Tech Tip: Special Timing Chain and Belt Tools
Before you replace a timing belt, chain or gear set on some engines, you will have to look up the timing reference marks. Some engines have multiple timing marks that can cause confusion if you don’t know which ones to use or how to line them up. Many engines also require special tools when changing a timing belt or chain. At the very least, you should have a belt tension gauge to make sure the tension on a timing belt is correct.
Tech Tip: Don’t Turn Away Clutch Replacements
Clutch replacement does not have the prestige of driveability diagnostics, but at times, it pays better. Some shops turn away clutch replacements in fear of comebacks and lost productivity. But, clutch replacement offers the shop opportunities to sell additional services that might slip past the bottom line.
Tech Tip: Understanding How a Fuel System Works is the First Step in Diagnosing a Problem
Electronic fuel injection systems come in several versions. Throttle Body Injection (TBI) was used in the 1980s on many vehicles as an intermediate step from electronic carburetion to multiport fuel injection. TBI uses one or two fuel injectors mounted in a throttle body to fuel the engine.
Tech Tip: Curing Rough Idle and Hesitation on Mazda 626 Models
Some 2000-2002 Mazda 626 models with the FS 4-cylinder engine may experience a rough idle, hesitation, stumble and/or misfire during or immediately after a cold start. A DTC P0303 may also be stored in memory. In extreme cases, the engine may stop running and multiple misfire codes, like P0300-P0304, may be stored in memory.
Mazda Tech Tip: Hesitation/Surge or MIL on with DTSC P0102/P0103
The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may illuminate with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0102 and/or P0103 on any 1998-’99 Mazda B-Series 2.5L. There may be driveability concerns, such as hesitation and/or surge, during acceleration under normal driving conditions. This may be caused by an out-of-specification mass air flow (MAF) sensor.
Tech Tip: Voyager Basics – Loss of Speed Control
A simple malfunctioning vacuum valve on some 1996 to 2000 Plymouth Voyagers can result in a loss of more than 5 mph while climbing a grade with the speed control engaged. The actual cause of the problem could be a leaking check valve in the battery tray/vacuum reservoir assembly.
Miata Tech Tip: Check Engine Light is On
If the check engine light is on in a 1996-2003 1.8L Mazda Miata, and/or DTC codes P0400 and P0402 are set, it is likely that the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passages in the intake manifold are restricted with carbon.
Mazda Tech Tip: Hesitation/Surge or MIL on with DTSC P0102/P0103
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0102 and/or P0103 on any 1998-’99 Mazda B-Series 2.5L.
Tech Tip: ASC Reminds Technicians that Mazda Water Pump Twins are not Identical
When referring to a catalog, whether OEM or aftermarket, a technician will find two different part numbers for a water pump for the Mazda MPV V6 3.0 liter: one for model years 1989 to 1995 (Pump A) and one for model years 1996 to 1998 (Pump B). No problem, right? Where the problem lies is the transition between 1995 and 1996 models where the vehicle could be equipped with either pump. If the wrong pump is installed, it can lead to a big headache.
Tech Tip: Clutch Replacements – Don’t Turn Them Away
Clutch replacement does not have the prestige of driveability diagnostics, but at times, it pays better. Some shops turn away clutch replacements in fear of comebacks and lost productivity. But, clutch replacement offers the shop opportunities to sell additional services that might slip past the bottom line.
Tech Tip: Uncovering Tire Noise
By now you’ve probably become an expert at explaining the noise differences between a “mud” performance tire and one designed for "all-terrain" use. Tire lugs are dead giveaways. Even someone with trifocals can see the difference.