Hyundai Voltage Drop Diagnostics
Excessive resistance in high-amperage circuits may result in one or more of the following symptoms: Blower motor speed slows down and the radio cycles off and on; and Intermittent headlight dimming during deceleration. This bulletin provides the procedure to diagnose and repair the vehicle wiring grounds.
Finding Electrical Shorts On Multiple Circuits
When I was a kid, I saw a movie called “Juggernaut” with Richard Harris as the main character. It was about a cruise liner that was about to blow up because a terrorist had planted 55-gallon drum bombs all over the ship. The premise of the story line is that Harris was going to save all the people on the ship by defusing the bombs. All through the movie, there were references to the different relays and electrical circuits.
Johnson Controls Unveils Newly Renovated, World-Class Battery Technology Center and Test Facility
Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) this week opened its newly renovated, state-of-the-art Battery Technology Center and Battery Test Facility at its Power Solutions headquarters in Glendale, WI. The facility is the largest energy storage technical center in North America, according to JCI.
Tools and Tips For Selling More Winter Tires
Tire dealers in cold climates understand that when temp
Diagnostic Dilemmas: When Over-Voltages Electrocute PCMs
During the past nine months, I’ve had three instances of powertrain control module (PCM) failures on Jeep Wrangler vehicles that were evidently caused by an over-voltage condition. The first case involved an owner who requested that a local shop replace the fuel pump because his 1998 Wrangler was slow-starting in the morning. The shop found the pump pressure was marginal and replaced the pump. Because the Jeep still had the problem, the owner complained about the fuel pump, first to the shop and then to the local jobber supplying the pump.
Tech Update: Can ‘Add-Ons’ Affect CAN Systems? Yes, They Can!
Get any teenager their first car and the first thing they want to do is modify it with new wheels, a different exhaust, seat covers or, the most important and popular upgrade, the stereo. You know, when they have to get to school with all their buddies in the car, they’ve got to have those tunes. They can’t be seen around town with a dull factory radio or wimpy stock wheels.
A/C Update: Servicing Saturn’s First Generation S-Series A/C Compressors
The 1994 Saturn A/C compressor, used on vehicle models produced from 1991 to 1994, is a variable displacement rotary vane-type pump. The rotor assembly houses five lightweight vanes that extend outward contacting the cylinder wall, creating the compression area. The compressor has an interior control valve that allows it to change its pumping capacity or displacement, reacting to heat loads on the A/C system.
Tech Tip: Nissan DTC P0420 Stored in ECM
If you confirm DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) is stored in the ECM, determine if this bulletin applies by checking the ECM part number.
Tech Feature: Don’t Be Restrained from Servicing Airbag Systems
Airbags, along with other components of safety restraint systems, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and misinformation can spread like wildfire. Here’s what you need to know to restore them to OEM standards.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Push Button Keyless Start Systems
Push button keyless start systems began appearing on several import cars about six years ago, and are now being offered on more and more new vehicles, both import and domestic. Motorists say they like the push button keyless start systems because they are convenient to use. There’s no ignition key or switch to fumble with, and you don’t have to do anything other than have the smart fob in your pocket or purse when you get in the car.
Tech Tip: Lexus MIL On With DTC P0335 and/or P0340 Due To Low Battery Voltage
Applicable vehicles: 1994 and later models (non-hybrid and hybrid). Condition: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL On condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine’s crankshaft. Recommendations: • Review the vehicle’s freeze-frame data and verify if the battery voltage was
Tech Tip: Honda Engine Won’t Start? Check for Loose Alternator Bolts
If the alternator bolts are loose, tighten them and try restarting the engine. If the engine still won’t start, then check the ECM/PCM connector for battery voltage and ground. If you’re reading battery voltage and ground at the connector, then replace the ECM/PCM.