March 2017 Archives - UnderhoodService
Intake Manifold Failures On Modern Mercedes-Benz Models

Many owners of late-model Mercedes-Benz cars equipped with 3.0L and 3.5L V6 engines (M272 or M273) have experienced performance problems that include poor idle, loss of power and a check engine light with a P2006 code (or sometimes other codes).

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Misfires In The Crankshaft And Camshaft

Any time you’re dealing with a combustion engine, there’s a chance it will develop a misfire. A better understanding of how computer systems analyze a misfire can make your job that much easier as the service tech.

Alternator Failures: Low Voltage To The Battery

One reason why alternators have a high failure rate is ­because they’re always working under a load. Generating electricity to recharge the battery, run the fuel pump, injectors and ignition system while powering all of the vehicle’s lights and electrical ­accessories places a substantial load on the alternator that generates a lot of internal heat.

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Ultimate Underhood: Heated Air Intake

The heated air intake was used on many 1970s vehicles to reduce startup emissions on carbureted engines. The systems typically used a thermostat that would open a vacuum switch. The vacuum would act on a diaphragm of a vacuum pot that would pull shut a door to divert the intake air.

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Cam Alignment During Timing Belt Installation

The most common cause found with immediate illumination of the MIL associated to cam sensor codes has been misalignment between the rear cam gear and timing belt. Illumination of the MIL will occur with the cam being one tooth advanced or retarded.

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GM LS V8 VVT System: Oil Flow And Pressure

The CMP actuator system controls the amount of intake and exhaust valve overlap. The engine control module (ECM) can only command the CMP actuator to advance the valve timing from the park position or retard the valve timing back to the park position.

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KIA: Codes P0171, P0446, P0507 And P2187

This Kia Rio had the check engine light on with codes P0171, P0446, P0507 and P2187. Follow this Real Fix to see the diagnostic steps used to determine the actual fault.

Subaru Gasket Failure

Subarus, like many other nameplates, have common problems, one of which I’ll discuss in this article. Head gasket failure has been something Subaru has struggled with to some extent since the 1980s. There are many thoughts as to why head gasket failure on Subaru has continued.

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30 Habits Of Professional Mechanics

If you’re one of these people questioning whether you’re really meant for this profession, here are some unmistakable signs you’re a dyed-in-the-wool professional mechanic whether you like it or not.

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Recognizing And Preventing Engine Sludge

Engine repairs are one of the most expensive costs associated with car ownership. If the engine, transmission or body is shot, those repairs can easily overwhelm your customers’ budgets. Engine sludge is a key contributor to engine failure; here’s how to recognize and prevent the problem before it becomes an issue.

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Right To Repair In The Aftermarket: Whose Responsibility Is It?

Today, aftermarket associations, carmaker associations, parts manufacturers and suppliers are working together to solve a myriad of complex issues with the original core issue hanging over their head: money.

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ASE A1 Task List: Gaskets

Passing the ASE A1 can be difficult. Do not go into this test with the notion that this is an exam for engine rebuilders. Many of the tasks in the A1 task list are required every day at general repair shops for top-end engine repairs.

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