Tech Tips Archives - Page 8 of 61 - Import Car
Nissan Versa EVAP Codes

Perform this service procedure if a Nissan Versa’s MIL is “ON” with with certain EVAP codes tripped, and the EVAP vent control valve is stuck open or will not seal when operated/closed.

nissan versa evap
Mazda Pressure Breather Hose Frozen, DTC P0451

Some vehicles may experience a MIL on with only OTC P0451 stored in the memory. This is caused by water entering and freezing in the atmosphere breather hose of the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor. For Mazda3s, this happens when the vehicle is washed in a high-pressure car wash. For the CX-7, this happens when the vehicle is driven on a wet road. To correct the problem, a modified breather hose has been adopted.

2016 Mazda CX-5
Toyota Charging System Diagnostics

A remanufactured alternator has just been ­installed on a 2008 Toyota Tundra. A few days ago, it left your shop with a happy owner, and now it has returned with the ­battery warning light glaring in your face. What’s your next move?

Toyota Prius: Check Hybrid System Light On

It may be difficult to diagnose a vehicle that has components you aren’t familiar with. This Tech Tip will show you the ropes by guiding you through a diagnosis on the Prius. Hopefully your repair is as simple as this Real Fix and the loose DC/DC connector is the only issue.

BMW Tech Tip: Poor Performance, Noise From Turbocharger

The customer complains of loss of performance and turbocharger noise. The turbocharger oil supply may be restricted, causing oil starvation and resulting in the seizing of the turbocharger assembly.

Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz Cylinder Head Cover Leak

Field inspections of suspected cylinder head cover oil leaks have revealed that unnecessary resealing is being performed when the cylinder head cover is not the root cause of the leak. In cases of customer complaints of oil leakage, it is essential to determine the actual source. A proper remedy should be applied to avoid repeat repairs and unnecessary shop visits.

Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC Suspensions

The Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC suspension system was introduced in 1999 on the S-Class and has subsequently been used on the E-Class and most of the automaker’s SUVs. The system employs electronically controlled air springs that provide an ideal balance of ride comfort and handling.

ZF 8-Speed Transmission Replacement

The ZF 8HP transmission made its debut in 2009, and since its introduction, has been one of the top choices for international car manufacturers. BMW, one of ZF’s largest customers, uses the 8HP across its entire product portfolio. BMWs featuring the 8HP can be found in models starting with the 1 Series through the 7 Series, including the X models. The transmissions can also be found in the BMW-brand Rolls Royce Ghost, Phantom and Wraith models.

Audi Tech Tip: MIL On With Multiple Low Fuel Pressure DTCs

Due to fuel intrusion into the low-pressure system fuel pressure sensor (G410), a false signal may be sent to the controller, resulting in a reading that is out of tolerance. Comparing Measure Value Block (MVB) 103 with 106 is not an accurate method to diagnose low-side fuel pressure sensor G410. In order to diagnose G410 accurately, use a mechanical gauge and compare results with the low-side fuel pressure Actual Value in MVB 103.

Honda Engine Rattles At Start-Up

At cold start-up, the engines of some 2008-’12 Honda Accord L4s and 2007-’12 Honda CRVs rattle loudly for about two seconds. This can be caused by a defective variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator.

Kia Tech Tip: Brake Light On, Broken Tachometer, Speedometer Inoperative

The customer states the red brake light is illuminated on the instrument cluster. The customer also states the tachometer and speedometer will intermittently not work. Confirmed the customer’s concern and found the brake light on the instrument cluster was ­illuminated and the tachometer and the speedometer were intermittently inoperative. Removed the center console, inspected the emergency brake switch and found when the emergency brake was pulled up, the tachometer became unresponsive.

Air Ride Replacement And Calibration

Air ride replacement is not always plug and play. Most of the time after an air ride component is replaced, a few extra steps might be required before the vehicle is completely repaired. I ran into one of these situations with a 2004 Jaguar XJ8.