VIDEO: The EVAP System: Development And Emissions Standards
Andrew Markel discusses the development of the EVAP system as emissions standards changed over time. Sponsored by Standard.
Making Sense Of Modern Emissions Sensors
For over 30 years, vehicles have used at least one oxygen sensor for fuel control, but modern emissions sensors are quite different. The traditional switching oxygen sensor is still common; yet most late-model vehicles are moving toward wide range, air/fuel sensors for primary fuel control.
Hyundai Fuel System And Emissions Diagnostics
Bob Dowie recently had a 2002 Elantra GLS in the shop. This vehicle is a good example of some common fuel trim and emissions problems you’ll see.
Finding Failing O2 Sensors
Oxygen sensors are some of the most often replaced sensors. Inputs from the O2 sensors are used by the engine management system to adjust the fuel mixture. This is critical for maintaining low emissions and good fuel economy. If an O2 sensor gets “lazy” because of old age or contamination, the computer may not be able to adjust the fuel mixture quickly enough as the engine’s operating conditions change. O2 sensors that are failing tend to read lean, which causes the fuel system to run overly rich to compensate. The result is increased emissions and fuel consumption.
VW & EPA Fiasco Bring Reflashing Into the Spotlight
It was revealed VW cheated on EPA emissions tests by programming 2009-2015 diesel vehicles to recognize test conditions the EPA uses.
Beyond the Warranty Maintenance Checklist
What happens after the bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties wear out? If you look at any factory-recommended service intervals, after 100,000 miles they cease to exist. What does it take to keep a vehicle going for 120,000, 180,000 or 250,000 miles? The key is maintenance and
Sorting Out New Catalytic Converter Mandates
AutoCarePro sister publication Counterman magazine recently asked Henry Hippert, executive sales director of Eastern Catalytic, to bring readers up to speed on rules and regulations regarding catalytic converters.
BMW Fuel System Repair Essentials
The BMW N54 fuel pump recall a few years ago brought to light the importance of the integrity of the fuel system and how it can contribute to the overall reliability of a vehicle. These fuel quality issues apply to all BMW vehicles with either port or direct injection. The underlying message here is that if the cleanliness and overall integrity of the fuel tank is ignored, it will damage any fuel pump. This is why addressing the fuel tank is essential during any pump replacement to prevent costly comebacks that can also hurt your reputation.
Snap Test: MAF Sensor Diagnostics
You’d think a service light would be the first indicator of a mass air flow (MAF) sensor problem, but there are times a problem develops with the MAF and no service light comes on. Scott “Gonzo” Weaver explains how poor idle, loss of performance, sluggish performance and even stalling are all associated with a failing MAF sensor.
Solving Hard Brake Pedal Complaints On Subaru Vehicles
Some Subaru owners may experience a hard brake pedal (high effort) in extreme cold weather. Braking ability gets better as air temperature rises. The vacuum hose in these vehicles has an in-line check valve. Moisture can accumulate in the valve. In cold weather, the moisture freezes, blocking the vacuum to the booster, which causes the need for greater brake effort.
OBD II Misfire And Diagnosis
When diagnosing misfires, it’s important to use tools that allow you to go beyond a simple code reader that displays a P03XX. Even an OEM-level scan tool can’t tell you what the firing voltage is or what the ignition pattern looks like. Nor can it tell you if the serial data is accurate or correct. For that kind of information you need a DVOM or a graphing multimeter/oscilloscope that can look at sensor voltages directly and display primary and secondary ignition patterns.
Pulling Codes: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction
Pulling a P0135 Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1) code means you’re dealing with a possible oxygen sensor heater element and/or associated components in this circuit. This article provides a game plan for diagnosing a vehicle with this code.
