Directions: New CAFE Standards Set for 2025
On July 29, President Obama announced the next phase in the Administration’s program to increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States. According to the White House, automaker fleets will now have to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.
Repair Shop Has Catalytic Converters Cut From a Dozen Vehicles
A repair shop in Lilburn, GA, was recently targeted by a thief who cut the catalytic converters from 12 vehicles that were on the lot. Four of the converters were taken from customers’ vehicles.
Tech Tip: Volkswagen Check Engine Light is on with Fault Code P0420
If you find that the Check Engine Light (MIL) is on with fault code P0420 (16804) stored in the fault memory, the condition may be caused by a defective catalytic converter(s). If any other fault codes are present besides catalyst (CAT) faults, the other codes must be addressed and corrected before proper/complete CAT testing can be performed.
Tech Tip: Nissan DTC P0420 Stored in ECM
If you confirm DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) is stored in the ECM, determine if this bulletin applies by checking the ECM part number.
Tech Feature: Exhaust Leaks and the Stoichiometric Ratio
When I was a kid, I used to watch my dad, who started out as a diesel mechanic, tune up cars and trucks from time to time. He would turn the adjustment screws on the carburetor until the engine smoothed out and started to purr. Then, after listening closely to the rumbling of the motor, the adjustment screws would get one final tweak. He would always bend down and cup his hand around the belching tail pipe exhaust and take a big sniff of the fumes, and then go back to his adjustments. That was back in the 60s and 70s before PCMs, O2 sensors and catalytic converters.
Smog Check Technician Convicted of Submitting False Information
A smog check technician who worked in Los Angeles, CA, was recently convicted of illegally certifying vehicles at two smog inspection sites. He was given credit for 450 days served and was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $1,000 in restitution.
Less Is More: Fiat’s Two-Cylinder Marvel ‘Dominates the Gobe’
A two-cylinder powerplant wins the 2011 International Engine of the Year title.
Tech Feature: Common Rail Systems May Soon Be Commonplace
Due to the conflict between consumer performance demands and more stringent EPA standards, the use of
Catalytic Converter Thief Arrested After Tip from Salvage Yard
A Georgetown, DE, man was arrested and charged with numerous crimes relating to the theft of catalytic converters from the parking lots of car dealerships and auto parts stores. A salvage yard called police after the man tried to sell them a quantity of converters.
Pulling Codes: Hit or Miss? The Story of P0302
It is unfortunate that today misfire analysis can be a hit-or-miss concept on many of today’s engine families. If one views several misfire failures, and documents the behavior of fuel trims, it is reasonable to state that ignition misfires do not have a significant impact on them, whereas fuel-related issues create a significant impact.
Tech Tip: VW’s Check Engine Light is On with Fault Code P0411
When diagnosing various VW and Audi vehicles, the Check Engine Light (MIL) is on and fault code P0411 (16795) is stored in the fault memory.
Tech Tip: Kia MIL Illumination with Front Heated O2 Sensor DTCS
If a 2004-’06 Spectra 2.0L exhibits an MIL on