diagnostics

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Engine knock limits performance and can cause permanent damage. This time, we’ll look at its causes.

Under certain conditions, combustion in a spark ignition engine can degrade into an abnormal preignition process that causes a “knocking” or “pinging” sound. This undesirable combustion process limits the engine’s output and specific efficiency levels. It occurs when the fresh air/fuel mixture preignites in spontaneous combustion before being reached by the expanding flame front.

A number of emissions programs are conducting an emissions test on OBD II vehicles that has been nicknamed a “plug and play” test. Perhaps something similar to this has already happened to you. A customer brings his vehicle to your shop because the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is glowing on the dashboard. After retrieving the stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and freeze frame data, then conducting a thorough diagnosis, you determine the cause of the fault. The defective part is replaced, the DTCs and freeze frame data are cleared from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) memory and the vehicle is taken for a road test. After the road test, the PCM’s memory is rechecked for stored or pending DTCs. None are found.

Fort Myers Florida — July 27, 2010 – Automotive Video has announced two *NEW* Bill Fulton classes to be released soon! In Fuel System Testing Strategies and Anatomy of the Waveform, Bill gives you comprehensive tactics to expand your understanding and deliver accurate diagnostic repair.

Automotive Video Inc., has added two more classes to their premier live training event to be held November 4-5 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Ryan Kooiman and Bernie Thompson join the ranks of industry experts presenting at the conference.

Fort Myers Florida — July 15, 2010 – This month, AVI launched SearchAVI.com a new Network Search Site! Search the ENTIRE AVI network of automotive diagnostic, repair, training, information, industry news, and education related websites from this easy to use and familiar interface. From one location, you have access to each of AVI sites, including DiagnosticsNews.com, ShowMeTools.com, AVITestPrep.com, and auto-video.com!

Instructor Jim Wilson covers most of the basic functions of how to navigate and perform common diagnostic tests using the Pegisys Scan Tool. Learn how to use your Pegisys in both lab scope mode and also perform diagnostic testing. Labscope information covers the ignition systems, KV, DMM and freezeframe.

Automotive Video has released a long awaited 5.9 Dodge Cummins diesel training program on DVD. This class with Dave Scaler will help diesel technicians who are interested in learning more […]

Volkswagen and Audi Diagnostics with Ross Wellwood

Automotive Video, Team AVI will be releasing a new and updated Mode $06 training program in July. Jim Wilson, OTC scan tool expert and popular AVI instructor will provide an in-depth overview of what mode $06 is, how to apply it and how to use it to verify repairs.

Automotive Video, Inc., also known as Team AVI has updated the website for the 2010 AVI Training Conference with the class lineup and other information. This three day event will take place January 14-17, 2010 at the Beautiful Pink Shell Resort and Spa on Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

Mode $06 continues to be a hot topic with techs. Nevertheless, there are many techs who have not even heard of Mode $06 or do not even use the Global OBD2 side of the scan data. Knowing how to use Mode $06 could really help in the day-to-day diagnostic problems in your shop.

Fort Myers, FL – March 24, 2009 – Automotive Video (Team AVI) released a long awaited Volkswagen and Audi Diagnostic training program this week featuring Automotive Training Group (ATG) instructor Ross Wellwood. Volkswagen and Audi Diagnostics contains information and tips to help techs who are considering service of these vehicles as well as experienced European technicians.

Scan tools are only part of the key to the diagnostic process, knowing when to use them is equally important. If a vehicle comes into your shop with a drivability complaint, should plugging in your scan tool be the first step in diagnosing the problem? Probably not — keep in mind that even though modern engines have sensors and computers that monitor just about every aspect of their operation, deep down they’re still machines that require air, fuel, and oil to run. Remember — a reflash won’t fix everything.

What tools do I need to get into hybrid repair? That is a good question. It all depends on what you have now. What should a technically aware shop have at this time for equipment? A pair of Class O 1000 volt safety gloves with leather protectors, a good digital volt ohm meter (DVOM) rated CAT III @ 1000volts, a lab scope with that same rating, good technical information, and the proper scan tool. There are other hybrid related tools for specific models as well.

Fort Myers, FL – February 3, 2009 – Automotive Video, Inc. also known as Team AVI recently released a training program with Dave Scaler from Mechanics Education Association to help tackle tough issues on the most popular import models driven today. Many shops turn import customers away because their techs lack the training to diagnose and repair the unique problems that occur with these vehicles. Imports are a growing portion of the repair business and this class gives shop owners and techs the training they need to capitalize on this segment of the market.

Get some quick tips from Dave Hobbs as he shows us how to use a smoke machine and scan tool as a diagnostic dream team. Learn the basics of EVAP systems and how they work so you can better use your scan tool and smoke machine together as a better team for diagnosing EVAP related codes.