Tech Tip: Mazda Experiences Vibration at Cruising Speeds (55 mph)
Some Mazda vehicles may experience a body vibration when driving approximately 55 mph. This symptom is due to the characteristics of the No. 3 and No. 4 engine mounts.
A 360° Look Into the GM 60° 3.1L Engine
Over the years, GM has saved a bundle on manufacturing the 3.1L engine by using the production line tooling it originally developed for the 2.8L V6. By simply changing the bore diameter, the displacement of the same engine block could now be increased for more power and torque.
Service Solutions: The ‘CKP’ Script
The signal of the position or rotation speed of the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) contains a lot of information about the engine. When the engine is operating, the engine cylinders push on the crankshaft journal. This is why the crankshaft briefly accelerates after top dead center (TDC) on the expansion (or combustion) stroke. If the fuel did not ignite in the cylinder there would no acceleration.
Tech Tip: Chevy Malibu Suffers Engine Hesitation, Stalling, RPM Drop
Some Malibu owners may comment on the engine having a severe hesitation or a drop in RPM during parking lot maneuvers or during a deceleration. In a few instances, customers may comment on occasionally experiencing a stall at idle when the engine is fully warmed.
Driving Technology: The Quest for Improved Battery Output
The search is on for new materials to boost battery energy storage and output.
Tech Tip: Hyundai MIL On with DTCs Set and Fail Safe Mode, Harsh Engagement
An improperly functioning input speed sensor or output speed sensor may result in the following conditions: Check Engine light on; Harsh P-R or P-D engagement shock; Transaxle in third gear fail-safe; and/or Diagnostic trouble codes.
Pulling Codes: Hit or Miss? Part III
In the first two articles, we looked at cranking compression and tailpipe analysis. We will now explore in-cylinder analysis. In order to have an understanding of this concept, one must envision the four-stroke cycle at the time the plug fires as a reference. This denotes the end of our compression stroke, and the beginning of the power stroke for that cylinder.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: 8 Simple Rules …
Many of the “Diagnostic Dilemmas” Gary Goms is called upon to solve aren’t really all that complicated – but were caused by basic oversights and incorrect assumptions on the part of the technician. This situation has largely been caused by a lack of training and, in some cases, poor training.
Tech Tip: Dodge/Jeep Engine Misfire at Idle
This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 3.7L engine in which the customer may experience occasional engine misfire at idle. The malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate for single or multiple cylinder misfire.
Learning Curves – How Education and Training Paved the Way for Tom Palermo’s Career Path
In November, Palermo was named the 2011 Best Tech of the Year recipient, a program sponsored by WIX Filters to recognize the skills and professionalism of today’s automotive technicians. This was the first year for the award.
Book Report: Automotive Electrical Performance Projects
For the automotive professional with electrical experience, Automotive Electrical Performance Projects by Tony Candela is a great edition to their technical library as it details a variety of popular performance project upgrades. In this “Performance Projects Series” title from CarTech books, brilliant color photos and explanatory step-by-step captions detail the installation of the most functional and beneficial upgrades for enthusiasts of varying skill levels.
Pulling Codes: The Story of Codes P1128 and P1129
It was Saturday, June 11, 2011, at 8:30 in the morning. I had just arrived at an automotive repair facility located in Merriville, IN, owned by a very good friend of mine. The reason for my visit that morning was the challenge of a 2008 Chrysler 300 VIN Code R with a 2.7L engine. This vehicle appeared to operate properly until it reached cruising speed, and then once cruising speed was obtained, the vehicle would actually hiccup and set a pending code for P1128 and P1129. This hiccup could more accurately be defined as a “fishbite” reaction that was felt at cruising speed.