Diagnostic Dilemmas: Building A Plan For Diagnosing Electrical Problems
Every once in a while, I see the topic of a diagnostic check sheet come up on the International Automotive Technician’s Network (iATN) or other industry media. Most often, the question is asked by a shop owner or service writer who is trying to simplify his life by devising a “canned” step-by-step approach to solving various electronic diagnostic problems. Although a canned procedure is a good place to start, it’s not a sure-fire way to solving electronic problems.
Tech Feature: Hall Effect Sensor Diagnostics
Hall effect crankshaft position (CKP) and camshaft position (CMP) sensors are critical components of an engine management system. The inputs they provide enable the powertrain control module (PCM) to determine engine speed and position including where a given cylinder is within the four-stroke cycle.
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.
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.
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.
Fuel Pump Diagnostics Using Scan Tools
The most common diagnostic procedures for fuel pumps in the past were analog and hands on. Most fuel pump-related problems could be solved with a pressure gauge and voltmeter. Today, the scan tool is the most important tool when diagnosing a fuel supply problem.
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.
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.
Equus Products Marks 10-Year Anniversary of INNOVA 3100 Diagnostic Tool
Equus Products has announced the 10th anniversary of its INNOVA 3100 CanOBD2 Diagnostic Tool, which has surpassed 750,000 pieces sold since it was first introduced during the 2001 Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo (AAPEX).
Diagnostic Dilemmas: The Diagnostic Tail Gunner – Surviving in the Age of Information
One of the first survival skills my professor taught is called “preparatory set,” which is simply the act of preparing to do something. Each of us engages in preparatory set when we open our toolboxes each morning. The very act of opening our toolbox signals to our mind that we’re ready to go to work and deal with the day’s issues.