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 Tip: Audible Spark Knock, MIL On and DTC P0332 Set on GM Models
Some customers may comment on a mild to severe engine ping (commonly referred to as spark knock), usually worse during acceleration, and/or an illuminated MIL.
Tech Feature: The Nuts and Bolts of Belt and Hose Service
Today, belts and hoses are a routine inspection item and may not need replacement even at 100,000 miles or more of service. Unfortunately, many vehicle owners and technicians forget that heat, load, pressure and atmospheric pollutants eventually deteriorate a vehicle’s rubber parts.
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.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing a VW/Audi MAF Failure
One of the most common failures on 2000 and newer Volkswagen and Audi cars is the mass air flow (MAF) sensor, but properly diagnosing such a failure can be problematic.
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.
Engine Maintenance: OBD II Diagnostics, Misfire Codes, Fuel Trim Faults, Driveability and More
As automotive electronics diagnostics continues to evolve, so do the tools that are need to diagnose and repair today’s complex engine and electronics systems. This lineup will arm you will some diagnostic tips and give you some invaluable service advantages on Porsche, BMW, Hyundai and Mazda models.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing the Blue Car Syndrom of a Random Stalling Condition
Blue Car Syndrome is the non-technical term for a very common phenomenon. It is the experience that many people possess regarding having a specific observation, idea, experience, etc., enter one’s consciousness, and then having it seem that the same observation or experience begins to occur with increased frequency.
Tech Feature: Making $ (Money) with Mode $06
Mode $06 is one of the nine diagnostic modes that is part of the OBD II on-board diagnostics system on all 1996 and newer vehicles.
Mitch Schneider: How To Handle Customer Anxiety Over Intermittent Problems
Intermittent automotive service problems are one of the few things capable of terrifying and paralyzing folks on both sides of the
service counter.
What is Mode $06 and the other OBD II Modes?
OBD II modes are organized into nine categories, each of which is assigned a particular mode number preceded by a $ sign to symbolize the hexadecimal code it represents.
Tech Tip: Hyundai Check Engine Light Diagnostics
There are a couple of ways a Hyundai will find its way into your bay with a check engine light complaint. If a misfire is obvious, you may be tempted to get to work and start switching coils, checking wires or whatever, looking to diagnose the problem. But before you do, check the codes to see if more information is available.