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.
Nissan Versa Tech Tip: P0442, P0448, P0455 Or P0456
The MIL is “ON” with one or more of the following DTCs stored: P0442, P0448, P0455, P0456 and EVAP vent control valve is stuck open or will not seal when operated/closed.
Fuel Tanks And Filters: The Cleaner The Better
Fuel pump replacement comebacks can be costly and can hurt your reputation. One of the leading causes of failure is the tank. If a vehicle gets 20 miles to the gallon, then more than 5,000 gallons of gas (from many stations) will go through the tank in 100,000 miles. During this time, sediment, rust and debris from the pump can find its way into the tank.
Chevrolet Tahoe: Tachometer Unresponsive To Engine Speed
Too many vehicles in the shop? Don’t have time to perform a thorough diagnosis on each one? Use this Real Fix to thin the herd by diagnosing your customer’s vehicle that has a similar symptom. Vehicle 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 5.3L Complaint The customer states the vehicle’s tachometer does not respond to the change in engine
Reflash Confusion And Car Software Updates
According to J.D. Power, 189 recalls and more than 800 TSBs have been issued concerning reflashing or reprogramming over the past five years. These numbers do not include the random updates that seem to appear out of thin air on the OE service information websites. Some of us may see this as a problem. But, we should see this as an opportunity.
