Ross-Tech is Moving to a Fee-Based System for Live Telephone Support for VW/Audi Vehicle Troubleshooting
On July 19, 2011, Ross-Tech, LLC will begin charging for live telephone technical support of VW/Audi vehicle diagnostics. Two options will be available to registered users of Ross-Tech’s acclaimed VCDS tool.
Service Solutions: Lessons Learned Regarding ‘Old School’ Ignition Diagnosis
Recently, I’ve been confronted with driveability complaints on older vehicles that appear to defy conventional wisdom. Diagnosing such problems usually forces me to re-examine the fundamentals of engine
Top 5 Tools: Craig Deaton, A United Transmission
Craig Deaton, owner A United Transmission Burlington, NC Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc. T8000 Transmission Jack Snap-on SOLUS PRO AIRCAT Impact Wrenches Milwaukee 3/8” 18V Impact Wrench Snap-on Advance Send in your list of your five favorite tools and equipment that help you most in the shop, and you could be chosen to win a
Pulling Codes: Status Really Does Matter
Many modern-day fuel systems offer a new look into system status definitions. It’s become very important to extend our understanding well beyond the concepts of simple “open loop” and “closed loop” status. This month, we will explore the new fuel system definitions that are present on many of today’s vehicles. We’ll begin our discussion by looking at each one on an individual basis.
Diagnostic Solutions: Diagnosing Misfires
Although diagnosing misfires can be a tough assignment for any driveability technician, the diagnosis can be made much simpler if he understands the basics of misfire diagnosis. For example, when the first OBD II misfire monitor was first introduced in 1996, technicians were puzzled by problems with false misfire diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Case in point, vehicles being driven on washboard dirt roads began recording false misfires.
A/C Update: Flush Service Guidelines for GM Hybrids
What you may have thought was just another air conditioning system on a similar non-hybrid vehicle will not be the same on a hybrid vehicle. The following article explains flushing procedures and the unique lubricants exclusive to General Motors hybrid vehicles.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Solving No-Code Performance Complaints
For many diagnostic techs, nothing is more discouraging and time-consuming than dealing with a no-code driveability complaint. Today’s second-generation On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) can be extremely sophisticated because the OBD II powertrain control modules (PCMs) in modern vehicles have far more computing capacity than did the older, pre-1996 OBD I vehicles. Nevertheless, we occasionally have to deal with a no-code performance complaint on a modern OBD II vehicle.
Tech Tip: VW’s MIL is On, with DTCs P0087/P1093 or P2293
This condition could be caused by excessive wear of the intake camshaft lobe that drives the high pressure fuel pump. The wear limits maximum pump piston lift, causing fuel rail pressure fluctuations. The wear on the camshaft lobe can also lead to wear on the base of the high pressure fuel pump cam follower.
Tech Tip: 10-Step Driveability Test
Technicians may find that driveability problems continue after ECM replacement. Before condemning the replacement ECM, check for computer codes and correct any indicated problems, then perform this 10-Step Driveability Checklist.
ASE Certification: Comments from the fringe…
This month I registered for my National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) tests. Out of curiosity, I did a quick check online to see if any incentives were being offered by tool or parts suppliers for taking the exams. I stumbled across a Facebook fan page from a tool manufacturer reminding its customer that the deadline was approaching.