Direct Injection And Carbon Deposits
In 1985, Saab began using the new Bosch LH fuel injection system, and Volvo and other carmakers followed suit. The system worked such that incoming air passed through an airflow meter that sent a signal to the engine ECU telling it how much air was going into the engine. The coolant temp sensor then told the ECU how cold or warm the engine was, and it opened and closed the injectors when needed.
Better Diagnostics: Using Your Brain Effectively
Did you know that when you stop learning new things you also forget the things you already knew? This chilling fact is an area of great concern for the technician population, which is getting a little older on average each year. I have personally witnessed excellent diagnostic technicians who have decided that they already know everything they need to know and begin to lose their “diagnostic processes” as new technologies enter their bays.
Honda Tech Tip: Possible Modification To Front Timing Cover
Particular V6 applications described in Honda Bulletin 08-082 may require a small modification to the front timing cover during replacement of the accessory drive belt tensioner. The OE now provides an updated tensioner assembly which may cause interference with the front timing cover of some applications. Gates also offers the same updated design as the OEs.
Shop Owner Or Bartender?
I sipped down the rest of my coffee and finished up the morning paperwork, then it occurred to me that the whole time I was on the phone, I wasn’t just a mechanic answering a customer’s concerns; I had taken on the role of the corner tavern bartender.
Keep Politics Out Of Your Shop
I worked for a shop owner who once told me that there were three things I could not discuss at work with co-workers or customers: sex, religion and politics. It was a simple rule to preserve civility, and one that I wish more people would observe this time of year.
Dodge Ram Tech Tip: MIL Lamp From Oxygen Sensor
If the vehicle has any O2 sensor-related DTCs stored, pending or active, perform the repair procedure detailed in this tech tip.
Keys: What Are They Good For?
As time marches on, certain things of a mechanical nature will be lost to electronics. Fewer cars are being manufactured that still have keys. Some only have a key fob and no metal or brass backup at all. Soon you won’t even need those fobs, either; everything will be programmed and controlled by your smartphone.
Spark Plug Diagnostics
If you are replacing spark plugs to solve a misfire problem, you might want to take a look at the original plugs to make sure you are replacing them for the right reasons. Most original equipment spark plugs have a life of more than 100,000 miles thanks to electrodes that contain precious metals like platinum and iridium. If the plugs fail sooner than the recommended interval, solve the problem before installing new plugs.
Mercedes-Benz TPMS
On different Mercedes-Benz models, you will see two types of TPMS systems. Low-line systems do not display individual tire pressures. These systems just monitor inflation and alert the driver if there is an underinflation or overinflation problem with one antenna. Mid-line systems display the individual pressures, and some systems have four antennas mounted near the wheel wells.
Autonomous Vehicles And Safety Technology
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems were all over the place, in part because it is an easy technology to demonstrate in a parking lot. Many manufacturers like Continental, ZF/TRW and Bosch were taking the automatic braking up to a NHTSA Level 2 by adding the additional driver assist of controlled steering to dodge unexpected lane changes and even dummies who ran out from between cars.
OBDII Port Diagnostics
The OBDII connector is more than 20 years old. 1996 was the first year all vehicles sold in the U.S. had to have this standard 16-pin connector. Most technicians now take this port for granted, and some do not even remember the days when a scan tool was more about the cables and ID cards than the tool itself.
Water Pump Damage From Tensioner Misalignment Or Damage
Visual inspection is required to verify the correct alignment of chain tensioner and guide. Inspect for broken, cracked or missing guide material as well. It is not advised to reuse misaligned components. Also, check the chain for any imperfections.
