Installing Spark Plugs: Avoid Misfires
The potential for inadvertently creating a misfire is very real when installing new spark plugs. I say this because I’ve diagnosed many misfires created by greasy fingerprints, broken insulators and incorrect air gaps — all caused by poor installation procedures. But nothing is as simple as installing a spark plug, right?
Honda Civic: Failed PCMs And CAN System Diagnostics
This case study involving three failed PCMs in a 2002 Honda Civic illustrates the real-world complexities of diagnosing on-board modules linked together by a bus communications network.
Subaru Cooling System Solutions
Since Subaru’s 2.5L engine is especially noted for cylinder head gasket failures, most of them in the over-100,000-mile service category will have had the head gaskets replaced or will need a future replacement. There are many reasons that radiators should be replaced, especially following a cylinder head gasket failure on a 2.5L Subaru.
2000 Toyota Land Cruiser Brake Assist: Diagnosing Low And Hard Brake Pedals
Brake pedal assist complaints are often subjective in nature and, for that reason, can be difficult to solve. I was recently involved in a mobile diagnostic case involving a 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser that, unlike most vehicle applications, uses its anti-lock braking pump and accumulator to provide brake pedal assist for normal braking. The Land Cruiser’s brake assist (BA) system can also interface with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), vehicle stability control (VSC) and traction control (TRAC) system, if so equipped.
Coil-On-Plug Diagnostics: Toyota Tundra
Sometimes simple = complex. For example, the modern coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system is perhaps among the simplest to diagnose, but to illustrate the complexities, let’s look at how a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4.0L V6 might record various misfire codes.
Steering Noise Diagnostics
Steering system noise complaints can often be the most difficult to reproduce and diagnose. A squeaking noise in the steering column, for example, can often be influenced by temperature and humidity. In many cases, a squeaking noise can be caused by dry or corroded universal joints in the steering intermediate shaft located between the steering shaft and the steering gear or rack.
Speed Density Systems: Performance Reliability
For many years, most of us believed that the mass airflow system provided the most accurate measurement of an engine’s intake airflow. For one thing, not too many things can go wrong with a system that produces a single voltage or frequency input that indicates to the ECM an exact value of intake airflow in grams per second.
Diagnostic Solutions: AGM Batteries And Testing
Two of the greatest changes we’ve seen in starting/charging systems during the past few model years have been the expanded use of the Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery as standard equipment and the accelerating pricing structures of both AGM and conventional flooded-cell batteries.
Hyundai Accent 1.6L Engine: Cylinder Head Gasket Service Essentials
In this article, we’re going to discuss cylinder head gasket installation using a 2002 Hyundai Accent with the VIN “C,” 1.6L engine as an example. As with everything in modern engine mechanics, cylinder head gasket design has become more sophisticated than in years past.
Diagnosing Electric Power Steering Issues
If you’re an import specialist, it’s important to know that, although electric power steering (EPS) has been introduced on many 2004-and-later domestic applications, EPS recently began appearing on popular import nameplates like the much-anticipated 2015 Honda S2000 and 2014 and 2015 models of Toyota RAV4, Camry and Highlander.
Modern Oil Changes And The Changing Functional Fluid & Filters Market
Gary Goms asks, “What ever happened to the $19.95 oil change?” The answer is that it disappeared along with the “dinosaur” oils of the day. Using the $19.95 oil change as an example, he explores how you can best meet the challenges of the modern fluids and filters market by looking at the costs involved.
ECU Diagnostics
Gary Goms covers the basics of diagnosing a common cranking, no-start problem, be it on the venerable 280Z, or the latest generation of electronic fuel-injection sports cars. Understanding how to use wiring schematics and the full capabilities of a modern digital volt-ohm meter are essential first steps to snuffing out ECU issues.
