Diagnostic Dilemmas: Multiple Failure Diagnostics On High Mileage Engines
Gary Goms explains that in tough economic times, a driver has no way of knowing how many maintenance-based and component-based failures will accumulate before he or she can afford to have a technician investigate the problem once a Check Engine light comes on.
Maximizing Current Ramping Techniques In The Shop
Although modern on-board diagnostic systems are becoming far more comprehensive than in years past, it’s still important to know how to use a lab scope and inductive current probe to analyze the amperage flow through the primary ignition and fuel pump circuits.
Tech Tip: Audi Has MIL On with Multiple Low Fuel Pressure DTCs
Due to fuel intrusion into the low-pressure system fuel pressure sensor (G410), a false signal may be sent to the controller, resulting in a reading that is out of tolerance.
Returning Engine Power Through Fuel Injection Service
Over time, fuel injectors will become flow restricted from both the deposits that the gasoline leaves in them as it flows through the injectors and the carbon deposits that form on the head of the injectors, causing engine driveability issues
Tech Talk – Engine Innovations to Reach Government Fuel Standards
In recent years, the primary driving force behind engine innovation has been the never-ending quest for better fuel economy with little or no sacrifice in performance. Government regulations and rising fuel prices are forcing automakers to develop new technologies and powertrains that squeeze more power out of every drop of fuel while producing less pollution and greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide) emissions.
Getting Stoked to Service the 6.0L Power Stroke
If there were one engine that plagues the mid-size diesel world, you would have to say that it is the 6.0L Power Stroke. The 6.0L came into existence because the EPA demanded tighter emissions laws for diesel engines. Even though the 7.3L was branded as the reliable workhorse for Ford, it would never be able to pass the tighter emissions laws that were going to come into effect for 2004.
Diagnostic Solutions: Testing Fuel Delivery Systems – Checking the Basics First Can Facilitate Diagnostic Strategy
Vehicle fuel delivery technology has evolved to include conventional, pulse-modulated and direct fuel injection systems, with each having a specific set of components and testing issues. Gary Goms explains how to avoid some of the most common mistakes in diagnosing fuel delivery systems.
Service Solutions: The ‘CKP’ Script
The signal of the position or rotation speed of the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) contains a lot of information about the engine. When the engine is operating, the engine cylinders push on the crankshaft journal. This is why the crankshaft briefly accelerates after top dead center (TDC) on the expansion (or combustion) stroke. If the fuel did not ignite in the cylinder there would no acceleration.
Tech Tip: Ford Ticking Noise at Idle
Some 2008-’10 Focus vehicles built on or before December 23, 2009 may exhibit a ticking noise from the fuel rail or injectors at idle.
Pulling Codes: Mean and Lean with Shades of Gray
This article will document the infamous P0171 code – Lean Condition. A fuel system lean condition can be broken down into three subsections, namely, fuel pump performance, fuel quality and injectors. Keep in mind this is only a starting point, but it is a good place to start.
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
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.