When diagnosing engine performance complaints such as misfire symptoms, be advised that several systems and components can contribute to those symptoms. When considering single or multiple misfire codes, some checks may seem farfetched but trust me if not all are considered the symptoms can elude the most experienced technician, resulting in a misdiagnosis. When this […]
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The 2013 Ford F150 equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine was running perfectly. With the exception of a drop in fuel economy, there was no indication of a problem until the Check Engine light in the dash illuminated. A system scan revealed P2098 code stored in memory, which represents Post Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too […]
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Vehicles today incorporate a maze of electronic components that must be considered when troubleshooting a performance related symptom. A vast arsenal of test equipment is necessary to communicate with the electronic systems and components. Systems are so connected that it is difficult for the technician to distinguish between a mechanical, electrical, fuel or emission related […]
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When dealing with oil consumption complaints, how much should be considered as too excessive? Is the engine consuming an excessive amount of oil or should the amount consumed be considered a normal characteristic? This is especially a concern with the extended service intervals, which may result in the vehicle being driven twice the mileage when […]
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Failure to provide timely maintenance on a turbo-charged diesel engine can result in some expensive repairs, especially if it involves replacing a turbocharger or engine. The inexperienced may not realize how important some of the basic services are when servicing these applications. The turbo-diesel engines require a greater volume of air compared to a normal […]
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Neglecting maintenance intervals can result in performance issues and internal engine damage due to sludge deposits restricting the flow of lubricant to vital engine components. Evidence of lack of maintenance will normally show up in the oil filter and related housing. The filter media will be impacted with sludge deposits. Where applicable, the filter cap […]
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Customer complaints of rough idle, misfires, crank but no start or long crank time symptoms can be a challenge with today’s technology. Random or multiple misfire codes may be stored in memory. Symptoms that seem like an ignition related issue may actually be fuel related, carbon induced, or in some cases a normal characteristic. Fuel […]
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LOW FLUID LEVEL CAUSES POWER TRANSFER UNIT FAILURE Are you accurately checking those fluid levels and recommending fluid flushes or exchanges, where applicable? Unfortunately, many service technicians fall into a pattern of just performing lubrication services requested by the customer, which is usually triggered by a service reminder light indicating that it is time for […]
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The shop had performed a service on the customer’s 2015 Silverado equipped with a 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel, which included a fuel filter replacement. Weeks later the customer contacts the shop owner requesting re- imbursement in the amount of $14,000 to cover the repair cost of the fuel injection system due to an alleged defective […]
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It is not uncommon to receive customer complaints involving noises that may resemble noisy valve lifters or bearing clearance related noises. Other sounds may include piston slap during cold starts lasting for a couple of minutes in cold temperatures. Some of these noises are a normal characteristic for the engine with no means of silencing […]
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His quiet morning drive to work in his 2013 Silverado was interrupted by chimes and a Stop Engine Low Oil Pressure Warning. That can be a scary event, as major engine damage can result due to lack of lubrication. These symptoms have become a common occurrence for GM vehicles equipped with Active Fuel Management. When […]
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Symptoms of a low oil pressure condition have become a common complaint on GM vehicles equipped with active fuel management, sometimes referred to as displacement on demand. The symptoms may be the result of one of two malfunctioning pressure regulating valves or from a restriction in a filter screen positioned beneath the oil pressure sensor. […]
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Customer complaints of clicking, ticking, grinding or ratcheting noises from the front hubs during 2WD mode may be due to a mechanical or a vacuum related issue. The front hubs on the following applications are equipped with actuators referred to as Integrated Wheel Ends (IWE). These actuators function via engine vacuum and spring tension. Vehicles […]
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New technology poses new challenges as smaller displacement turbocharged engines create some major challenges for the vehicle manufacturers and the technicians servicing the vehicles. When cruising, the turbocharged gasoline direct injected engines (TGDI) consume only a fraction of the fuel the larger displacement engines equipped with port fuel injection require. When called upon for performance, […]
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Turbocharged engines are becoming common, as vehicle manufacturers utilize smaller displacement engines. Turbochargers and direct injection can make a small displacement engine behave like a larger displacement engine, plus achieve better fuel economy, and that is the reason for their popularity. Engines that operate at higher altitudes benefit greatly from the turbocharged arrangement. Many fail […]
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Having been involved in the automotive field for the past 54 years, I have experienced firsthand how minor negligence can lead to a catastrophic event. Many technicians fall into a pattern that results in the technician taking some steps that could result in personal injury or damage to the customer’s vehicle. It is human nature […]
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Two ladies in like Nissan Muranos were chatting in a shopping center parking lot. After loading their groceries, both encountered a no-start condition. What are the chances of this occurring with two like vehicles parked next to each other? It is all about the strength of the signal and it is not uncommon to encounter […]
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The location was at a hydroelectric dam that was popular for fishing and water sports. Turbulent doesn’t describe the water conditions created by six generators producing electric power and seventeen flood gates opening and spilling excess water from the lakeside of the dam. The currents were treacherous and would concern the most experienced boater. However, […]
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When the customer complaint is poor or no acceleration or the engine has lost power, where would you start with the diagnosis? Most would assume something major and expensive to repair. Following are some basic checks to consider before getting too deep into the diagnostics. MAXIMA LOSES POWER A complete service had been performed and […]
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Two lungs filled to capacity with air contaminated with rotting bugs, molded leaves, dust, pollens, mold spores, mildew and other pollutants doesn’t sound healthy. With a contaminated cabin air filter that is exactly what the customer is breathing. WHAT’S A CABIN AIR FILTER? Often, when approaching a customer with a cabin air filter replacement recommendation […]
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The transition from a key to an electronic code (Keyless Push Button Start) comes with a new set of challenges and safety measures that must be considered to prevent injury to the vehicle operator or the technician. Most view the fob as a key and that is not the case. It allows keyless entry to […]
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Gasoline Direct Injection comes with a new set of challenges and service opportunities that the technician must be familiar with. Many of today’s vehicles are fitted with a relatively new fuel system technology for the automobile, referred to as Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). While this technology has been around for 100 years, it has just […]
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When servicing the rear brakes on a vehicle equipped with an electronic parking brake, are you taking the required safety steps to prevent personal injury? Failure to take the precautionary safety measures may result in severe damage to the hands and fingers. FLASHBACK OF YEARS PAST The year was 1968, and I was a student […]
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When low-efficiency catalyst codes PO420 and PO430 appear, the last place that most technicians would consider would be a defective air filter seal or damaged/distorted airbox, allowing air filter by-pass. Often, the mentioned codes result in oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter getting replaced, which may be a short-term expensive fix, especially when the condition […]
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Accessory components and suspension modifications that enhance the cosmetics or performance of a vehicle are readily available for most vehicle makes and models. Technicians must consider these components and modifications when performing their diagnostics. When modifications are made to steering, suspension, or tire and wheel assemblies, they can have an effect on the handling characteristics […]
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When most think of engine coolant (antifreeze) it is in relation to its freeze-point protection with little consideration of its ability to provide lubrication and protection from system corrosion. Unfortunately, engine coolant normally does not receive any attention until one of the following scenarios occurs: 1) The engine overheats. 2) Freezepoint protection for winter is […]
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Customer complaints of chirping, ticking, squealing, or squeaking sounds accompanied with misfire codes stored may be the result of valve lifter or camshaft failures on vehicles equipped with Active Fuel Management (AFM), sometimes referred to as Displacement on Demand (DOD). Pinpointing the source of the noise can be a challenge for the technician and the […]
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With an oil pressure reading of 5 PSI at idle, the customer was certain that some major engine repairs would be necessary. Fortunately, some research prevented a lot of unnecessary repairs, as that was normal oil pressure for the vehicle at idle. Today’s engines have different lubrication and filtration requirements and adhering to those specifications […]
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While performing a routine lube service on a 2015 Ford Transit, the lube service technician identified a severely damaged air filter. The filter was distorted and damaged to the point that foreign debris could be drawn into the engine, in addition to fragments of the filter media, which could result in major damage. The technician […]
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Make It a Part of Your Vehicle Inspection If testing the battery is not a part of your vehicle inspection…it should be. A heads-up notice on a failing battery can save your customer a lot of grief. During a recent oil and filter change, the technician performed a vehicle inspection that included a complimentary battery […]
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They Can Be a Lube Service Nightmare! The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado with a 3.6L engine had received a routine oil and filter change. Days later a low oil pressure indicator and some serious engine noises plagued the vehicle. Warranty repair at the dealership was denied.
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Neglecting a Filter Replacement Can Be Costly While much emphasis is placed on servicing filters during routine vehicle maintenance, little attention is given to the fuel filter until an engine performance issue occurs. Neglecting the fuel filter can result in damage to some expensive components such as an electric fuel pump or some costly fuel […]
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Focus on Customer Relations and Retention With an aging fleet that is currently approaching 12 years, this translates into a lot of needed repairs to keep these vehicles operational. The independents are not the only service providers that have an interest in this market. New car dealers are taking steps to secure their fair share […]
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Create Engine Performance Challenges It was a busy morning with multiple vehicles arriving on roll-backs with no-start symptoms. The vehicles ran perfectly the previous day, only to encounter a no-start condition the following morning. The symptoms were that of loss of compression. Each vehicle…
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