Diagnostic Dilemmas: Building A Plan For Diagnosing Electrical Problems
Every once in a while, I see the topic of a diagnostic check sheet come up on the International Automotive Technician’s Network (iATN) or other industry media. Most often, the question is asked by a shop owner or service writer who is trying to simplify his life by devising a “canned” step-by-step approach to solving various electronic diagnostic problems. Although a canned procedure is a good place to start, it’s not a sure-fire way to solving electronic problems.
Tech Talk: Electric Vehicle Conversion
The electric vehicle’s (EV) popularity among consumers is rising due to its zero emissions, increased efficiency and lower operating costs. While some will choose to purchase a new EV, there has been a growing group of enthusiasts who would rather convert or have someone else switch their petroleum-burning vehicles into electric drive.
Pulling Codes – A Hybrid Story: The Story Of P1A10
This article documents the code P1A10-Hybrid Powertrain Control Module-Battery Disabled found on a 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 2.3L. Code P1A10 involves a possible interlock problem with the system. Our subject vehicle was a former police vehicle purchased at an auction – for $1! – in very poor condition. It does not run or power up, and both cluster displays are blank.
Bosch Celebrates 100th Anniversary Of Its Rotating Electrical Products With 15 New Part Numbers
Robert Bosch LLC is celebrating its 100th anniversary of producing alternators and starters with 15 new additions to its line of remanufactured products. Designed for European vehicles in the aftermarket, these new part numbers cover Audi/VW, BMW, Mercedes, Mini, Porsche, Saab and Volvo, and cover 1.45 million vehicles on the road in the United States and Canada.
Memory Lane: Welcome To My World
I have often been accused of living in a time warp. And, I would have to plead guilty, but with an explanation. All of my customers are working on vehicles that are 60+ years old or older, so that’s the environment I am in every day.
Diagnosing Fuel Pumps Using Voltage Drops And Current Testing
Some of the best diagnostic tests for fuel pumps are voltage drops and current testing. Fuel pressure and volume are influenced by voltage, current and the demand controlled by the regulator. If a fuel pump is not receiving the correct voltage, it cannot spin fast enough. Voltage drop testing can isolate problems that can still remain even if the pump is replaced.
Diagnostic Solutions: Starter & Battery Diagnostics
Import Specialist Contributor Gary Goms says that early 1900s inventor Charles F. Kettering’s electric self-starter transformed the automobile from a temperamental novelty item into a practical means of transportation.
EnerSys Rebrands Line As ODYSSEY Extreme Series Batteries
EnerSys has rebranded its existing line of ODYSSEY batteries as ODYSSEY Extreme Series batteries to differentiate between the existing product line and a new line of batteries that is in development for the consumer market.
Wheel Speed Sensor Diagnostics for Meters and Scopes
There is no way to quickly tell if a Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) is passive or active. Both sensors have two wires and are located in the same position on the vehicle. Often, the service information will not indicate what types of sensors are on the vehicle
Fuel Pump Diagnostics – Using Voltage Drops and Current Draw
Fuel pumps and voltage drops are never a good combination – at least the wrong kind of voltage drops. Good voltage drops occur with fuel pumps that are given multiple speeds with a module that is connected to a computer with a dedicated signal wire that tells the module to go to a lower or higher speed.
Diagnostic Solutions: Testing Automotive Batteries and Starters
In the real world, battery and starter testing data can vary widely and for no apparent
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Solving Late-Model Charging System Dilemmas
This month’s Diagnostic Dilemma involves a pristine 1995 Buick Park Avenue with a customer complaint of dimming instrument cluster lights, a flickering voltmeter needle, a driveability bucking complaint and a dead battery. The alternator had been replaced due to an indication of excessive AC ripple on the shop’s hand-held battery and charging system tester. A P1630 trouble code was present, indicating a high/low condition with battery voltage.