Tech Tip: Nissan DTC P0420 Stored in ECM
If you confirm DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) is stored in the ECM, determine if this bulletin applies by checking the ECM part number.
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.
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: Does a Generic OBD II Tool Show All Volkswagen Codes?
Generic OBD II tools may not give the complete picture of what is happening with a car. Consider what happened to me with my 2000 VW GTI 1.8T. The car had been intermittently stalling out over a period of a few weeks. The check engine light was not lit. One evening, as I was leaving work, the car stalled again. Fortunately, I had my laptop with me and had several diagnostic programs installed, so I ran a scan.
Using OBD II Diagnostics to Communicate with Your Customer’s Volkswagen
This article is about communication faults and problems that have occurred on Volkswagens over the last 10-plus years. Many of the same problems still exist on the newest models, but as these vehicles age, get repaired or damaged, problems come up that can challenge even the very best technicians.
Talking Shop: An All-Access Pass to Shop/Repair Information?
If you’ve spent hours struggling to master a new computer software system, you can well understand how a modern auto technician might feel when confronted with not just one, but hundreds of different software configurations built into the platforms of the 17 different vehicle manufacturers now being sold in our domestic market.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Ford Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Problems
To diagnose and repair Ford exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems properly, it is important to understand how they work and what is unique to the product line.
Tech Feature: Detecting Misfires in OBD II Engines
With OBD II, there’s no missing misfires. Most engine control systems with OBD II monitor the speed of the crankshaft between cylinder firings to detect misfires. The powertrain control module (PCM) notes the relative position of the crankshaft via the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) each time a trigger pulse is sent to the ignition system.
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.
Tech Feature: Making $ (Money) with Mode $06
Mode $06 is one of the nine diagnostic modes that is part of the OBD II on-board diagnostics system on all 1996 and newer vehicles.
Kia Preventive Maintenance: Chassis, Engine & Brake Repairs
More Kias on the road means more repair and maintenance opportunities for the import car specialist, so don’t let them pass you by. In this article, Bob Dowie focuses on the most common problems and maintenance items that have them finding their way into your bays – like check engine light, brake and chassis repairs.
What is Mode $06 and the other OBD II Modes?
OBD II modes are organized into nine categories, each of which is assigned a particular mode number preceded by a $ sign to symbolize the hexadecimal code it represents.