Diagnostic Solutions: Rediscovering Oxygen Sensors
If you’re like me, you more often than not find a correct diagnostic direction by going back to what trainers are fond of calling “The Basics.” I capitalized “The Basics” because they are the foundation upon which all of us should be building our diagnostic strategies. The Basics were brought to mind recently when I
Tech Tip: OBD II Engine Diagnostics
Anybody can plug a scan tool into a vehicle and read codes. But do they know what the codes mean, how to diagnose the fault or, most importantly, how to fix the vehicle? The problem with reading OBD II codes is that the code tells you only that a fault has occurred. It does not tell you why the fault occurred, what might be causing the problem, or what needs to be repaired or replaced ….
OBD II Engine Diagnostics: Not as Simple as it Seems
Anybody can plug a scan tool into a vehicle and read codes. But do they know what the codes mean, how to diagnose the fault or, most importantly, how to fix the vehicle? The problem with reading OBD II codes is that the code tells you only that a fault has occurred. It does not
Tech Tip: Diagnosing an Engine that Won’t Start
For any engine to start, three things are necessary: fuel, compression and spark. If any of these components is lacking, the engine won’t start. The fuel system must be generating normal fuel pressure, and the air/fuel ratio must be correct for the ambient temperature and engine temperature. If the air/fuel mixture is too lean, it won’t ignite and the engine won’t start. If the air/fuel mixture is too rich, it can flood the engine and also prevent it from starting ….
Mitch Schneider: Salvaging Relationships
At this time last night, I was sitting in the same chair in front of the same computer working on a different column: a column you will probably get to see a month from now or maybe even the month after that. Not because it isn’t as important as what I feel compelled to write about tonight. What I started writing about last night is every bit as important, but in a different way. Not because it isn’t as timely … I was writing about a customer complaint and ….
Salvaging Relationships
At this time last night, I was sitting in the same chair in front of the same computer working on a different column: a column you will probably get to see a month from now or maybe even the month after that. Not because it isn’t as important as what I feel compelled to write
Mitch Schneider: Riding the ‘Best to Worst’ Pendulum
The concept of optimism is best defined in terms of who we are, where we’ve been, where we are in our lives at this moment in time and where we believe the odyssey we’ve embarked upon is likely to take us. The first element of such a definition is that the world in which we live is the best of all possible worlds. The second is that goodness pervades reality. The third suggests that good will ultimately triumph over evil. And, the fourth suggests that ….
Filter Fallacies
Whether it is a fuel, air or oil filter, they are usually a simple component when you look at them. It’s usually a paper element folded into an accordion shape and wrapped around a frame to support it. Regardless of the design, the idea remains the same. Dirt goes in, it doesn’t come out or
Learned Optimism: Riding the ‘Best to Worst’ Pendulum
The concept of optimism is best defined in terms of who we are, where we’ve been, where we are in our lives at this moment in time and where we believe the odyssey we’ve embarked upon is likely to take us. The first element of such a definition is that the world in which we
Management: More Smaller Imports on the Roads Means More Repairs
While sightings of gas prices under $4 a gallon may bring a (little) sigh of relief, consumers are still distraught over what it costs to fill their tank these days. Some are realizing the benefits of preventive maintenance in improving vehicle performance, increasing fuel efficiency and maximizing gas mileage, while others are looking for long-term relief by purchasing smaller vehicles ….