INFINITI Tech Tip: DTC P0101 Stored Due To Dirty Throttle Valve
The check engine light is on with DTC P0101 (Mass Airflow Sensor Circuit-B1). No other driveability issues are present.
Subaru Active Valve Lift System
If you are aware of Honda’s VTEC, you will already be steps ahead in understanding Subaru’s Active Valve Lift System (AVLS). The active part of the system occurs between the low-lift and high-lift rockers.
Toyota TPMS Diagnostics
Toyota TPMS might seem like the easiest system to service because most models have a reset button under the dash, but trusting in this button to cure all of your TPMS issues might get you in trouble.
P0341 Code: Honda Accord Timing Chain
This month, we’ll be taking a look at a 2003 four-cylinder Accord that came in with a check engine light complaint, but no reports of driveability issues. It was due for a New York state inspection, so it had to be repaired. The code was persistent, setting itself consistently on the second startup.
Tips for Diagnosing Suspected FFV Complaints
Before September 2006 models, flex-fuel capability couldn’t easily be identified. After that date, the fuel filler lid or gas cap should label the vehicle as a flex-fuel, or the vehicle can be identified as a flex-fuel by a deck lid or fender emblem. In any case, FFV capability is encoded in the vehicle identification number (VIN) and is often indicated during scan tool vehicle identification.
Flex Fuel: Ethanol vs. Gasoline
For political and economic reasons, the use of ethanol gasoline in the U.S. has always been controversial. To better explain, the U.S. and Brazil are the world’s leading producers of ethanol-blended gasolines. In Brazil, ethanol is an economic issue because the country’s hot equatorial climate is very hospitable to the rapid growth of biomass, which is cheap organic waste that can be made to produce ethanol.
Misfire Monitoring In Combustion Engines
Any time you’re dealing with a combustion engine, there’s a chance it will develop a misfire. A better understanding of how computer systems analyze a misfire can make your job that much easier as the technician who’s diagnosing the problem.
VIDEO: Spark Plug Insulators And Flashover
Andrew Markel shows the importance of keeping a spark plug’s insulators clean to prevent flashover. Sponsored by Denso.
Import Insights: Honda Announces First Plant In United States (1980)
Thirty-seven years ago this month, American Honda Motor Company announced plans to build a manufacturing plant in the U.S. In 1982, it became the first Japanese automaker to assemble cars in the U.S. at its new facility in Marysville, OH.
Air Ride Q&A: Boost Your Air Ride System Knowledge
In an effort to increase your air ride system knowledge, here are the top questions (and answers) from a recent ImportCar webinar on air ride diagnostics.
Brake Lubricants: Reduce Noise And Optimize Performance
Under extreme braking conditions, some lubricants can’t take the heat and melt off, evaporate, oxidize or burn. That’s why ordinary, general-purpose chassis grease should never be used for lubricating brake components. It simply won’t hold up.
When Do Control Arms Need To Be Replaced?
There are many reasons to replace the front or rear control arm assembly, the most common of which are worn-out bushings or ball joints and rust. A typical stamped steel control arm will show signs of rust and corrosion. The life expectancy can be shortened due to exposure to water and road salt.
