Air Ride Height Sensor Diagnostics
Some ride height sensor modules connect to the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus or other SAE or ISO bus or ride control module. The module can connect directly to the ABS/ESC module on a CAN bus or it can be part of the overall CAN Network in a loop that connects various modules in the vehicle.
Diagnosing Fuel Pumps Using Voltage Drops And Current Testing
Some of the best diagnostic tests for fuel pumps are voltage drops and current testing. Fuel pressure and volume are influenced by voltage, current and the demand controlled by the regulator. If a fuel pump is not receiving the correct voltage, it cannot spin fast enough. Voltage drop testing can isolate problems that can still remain even if the pump is replaced.
Tech Feature: Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus Topology
At the typical repair shop, six-year-old vehicles (and there are 184 million of them on the road today) are some of the most common vehicles driving into the bays. And, since these vehicles are out of warranty, they will fuel service opportunities for the aftermarket and require more attention from independent repair shops like yours. In particular, one growing service area is diagnostics, especially as it relates to the expanding electronic content in today’s vehicles.
Understanding UART And Class 2 Serial Data Bus Configurations For Modules And Sensors [VIDEO]
In this tip clip, Bob Augustine discusses the similarities and differences of several UART bus configurations and explores some diagnostic strategies for each of them. This clip is an excerpt from the 90-minute comprehensive “Getting Technical with Your Tech 2” with Bob Augustine available from AVI.
Servicing Intelligent Air Ride Systems
Air ride diagnostics is more than a spray bottle of soapy water. On today’s late-model vehicles, it requires a scan tool, meter and scope. Swapping components will only lead you down a diagnostic black hole that leads to an angry customer and parts supplier.
Wheel Speed Sensor Diagnostics for Meters and Scopes
There is no way to quickly tell if a Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) is passive or active. Both sensors have two wires and are located in the same position on the vehicle. Often, the service information will not indicate what types of sensors are on the vehicle
Fuel Pump Diagnostics – Using Voltage Drops and Current Draw
Fuel pumps and voltage drops are never a good combination – at least the wrong kind of voltage drops. Good voltage drops occur with fuel pumps that are given multiple speeds with a module that is connected to a computer with a dedicated signal wire that tells the module to go to a lower or higher speed.
Steering Angle Sensor Diagnostics
Measuring the steering wheel position angle and rate of turn, which are critical for Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems, is the job of the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS). The scan tool will typically display the information in degrees.
Brake System Scan Tools: The New Essential Tool
While there are many times where you will be able to repair a vehicle’s brakes without a scan tool, you only have to run into one car that needs this to make it worth having. The reality is that if your customer’s vehicle is 10 years old or newer, there’s nearly a 100% chance that you could need a scan tool to perform some sort of test/repair on the brake system.
BRAKE JOB: 2004-2009 Mazda3
The 2004-2009 Mazda3 is based on the Ford global C1 platform, shared with the European Ford Focus and Volvo S40. Nothing is really groundbreaking about the brake system. But, not paying attention to the details can end in a post brake job comeback.
Tech Update: Can ‘Add-Ons’ Affect CAN Systems? Yes, They Can!
Get any teenager their first car and the first thing they want to do is modify it with new wheels, a different exhaust, seat covers or, the most important and popular upgrade, the stereo. You know, when they have to get to school with all their buddies in the car, they’ve got to have those tunes. They can’t be seen around town with a dull factory radio or wimpy stock wheels.
Tech Update: HVAC Diagnostics
Leave it to the OEMs to take a simple system like heating and air conditioning and turn it into an electronic jumble of wiring, sensors and computer components.