Fuel Pump Diagnostics: Using Scan Tools
The most common diagnostic procedures for fuel pumps in the past were analog and hands on. Most fuel pump-related problems could be solved with a pressure gauge and voltmeter. Today, the scan tool is the most important tool when diagnosing a fuel supply problem.
OBDII Port Diagnostics
The OBDII connector is more than 20 years old. 1996 was the first year all vehicles sold in the U.S. had to have this standard 16-pin connector. Most technicians now take this port for granted, and some do not even remember the days when a scan tool was more about the cables and ID cards than the tool itself.
Reflash Confusion And Car Software Updates
According to J.D. Power, 189 recalls and more than 800 TSBs have been issued concerning reflashing or reprogramming over the past five years. These numbers do not include the random updates that seem to appear out of thin air on the OE service information websites. Some of us may see this as a problem. But, we should see this as an opportunity.
Power Window Regulator Diagnostics
Before you start pulling a door panel on a vehicle to replace a window regulator, you might want to start looking at the repair information first. Most power windows are more than just an electric motor and switch that changes polarity.
Serial Data Bus Diagnostics
Serial data buses help eliminate multiple sensors and wiring. One sensor can share information with multiple modules without having to connect directly to the multiple modules. Serial data buses may seem like a daunting concept to some technicians, but understanding them is now a required skill to work on most modern vehicles.
Diagnostic Dilemma: The Case of the Missing Code
When doing mobile diagnostic work, no-code stalling complaints are a major part of your agenda. In most cases, the client shop is simply too busy to duplicate the failure or, in some cases, a long test drive will yield nothing in the way of useful scan tool data. With many no-code stalls, all you’re going
Random No-code Failures: Jeep Cherokee, Ford Crown Victoria
Random no-code failures can be the most frustrating problems to diagnose because the condition usually cant be duplicated in the shop and the “fix” often cannot be verified by test-driving. In this instance, I use the word “random” to describe a condition that might occur only once in two weeks. Sometimes I’ll find something suspicious
The Case of the Missing Starter
I was called last fall by a client who owns a heavy-duty diesel shop to diagnose a no-cranking condition on his father-in-law’s 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe. Because his work is mainly with heavy-duty trucks, my client knew he was lacking both in tooling and technical background when he didn’t hear the familiar click of a starter
Scope Accessories You Can’t Live Without
If you’re buying a new scope or upgrading one you already own, here are some accessories that can make you more productive.
What to Look For When Buying a Scope
If you’re in the market for a new scope, Underhood Service Editor Andrew Markel has provided his recommendations on how you can get the most bang for your diagnostic dollar.
Start Solving Transmission Electronic Control Problems
Troubleshooting an automatic transmission can be one of the most intimidating diagnostic procedures at a shop. The first reaction is typically, “We don’t do that type of work.” But there is profit in performing drivetrain diagnostics and “in-the-car” repairs.
The Year In Ride Control TSBs: Tried And True Fixes Can Expedite The Diagnostic Process
2013 was a good year for ride control TSBs. Some TSBs were intended for very few vehicles on the road, but the solutions can be used to resolve the same problems on a wide variety of vehicles. Several of the TSBs over the next two pages can help to solve chronic problems that have plagued some