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Diagnostic Solutions: Testing Fuel Delivery Systems – Checking the Basics First Can Facilitate Diagnostic Strategy

Vehicle fuel delivery technology has evolved to include conventional, pulse-modulated and direct fuel injection systems, with each having a specific set of components and testing issues. Gary Goms explains how to avoid some of the most common mistakes in diagnosing fuel delivery systems.

Diagnostic Solutions: Spring Training – Creating Optimal Suspension and Steering Performance

A good understanding of how springs are rated and how they operate is indispensable for achieving the anticipated outcomes in spring modifications, says Gary Goms, import specialist contributor. With these issues in mind, he covers the basics of how springs operate and how to choose a spring that will enhance vehicle performance.

Diagnostic Solutions: Ignition Coil Diagnostics

Import Specialist Gary Goms says there are a variety of opinions about how to test ignition coils and ignition systems. The most basic method is measuring a coil’s primary and secondary resistance. But meeting primary and secondary resistance specs on the bench is no guarantee that the coil will perform correctly under extreme heat and load.

Diagnostic Solutions: The Relationship Between PCMs, Sensors and Actuators

Not that I recommend installing used PCMs, but I occasionally need a rebuildable core to replace a missing or badly damaged powertrain control module (PCM). But lately, I’ve noticed that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a used PCM for an older import at a local auto salvage yard. While it’s sheer speculation on my part, this apparent shortage of PCM cores might be caused by too many poorly trained technicians replacing PCMs to solve sensor-based problems. In most of these cases, the problem remains unsolved even as the original and fully functional PCM is casually tossed into the trash when the tech moves on to another job.

Diagnostic Solutions: Lube Bay Strategies

Because import auto manufacturers have been steadily reducing scheduled maintenance requirements, many import shops have experienced a

Diagnostic Solutions: Exhaust Restriction Diagnosis

To put exhaust restriction diagnostics in perspective, import specialist shops have been dealing with loss-of-power complaints caused by exhaust restriction since catalytic converters were popularly introduced in 1974. Early “cats” experienced frequent failure because the carbureted engines of that era were notorious for poor fuel control.

Diagnostic Solutions: Diagnosing Chassis Noises

Customer interviews are critical to the noise location process. Keep in mind that the grinding noise that you hear might not be the squeaking noise that the customer hears. In most cases, a test drive with the customer might help to identify the noise with which he or she is most concerned.

Diagnostic Solutions: Cylinder Head Repair

Cylinder head gasket failures are one of the most common mechanical issues facing today’s modern import technician. One reason head gasket failures are common is because the cylinder head gasket itself can become a wearing part. Since the aluminum cylinder head expands at a slightly higher rate than the cast-iron cylinder block, the cylinder head actually slides a few thousandths of an inch across the gasket surface as the engine warms up to operating temperature.

Diagnostic Solutions: Selling Brake Friction Replacements

A decade ago, an import shop’s profitability depended heavily on the routine replacement of spark plugs, timing belts, mufflers, shock absorbers, clutches and brake friction. Due to advancing vehicle technology, many of these profit centers have steeply declined or have altogether disappeared. One of the remaining exceptions is brake friction replacements.

Diagnostic Solutions: Solving Insufficient Fuel Problems

Solving cranking, no-fuel or insufficient-fuel driveability problems on late-model imports can be challenging, especially if a technician doesn’t take into account the way that modern fuel systems operate. Some vehicles, for example, limit vehicle speed by deactivating fuel injectors. In some rare cases, a miscalculation in vehicle speed can cause an insufficient fuel condition.