EVAP Archives - Page 4 of 7 - UnderhoodService
Maximizing Tools: Unconventional Diagnostic Methods, Part III

By thinking “outside the box” and using our tools to their fullest potential, we can diagnose more of the perplexing problems without spending an undue amount of time on them. In this article, our writers conclude this popular three-part series of Unconventional Diagnostic Methods, with more time-saving techniques.

VIEWPOINT:Monday Morning MIL Light Quarterback

Monday mornings are typically not very productive for me. I typically will hide in my office with the light off to avoid people asking about their latest weekend-induced car problems.

Eliminating Poor Throttle Response

The pump gasoline sold at gas stations around the country has changed quite a bit over the last several decades. Recent changes in gasoline formulation may or may not be a good idea in theory, but since this modern gasoline contains less energy than it did in the past it may actually cause a loss in power, fuel efficiency and driveability unless the engine is properly tuned for these new blends of gasoline.

Extended Oil Change Intervals Taking Their Toll On Today’s Engines

Neglected oil change intervals can ruin the best engine oils. As engine oil accumulates miles, it becomes contaminated with carbon, water and various acids, all of which are a by-product of internal combustion and which will form a film of black, gooey sludge on the interior parts of the engine.

8 Common Diagnostic Mistakes

Many diagnostic mistakes that become “diagnostic dilemmas” are caused by basic oversights or incorrect assumptions on the part of the technician. Research time and testing time have become the cornerstones of modern diagnostics.

Delphi Product & Service Solutions Announces 18 New Fuel Modules, Senders And Pumps For Almost 13 Million Vehicles

Delphi Product & Service Solutions has introduced 18 new fuel modules, senders and pumps to the company’s fuel management portfolio covering more than 12.6 million popular vehicles built from 1985 to 2011, including Nissan, Chrysler, Toyota, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Honda and GM applications.

General Tools’ Digital Refrigerant Leak Detector Certified To Comply With New ASHRAE Standard

General’s RLD400 is also certified to comply with SAE J2791, J2913 and J1627 standards, and the new European standard EN14624:2012. It is the only instrument of its kind to meet all five standards.

Using Fuel System Testers To Diagnose Driveability Concerns

Shop owner and automotive trainer Karl Schneider helps you fix driveability concerns, focusing on loss-of-power issues on vehicles with an electric return fuel system.

New Snap-on Shop And Tech Catalog Offers Time Saving Essentials

Having the right tools and equipment is vital to performing the special jobs that can help you stand out in the marketplace and improve the bottom line. The new Snap-on Shop and Tech catalog provides all the essential equipment that professional technicians need to lead when it comes to service and repair.

Uncovering Potential Repair Issues On Mazda3

In this article, we’ll take a look at routine services on a Mazda3 and some of the more common problems that may be uncovered as they are performed. Our shop has always subscribed to 30,000-, 60,000- and 90,000-mile major service intervals with oil changes and inspections at a maximum of 5,000 miles. That may not exactly match the factory recommendations, but it works well for our customers and us, and covers all of the recommended services.

Diagnostic Solutions: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensors

Considering that roughly 1,500 or more different vehicle models are introduced into our domestic market each year, it’s becoming more difficult to predict how a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will utilize data from a particular sensor or detect an out-of-range sensor in any single vehicle platform. The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor provides a good illustration of how many on-board diagnostic strategies have changed.

Tech Tip: Fuel Filler Necks And Related Check Engine Light Conditions

Since the introduction of the OBD II system, manufacturers have continued to improve on the monitoring of evaporative emissions, with the complete evaporative system being under a scrutinized surveillance. Codes like P0440 to P0456 are all related to the fuel vapor control, including leaks.