Diagnostic Solutions: Solving Insufficient Fuel Problems
Solving cranking, no-fuel or insufficient-fuel driveability problems on late-model imports can be challenging, especially if a technician doesn’t take into account the way that modern fuel systems operate. Some vehicles, for example, limit vehicle speed by deactivating fuel injectors. In some rare cases, a miscalculation in vehicle speed can cause an insufficient fuel condition.
Tech Feature: Family Ties – Servicing Chrysler’s Versatile 3.3L and 3.8L Engines
First introduced as a family back in 1990, these engines have been upgraded and improved to provide good torque for the necessary applications, reasonable fuel economy and a reputation for durability and appropriate performance.
Tech Tip: VW’s MIL is On, with DTCs P0087/P1093 or P2293
This condition could be caused by excessive wear of the intake camshaft lobe that drives the high pressure fuel pump. The wear limits maximum pump piston lift, causing fuel rail pressure fluctuations. The wear on the camshaft lobe can also lead to wear on the base of the high pressure fuel pump cam follower.
Diagostic Dilemmas: Lost in ‘The Diagnostic Woods’
This real-world case study of a 2002 Chevy S-10 pickup, a 1995 Buick and a 1995 Lincoln Town Car illustrates why “chasing” trouble codes can get you lost in the Diagnostic Woods.
New Training Videos for Technicians and Counter Personnel Now Available from AASA Fuel Pump Manufacturers Council
A new series of educational videos providing information and training on proper diagnostic techniques and procedures to repair an automotive fuel-related job is now available online from the Fuel Pump Manufacturers Council (FPMC) of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).
Walker Products a Winner at AAPEX 2010
Walker Products of Garden Grove, CA, won multiple awards at last month’s AAPEX Auto Show in Las Vegas. The company was awarded in two categories: “Best New Packaging of a Product for Import Cars or Trucks” and “Best New Catalog of a Product Line for Import Cars or Trucks.”
Tech Tip: Honda CR-V Has MIL On and DTCs P0451, P0452, P0453 or P1454
Having the MIL On and DTCs P0451, P0452, P0453 or P1454 stored on a Honda CR-V may be the result of the fuel tank pressure sensor having an internal malfunction. This Tech Tip provides information to correct this condition.
Directions: E15 — Helping or Hurting American Drivers?
At Issue: E15 fuel blends could be available by March or April of 2011, assuming the EPA makes two approvals for use of E15 in 2001 cars and newer models by the end of the year.
EPA Allows for the Selling of E15 Fuel for Newer Vehicles
A decision on the use of E15 in model year 2001 to 2006 vehicles will be made after EPA receives the results of additional DOE testing, which is expected to be completed in November.
Mitch Schneider: At Any Rate…
I was out of the shop all day Thursday and most of Friday. Realistically, coming in just before three on a Friday afternoon didn’t seem to make much sense, but there was a “big job” that just “had to go out” – a project car with lots of hours. It seems like there is always a big job with lots of hours that just has to go out. So, let’s just say that going back to the shop on a Friday afternoon after being gone for a day-and-a-half wasn’t a first-choice option! Nevertheless, I found myself sitting at my desk at a quarter to three, drowning in a sea of unopened mail.
Tech Feature: Delivering the Fuel – Not a Fuel Pump Return
Although electronic fuel injection has become the norm since the late 1980s, some technicians still don’t understand the value of having a good diagnostic procedure for testing electric fuel pump functions. While this is not something a repair shop owner wants to hear, proper fuel component testing has become a growing industry issue, as unnecessary parts warranty returns continue to be a problem for manufacturers.
Independent Research Shows E15 Poses Minimal Risk to Older Vehicles
The conclusion of the Ricardo study is that the adoption of E15 as the blend limit for standard US pump grades of gasoline should not adversely affect vehicles manufactured between 1994 and 2000.