Tuning In To The EFI Market
There are many variables that need to be calculated and calibrated when it comes to electronic fuel injection (EFI), but simple fuel flow is just the beginning. EFI goes far beyond a replacement for a carburetor, and the electronic part of the equation is where these systems seem so complicated. Many EFI systems give you the ability to control a wide range of parameters of the vehicle, so it’s more involved than simply controlling fuel flow.
Scan Tool Diagnostics And Your Shop’s Needs
A scan tool is absolutely essential for diagnostics on today’s vehicles. You need a scan tool not only for diagnosing engine, emissions and transmission problems, but also for troubleshooting virtually any system that has electronic controls. You might acquire one or two factory scan tools for the makes you service most often, but you’ll also need some type of general-purpose aftermarket scan tool that can handle a broad range of vehicle makes.
Diagnostic Solutions: Hubs/Bearings, CV Shafts & U-Joints
Thanks to advanced technology, modern vehicles operate with fewer noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) complaints than ever before. Consequently, when a noise, vibration or harshness issue arises, it’s most likely to be caused by worn drivetrain components like universal joints, constant velocity (CV) joints or wheel bearing hub assemblies. In any case, NVH complaints can often be the most challenging to diagnose when a tech or service writer can’t duplicate the exact driving conditions under which they occur.
Loaded Shocks & Struts: More Application, Better Solution
When loaded struts were first introduced, the target market was the DIY crowd. However, it was clear that being able to source a spring and related hardware in one box was a big advantage for shops. These units can be a productivity gold mine that can help you bill more hours in a bay by eliminating the disassembly and assembly when transferring the spring and upper plate.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Approaching No-Code Diagnostics
Thanks to the increasing reliability of modern vehicles, most diagnostic technicians are seeing fewer pattern-failure driveability complaints. For that reason, many techs won’t gamble expensive shop time chasing an illusive no-code driveability complaint. Instead, many will write “no problem found” on the repair order and move on to the next vehicle. Unfortunately, at some point in time, the intermittent, no-code driveability will either be solved or the vehicle will be traded or sold for scrap.
Diagnostic Solutions: Starter & Battery Diagnostics
Import Specialist Contributor Gary Goms says that early 1900s inventor Charles F. Kettering’s electric self-starter transformed the automobile from a temperamental novelty item into a practical means of transportation.
Honda Timing Belts: The First Step In Replacement Is Selling The Job
Bob Dowie, owner of Village Auto, Chester, NY, says that the first step in timing belt replacment is selling the job. While most customers know they need to be
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Diesel Injector Problems
Injectors can fail in ways other than becoming just worn out or tired. Diesel guru Bob McDonald discusses common and not so common injector fails.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Multiple Failure Diagnostics On High Mileage Engines
Gary Goms explains that in tough economic times, a driver has no way of knowing how many maintenance-based and component-based failures will accumulate before he or she can afford to have a technician investigate the problem once a Check Engine light comes on.
Alignment Specs: 2002-2006 Mini Cooper
There are no built-in factory adjustments for front camber or caster. The only way to adjust these angles is to purchase adjustable upper strut mounts.
Diagnostic Solutions: No-Code Sensor Failures
Import Specialist Contributor Gary Goms takes a look at how to utilize one or more scan tool features to detect an intermittent, no-code sensor failure.
How ‘Sweet’ It Is: Uncovering Unperformed Maintenance
Bob Howlett, owner of The Swedish Solution, Orange Village, OH, shares a vehicle inspection victory that resulted in his customer opting to get her 2004 Volvo XC70 fixed, rather than buy a new vehicle for her daughter.