Tech Tip: Toyota MIL On with DTCs Set in Subfreezing Temperatures
Following a cold soak in subfreezing ambient temperatures, some 2003-’08 Corolla and Matrix vehicles equipped with a 1ZZ-FE engine may exhibit an MIL on with one or more of the following DTCs as the result of a vacuum leak at the intake manifold.
Crankshaft and Camshaft Position Sensor Diagnosis
Nothing is more frustrating than diagnosing an intermittent cranking, no-start complaint with no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and no apparent failure pattern. Much of the time, the cranking, no-start complaint lies with a failing crankshaft or camshaft position sensor. Many of these failures can be heat-related and might require several warm-up cycles to duplicate.
Tech Tip: Nissan Altima, Sentra with MIL On and DTCs P0100/ P0102/P1102 Stored
If you confirm that an applied vehicle has DTCs P0100/P0102/P1102 stored and may also exhibit a rough-running engine, slight engine speed variation while driving or low engine power, follow the procedures outlined below.
New Emissions Technology: Fuel Economy, Global Warming & Alternative Fuels
We can expect to see more innovations designed to improve fuel economy and/or eliminate our dependence on oil altogether, says Technical
Catalytic Converter Tech Feature: Diagnosing P0420 or P0430 DTCs
Although modern OBD II technology has simplified catalytic converter diagnostics, it’s still important to understand the basics of catalytic converter operation when dealing with a P0420 or P0430 DTC. Gary Goms explores the basics of catalytic converter chemistry and summarizes how common converter failures can be diagnosed.
Code P0420: The Dreaded Diagnostics of Catalytic Converter Replacement and Oxygen Sensors
You just pulled a P0420 from a vehicle indicating the catalyst system efficiency for one of the banks is below threshold. What is next? Could it be just the oxygen sensor? Or, could it be the catalytic converter? These articles will help you understand why the OBDII code was set and what further test must be performed to determine the root of the problem like a coolant leak, oil blow by or other problems with the engine.
Tech Tip: Hyundai Check Engine Light Diagnostics
There are a couple of ways a Hyundai will find its way into your bay with a check engine light complaint. If a misfire is obvious, you may be tempted to get to work and start switching coils, checking wires or whatever, looking to diagnose the problem. But before you do, check the codes to see if more information is available.
Tech Feature: Acquiring Data on Scan Tools, Part II
Technical contributor Gary Goms discuss the importance of choosing the right scan tool, using scan tool database systems, graphing data, storing data for future use, analyzing scan tool data and using bi-directional controls.
Tech Feature: Engine Technology Gets a Boost
As a technician, you’ll need to understand how Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine works, since the automaker plans to incorporate it in 90% of its new vehicles over the next three years.
Tech Feature: Getting The Most Data From Your Scan Tool
It’s more than likely that many technicians use their scan tools as diagnostic trouble code (DTC) readers rather than as the analytical and testing tools that they really are.
Diagnostic Solutions: Rediscovering Oxygen Sensors
If you’re like me, you more often than not find a correct diagnostic direction by going back to what trainers are fond of calling “The Basics.” I capitalized “The Basics” because they are the foundation upon which all of us should be building our diagnostic strategies. The Basics were brought to mind recently when I
Oxygen Sensors Read the Amount of Unburned Oxygen in the Exhaust
The O2 sensors located in the exhaust manifolds provide the essential feedback for the fuel control loop that regulates the air/fuel mixture. On V6, V8 and V10 engines, there is one O2 sensor in each exhaust manifold. On four and straight six engines, there is usually only one O2 sensor in the exhaust manifold.