ECM/PCM Archives - Page 5 of 10 - Import Car
Tech Tip: Nissan DTC P0420 Stored in ECM

If you confirm DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) is stored in the ECM, determine if this bulletin applies by checking the ECM part number.

Tech Tip: Nissan’s Engine Idle Speed is 25 RPM too High

If you confirm the idle, in Park or Neutral, is more than 25 rpm above specification (with the engine warm), and/or DTC P0507 (ISC System) is stored, this incident may be the result of recent cleaning or replacement of the throttle body. The vehicle “in-use” learned idle may be higher after throttle body deposits are reduced (by cleaning or replacement).

Ford Reflash Tech Tip: PC Settings

So, you’ve just finished up a Ford, and you’re about to try and start it up. However, it needs programmed. You’ve decided to use a J2534 tool, but there are certain things you’ll need to consider before purchasing that subscription at www.motorcraftservice.com.

Gonzo’s Toolbox: Second Guessing a Second Opinion

Who out there knows everything about automotive repair? Who out there has seen it all, and wouldn’t be surprised if something so common to do now turns out to be not so common? Well, one thing is for sure, it is not me. I learn something new about this crazy car business every day. Especially when it comes to the electronics in today’s cars.

Diagnostic Solutions: Diagnosing Misfires

Although diagnosing misfires can be a tough assignment for any driveability technician, the diagnosis can be made much simpler if he understands the basics of misfire diagnosis. For example, when the first OBD II misfire monitor was first introduced in 1996, technicians were puzzled by problems with false misfire diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Case in point, vehicles being driven on washboard dirt roads began recording false misfires.

Tech Tip: VW’s MIL is On, with DTCs P0087/P1093 or P2293

This condition could be caused by excessive wear of the intake camshaft lobe that drives the high pressure fuel pump. The wear limits maximum pump piston lift, causing fuel rail pressure fluctuations. The wear on the camshaft lobe can also lead to wear on the base of the high pressure fuel pump cam follower.

Solving Common Honda Driveability Problems

One of the common check engine light problems you’ll encounter on Hondas is a misfire code with no apparent misfire. Many times, this problem will be traced back to tight valve lash. Obviously, a tight valve will pass the audible test every time. But, it’s the tight valves that will set the check engine light in the best case, and if it’s ignored long enough you’ll be looking at a low-compression situation caused by a burnt valve.

Diagostic Dilemmas: Lost in ‘The Diagnostic Woods’

This real-world case study of a 2002 Chevy S-10 pickup, a 1995 Buick and a 1995 Lincoln Town Car illustrates why “chasing” trouble codes can get you lost in the Diagnostic Woods.

Tech Feature: Courage Under Misfire

Generally, when a customer brings a vehicle into a shop that has a misfire concern, they will describe it as bucking, jerking or loss of power. They also may describe it, depending on the cause, as a jerking when they take off from a start, but smoothes out once the vehicle gets moving. They may tell you the check engine light has been flashing.

Tech Tip: Nissan Engine Will Not Crank with Outside Temperature Below 10

A no crank condition may call for replacement of the Intelligent Power Distribution Module-IPDM.

Tech Feature: Brake Job on Ford CVPI

The Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor, or CVPI, has been around since 1992. The current crop of CVPIs do not differ much mechanically from their predecessors, but on the undercar electronics, the vehicle has advanced dramatically in the past 10 years.

Tech Feature: Mazda6 and Mazda3 Driveability Diagnostics and Electronic Throttle Control

Drive-by-wire throttle control systems are pretty much trouble-free but have to be taken into consideration as you perform routine service and diagnose problems, and it changes the way you service these cars when it comes to cleaning the throttle plates, advises Bob Dowie, import specialist contributor, who also covers electronic throttle control’s tie in with ABS and VSC systems.