Tech Feature: General Motor’s Ecotec 2.0L Turbo Engine
General Motors introduced its powerful Ecotec 2.0L direct
Groups Form To Delay E15 Fuel
The groups contend that E15 could harm many types of vehicle engines, fuel systems and components, as well as the environment.
Tech Feature: Taking it to the Streets
We have all seen in our industry that a “streetable” racing engine or a “raceable” street engine appeals to a broad spectrum of potential engine buyers because of its flexibility. Yet, everyday street driving is not the same thing as serious drag racing.
Misfires in OBD II Engines: How to Detect
With OBD II, there’s no missing misfires. Most engine control systems with OBD II monitor the speed of the crankshaft between cylinder firings to detect misfires. The powertrain control module (PCM) notes the relative position of the crankshaft via the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) each time a trigger pulse is sent to the ignition system.
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: Engine Technology Gets a Boost
As a technician, you’ll need to understand how Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine works, since the automaker plans to incorporate it in 90% of its new vehicles over the next three years.
Tech Tip: Multiple Cylinder Misfire or Rough Idle on Chrysler Models
This bulletin involves rotating all engine exhaust valves, replacing the valve spring retainer locks with a new design to increase valve rotation at lower rpm, inspecting/replacing the MAP sensor (as necessary), and decarbonizing the combustion
Jeep Fuel Problems Needn’t Be an Uphill Battle
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a dependable vehicle for many vehicle owners over the years. However, the SUV has had a few fuel system problem that has put Jeeps in repair shops. In this article, we’ll address some fuel system complaints that have plagued these vehicles.
Ford Water-in-Fuel Indicator Dampens Driver’s Spirit
Some 2003-’04 Ford F Super Duty/Excursion (vehicles with 6.0L Powerstroke engine built prior to Nov. 1, 2003) owners may complain of an illuminated water-in-fuel (WIF) lamp. The lamp does not turn off after water has been drained from the horizontal fuel conditioning module (HFCM).
Tech Tip: Replacing a Volvo Fuel Pump Connector
Use the following procedure to replace the fuel pump connector on 1993 and newer 850, S70, V70 and C70 models. For five-door vehicles, remove the four screws from the floor hatch, pull the hatch backward and lift it out. For four-door vehicles, remove the floor mat, loosen the right panel at the front edge and fold it away.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Repeat Fuel Pump Failures
During the past several years, I’ve encountered many vehicles that were running on their third or fourth new fuel pump in as many years. As with many repeat failures, the initial fuel pump installations were sloppy or a brand of fuel pump with a known high failure rate had been installed. In the remaining cases, an OE or aftermarket-equivalent fuel pump had been installed, but fuel tank contamination had been overlooked as a cause of the premature failure.
Tech Tip: Nissan MIL On/DTC P1491 Set
A 2001 Frontier (D22) or Xterra (WD22) may exhibit one or both of the following symptoms: MIL "On" with DTC P1491 (Vacuum Cut Valve Bypass Valve – VC CUT/V BYPASS/V) stored in the ECM; and/or difficulty refueling the vehicle. The vehicle’s fuel tank may need to be replaced. Use the appropriate Service Procedure provided in this bulletin to diagnose and repair these incidents, if they should occur ….