Tech Update: Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control (ESC) was introduced in 1995 and touted as the second most important advancement in auto safety, after seat belts, becoming standard equipment on every 2012 passenger vehicle. ESC is supposed to help drivers maintain safe control of their vehicles and prevent accidents. However, it’s the tires that determine the effectiveness of ESC for every vehicle.
Servicing Variable-Assist Power Steering Systems
Variable-assist, variable-rate or variable-effort power steering is used on a growing number of vehicles. Variable assist is a way of providing the best of both worlds: finger-tip parking maneuverability at low speed and reduced assist at higher speeds for greater stability and road feel. As a vehicle’s speed increases, less effort and assist are needed to steer the wheels. Variable-rate steering, by comparison, applies more assist at low speed when it is needed most and reduces assist at higher speeds when it is needed least.
How Software Is Changing Braking: Electronics Are Driving Technological Advancements
There was a time when advancements in import brake technology were entirely hardware based. The change from drum brakes to disc brakes, the introduction of semi-metallic and ceramic brake pads and the addition of power brakes as standard equipment were all changes achieved by redesigned and improved brake system components. Today, electronics is driving most of the advancements in braking technology.
Tech Tip: Chrysler’s Engine Experiences No Crank/No Start Condition Due To Electronic Lockup Of WCM/SKREEM
The customer will experience a no engine crank and a no engine start condition. Also, the remote keyless entry (RKE) system will not operate. This condition may be due to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) from the ignition key into the WCM, causing the WCM to electronically lockup. This condition may occur more frequently in dry and/or cold weather conditions where a sufficient electrostatic charge is more easily produced. This condition is corrected by the replacement of the WCM.
Engine Series: Cummins Diesel Powers Dodge For Nearly 25 Years
When you hear the name Cummins, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Most of the time, if you have any knowledge of trucks, a Dodge truck is the first thing that comes to mind. The Cummins diesel engine has always had a great reputation for reliable diesel power. Though the Cummins diesel engine can be found in many applications, it seems to obtain most of its credit from drivers of over the road trucks.
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.
TRW Automotive to Manufacture Electric Steering in Brazil for the South American Market
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. recently announced the start of production of Electric Power Steering (EPS) from its facilities in Limeira, Brazil, in support of the company’s expanding South American customer base.
Identify the Right Parts for Any Performance Application Via Federal-Mogul’s www.FMe-cat.com Electronic Catalog
Federal-Mogul Corporation has launched a dynamic, next-generation electronic catalog – available at www.FMe-cat.com – to help performance engine builders, enthusiasts and other customers find high-quality parts for virtually any automotive, performance or marine application.
Tech Tip: 10 Steps to Trouble-Shoot Power Steering Pumps
What are the things that must be done to ensure successful diagnosis, installation and testing of a replacement power
steering pump? The following 10 questions outline the most common causes of failure, trouble-shooting suggestions,
diagnostic tips, and proven installation procedures and practices.
Tech Feature: Mazda6 and Mazda3 Driveability Diagnostics and Electronic Throttle Control
Drive-by-wire throttle control systems are pretty much trouble-free but have to be taken into consideration as you perform routine service and diagnose problems, and it changes the way you service these cars when it comes to cleaning the throttle plates, advises Bob Dowie, import specialist contributor, who also covers electronic throttle control’s tie in with ABS and VSC systems.