Tech Tip: Misfires May Cause Engine to Feel Rough, Lack Power and Use More Gas
When you have a misfire code for a particular cylinder, you can focus on one of three things: an ignition problem, a fuel injector problem or a compression problem. Ignition problems that can cause misfires include worn or fouled spark plugs, bad plug wires, moisture on the plugs or plug wires, or a weak or dead ignition coil ….
Tech Tip: Saturn Cranks But Won’t Fire
Owners of 2002 Saturn SC Series 1.9L vehicles may complain that the engine cranks and will not fire at times; will stall when coming to a stop, and then start right back up; and that they have to open the throttle to help it start. Test the accuracy of the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor by ….
Tech Tip: Locating the Source of an Engine Leak
Nothing upsets pernickety homeowners more than driveway stains caused by oil leaking from the vehicles of visiting friends and family. However, many of the vehicles that suffer oil leaks can be cured. It just takes a bit of detective work to locate the leak source and some labor time to make the repair. In essence, those technicians who take on leaking engine work aren’t only providing environmental repairs to the vehicle, they’re repairing relationships among family members and ….
EngineQuest Unveils New Website
EngineQuest (EQ), the engine parts division of AAEQ Manufacturers and Recyclers, has introduced its new website. The website features out-of-production or hard-to-find automotive engine parts for import and domestic vehicles that include gas or diesel applications ….
Diagnostic Solutions: Exhausting the Possibilities…Performance Upgrades
Depending upon the market to which an import shop might be catering, the term “performance exhaust” can have two different meanings. The first market actively seeks out the throaty rumble and chrome-plated look as part of the street-driving scene. The second market installs an exhaust system that produces the most horsepower for a performance application.
Tech Tip: Filters Protect the Vehicle from Unwanted Contaminants
When it comes to filters, out of sight is often out of mind. Motorists often forget they have filters that need to be inspected and replaced periodically, so filters are not changed. But filters are there for a reason: to protect the engine, fuel system and transmission, and even the passengers from unwanted contaminants. Most late-model vehicles are now factory equipped with a cabin air filter, or an empty slot where a filter can be installed. Many motorists are not aware ….
Tech Tip: Spark Plugs Work Hard the Entire Time the Engine is Running
Spark plugs are the business end of the ignition system. The electrodes at the tip of the plug are located inside the combustion chamber of each cylinder. When the ignition system sends a jolt of high voltage current to the plug, a spark jumps across the gap. This ignites the air/fuel mixture to produce power and keep the engine running. The spark plugs are working hard the entire time the engine is running. From the first moment the engine is cranked until it is ….
Tech Tip: Servicing GM’s 3800 V6 Engines
The Buick 231 cu. in. 3.8L V6 engine has had a production run lasting more than 30 years. Like the small block Chevy V8, this engine has undergone many changes over the years to keep it abreast of changing consumer expectations and emissions regulations. The first Buick 3.8L was offered in the 1975 model year Skyhawk, Apollo, Century and Regal. The engine was based on an earlier 198 cu. in. V6 that Buick introduced back in ….
Tech Tip: Larry Carley Covers the Top 10 Domestic Diagnostic Codes and Fixes
Some people think a code is all you need to fix a fault and turn off the Check Engine Light (or Malfunction Indicator Lamp or MIL). A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) certainly helps, but it only tells you that some kind of fault has occurred, and maybe the circuit or component associated with the fault. But no code by itself can tell you which part to replace, because in many instances any one of several causes may have set the code ….
Tech Tip: Chrysler’s MIL is On, with DTCs P0351, P0352 & P0353
You may find that the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminating with one or more of these codes: P0351, P0352 and P0353. This can be the result of several different conditions. Read on to find out what problems you may encounter and how to test for and then fix the condition ….