Tech Feature: Dissecting The Control Module – PCMs, TCMs And BCMs
With the complexity of automotive electrical systems increasing steadily, manufacturers have developed troubleshooting trees and strategies to make it easier for technicians to diagnose problems. These steps and strategies are very helpful for technicians when followed, but they can also prevent them from using their cognitive skills.
Damage Control: Spark Plug Removal Techniques On Ford Modular Engines
The problem of removing spark plugs from various Ford Modular engines lies with excessive carbon buildup on the plugs, especially on engines that have gone beyond an OEM-recommended replacement interval. This can cause a plug to break in the chamber during its removal, creating stress on the tech and additional labor time to remove the damaged component.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Approaching No-Code Diagnostics
Thanks to the increasing reliability of modern vehicles, most diagnostic technicians are seeing fewer pattern-failure driveability complaints. For that reason, many techs won’t gamble expensive shop time chasing an illusive no-code driveability complaint. Instead, many will write “no problem found” on the repair order and move on to the next vehicle. Unfortunately, at some point in time, the intermittent, no-code driveability will either be solved or the vehicle will be traded or sold for scrap.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Multiple Failure Diagnostics On High Mileage Engines
Gary Goms explains that in tough economic times, a driver has no way of knowing how many maintenance-based and component-based failures will accumulate before he or she can afford to have a technician investigate the problem once a Check Engine light comes on.
Federal-Mogul To Become Exclusive Independent Aftermarket Distributor Of BERU Ignition Products
Following Federal-Mogul’s Oct. 1 acquisition of the BERU spark plug business, the company announced recently that it has entered into an additional agreement with BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH to serve as the exclusive global independent aftermarket distributor of the remaining BERU ignition products. Federal-Mogul also will become the exclusive licensee of the BERU brand name for the sale of ignition products in the aftermarket. The transaction is pending customary closing conditions including approval of competition authorities.
Memory Lane: Nuts, Bolts And Screws – Finishing A Chevy Restoration Project
Gary Goms discusses the mechanical challenges of restoring a truck that he began maintaining when he went to work in a gas station – back in 1957!
Maximizing Current Ramping Techniques In The Shop
Although modern on-board diagnostic systems are becoming far more comprehensive than in years past, it’s still important to know how to use a lab scope and inductive current probe to analyze the amperage flow through the primary ignition and fuel pump circuits.
Memory Lane: Getting The Krazy Kar Back On The Road
Sometimes it is the simplest of projects that end up being the most fun, and provide the longest-lasting memories.
Memory Lane: Culture Club – Restoring a Vehicle to ‘Car Culture’ Status
What some call the “car culture” still exists today as many large, organized “cruises” are held in various metro areas during the summer, as well as a number of car shows in the country’s smaller towns. This year was special because my body and paint (B&P) man and I had just finished putting the finishing touches on my old 1st-series 1955 Chevrolet 3100 pickup, which I inherited from my dad in 1973.
Mallory Ignition, Roush Yates Announce Martinsville Race Package Sweepstakes
Mallory Ignition, a Prestolite Performance brand, is partnering with Roush Yates to send two race fans to the NASCAR race at Martinsville on Sunday, Oct. 28.
Tech Tip: Volkswagen Has MIL On, DTCs P1355, P1358, P1361 or P1364 Stored in ECM Fault Memory
This tip is associated with 2002-’04 2.0L Golf, Jetta, New Beetle and New Beetle Convertible vehicles.
Mazda3i Vehicle Maintenance Checks
For this article, we’ll be looking at a 2006 Mazda3i. We won’t spend much time on performing routine maintenance services, as we should all be familiar with the nuts and bolts of the job. The most important thing to ask yourself is, why are you doing this service? Sure it’s important to get fresh fluids and