Diagnostic Dilemmas: Symptom Diagnosis…The Journey Begins
When I first began my automotive career way back in 1957, the symptoms of an ailing engine were very apparent. A carburetor with a worn accelerator pump, for example, would characteristically stumble on acceleration and a closed-up set of distributor contact points would cause the engine to become very sluggish. Low fuel pressure caused by
Foreign Affairs: Getting Nissan Engines Back to Peak Performance
/Articles/06_01_2007/60754gif_00000014067.gif” width=”156″ height=”146″ alt=”” border=”0″ align=”right” /> In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the common problems that affect engine performance. With on-board diagnostics (OBD), many of these problems will cause a check engine lamp (CEL) and store a code. With most of us becoming comfortable and proficient while working with OBD
Diagnostic Solutions: Fuel System Pressure & Volume Checks
For maximum efficiency, modern import fuel injection systems require that fuel be delivered at a specified volume and pressure. Because the fuel injector’s job is to mix fuel with the intake air charge, it must produce a finely misted, conical spray pattern through the fuel injector nozzle. Lower-than-specified fuel pressures not only fail to provide
40-Year-Old Volvo
Starring at an auto show near you, it’s “The 40-Year-Old Volvo,” a tale of a 1966 1800 that just keeps running, and running, and running. . . By Debbie Briggs, Contributing Writer When Irvin Gordon bought his sporty red 1966 Volvo 1800, or P1800 as it’s known in Europe, on June 30, 1966, he had
Chrysler & Jeep Cooling System & HVAC Service
Every car make has its quirks, and Chrysler and Jeep vehicles are no exception. In researching this article, we found several examples of heater problems in these vehicles that seem to be fairly common. On 2001 and 2002 Sebring Sedan, Sebring Convertible and Stratus Sedan, plus 1993 to 2002 Chrysler Concorde, LHS, New Yorker and
Selling Services: Cooling System Colors
All types of antifreeze contain corrosion-inhibiting chemicals to protect bare metal surfaces from electrolytic attack. Though automakers disagree on which chemical additives work best in their vehicles, essentially any kind of antifreeze will work in any vehicle. But how well will it protect the cooling system? And for how long? And will it void the
Diagnostic Solutions: Cooling Fan Failure Diagnosis
Cooling fan operation is often taken for granted by many technicians because testing a cooling fan requires at least 15 minutes of fast idling or running until the coolant temperature reaches 220-230° F. If the cooling fan doesn’t activate, a coolant temperature sensor, fan relay, fan electrical circuit or the fan itself may be at
Tech Feature: Laser Ignition Technology
Since the earliest days of the internal combustion engine, spark plugs have provided the ignition source for the air/fuel mixture. Over the years, spark plugs have gotten smaller, and the use of exotic metals in their electrodes has extended plug life to 100,000 miles or more. But spark plugs still have a conductive center electrode
Service Guide: F-Series New Model 2004
A bold new look and some subtle changes probably best describe the 2004-and-up Ford F150. To the technician, it is the subtle changes that he or she needs to be aware of. Starting with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F150. The new body style truck is a new
Avoiding Those Hi-Tech Returns
One of the more common complaints these days from jobbers and retailers when dealing with electronic powertrain control modules (ECMs/PCMs) is the relatively high number of defective returns, exchanges or warranty claims demanded by repair shops. Yet, of all electronic parts that come back defective, ECMs tend to be the ones most often misdiagnosed. This
Forum Junkies: The Do’s and Don’ts of Netiquette
A web forum or internet message board can be a great thing. Just imagine like-minded people coming together to discuss problems and solutions on the internet. But, sometimes it is like a bar without any alcohol, and some patrons manage to talk loudly and become “know it alls.” Web forums can be a powerful tool
Tech Feature: Performance Modifications…Getting a ‘Handle’ on Your Customers’ Tuning Needs
The sport compact car market is hotter than ever. The market has moved beyond the simple bolt-ons such as wheels, tires, brake rotors and spoilers. It’s not unusual today to see sport compact engines producing upward of 400 horsepower on the street. With so much power under the hood, the challenge is getting the horsepower