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.

By Gary Goms. This real-world case study of a 2002 Chevy S-10 pickup, a 1995 Buick and a 1995 Lincoln Town Car illustrates why “chasing” trouble codes can get you lost in the Diagnostic Woods. Working as a part-time mobile diagnostic technician, I find that many techs find themselves “lost in the woods” while diagnosing engine management system failures. Although not perfect, the “lost in the woods” analogy describes the dilemma of a technician through a forest of information without a good sense of direction. Unfortunately, most of us have found ourselves in that situation more often than we would like to admit.

By Joe Glassford. To test the condition of the contacts (excessive resistance from pitting that causes an excessive voltage drop) this voltage drop test should be done: Here we have a fuse located on the “ground” side of the relay switch. This is a common circuit arrangement you will see.

By Joe Glassford. Check out this information on starter solenoid testing from Joe Glassford’s new book on vehicle testing procedures. This article gives you some much needed real world information on stater solenoid functionality that will help you better understand how to troubleshoot and diagnose problems later.

By Andrew Markel. GM TPMS systems on Buick, Pontiac, Chevy (Chevrolet), GMC Cadillac and Hummer models are some of the easiest to service if you have the right tools and knowledge. Starting in 2007, most vehicles use a Schrader- or VDO-manufactured system that shares the same relearn procedures and behaviors. There are exceptions, like the Pontiac Vibe.

By Tom Ham. Are new car dealers eating your lunch? Can you just take a quick look at it? You send oil change reminders to who? Check out the latest Auto Shop Monthly Management Tips from the Automotive Management Network to get inside secrets on managing your shop and increasing your bottom line.

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.

By Matt Fanslow. If you’ve been looking at purchasing a DSO (Digital Storage Oscilloscope) in the last few years, undoubtedly you’ve seen much attention paid to Vertical Resolution. To the scope savvy, it is the new “Sample Rate Rage”. For years, Sample Rate was advertised as the most important of scope specifications. The higher the sample rate, the better the scope. Thanks to Pico Technology, and those few individuals that embraced its use in the auto repair industry, we have been re-educated. Sample Rate, it turns out, while important; hinges on other factors. Vertical Resolution, you will find, is also one of many factors that determine the true “power” of a DSO.

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.

By Bob Dowie. One of the common check engine light problems you’ll encounter on Hondas is a misfire code with no apparent misfire. Many times, this problem will be traced back to tight valve lash. Obviously, a tight valve will pass the audible test every time. But, it’s the tight valves that will set the check engine light in the best case, and if it’s ignored long enough you’ll be looking at a low-compression situation caused by a burnt valve.

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.

By Tom Ham. Is there any rhyme or reason to your parking lot? No time for inspections with customers waiting? Are you utilizing the factory maintenance schedules? Check out the latest Auto Shop Monthly Management Tips from the Automotive Management Network to get inside secrets on managing your shop and increasing your bottom line.

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.

By Carlton Banks. This is the first in a series of investigations covering many states’ top emissions-related codes. Our goal in this report is to discuss the characteristics of the P0446 code as it applies to many GM systems.

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.

A DTC is made up of 5 digits. Knowing the composition of the code makes it is easier to trouble shoot a DTC without knowing the description of the code.

This DTC search page contains standard diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) that are used by vehicle manufacturers to identify vehicle problems. The codes provide below are generic codes that may not […]

Variable valve timing gives engine designers the best of both worlds—power with economy. It is common knowledge that it’s easier to fix a broken vehicle if you have a clear understanding of how it works when it’s not broken.

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.

By Bob Cooper. If you want to build a more profitable, successful business, here are five tips that work!

Consumers today want to stay connected and they want the drive to be an experience, especially since the amount of time Americans spend in the car has nearly doubled in the past 10 years.

Quickly open tech articles and tip clip videos from the Diagnostic News website on your smart phone and take them anywhere; the bay, on the road, you name it.

By Scott ‘Gonzo’ Weaver. At my shop I tend to do more electrical repairs than anything else. It’s what I’m known for, and sometimes I get my share of odd ball electrical problems. Sometimes it’s a factory defect where a harness has rubbed into a bracket behind the dash and shorted things out. But, a lot of the time it’s some add-on that causes the problems. Usually some sort of flashy-testosterone filled bling that the owner is using to show off his macho self to all who pass by.

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.

By Tom Ham. Is your dumpster an eyesore at your shop? Are you using email correspondence to its fullest potential? What does your Customer Area look like? Check out the latest Auto Shop Monthly Management Tips from the Automotive Management Network to get inside secrets on managing your shop and increasing your bottom line.

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.

By Scot ‘Gonzo’ Weaver. Jo was a new customer referred by an old-time regular. Her little KIA had a transmission problem that seemed to be getting the best of the transmission shop. The story goes that the SUV was constantly in limp mode, and would never shift properly… ever. As it always seems to be the case when a simple problem can’t be solved simply, somebody started the diagnostics off in the wrong direction. Little did I know this was a simple problem. But, as I see it, any type of diagnostic work that you do requires a certain step-by-step procedure that you must follow. Missing a step, or completely overlooking a step, usually means you’re going to miss that simple problem all together. This was no exception.

Our Time Relationship Table is most useful for technicians getting started with a labscope. Establishing an appropriate time/division can be confusing. To reduce uncertainty it is useful to know the normal time duration of the pulses that are being evaluated. Then, select a time per division setting that will accommodate the number of pulses desired on the display screen. To accomplish a proper scope control setting the relationship of milliseconds to microseconds as well as their fraction of a second is very useful.