Tech Feature: Diagnosing Automotive Lab Scope Dilemmas
Although digital storage oscilloscopes or “lab scopes” have now become standard equipment for most modern automotive repair shops, they still possess a mystique that tends to intimidate many technicians. Right off the top, a lab scope is basically a voltmeter that displays voltage signals along a time base. The vertical scale measures the amplitude or amount of the voltage and the horizontal scale measures an incremental time line along which the signals are displayed.
Tech Tip: BMW Check Engine Light On and Vehicle Running Rough Due to Airflow Meter
If a customer complains of a check engine light on and a vehicle running rough, it may be due to problems with the airflow meter and wiring.
Tech Tip: TPMS Troubleshooting on 2007 Subaru Models
The 2007 Subaru models use a direct detecting-type tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that consists of four transmitters and a receiver. If you rotate the tires or install a new sensor, you need the right scan tool or TPMS tool that plugs into the OBD II connection. If the indicator comes on due to low tire pressure, the indicator will turn off when the under-inflated tire is inflated to normal pressure.
Diagnostic Solutions: Alternator Testing Tips
When we’re attempting to diagnose a charging system failure, it helps to think of the battery’s state of charge (SOC) as a type of checking account. If we overdraw our account, we wake up the next morning with an engine that won’t crank. Or, if we overdraw our account and not balancing our account at the end of the day, we again are greeted with a slow-cranking engine and an overdrawn charging system account.
Tech Tip: Intermittent No-Start on Ford 5.4L V8 Truck Engine
When it won’t start, there is no communication with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The theft light is flashing rapidly with codes U1147 and U1262 in the Hybrid Electronic Cluster (HEC). Also, the odometer just shows dashes with the key on instead of the actual mileage.
Arizona Legislature Passes Battery Core Deposit Bill
The California/Nevada/Arizona Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA) and its affiliate the Arizona Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (AAWA) are reporting a successful outcome to their lobbying efforts after the Arizona legislature signed into law a bill that provides monetary relief for Arizona parts stores that sell lead batteries.
Tech Update: Troubleshooting Customer TPMS Problems
TPMS is here, and technicians are learning to deal with it. And, they’re dealing with learning how to troubleshoot TPMS for our customers, who at this point know virtually nothing about it.
Tech Tip: 2008-2009 Dodge Dakota Powertrain Control Module Removal and Installation
To prevent problems of DTCs and other items related to the VIN broadcast, it is recommended that you disconnect the ABS CAB (controller) temporarily when replacing the PCM.
Tech Tip: Chevy Malibu Starts and Stalls
With some Chevrolet Malibus (1997-1999 2.4L, 1997-2003 3.1L and 2004 2.2L and 3.5L engines), the vehicle will start and then stall. A scan tool should indicate a DTC P1626, P1630 or P1631 stored in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The flow chart for each code will direct a scan tool to be used to access BCM codes. This is the best way to perform diagnostics on this problem.
Tech Feature: Where Do You Start with Mercedes No-Start Diagnostics?
Hundreds of times a year, repair shops will get cars brought to them to repair a “No Start” fault. This article is going to discuss the process that it takes to make repairs when there are so many variables. Though this article will be focused on Mercedes-Benz, the steps can be used for any make or model.
Hyundai Tech Tip: No Spark, No Injector Pulse on 2002 Sonata 2.4 L Models
You may get a customer complaint that the vehicle died while in Drive, then wouldn’t start. There is no spark and no injector pulse, and no engine rpm on the scanner while cranking, and it’s setting a Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor code P0335.
Bosch Launches Comprehensive Battery Program; Introduces New Automotive Batteries
Bosch is launching a comprehensive automotive battery program in the continental United States with the introduction of three new passenger vehicle lines and a high tech AGM passenger vehicle line for extreme conditions and start/stop applications.