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Archive Tag: diagnostic challenges

Diagnostic Challenges That Can Elude an Experienced Technician

Diagnostic Challenges That Can Elude an Experienced Technician

January 9, 2024

Vehicles today incorporate a maze of electronic components that must be considered when troubleshooting a performance related symptom. A vast arsenal of test equipment is necessary to communicate with the electronic systems and components. Systems are so connected that it is difficult for the technician to distinguish between a mechanical, electrical, fuel or emission related […]

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Oil Consumption: It May Be a Normal Characteristic

Oil Consumption: It May Be a Normal Characteristic

September 12, 2023

When dealing with oil consumption complaints, how much should be considered as too excessive? Is the engine consuming an excessive amount of oil or should the amount consumed be considered a normal characteristic? This is especially a concern with the extended service intervals, which may result in the vehicle being driven twice the mileage when […]

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TURBOCHARGED ENGINES: Are You Recommending the Required Services?

TURBOCHARGED ENGINES: Are You Recommending the Required Services?

July 20, 2023

Turbocharged engines are becoming commonplace as the vehicle manufacturers are utilizing smaller displacement engines fitted with turbochargers. Turbochargers and direct fuel injection can make a smaller displacement engine behave like a larger displacement engine, while accomplishing better fuel economy. With this technology comes some challenges, especially in the area of required maintenance. Failure to provide […]

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Servicing Diesels Lack of Maintenance Promotes Costly Repairs

Servicing Diesels Lack of Maintenance Promotes Costly Repairs

December 30, 2022

Failure to provide timely maintenance on a turbo-charged diesel engine can result in some expensive repairs, especially if it involves replacing a turbocharger or engine. The inexperienced may not realize how important some of the basic services are when servicing these applications. The turbo-diesel engines require a greater volume of air compared to a normal […]

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Maintenance Intervals: Lack of Service Can Lead to a Catastrophic Event

Maintenance Intervals: Lack of Service Can Lead to a Catastrophic Event

October 20, 2022

Neglecting maintenance intervals can result in performance issues and internal engine damage due to sludge deposits restricting the flow of lubricant to vital engine components. Evidence of lack of maintenance will normally show up in the oil filter and related housing. The filter media will be impacted with sludge deposits. Where applicable, the filter cap […]

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SERVICING DIESELS: Identifying Normal Characteristics

SERVICING DIESELS: Identifying Normal Characteristics

September 20, 2022

A major part of the diagnostic process is identifying an issue from a normal characteristic. Following are some examples of customer complaints that could be mistaken as a problem when they may be a normal occurrence for the application. DIESEL ENGINES AND NOISE-RELATED SYMPTOMS Customer complaints of ticking, clicking, or cycling noises on 2017–2022 GM […]

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A Difficult Diagnosis: When Multiple Conditions Create Similar Symptoms

A Difficult Diagnosis: When Multiple Conditions Create Similar Symptoms

July 21, 2022

Customer complaints of rough idle, misfires, crank but no start or long crank time symptoms can be a challenge with today’s technology. Random or multiple misfire codes may be stored in memory. Symptoms that seem like an ignition related issue may actually be fuel related, carbon induced, or in some cases a normal characteristic. Fuel […]

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ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS OR LOW VOLTAGE: Both Can Create Intermittent Electrical Challenges

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS OR LOW VOLTAGE: Both Can Create Intermittent Electrical Challenges

June 27, 2022

Low voltage conditions or the integrity of an electrical connection can pose some challenging events for the technician attempting to make an accurate diagnosis. In the world of automotive diagnostics, electrical problems have proven to be the most challenging, especially intermittent problems. Intermittent performance problems can be affected by connection-relate conditions and the presence of […]

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Vehicle Modifications: They Can Create Diagnostic Challenges

Vehicle Modifications: They Can Create Diagnostic Challenges

May 23, 2019

Vehicle modifications can create some interesting challenges for a technician. The first step in the diagnostic process is a discussion with the vehicle owner, and if possible, have them accompany you on a road test. Always perform the basic diagnostic steps first. Determine if any modifications have been made to the vehicle. With today’s technology […]

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A Diagnostic Challenge: The Symptoms May Be a Normal Characteristic

A Diagnostic Challenge: The Symptoms May Be a Normal Characteristic

April 25, 2018

Often we are faced with customer complaints that are seemingly impossible to resolve. We methodically make our best diagnostic efforts and implement the necessary repairs to alleviate the customer’s complaint. Sometimes, our best efforts fail to provide a solution and when this happens, it looks bad on the technician and the parts supplier.

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