Service Solutions: The ‘CKP’ Script
The signal of the position or rotation speed of the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) contains a lot of information about the engine. When the engine is operating, the engine cylinders push on the crankshaft journal. This is why the crankshaft briefly accelerates after top dead center (TDC) on the expansion (or combustion) stroke. If the fuel did not ignite in the cylinder there would no acceleration.
Tech Tip: Ford Ticking Noise at Idle
Some 2008-’10 Focus vehicles built on or before December 23, 2009 may exhibit a ticking noise from the fuel rail or injectors at idle.
Pulling Codes: Mean and Lean with Shades of Gray
This article will document the infamous P0171 code – Lean Condition. A fuel system lean condition can be broken down into three subsections, namely, fuel pump performance, fuel quality and injectors. Keep in mind this is only a starting point, but it is a good place to start.
Tech Feature: Common Rail Systems May Soon Be Commonplace
Due to the conflict between consumer performance demands and more stringent EPA standards, the use of
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.
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.
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.
Walker Products a Winner at AAPEX 2010
Walker Products of Garden Grove, CA, won multiple awards at last month’s AAPEX Auto Show in Las Vegas. The company was awarded in two categories: “Best New Packaging of a Product for Import Cars or Trucks” and “Best New Catalog of a Product Line for Import Cars or Trucks.”
EPA Allows for the Selling of E15 Fuel for Newer Vehicles
A decision on the use of E15 in model year 2001 to 2006 vehicles will be made after EPA receives the results of additional DOE testing, which is expected to be completed in November.
Directions: E15 — Helping or Hurting American Drivers?
At Issue: E15 fuel blends could be available by March or April of 2011, assuming the EPA makes two approvals for use of E15 in 2001 cars and newer models by the end of the year.
Tech Feature: Delivering the Fuel – Not a Fuel Pump Return
Although electronic fuel injection has become the norm since the late 1980s, some technicians still don’t understand the value of having a good diagnostic procedure for testing electric fuel pump functions. While this is not something a repair shop owner wants to hear, proper fuel component testing has become a growing industry issue, as unnecessary parts warranty returns continue to be a problem for manufacturers.
Tech Feature: General Motor’s Ecotec 2.0L Turbo Engine
General Motors introduced its powerful Ecotec 2.0L direct