Diagnosing Pulse-Width Modulated PWM Fuel Pumps
Just this summer, I experienced a situation in which the fuel pump had been replaced four different times on a single vehicle with no result because the various repair shops attempting to repair the vehicle didn’t understand how to diagnose a pulse-modulated fuel delivery system. Here are five things you should know about diagnosing them.
Nurturing The Next Generation Of Technicians
As shop owners, we wear a lot of hats. Unfortunately, it just so happens that talent development/trainer is not a role with which most of us are accustomed. We expect that Vo-tech schools will bring us service-ready technicians. For now, we need to adjust this expectation as these schools transition to a new model.
2010 Jeep Wrangler: Transmission Stuck In Second Gear
The 2010 Wrangler’s transmission solenoids are powered through its totally integrated power module (TIPM), which is a fuse and relay box with a logic board that controls most body electrical functions.
Chevy S-10 Truck: Slow Acceleration When Cold
This problem was referred to me by my local transmission shop. The elderly owner’s complaint was that the S-10 “accelerated kind of slow when cold.” Further questioning revealed that, after the transmission warmed up and the ignition was cycled off/on, the S-10 would accelerate normally.
Autonomous Vehicles: Changes Are Coming
With every passing year, there are fewer cars and trucks needing throttle cables, distributor caps and spark plug wires. Even if we have lost these service opportunities, we have gained twice as many in the past two decades.
Ford Diesel CK-4 And FA-4 Statement
On Dec. 1, 2016 the American Petroleum Institute (API) began licensing two new diesel motor categories: CK-4 and FA-4. API CK-4 was released to replace CJ-4. FA-4 is a low-viscosity diesel oil released for diesel engines designed for such oils.
VW VR6 Head Gasket Replacement
The oddest things about the VR6 are that the narrow angle between cylinders allows the use of just one cylinder head for the six cylinders, and the timing chain is located between the block and transmission.
Common TIPM Customer Complaints
You name the electrical system, and chances are, it runs through the TIPM. But, the TIPM isn’t without its own faults, which is why I renamed it, “Trouble In Power Management.”
Hydraulic And Mechanical Tensioners
An automatic tensioner optimizes the belt tension in function and adapts to changes in the belt and engine characteristics. Engineers have designed two main systems to ensure optimal belt tension at all times. The first one is the “traditional” and most commonly used design, where a spring-loaded mechanical tensioner controls the belt tension.
GMC Tech Tip: EVAP Vent Solenoid Replacement (P0449)
Check engine light is illuminated with code P0449 from scan tool (Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Valve/Solenoid Circuit Malfunction).
Fuel Injector Circuit Waveforms
The electric fuel injector has been around for more than 50 years. The principles of operation are simple. An electromagnetic coil moves a pintle in a chamber that has pressurized fuel on one side and a nozzle on the other. The coil is typically energized by a driver pulling the circuit to ground. As the coil is saturated by energy, the pintle moves upwards against a spring. This allows fuel to be injected into the engine.
Air Conditioning Changes In 2017
As vehicle owners in many parts of the country begin using their air conditioning systems for the first time this year, some will be surprised to find their A/C system is not functioning properly or isn’t blowing out cold air like it used to.
