Diagnostic Dilemmas: When Over-Voltages Electrocute PCMs
During the past nine months, I’ve had three instances of powertrain control module (PCM) failures on Jeep Wrangler vehicles that were evidently caused by an over-voltage condition. The first case involved an owner who requested that a local shop replace the fuel pump because his 1998 Wrangler was slow-starting in the morning. The shop found the pump pressure was marginal and replaced the pump. Because the Jeep still had the problem, the owner complained about the fuel pump, first to the shop and then to the local jobber supplying the pump.
Coil on Plug Ignition: The Wired Differences
For late-model vehicles, the norm is one ignition coil per cylinder, commonly known as coil on plug. The task of providing voltage potential to each spark plug is performed so reliably that it’s easy to take for granted. An underhood comparison of a variety of vehicles, however, reveals there are subtle differences among coils. For example, each individual coil may be connected to two, three or four control wires.
New Online Ads Connect Motorists to Auto Repair Shops in the Bosch Service Network
This new online advertising campaign has been carefully crafted to enable motorists to learn about the network of Bosch-certified repair shops, and quickly and easily locate and contact the nearest authorized Bosch Service center.
Tech Update: Can ‘Add-Ons’ Affect CAN Systems? Yes, They Can!
Get any teenager their first car and the first thing they want to do is modify it with new wheels, a different exhaust, seat covers or, the most important and popular upgrade, the stereo. You know, when they have to get to school with all their buddies in the car, they’ve got to have those tunes. They can’t be seen around town with a dull factory radio or wimpy stock wheels.
Tech Tip: Kia DTCs P0121/P01121 Set
This bulletin provides information related to the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) for Sorento and Sedona models. Some Sorento and Sedona vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes P0121 and/or P1121. This condition mainly occurs in high ambient or desert areas, and can be related to the occasional increase in contact resistance due to excessive wear of the inner elements of the TPS. This bulletin describes the proper service and adjustment procedure for
Tech Tip: BMW ELV Won’t Release – No Start, No Crank
The customer complains of a no-crank, no-start situation. The condition may be intermittent. The ELV (Electric Steering Lock) warning is shown in the Instrument Cluster.
A/C Update: Servicing Saturn’s First Generation S-Series A/C Compressors
The 1994 Saturn A/C compressor, used on vehicle models produced from 1991 to 1994, is a variable displacement rotary vane-type pump. The rotor assembly houses five lightweight vanes that extend outward contacting the cylinder wall, creating the compression area. The compressor has an interior control valve that allows it to change its pumping capacity or displacement, reacting to heat loads on the A/C system.
Tech Tip: Nissan DTC P0420 Stored in ECM
If you confirm DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) is stored in the ECM, determine if this bulletin applies by checking the ECM part number.
Directions: Vehicle Age and Smaller Engines Increase Vehicle Maintenance
While the small increase in 2010 vehicle total mileage would seem to be negative for aftermarket product expansion, the changing driving habits of Americans are causing more vehicle wear per mile driven today than in the past.
Wells Online Technical Videos Break 1 Million Mark on YouTube
The Wells Vehicle Electronics brand’s growing library of free online technician training videos recently exceeded one million views by professional technicians and other customers who use the YouTube.com social media network.