Pulling Codes: The Story of Codes P1128 and P1129
It was Saturday, June 11, 2011, at 8:30 in the morning. I had just arrived at an automotive repair facility located in Merriville, IN, owned by a very good friend of mine. The reason for my visit that morning was the challenge of a 2008 Chrysler 300 VIN Code R with a 2.7L engine. This vehicle appeared to operate properly until it reached cruising speed, and then once cruising speed was obtained, the vehicle would actually hiccup and set a pending code for P1128 and P1129. This hiccup could more accurately be defined as a “fishbite” reaction that was felt at cruising speed.
Borescopes and Videoscopes – Coming to Our Senses
As a professional technician, you have to rely on at least four, if not all five, of your senses to diagnose and repair vehicles. (For those of you who use taste to fix cars, more power to you! And cheers for admitting it!) Today we are going to talk about tools and equipment that can assist these senses. There are some really exciting and interesting tools available for the inspection and diagnosis of vehicles. Below you will find some details about these great tools and suggestions on how they can be used as well as what to look for when buying the tools.
Specialty Tools: Making a Once Difficult Task Easy to Accomplish
More and more, it is becoming difficult, if not impossible, to repair and service the cars on the road without a host of specialty tools. The days of being able to use just basic hand tools to repair vehicles is becoming a thing of the past. As the owner and lead tech on a couple of older Mercedes vehicles, this became painfully obvious to me over the last week or so. Faced with the repair and replacement of some suspension components, I ended up needing no less than four different vehicle-specific specialty tools to do the repairs.
Tool Tip: Prepare to Repair: The Importance of Equipment Maintenance
Situation A commercial vehicle — a 1996 Chevrolet 3500 van — was recently brought in for service with the customer complaining of low fuel pressure. The vehicle had recently had its fuel module and fuel pressure regulator replaced, due to a low fuel pressure concern and the vehicle was still experiencing the same issue. Procedure
Tool Tip: BMW A/C System Leak Testing Procedure Update
The customer complains of poor or no air conditioning cooling. After further diagnosis, the system is found to be low or empty of a refrigerant charge, but when using an electronic leak detector, no leak can be found. Before replacing parts, perform a nitrogen leak test to confirm the location of the leak.
Pulling Codes: The Story of U1016
This Pulling Codes article will center on issues involving the powertrain control module (PCM) talking to your scan tool. In many states, this is the controller our scan tool needs to talk to in order to determine if the correct number of monitors has run and passed. It’s interesting to note that there appears to be two modes of failure in terms of communication.
What to Look for Now in Cordless Tools
Back in the dark ages when this writer was young and foolish (as opposed to now when he is older and foolish), if a self-respecting workman needed to make a hole or cut something, he would walk to the closet, truck, toolbox, etc. and the first thing to come out was the dreaded extension cord. There was nothing better than dragging that cord up ladders, under hoods, across rafters, under dashboards – it was great I tell you!
Pulling Codes: Hit or Miss? The Story of P0302
It is unfortunate that today misfire analysis can be a hit-or-miss concept on many of today’s engine families. If one views several misfire failures, and documents the behavior of fuel trims, it is reasonable to state that ignition misfires do not have a significant impact on them, whereas fuel-related issues create a significant impact.
Top 5 Tools: Norm Peterson, Fine Tuning Auto
Norm Peterson Fine Tuning Auto, LLC Trade Lake, WI Launch Diagun Scan Tool — It covers all makes and models, especially the European lines I specialize in such as Saab and Volvo. iATN Archives and Chat Room — First stop on code or symptom retrieval, sometimes before customer even arrives at the shop (with
Top 5 Tools: Rod Brace, APS
Rod Brace, owner APS (Advanced Problems Solutions) Indianola, IA Knipex Smooth Jaw Pliers DeWalt Cordless 4-1/2” Grinder Leatherman Supertool Kershaw 1550T Spring-Assisted Knife Coast Cutlery LED Lenser Flashlight
Tool Tip: Honda Revises Alternator Testing Procedures
American Honda is developing new equipment and procedures for testing alternators and starters. Until this equipment is released, use the following information.