Troubleshooting Wideband O2 Sensors
Many late-model imports such as Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen and others use Air/Fuel sensors rather than conventional oxygen sensors to monitor the exhaust gases coming out of the engine. What’s the difference? An air/fuel sensor can read a much wider and leaner range of fuel mixtures than a conventional O2 sensor. That’s why they’re also called “wideband” O2 sensors.
SMP Introduces Standard Brand Electronic Illustrated Parts Guide on DVD
SMP announces the availability of its Standard brand electronic illustrated parts guide on DVD. This new resource delivers additional, unique features not available in a printed catalog. One of the most important benefits of this electronic parts guide is the ability to regularly update the data electronically.
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.
Directions: U.S. House Votes to Put the Brakes on E15
In February, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment blocking federal funding of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) action to implement the use of E15.
Tech Tip: Toyota MIL On with DTCs Set in Subfreezing Temperatures
Following a cold soak in subfreezing ambient temperatures, some 2003-’08 Corolla and Matrix vehicles equipped with a 1ZZ-FE engine may exhibit an MIL on with one or more of the following DTCs as the result of a vacuum leak at the intake manifold.
Tenneco Boosts Rewards Available Through Popular Expert Plus Dealer Loyalty Program
One of the industry’s most successful loyalty programs, Expert Plus each year supports thousands of leading automotive service businesses through technician training rewards, consumer promotions, exclusive sales incentives, attractive point-of-sale merchandising and consumer education materials and other benefits.
‘Sound Off’ with Your Favorite DynoMax Cat-Back Systems and Save this Summer
DynoMax Performance Exhaust will offer enthusiasts a chance to save on their DynoMax cat-back exhaust purchase this summer through the “Sound Off” promotion. The “Sound Off” promotion offers $75 mail-in rebate for the purchase of any qualifying cat-back performance system.
Pulling Codes: The Story of Code P0446
This is the first in a series of investigations covering many states’ top emissions-related codes. Our goal in this report is to discuss the characteristics of the P0446 code as it applies to many GM systems.
Tech Feature: Courage Under Misfire
Generally, when a customer brings a vehicle into a shop that has a misfire concern, they will describe it as bucking, jerking or loss of power. They also may describe it, depending on the cause, as a jerking when they take off from a start, but smoothes out once the vehicle gets moving. They may tell you the check engine light has been flashing.
Tech Tip: Follow These Steps Prior to Replacing Kia’s Catalytic Converter After Finding DTC P0422
Kia’s OBD II engine management systems use dual oxygen sensors, which among other things allow monitoring of the efficiency of the Manifold Catalytic Converter (MCC), also referred to as the “warmup” cat. Some technicians who retrieve DTC P0422 – Main Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) mistakenly replace the catalytic converter under the floor of the vehicle (possibly because the converter under the car has been referred to as the “main” catalyst). This leads to repeat repairs, unnecessary expense and customer dissatisfaction.
DynoMax Sponsors 2011 King of the Hammers Desert Racing Series and Team Campbell Racing
DynoMax Performance Exhaust has announced the sponsorship of the ultimate desert racing series, King of the Hammers. DynoMax also will sponsor the Shannon Campbell and Team Campbell racing program, including their races in the Ultra4 series and Best in the Desert series.
Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensor Diagnosis
Nothing is more frustrating than diagnosing an intermittent cranking, no-start complaint with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and no apparent failure pattern. Much of the time, the cranking, no-start complaint lies with a failing crankshaft or camshaft position sensor. Many of these failures can be heat-related and might require several warm-up cycles to duplicate.