Cold Weather Diagnostics: Modules Go Down With The Temperature
The subject vehicles were 2002-2006 Ford trucks – the first was a 2002 Ford F-150 with a 5.4 liter, second was a 2006 Lincoln Navigator with a 4.6 liter and finally a 2004 Ford F-250 with a 5.4 liter engine. All of the customer complaints with these vehicles were the same: “The vehicle will not crank/start when cold.”
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Solving Starter And Alternator Problems
The starter “solenoid” is actually a combination of an electric relay and solenoid. The relay portion electrically connects the starter armature to the battery. The solenoid portion mechanically engages the starter’s drive pinion with the engine’s flywheel gear.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Solving Late-Model Charging System Dilemmas
This month’s Diagnostic Dilemma involves a pristine 1995 Buick Park Avenue with a customer complaint of dimming instrument cluster lights, a flickering voltmeter needle, a driveability bucking complaint and a dead battery. The alternator had been replaced due to an indication of excessive AC ripple on the shop’s hand-held battery and charging system tester. A P1630 trouble code was present, indicating a high/low condition with battery voltage.
Driving Technology: Curbing the Possibility of a Volt Electrical Fire
In early January, General Motors announced enhancements to the vehicle structure and battery coolant system in the Chevrolet Volt would further protect the battery from the possibility of an electrical fire occurring days or weeks after a severe crash. The enhancements come in response to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) preliminary evaluation to examine post-severe crash battery performance.
Driving Technology: The Quest for Improved Battery Output
The search is on for new materials to boost battery energy storage and output.
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.
Cadillac Ciel Concept Celebrates the Journey
The spacious and elegant concept car Ciel is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the 3.6-liter Direct Injection V-6 engine, paired with a hybrid system using lithium-ion battery technology. The Ciel – pronounced “C-L,” the French translation for sky – is a four-seat convertible that opens a new chapter in Cadillac’s design and product ascent, pushing the brand’s Art & Science philosophy into a new stratum.
Launching the Ford Evos Concept
Making its global debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Ford Evos Concept represents the ultimate expression of Ford’s new global design language, and explores key future powertrain and vehicle technologies. Created as a bespoke concept vehicle, the fastback introduces Ford’s first truly global design language as the momentum of the company’s One Ford product plan continues to build.
Tech Update: Working on Wipers
It’s right after a major snowstorm, and there’s ice and snow on everyone’s windshield. You’re at the shop waiting for the phone to ring. The phone leaps off the receiver and it’s Captain Chaos; he’s managed to find a second use for his wiper blades. Apparently, Captain Chaos was in too much of a hurry to clean the ice off the wiper blades before turning them on. In his frantic attempt to go to work, the wiper blades have become completely useless. He can hear the wiper motor running, but the blades refuse to move.
Tech Tip: Kia DTCs P0121/P01121 Set
This bulletin provides information related to the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) for Sorento and Sedona models. Some Sorento and Sedona vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes P0121 and/or P1121. This condition mainly occurs in high ambient or desert areas, and can be related to the occasional increase in contact resistance due to excessive wear of the inner elements of the TPS. This bulletin describes the proper service and adjustment procedure for
Tech Feature: BMW Diagnosing Electronic Accessories
BMW has some of the most technologically
Tech Tip: Mazda6 and Mazda SPEED6 Information System Freezes in the Cold
Certain Mazda owners may complain of a problem with their vehicle’s information display during sub-zero temperatures. Some vehicles may experience no illumination from the information display when the ignition is turned on. Also, the clock runs too fast and may gain more than 20 minutes per week. To correct this condition, follow the Repair Procedure in this Tech Tip.