Although post-1996 OBD II powertrain control modules (PCMs) are generally very reliable, we're beginning to see more failures because the average age of our national vehicle fleet has now increased to about 11.5 years. Technically speaking, the PCM should store a DTC indicating some type of internal malfunction. But, in...
It never ceases to amaze me when I see certain types of problems in rapid succession of one another and then not see them again for months or even years. This column is dedicated to one such occurrence. Within a week of each other, two different vehicles came into my...
Fully variable valve timing can be achieved only by using computer-operated solenoids to precisely control the intake and exhaust valve opening and closing events. Although the various combinations of valve timing events are theoretically infinite on an electronically controlled system, their applications are limited due to issues of cost and,...
Diagnosing intermittent stalling complaints is a challenging experience for any diagnostic technician because any number of electrical and mechanical failures can cause an engine to intermittently stall. Most of us immediately narrow this laundry list of potential failures down to the most common few, which include components like the crankshaft...
