Carley’s Corner: Fuel Pump Warranty Returns Still an Issue
About a year ago, I attended a meeting of the Fuel Pump Manufacturers Council (FPMC) in Chicago. The members of FPMC are the companies who manufacture and supply fuel pumps to the aftermarket (as well as the auto makers). The purpose of the meeting was to address a serious problem that has been plaguing the
Tech Tip: Inspect the Spring-Loaded Automatic Belt Tensioner when Replacing Serpentine Belt
Most late-model engines have serpentine belt drives for the engine-driven accessories. And most people know that belts are a maintenance item and eventually have to be replaced. But many don’t know the spring-loaded automatic tensioner that keeps a serpentine belt tight is also a wear item. Consequently, the automatic tensioner may also have to be replaced when the time comes to change the belt.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing a Cylinder that is Misfiring
A flashing Check Engine light and a P0301 to P0312 diagnostic trouble code are sure-fire indicators that one or more cylinders are misfiring. Occasional misfires may pass unnoticed, but a steady misfire is hard to miss. The engine usually feels rough, lacks power and uses more gas than usual. Sometimes a misfire may feel like a vibration. A misfire also will cause a huge increase in hydrocarbon (HC) emissions out the tailpipe, which can cause a vehicle to fail an emissions test.
Tech Tip: Inspecting the Spring-Loaded Automatic Belt Tensioner
The automatic tensioner has a coil spring inside that applies just the right amount of force against the belt to keep it tight. The tensioner also provides a little "give" so it can absorb and cushion shock loads on the belt that occur when the A/C compressor clutch cycles on and off. What’s more, the tensioner automatically compensates for wear and keeps the belt under constant tension.
Delco Remy Quick Reference Guide Now Available
Delco Remy has released the Quick Reference Guide: Cross Reference Guide. This publication is invaluable for any fleet owner and operator, truck technician or any starter and alternator sales person.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Starting/Charging Systems
How many starters and alternators are replaced unnecessarily every year because of misdiagnosis? Nobody knows for sure, but suppliers of both new and remanufactured rotating electrical parts tell us more than half of their warranty returns have "no fault found" when the parts are examined. Many of these returns are from DIYers who lack diagnostic know-how, but some are from professional technicians who apparently lack the same skills.
Tech Tip: Servicing Honda Knock Sensors
If the check engine light is on in a customer’s 1998 Honda Accord EX, with trouble code P0325, it could be caused by the knock sensor, the connection, wire harness or the Engine Control Module (ECM). Replace the knock sensor and the trouble code resets.
Starting/Charging System Diagnosis: Fixing Faults the First Time Eliminates Comebacks & Returns
How many starters and alternators are replaced unnecessarily every year because of misdiagnosis? Nobody knows for sure, but suppliers of both new and remanufactured rotating electrical parts tell us more than half of their warranty returns have “no fault found” when the parts are examined. Many of these returns are from DIYers who lack diagnostic
There’s No Escaping Hybrid Service
high as 40 mph (64 kph). Plus, when conditions are right, the engine may shut off at stops and not restart until after 25 mph. As a result, the advertised fuel economy of a full hybrid vehicle is typically much higher for the city driving conditions than the highway driving conditions. In theory, assuming the
AIM Introduces New Website
AIM, maker of new and remanufactured rotating electrical products for both import and domestic vehicles, has introduced its new website. The website supports the company’s new "AIM Power In Motion" branding and marketing initiative announced earlier this year.