Mitch Schneider: At Any Rate…
I was out of the shop all day Thursday and most of Friday. Realistically, coming in just before three on a Friday afternoon didn’t seem to make much sense, but there was a “big job” that just “had to go out” – a project car with lots of hours. It seems like there is always a big job with lots of hours that just has to go out. So, let’s just say that going back to the shop on a Friday afternoon after being gone for a day-and-a-half wasn’t a first-choice option! Nevertheless, I found myself sitting at my desk at a quarter to three, drowning in a sea of unopened mail.
Tech Feature: Delivering the Fuel – Not a Fuel Pump Return
Although electronic fuel injection has become the norm since the late 1980s, some technicians still don’t understand the value of having a good diagnostic procedure for testing electric fuel pump functions. While this is not something a repair shop owner wants to hear, proper fuel component testing has become a growing industry issue, as unnecessary parts warranty returns continue to be a problem for manufacturers.
Independent Research Shows E15 Poses Minimal Risk to Older Vehicles
The conclusion of the Ricardo study is that the adoption of E15 as the blend limit for standard US pump grades of gasoline should not adversely affect vehicles manufactured between 1994 and 2000.
Groups Form To Delay E15 Fuel
The groups contend that E15 could harm many types of vehicle engines, fuel systems and components, as well as the environment.
Tech Feature: Taking it to the Streets
We have all seen in our industry that a “streetable” racing engine or a “raceable” street engine appeals to a broad spectrum of potential engine buyers because of its flexibility. Yet, everyday street driving is not the same thing as serious drag racing.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing the Blue Car Syndrom of a Random Stalling Condition
Blue Car Syndrome is the non-technical term for a very common phenomenon. It is the experience that many people possess regarding having a specific observation, idea, experience, etc., enter one’s consciousness, and then having it seem that the same observation or experience begins to occur with increased frequency.
Jeep Fuel Problems Needn’t Be an Uphill Battle
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a dependable vehicle for many vehicle owners over the years. However, the SUV has had a few fuel system problem that has put Jeeps in repair shops. In this article, we’ll address some fuel system complaints that have plagued these vehicles.
Ford Water-in-Fuel Indicator Dampens Driver’s Spirit
Some 2003-’04 Ford F Super Duty/Excursion (vehicles with 6.0L Powerstroke engine built prior to Nov. 1, 2003) owners may complain of an illuminated water-in-fuel (WIF) lamp. The lamp does not turn off after water has been drained from the horizontal fuel conditioning module (HFCM).
Tech Tip: Replacing a Volvo Fuel Pump Connector
Use the following procedure to replace the fuel pump connector on 1993 and newer 850, S70, V70 and C70 models. For five-door vehicles, remove the four screws from the floor hatch, pull the hatch backward and lift it out. For four-door vehicles, remove the floor mat, loosen the right panel at the front edge and fold it away.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Repeat Fuel Pump Failures
During the past several years, I’ve encountered many vehicles that were running on their third or fourth new fuel pump in as many years. As with many repeat failures, the initial fuel pump installations were sloppy or a brand of fuel pump with a known high failure rate had been installed. In the remaining cases, an OE or aftermarket-equivalent fuel pump had been installed, but fuel tank contamination had been overlooked as a cause of the premature failure.
Tech Tip: Nissan MIL On/DTC P1491 Set
A 2001 Frontier (D22) or Xterra (WD22) may exhibit one or both of the following symptoms: MIL "On" with DTC P1491 (Vacuum Cut Valve Bypass Valve – VC CUT/V BYPASS/V) stored in the ECM; and/or difficulty refueling the vehicle. The vehicle’s fuel tank may need to be replaced. Use the appropriate Service Procedure provided in this bulletin to diagnose and repair these incidents, if they should occur ….
Point of No Return: Returnless Fuel Injection Systems
If you’ve tried to find the fuel pressure regulator on many late-model engines by looking in the engine compartment, you won’t find it there because the regulator has been relocated to the fuel tank.