Automotive Diagnosis Tips 11/01/2009
When it comes to automobile repairs. The word diagnosis is thrown around quite a bit by both the professional technicians and driveway mechanics. Diagnosis is the opposite of guessing at what is wrong.  Online auto mechanic When customers need their cars repaired, or if they are going to attempt the repairs themselves proper automotive diagnosis can help control costs, as well as produce reliable car repairs. The more the driver understands the problem with their vehicle, the better the communication will be with the mechanic or auto repair shop. And this communication can be critical for diagnostic charges. If the mechanic is looking for something different than your complaint much time can be wasted. So to follow is some recommendations about understanding your individual car problem and taking it to the next level by actually doing some research before any action is taken. Diagnosing automobiles code diagrams To properly diagnose car problems it is best to follow a series of interrelated steps in order to find the solution to a specific car problem. Automotive diagnostics is a way of looking at a system not functioning properly and finding out why. This is achieved with a thorough understanding of how the system that is malfunctioning, operates when in perfect working order. Example, if you're car doesn't start and you believe that it is the fuel pump causing this condition. The first step is to sit down and understand the operation of the fuel pump circuit. Heater control valve 09/27/2009
With fall here and winter approaching car heating problems can become just as important as air conditioning in the summer months. No driver wants to freeze or burn while they're driving their car down the road.  heater control valve The heater control valve is one of the many components that are responsible for warming the interior compartment. This valve allows hot coolant to be piped directly from the engine to the heater core. The heater core then transfers the heat to the interior compartment by recirculating air from inside the car across the heater core fins. This continued cycle of heating the air inside the vehicle is extremely efficient. Heater control problems climate control Many things can cause low output from your car's heater. Understanding how to heater control valve works can be important in diagnosis of this car problem. The heater valve sometimes called the water flow valve controls the direction and amount of coolant flow to the core. In the closed position to heater control valve allows no hot coolant to enter the heater core. In the open position the part allows engine heated coolant to circulate through the firewall mounted core. Consult your online auto service manual for specific locations on your vehicle. Oxygen Sensor Codes 09/07/2009
 Check Engine The oxygen sensor is often suspected when the check engine light comes on. The O2 is one of the most commonly replaced sensors. It is also one of the most misdiagnosed, electrical emissions components. Since this sometimes-expensive car part is a non-re-terminable item at most part stores, it is a good idea to confirm diagnosis before replacement. And often during my diagnostic procedure I will uncover the cause of the check engine light problem that is less expensive then a replacement o2. Add to the above facts that most cars have 4 of these exhaust stream sensors and you really want to make sure you are only replacing failed components. To follow is a run down on how to diagnose check engine light codes in the PO171-PO175 range, which are your most common o2 codes. How to Diagnose oxygen sensors Cheap Scanner To effectively diagnose failed oxygen sensors you need to see the operating voltages. A scan tool is the easiest way to do this but an automotive meter can also be used. Diy scan tools that can read data streams can be had for under $200 The data stream voltage for the O2 should vary quickly from about 200 to 800 mV. A good rule of thumb is that the voltage should vary above and below the half way mark of 500 milivolts in a steady even pattern. If you have sensors with a fixed voltage or a voltage that is always below 500, then you want to check the wiring to the sensor. Automotive diagnostics 07/10/2009
When it comes to diagnosing car problems many Diy auto mechanics will ask the same question. Where do I start?  engine diagnosis Automotive diagnostics begins with the procedure of problem solving. You begin with a detailed evaluation of the automobile problem. Take a few minutes before you begin to get a complete understanding of the complaint or malfunction. Automotive diagnostics should be performed in an orderly manner and should not depend on guesswork, taking chances or even educated guessing. Let's try an example of the above process using a common car problem. Say your vehicle has a left front marker light out. The right side works normally and comes on and off with the headlight switch. The hard facts of our situation lead us to a very logical path of diagnosis. With the headlight switch working and the right side marker lamp coming on checking the fuses and circuit breakers would not seem to be the right first step. Also the headlight switch seems to functioning OK at this time. In fact the most common cause of this situation would be a simple blown bulb. But let's not go to the online auto parts store for a replacement bulb just yet. Antilock Brake Systems Diagnosis 06/13/2009
As antilock brake systems continue to age more and more drivers will become familiar with the abs warning light. Why should we learn more about this system and why should we fix it when it is broken?  Antilock brake systems and traction control technology continues to improve on modern vehicles. In fact, it would be hard to find a new car today. That does not have an ABS system as standard equipment. These brake control systems add yet another electronically controlled system to the already complex automobile. These electronic brake systems can be troublesome, and make the driver question, whether they are worth the time and money to repair. Many people will drive around with their ABS light on, or even worse put some black electrical tape over the symbol. Their reasoning behind this is the light is on, but the brakes feel fine. To understand why we should repair the light. It's probably best to understand what the system does for us. The antilock brake systems can be thought of as a hydraulic pumping of the brakes that is electronically controlled. This currently is the most effective way to stop a vehicle under emergency braking conditions. Brake Pad Diagnosis 05/29/2009
Brake pad diagnosis is an important skill for any car owner. Being able to tell when you're brake pads need to be replaced or other work is required in your brake system is valuable automotive information.  Since brake pad maintenance is required on vehicles every 25,000 to 50,000 miles, this would mean that each vehicle owner might do as many as three to five brake jobs during the vehicle's life span. In my last post I talked about a brake pulsation that was caused by warped rotors. In this post I will discuss brake pads, and how to tell when it's time to replace them. Brake pad diagnosis There are several different types of brake pads as well as different types of wear indicators. let's start off with the brake pad assembly itself. Brake pads are metal plates with the linings either riveted or bonded to them. Brake pads are located at each side of the caliper and sandwich the rotor much like the ones on a 10-speed bike. The inner brake pad, which is positioned against the caliper piston, is not interchangeable with the outer brake pad. The linings themselves are made of a semi-metallic or other non-asbestos material. Ceramic is becomming more popular due to longer life and less brake dust created when they wear. Automotive Diagnosis 04/15/2009
How automotive diagnosis reveals car problems. The first step for diagnosis often uncovers the failure. This procedure can save diy car mechanics time. A good example of this is provided in the auto repair video below. | Online Car Repair
Mechanic Mark
My friends and co-workers call me Master Tech Mark. I am a Certified Master Technician with 26 years of hands on wrench turning experience. CategoriesAll OEM Auto Parts
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