Dorman Products Releases May New Product Announcement
Dorman Products has released its May New Product Announcement, featuring 400 new parts, 109 of which are exclusive formerly “Dealer Only” parts.
Tech Feature: Hall Effect Sensor Diagnostics
Hall effect crankshaft position (CKP) and camshaft position (CMP) sensors are critical components of an engine management system. The inputs they provide enable the powertrain control module (PCM) to determine engine speed and position including where a given cylinder is within the four-stroke cycle.
Tech Tip: Don’t ‘Blow By’ PCV Inspections
Most emission control parts, like the PCV valve, require little if any scheduled maintenance, but replacement may be necessary if the Check Engine light is on, the vehicle has failed an emissions test or is experiencing a driveability problem. Other emission control components include the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, the evaporative emission control system (EVAP) vapor canister and purge valves, the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors and all of the engine’s other engine management sensors.
Dorman Products Releases March New Product Announcement Featuring More Than 115 Parts
Dorman Products has released its March New Product Announcement, featuring 117 new parts, 29 of which are exclusive formerly “Dealer Only” parts.
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.
Phaser-Style Variable Valve Timing System Controls And Operation
Phasers commonly can be found on just the exhaust cam or on both the intake and exhaust cams.
Tech Tip: Kia Check Engine Light Is On With MAF Sensor Code
Kia Rio’s check engine light is on and there is a mass air flow (MAF) sensor range/performance code in the system. The engine will hesitate at times.
Diagnostic Solutions: MAF Sensor Testing Methods
Troubleshooting MAF sensor problems can become a major headache for diagnostic technicians because the failure is usually one that involves a calibration error, rather than an outright electrical or mechanical failure.
Tech Tip: Replacing an AF10058 MAF Sensor with a Probe-Only Design
Contamination is a key reason why mass air flow (MAF) sensors fail and require replacement. As air, dirt and other debris get into the sensor, the parts become contaminated and result in failure. Drivers often notice sluggish performance, rough idling or even stalling. There may also be a more frequent need to refuel.
Tech Tip: Every MAF Sensor Needs a Breath of Fresh Air
Sensor replacement is critical to engine efficiency because a dirty MAF sensor will not respond as fast to air flow changes as a clean sensor.
Tech Tip: Dodge Neon Sport Code P0340 Intermittently
Customer complains the vehicle bucks and misses intermittently while driving. Code P0340 is stored. This code may be caused by the camshaft position sensor.
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.