Nissan Driveability Case Study and More Covered in Free New Wells ‘Counterpoint’ Newsletter
The technical services team at Wells Vehicle Electronics offers a detailed diagnostic case study covering Nissan variable valve timing (N-VCT) and an in-depth look at crankshaft position sensors in the latest issue of Wells’ popular CounterPoint newsletter.
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.
Solving Common Honda Driveability Problems
One of the common check engine light problems you’ll encounter on Hondas is a misfire code with no apparent misfire. Many times, this problem will be traced back to tight valve lash. Obviously, a tight valve will pass the audible test every time. But, it’s the tight valves that will set the check engine light in the best case, and if it’s ignored long enough you’ll be looking at a low-compression situation caused by a burnt valve.
Tech Tip: Subaru MIL Flashes with No Driveability Complaints
You may encounter a Subaru on which the MIL flashes whenever the motor is running. There may not be any driveability complaints. The problem is that the green test mode connectors are hooked together. To diagnose the problem, locate the green single-wire test mode connectors under the driver’s side of the dash by the steering column.
Tech Feature: Mazda6 and Mazda3 Driveability Diagnostics and Electronic Throttle Control
Drive-by-wire throttle control systems are pretty much trouble-free but have to be taken into consideration as you perform routine service and diagnose problems, and it changes the way you service these cars when it comes to cleaning the throttle plates, advises Bob Dowie, import specialist contributor, who also covers electronic throttle control’s tie in with ABS and VSC systems.
Tech Feature: MIL Diagnostics and Driveability
MIL diagnostics continues to be a “hot” topic for many import shops simply because the definition of the word continues to change. Looking at the history of modern vehicle diagnostics, most veteran technicians can remember the days when vehicles had no on-board diagnostic systems and, subsequently, required time-consuming pin-out procedures to diagnose electronic systems failures.
Engine Maintenance: OBD II Diagnostics, Misfire Codes, Fuel Trim Faults, Driveability and More
As automotive electronics diagnostics continues to evolve, so do the tools that are need to diagnose and repair today’s complex engine and electronics systems. This lineup will arm you will some diagnostic tips and give you some invaluable service advantages on Porsche, BMW, Hyundai and Mazda models.
Tech Feature: Mazda Driveability Diagnostics and Check Engine Light Complaints
From a torn air intake hose to ignition system concerns, Bob Dowie tackles driveability issues as well as some of the more common ailments that will bring Mazda vehicles into your bays with a check engine lamp complaint.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Intermittent Driveability Issues
Intermittent driveability problems of any kind are always a challenge to diagnose. When a customer brings you a vehicle and complains of a stalling problem, you may not have much to go on other than their description of what is happening and when it happens. The more information you can get out of them the better, because you’ll likely need all the details you can get to narrow down the list of possible causes. Many times, there will be no check engine light ….
Tech Tip: Uncovering Cause of Poor Driveability After Electronic Control Computer has been Replaced
Many computer-controlled vehicles memorize and store operation patterns that are lost when battery power is disconnected. The computer will use default data until a number of drive cycles have been memorized. To correct this problem the computer must go through a relearn procedure ….