Service Solutions: Electrical Problems – Invisible Targets
To correctly diagnose invisible electrical challenges, sometimes, it literally takes all we know plus patience, suggestions from others and maybe a little luck. This story began innocently enough with an overheating complaint on the first vehicle. The second had intermittent flickering headlights and instrument cluster gauge fluctuations, so it was an obvious challenge. We will attempt to convey what was learned in locating the target causes of these electrical challenges.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Harnessing in a Wiring Fault
During the summer, the speedometer on the Taurus would quit on an intermittent basis. Of course, when the speedometer would quit, the automatic transmission would default into an intermediate gear and fail to shift into the higher ranges. Although a local transmission shop installed a new VSS and performed other repairs as well, the Taurus ran only a few days before the problem resurfaced.
Directions: Will You Be Servicing a 100-MPG Vehicle in the Near Future?
Vehicles in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X-PRIZE vie for $10 million in prizes that will be awarded to teams that develop production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 miles per gallon or energy equivalent (MPGe).
Tech Tip: BMW Check Engine Light On and Vehicle Running Rough Due to Airflow Meter
If a customer complains of a check engine light on and a vehicle running rough, it may be due to problems with the airflow meter and wiring.
Tech Tip: Nissan Optical Distributor Test
Many Nissan vehicles have a power transistor controlling the coil (or igniter). The power transistor is a separate unit on optical distributors. It allows the signal sent from the ECU (low current) to activate the primary circuit in the ignition coil (higher current). This induces high voltage in the secondary windings of the coil, providing spark to the distributor cap and plugs. If this transistor is faulty, the necessary spark will not result.
Diagnostic Solutions: Alternator Testing Tips
When we’re attempting to diagnose a charging system failure, it helps to think of the battery’s state of charge (SOC) as a type of checking account. If we overdraw our account, we wake up the next morning with an engine that won’t crank. Or, if we overdraw our account and not balancing our account at the end of the day, we again are greeted with a slow-cranking engine and an overdrawn charging system account.
Tech Tip: Intermittent No-Start on Ford 5.4L V8 Truck Engine
When it won’t start, there is no communication with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The theft light is flashing rapidly with codes U1147 and U1262 in the Hybrid Electronic Cluster (HEC). Also, the odometer just shows dashes with the key on instead of the actual mileage.
Arizona Legislature Passes Battery Core Deposit Bill
The California/Nevada/Arizona Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA) and its affiliate the Arizona Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (AAWA) are reporting a successful outcome to their lobbying efforts after the Arizona legislature signed into law a bill that provides monetary relief for Arizona parts stores that sell lead batteries.
NAPA Auto Parts Stores Offer $10 Mail-in Rebate on NAPA LEGEND 75-Month Batteries
Here’s some NAPA KNOW HOW your customer’s may not know about: Summer can be worse on your batteries than winter. So this June, participating NAPA Auto Parts stores are offering a $10 mail-in rebate on NAPA LEGEND 75-Month Batteries.
Tech Feature: Where Do You Start with Mercedes No-Start Diagnostics?
Hundreds of times a year, repair shops will get cars brought to them to repair a “No Start” fault. This article is going to discuss the process that it takes to make repairs when there are so many variables. Though this article will be focused on Mercedes-Benz, the steps can be used for any make or model.
Bosch Launches Comprehensive Battery Program; Introduces New Automotive Batteries
Bosch is launching a comprehensive automotive battery program in the continental United States with the introduction of three new passenger vehicle lines and a high tech AGM passenger vehicle line for extreme conditions and start/stop applications.
Mercedes-Benz Tech Tip: Battery Acid Leaking into Battery Box
If you receive customer reports in Model 163.154/157/172/174/175 vehicles, all model years, of acid leaking from the battery ventilation hole causing damage to the battery box, follow the remedy procedures below which detail installing a hose/receptacle combination.