The 2013 Ford F150 equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine was running perfectly. With the exception of a drop in fuel economy, there was no indication of a problem until the Check Engine light in the dash illuminated. A system scan revealed P2098 code stored in memory, which represents Post Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too […]
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GM TRANSFER CASE NOISES Customer complaints involving howling, whining, shudder or grinding noises during parking lot maneuvers in Auto Mode or highway speeds in 4HI or Auto may occur on four wheel drive GM trucks and SUV vehicles. Vehicles affected range from 2014–2023 year models. Specific applications can be identified in GM Service Bulletin 19-NA-136. […]
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Troubleshooting today’s technology can be challenging for even the most experienced technician. Making an accurate diagnosis, rather than throwing a lot of expensive parts and labor at the symptom can be a challenge. How would your shop handle the following customer complaints? a) Crank but no-start b) Hard starts c) Long crank time d) Misfire […]
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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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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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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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LOW FLUID LEVEL CAUSES POWER TRANSFER UNIT FAILURE Are you accurately checking those fluid levels and recommending fluid flushes or exchanges, where applicable? Unfortunately, many service technicians fall into a pattern of just performing lubrication services requested by the customer, which is usually triggered by a service reminder light indicating that it is time for […]
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Air filters are designed to protect the engine from contaminants such as bugs, dust, dirt and other debris. Engines do not perform well when the filters are subjected to water and snow, as these conditions promote a hydro-lock of the filter media. When the hydro-lock condition occurs, the filter can be pulled from the air […]
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With proper maintenance and timely service intervals, the life of the engine and related components can be extended. Neglecting these service intervals can result in poor engine performance and internal engine damage due to the formation of sludge deposits. These deposits can restrict the flow of lubricant, promoting accelerated wear.
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Identifying noises that should be considered a normal characteristic or a mechanical defect can be a challenge, even for the most experienced technician. Some engines, systems and components come with their own noise characteristics that we would once consider a defect, but now are considered a normal characteristic. Some mechanical failures may not receive immediate […]
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When diagnosing a misfire condition most automatically assume an ignition or fuel related condition as the culprit. This would involve a defective spark plug, ignition wire, ignition coil, fuel injector, etc. While these components are the most likely candidates that would result in a misfire, some other conditions must also be considered with today’s engines […]
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