Tech Tip: Kia Optima Won’t Rev, Sets Code P0350
On some Kia Optima vehicles, a P0350 code is set, indicating a faulty ignition coil circuit. At times the engine runs bad and won’t rev up; that is when it sets the code.
Directions: Vehicle Age and Smaller Engines Increase Vehicle Maintenance
While the small increase in 2010 vehicle total mileage would seem to be negative for aftermarket product expansion, the changing driving habits of Americans are causing more vehicle wear per mile driven today than in the past.
Tech Feature: Common Rail Systems May Soon Be Commonplace
Due to the conflict between consumer performance demands and more stringent EPA standards, the use of
Tech Tip: VW’s Check Engine Light is On with Fault Code P0411
When diagnosing various VW and Audi vehicles, the Check Engine Light (MIL) is on and fault code P0411 (16795) is stored in the fault memory.
Wrangling in Jeep Spark Timing Dilemmas
Every once in a while I get a Diagnostic Dilemma that takes me back to the basics of how modern engine management systems work. This month’s happened to be a 1992 Jeep Wrangler equipped with the 4.0L engine and manual transmission. Of course, a vehicle of this vintage and configuration has to be about as basic as modern technology can get, right? Well, there are always exceptions.
Tech Tip: Nissan’s Engine Idle Speed is 25 RPM too High
If you confirm the idle, in Park or Neutral, is more than 25 rpm above specification (with the engine warm), and/or DTC P0507 (ISC System) is stored, this incident may be the result of recent cleaning or replacement of the throttle body. The vehicle “in-use” learned idle may be higher after throttle body deposits are reduced (by cleaning or replacement).
Ford Reflash Tech Tip: PC Settings
So, you’ve just finished up a Ford, and you’re about to try and start it up. However, it needs programmed. You’ve decided to use a J2534 tool, but there are certain things you’ll need to consider before purchasing that subscription at www.motorcraftservice.com.
Service Solutions: Lessons Learned Regarding ‘Old School’ Ignition Diagnosis
Recently, I’ve been confronted with driveability complaints on older vehicles that appear to defy conventional wisdom. Diagnosing such problems usually forces me to re-examine the fundamentals of engine
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Solving No-Code Performance Complaints
For many diagnostic techs, nothing is more discouraging and time-consuming than dealing with a no-code driveability complaint. Today’s second-generation On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) can be extremely sophisticated because the OBD II powertrain control modules (PCMs) in modern vehicles have far more computing capacity than did the older, pre-1996 OBD I vehicles. Nevertheless, we occasionally have to deal with a no-code performance complaint on a modern OBD II vehicle.
Solving Common Honda Driveability Problems
One of the common check engine light problems you’ll encounter on Hondas is a misfire code with no apparent misfire. Many times, this problem will be traced back to tight valve lash. Obviously, a tight valve will pass the audible test every time. But, it’s the tight valves that will set the check engine light in the best case, and if it’s ignored long enough you’ll be looking at a low-compression situation caused by a burnt valve.
Tech Tip: Subaru MIL Flashes with No Driveability Complaints
You may encounter a Subaru on which the MIL flashes whenever the motor is running. There may not be any driveability complaints. The problem is that the green test mode connectors are hooked together. To diagnose the problem, locate the green single-wire test mode connectors under the driver’s side of the dash by the steering column.
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.