Stories from the Road 5

Stories from the Road 5
(A Narrative About Modern Automotive Diagnostics
An Automotive Case Studies Series
By Mandy Concepcion
Copyright © 2006, 2012 By Mandy Concepcion

This book, "Stories from the Road - Automotive Case Studies 1" is a real work in action about the intricacies of modern automotive diagnostics. It is based on actual real life situations. From this book you may extract real-life lessons, which will help you as an automotive aficionado, DIY mechanic and professional technician. The work is divided into narrated stories representing real-life applications of diagnostic technology, equipment usage, repair techniques and knowledge based information. Here, you'll get input on how to use the automotive scan-tool, OBD-2 ECM/PCM readers, oscilloscope, graphing multi-meter, signal tone injector and many other diagnostic tools. You'll also get deep insights on testing all kinds of sensors and actuators, such as injectors, solenoids, transmission components, motors, fuel pumps, CAM and crank sensors, TPS, MAF, Knock and pretty much every component seen today. All the content is presented on a narrated, story like format to make the knowledge easy and fun to comprehend. With that in mind, enjoy your readings.

Table of contents

Stories from the Road 5

* - Honda's Clogged Nostrils

Honda, one of the most trusted brands, also has recurring issues with "Clogged Nostrils". Yes, you heard right, this is a pesky issue that causes misfires and performance problems on Hondas with 4-cylinder engines. See how to solve this issue here.

* - Injector Noid for Void

See why this Volvo would start, but then shut down after a while. Learn the use of NOID lights and issues with injected engines. Follow the current from the ECM to the actual components. Then use the current AMP probe to continue the flow of diagnostic. This little video is packed with goodies.

* - Intermittently Voyager on Hall-Effect

An engine stalling at times on a Dodge Voyager. Wow, this is the proverbial intermittent issue. Get the scoop on a complete diagnostic path from the scanner, to the scope, to following the specific wiring diagram to the final cause.

* - It's All About Synchronicity

Yeas, that's right synchronicity of the CAM and CRK sensors. This issue is very common and causes lack of power and damage to the engine. Follow this case from the Fuel-Trims to the signals in question. Live and learn with this video.

* - KIA ABS to the Max

A seemingly easy problem to diagnose on an ABS system with an issue at higher speed turned our not so easy. Learn from this diagnostic path from scan tool to scoping the signals in question. It is not always as easy as it seems.

* - Lean Mean Tahoe Machine

The P0171 and P0172 DTC or codes are the most common on today's systems and often difficult to diagnose. Learn how the specific PIDs like mass air flow or MAF and other sensor data was used during diagnostic. Then use a smoke machine and a scan tool to prove what happened.

* - Light Loader Blazer with Issues

Well, yes this vehicle had issues alright; from misfires to performance issues on loaded conditions. Learn the intricacies of reading and analyzing ignition waveforms. Also get a lead on CAM timing issues and how to diagnose that particular fault. See what happened.

* - BONUS... How to Wire 4 Speed AC Blower Relay

Walks you through the wiring and connections of an A/C blower motor relay. Used to learn the actual wiring and to be able to comprehend the logic behind this circuit.