving the correct voltage, it cannot spin fast enough. Voltage drop testing can isolate problems that can still remain even if the pump is replaced.

Tech Feature: Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus Topology

At the typical repair shop, six-year-old vehicles (and there are 184 million of them on the road today) are some of the most common vehicles driving into the bays. And, since these vehicles are out of warranty, they will fuel service opportunities for the aftermarket and require more attention from independent repair shops like yours. In particular, one growing service area is diagnostics, especially as it relates to the expanding electronic content in today’s vehicles.

Understanding UART And Class 2 Serial Data Bus Configurations For Modules And Sensors [VIDEO]

In this tip clip, Bob Augustine discusses the similarities and differences of several UART bus configurations and explores some diagnostic strategies for each of them. This clip is an excerpt from the 90-minute comprehensive “Getting Technical with Your Tech 2” with Bob Augustine available from AVI.