Diagnostic Solutions: Throttle Position Sensors
Although conventional throttle position sensors attached to the throttle shaft are considered basic technology on modern engine management systems, the conventional throttle sensor plays an important role in its relationship with other sensors. The voltage inputs of most throttle position (TP) sensors may, for example, be coordinated with the barometric pressure (BARO), manifold absolute pressure
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Fuel System Foul Ups
Are the fuel pump returns from your shop going up? Understanding the root cause of technician errors is the first step to successfully managing fuel system parts purchases and returns. Over the years, vehicle fuel systems have become more complex as OEs look to improve fuel burning and engine efficiency. And during that time, industry
Diagnostic Solutions: Upgrades That Deliver Performance and Pizzazz
Checking the Basics Saves Time When Chasing Check Engine Codes
Subaru Tech Tip: Harsh AWD Engagement/Code 45 Set
If you encounter a TCU Code 45 (intake manifold pressure signal) on any 1999-2002 4EAT Subaru vehicle, and have confirmed the wiring and connectors as outlined in the appropriate service manual, it will be necessary to replace the TCU with one listed in TSB 16-66-02.
ASE L1 – Advanced Engine Performance Test Updated
Time waits for no man, nor does technology. That’s particularly true when talking about advances in automotive emission control technology. In order to keep up with these changes, ASE is launching an updated version of the L1 – Advanced Engine Performance Test this spring.
VW OBD II Revisited: Good Vehicle Service History Helps Determine Causes of Repeat Failures
After 10-plus years of dealing with OBD II, it should be apparent that we are on a learning curve that probably has no end. Almost daily we have a VAG model come into the shop with a check engine light on, or a “state OBD II failure” form. Although we have the latest scanner software
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Making the Case with Scan Tool Graphing
I’ve recently updated to test equipment that’s able to save graphed data on a compact flash or CF card. In this case, while the equipment happens to be a Snap-on SOLUS scan tool and a Snap-on Vantage Pro lab scope and graphing multimeter, keep in mind that other equipment on the market is equally capable
The PCM Effect on Oil Service
As with everything else under the automotive sun, technology is changing the lube, oil and filter market. More specifically, modern technology is making it possible to use the vehicle’s on-board engine management system to mathematically determine the length of an oil change interval. At the most basic level, the PCM simply adds up the mileage
Diagnosing GM LT1 V8 Engines
The Chevrolet LT1 engine is the second-generation (Gen II) design of Chevy’s famous small block. The LT1 was fitted in Chevy’s Corvette, Camaro and Caprice/Impala SS. This engine also was used by Pontiac for the Firebird, by Buick for the Roadmaster and by Cadillac for the Fleetwood. The LT1 was first available on the Corvette
Ninety-Nine Times Out of a Hundred…
Let’s face it: all of us occasionally get that haunting feeling of inadequacy when a simple pattern failure turns into “rocket science.” Like most technicians, my rocket science feeling happens most often when the problem at hand doesn’t fit within the confines of my previous experience. Ninety-nine times out of 100, my experience works to