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
Servicing Maintenance-Friendly VW Engines
Volkswagens have always been maintenance friendly. From the very first models, ease of repair and durability have been built into the design. VW has managed to keep basic maintenance procedures relatively uncomplicated throughout the years. In this article, I’ll cover some of the more common underhood procedures on common VW models and include some tips
Ignition Misfires
A flashing Check Engine light and a P0301 to P0312 diagnostic trouble code is a sure-fire indication that one or more cylinders are misfiring. Occasional misfires may pass unnoticed, but a steady misfire is hard to miss. The engine usually feels rough, lacks power and uses more gas than usual. Sometimes a misfire may feel
Top Five Tools
Ron Promisson, owner Promisson Automotive Service Center Bushnell, IL Power Probe II — This is an indispensable tool for all kinds of diagnostic problems. Probably the one tool I couldn’t do without. Raytek AutoPro ST25 Infrared Thermometer — This is another favorite that can be used for many different applications. Snap-on Vantage — The diagnostic
Diagnostic Solutions: Reading Spark Plugs Is As Much An Art As It Is A Science
Barring mechanical contact between the spark plug and piston, just about any randomly selected spark plug will ignite the gasoline and air compressed into an engine’s combustion chamber. Very few spark plugs, however, will continue to perform well under a wide range of engine temperatures, loads and speeds, not to mention lasting well beyond today’s
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Internal Engine Diagnostics
The nuts and bolts of measuring cylinder leakage In OBD II diagnostics, most of us know that an external component like a faulty fuel injector, ignition coil, spark plug or spark plug wire is usually responsible for a P0300-series cylinder misfire trouble code. Nevertheless, even with more sophisticated onboard diagnostic strategies, the PCM usually can’t
Making Sense out of Sensors
Sure, you may be familiar with some basic sensor operation. But as an automotive technician, you may not really understand all of the ins and outs of many common sensors. Do you really understand how they work, how the PCM views them and the possible scan tool and DVOM results when things go wrong? If
AftermarketUpdate
Mighty Auto Parts Named One of Wall Street Journal’s Top 25 Franchises Atlanta — Mighty Distributing System of America has been selected as one of the Wall Street Journal’s top 25 franchises. The parts distributor was selected from the nation’s more than 2,500 franchise brands. In the article titled, “The 25 Franchises that Made the
Visteon Offers a Variety of Valuable Training Programs for Technicians
Visteon has developed a variety of valuable training programs and materials designed to help technicians and parts professionals understand the diagnostic and repair requirements of today’s cooling, air conditioning and rotating electric systems.
Pennzoil Offers Advice on Oil Change Intervals
One of the great debates in automotive service is oil drain intervals. The correct oil change interval is the one prescribed by the engine manufacturer that can be found in a vehicle owner’s manual.