Tech Tips

In this excerpt from the ‘Victory Over Voltage Drops’ training program, instructor Dave Hobbs discusses the tools and techniques you will need to perform proper voltage drop tests by showing us several tools in use on a 2011 Equinox.

What we’re focusing on here is, you just did an engine job, or maybe you replaced the transmission, cylinder head job. You’ve had a significant portion of the vehicle disconnected underneath the hood. And you want to know, does everything have integrity? So in this particular case study, we’re going to go look to see if there are any trouble codes. We’ve done some work on the engine. We’ve had some things taken apart underneath the hood, and we want to use the scan tool make sure that the basic component test portion has passed. So let’s take a look at that.

In this excerpt from the A8 ASE test prep program, Instructor Dave Hobbs discusses some tips and tricks regarding various ways to perform a back pressure test. He also talks about how to make your own tool for this purpose and tells you what to look out for on the ASE A8 exam regarding back pressure related questions.

Instructor Dave Hobbs talks about voltage drop testing issues where the circuit you’re testing doesn’t really have the current flow going through it like it should. It may not be due to the fact you have a big voltage drop from a large resistance source in the wiring or the connections. It could be a couple of problems. It could be the wiring and connections, in addition to a component that’s either inoperative or not drawing enough current as it normally would. In this tip clip we talk about these things and some alternative ‘MacGyver like’ load testing techniques you can try.

Section two of the ASE A8 task list is where you find ignition systems. In this video tip clip with instructor Dave Hobbs we’re going to do some cylinder balance testing, which will give us an idea if there is a misfire, and if so, which cylinder it is. And that oftentimes goes hand in hand with ignition diagnosis.

In this tip clip excerpt, trainer Dave Scaler talks about Nissan Infiniti electronic throttle control systems. When we talk about Nissan Infiniti vehicles, one of the most common repairs in debate today surrounds the Fly By Wire or Electronic Throttle Control. Electronic throttle control system on a Nissan Infiniti vehicle is problematic. What we’re going to do is take a look, not only to see how it works, but to see what breaks, and what we can do about fixing it.

In this tip clip, instructor Jim Wilson talks about P0300 codes and misfire testing using your scan tool. He talks about how you would look at certain things such as RPM, MAP, changes in load, and long term fuel trims. He goes on to mention some things technicians should be aware of on Ford and Chrysler vehicles.

Instructor Dave Hobbs gives some insight into something a lot of techs already know about and may just take for granted–two stage temperature sensors. He covers some specifics about the sensors, testing procedures, and how to avoid replacing parts that are good only to find you still have a problem. He also gives some details and insight into the differences in design and wiring of these sensors between the individual manufacturers.

Technicians, do you have to prepare a car in your shop for for inspection? If so I’d like to spend a minute on monitors and a few tips and tricks when it comes to running monitors in order to prepare the car for an OBD II inspection. Now keep in mind a couple of pieces of information. Even if you don’t do IM in your area, understanding what monitors do and how they run is important for a couple other reasons. I use monitors, for example, to help get the computer to run the tests on the car so I can help to verify my repair. You may also use monitors if you’re into mode 6 to do mode 6 work because you need to know how the monitors run in order for the mode 6 to be accurate. So I want to spend just a few minutes here on monitors discussing a couple of pieces that I think will help you if you indeed have to get the monitors to run and show you some of the advantages of getting the PCM to help you along the way.

If you build or repair A/C system hoses, power steering hoses, or any different kind of hose assemblies this tip clip may be of interest to you. There’s a lot of good information that you need to know out there, so take a look at this segment, which is going to tell you everything you ever needed to know about building and repairing hoses the right way.

In this hybrid vehicle tech tip Dave Hobbs talks about an ‘engine stop request code. If you’ve got a hybrid vehicle and you’re not sure– is it doing an idle stop or is it just stalling– because we have still have an internal combustion engine and that means we still have all other kinds of sensors that can cause drivability issues, including intermittent stalling conditions. Thats why Dave talks about the engine stop request PID and how it can keep you from chasing the boogeyman.

In this video Bob Pattengale talks about common repair mistakes. The list of common repair mistakes that is presented in this video was compiled by the Mobile Air Conditioning Society through surveys, reviews of shops and examining the processes that our technicians are doing. These are important things that you want to think about to ensure a job well done.

In this video clip Bill Fulton presents some information on a DTC from his list of 10 DTC’s. This one is all about the P0442 small EVAP leak code. He talks about using Mode$01 to investigate EVAP parameters using your scan tool. He goes on to detail the parameters to look at, what readings to look for and what causes certain readings in the first place.

What if you could save 30 minutes each day in the shop? Do you have some areas in the shop where you might be wasting a little bit of time? […]

In this Tip Clip Dave Hobbs talks about EVAP and FREDS, you know Frustrating Ridiculous Electronic Devices, things like PCM’s and ECM’s. He talks about the logic of how these devices control the operation of the vehicle’s evap system. He discusses how the ‘brain’ of the evap system handles things like the operational nature of the evap system such as purge. He also goes into detail regarding how the FRED also handles the regulatory side of things such as EPA guidelines and leak tests.

Bill Fulton presents a tip clip examining an intermittent no-start that also does not display any scan data on a 2003 Grand Cherokee. Bill talks about doing a test to check the bus circuits state of health by walking us through the systems data bus schematic and finding clues about what components to check next.

In this tech tip clip video, Bob discusses the primary component to Toyotas key off evaporative emission system, the pump module. This clip helps you understand the basic modes of operation to the various components found with in the pump module.

In this Tech Tip Clip video Bob works on a vehicle with a code 0400, a gross evaporative emissions leak also with a gas cap light illuminated on the dash. Bob uses the Tech 2 to verify the leak walking us through the process of using the EVAP Service Bay Test mode allowing us to test the system as though the vehicle were driving down the road.

In this hybrid tech tip clip instructor Dave Hobbs talks about the hybrid battery disconnects and how important it it for you as a technician to know how to know the procedures to deactivate and shut down hybrid voltage systems in order to safely and efficiently even be able to service other non hybrid systems on a vehicle.

In this tech tip clip excerpt from the AVI class ‘Top 10 OBD 2 Codes: Fix Them Fast’ training program instructor Dave Scaler talks about slow response codes. Current generation o2 sensor heaters are controlled by the computer, and cars today go into closed loop faster than ever on todays cars. Dave talks about the two downsides of this situation and how they effect your diagnostic process. He goes on to further detail the diagnostic processes involved in solving O2 sensor slow codes.

In this clip from the ASE A2 Transmission Diagnostics test prep program, Wayne Colonna talks about transmission performance codes. He talks about how on some computer controlled transmissions if there is a code stored or shift adapt issues the computers strategy is to overcome this slip by increasing line pressure. He talks about the problems this can cause during the diagnostic process and how to overcome these issues.

In this series of short tip clips from management and service writing instructor George Witt you will learn several quick tips that will help to to better market your shop. George talks about things such as friendliness, cleanliness, reminders, humor, training, and equipment.

In this tip clip instructor John Thornton will present some ‘need-to-know’ info about some common function found on your PicoScope. John covers things such as vertical scale (number of volts per division), horizontal scale (the base time of the sweep speed), and trigger.

Bosch instructor Bob Pattengale talks about some best practices for inspecting an a/c compressor. Bob goes on to provide some tips on checking the a/c compressor clutch for proper air gap using both the feeler gauge method as well as the ‘nickel and dime’ method.

George Witt talks briefly about how best to handle technical information calls that you might get from other shops. He talks about the importance of evaluating who you help, when and how often, and most importantly what info you should never reveal.

In this tip clip George Witt gives advice on selling diagnostics to your customers. George talks about selling lists and inspections and how to present the diagnostic process in such a way that you are charging for your time, effort and expertise. He talks about the four ways this helps you in selling diagnostics and how to present the info in a way that leaves the customer happy and provides the info they need to make an informed decision.

In this tech tip clip instructor Bill Fulton presents some need to know info on the Chrysler NGC PCM’s introduced in 2003. He talks about the fact that there are two different manufacturers for these computers and some issues related to interchangeability.

Bill Fulton talks about Chrysler data bussing. Talking about CCD and SCI data lines and using bus circuit schematics from a 1998 Dodge minivan as an example Bill gives some in depth insights into the operation and relationships of Chrysler data bus circuits.

In this transmission tip clip from the 2010 ATSG Seminar program Wayne Colonna presents some issues about bore plugs on Honda and Acura 5-speed transmissions. He talks about the resulting shift issues that can occur and ways you can fix the problem in such a way that comebacks are less likely.

Instructor John Thornton presents this in depth comprehensive case study of a 2002 Ford Explorer 4.0L vin E with a misfire at idle speed. John details the use of his scope and pressure transducer to perform a cranking compression test and goes on to point out the various indicators you should be watching your scope pattern for and how to identify problems.

Watch this Tip Clip presented by instructor Mark DeKoster with information you need to know if you perform brake service and repairs. Mark shows us and talks about tips to determine if a rotor is acceptable to be turned and resurfaced, how to best prepare a rotor for being turned and best practices for reinstalling the rotor and other brake parts.

In this fun video clip Jim Linder presents some ‘teknical’ information you need to know if you work with ‘bubbas’.

In this video Tip Clip Bob Pattengale presents information you need to know if you need to perform relearns after replacement of any vehicle components. He talks about how to do the research to determine if a relearn is needed and shows us how to best prepare for the relearn or reprogramming process.

Bob Pattengale demonstrates how to use the National Automotive Service Task Force’s website as a guide for flashing and reprogramming. He shows us how to use the NASTF website to learn how to navigate the OEM sites and prepare you for the job ahead.

In this video Tip Clip Bill Fulton presents several hands on test you can quickly and easily perform when diagnosing GM Pass Key antitheft issues and problems. Watch this video and learn to use your multimeter to check and diagnose the various components of the antitheft system.