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Being a non-technical person,
or rather someone who knows
biggest network of technical
data and problem solving, is
Do you know what this is?
nothing about motorcars, still regarded as that thing the If not, go to Page 7
I find it fascinating editing kids use at home for playing
the technical material in this games or meeting their mates
magazine. For all I know, most on Facebook.
of the articles could be about
information on what a fault help to our tech team.
space science or brain surgery. If theres a computer in the
code means - GOOGLE
workshop where they work,
IT. Whoops, dont have a In the meantime, for those
Whats obvious, even to me, is its really only used by the
computer handy. who are used to going on the
that we are in a very advanced casual who comes in a couple
internet to look for information,
technical age. of days a week to punch in the
Great, Ill go home tonight, TaT is planning a new links
financials for the accountant.
kick the kids off the computer service to direct technicians
Having said that, it seems a
and see if I can find the to website resources dealing
little odd to me that we still find Considering the power of the
information. The customer will with all manner of vehicle
a large number of technicians computer to link to anywhere
be most impressed, I think not. technology.
who have almost ignored the in the world, it is a mystery to
oldest and most widely used me why such a low budget item
Technicians, its time to think We will check links for their
technology of them all, the should be so ignored.
about the time-zone you are authenticity and accuracy
humble computer.
currently in, and make sure you before we provide them.
Why isnt there a computer
have the tools to cope with the
These same people will happily on every workshop bench,
information age. So if you have stumbled across
read this highly technical permanently plugged into the
any interesting websites which
magazine - and understand internet, with perhaps TaT as
The computer is now old hat. might prove useful to your
it - and they will readily buy their default home page.
Its the cheapest major tool you fellow technicians, please
a sophisticated scan tool or
could have in your workshop, send them in to us, and we will
oscilloscope because they just Imagine the scene. A customer
but absolutely invaluable for assess them and make them
cant do without it. brings in a car with a weird,
looking up urgent information, available to all.
if not time consuming fault.
solving problems by either
Yet, the tool that is capable Maybe the TaT team has the
finding them on the TaT See you on line. KN
of giving them access to the solution. Or you need more
website, or sending an urgent
The team
Publisher Editorial contributors TaT Assist TaT Space
CONTENTS
The Automotive Technician Hayley Windsor TaT Train TaTs a Fact
Dont get spooked by
Pty Ltd Ashley Teitzel Tips for Tat
vehicle technology 4-5-6
ABN 27 121 589 802
PO Box 101 International correspondents are all registered trade names RRA Levy Changes 6
GYMEA NSW 2227 Julian Hentze - USA of The Automotive Technician
Andrew Kavanagh - Europe Pty Ltd. Hybrids - the aftermarket of
1 Cleg Street the future 7 - 8 - 9
ARTARMON NSW 2064 Copy proofing The Automotive Technician Pty
Ltd publishes technical advice
Ph 1300 828 000 Bron Robinson and actual case studies for the TaT on the web 10
Fax 1300 828 100 purpose of educating technicians.
tat@tat.net.au Advertising inquiries Global Goss 11
Vicky Murphy These advices are given in good
faith, and are based on actual
Editor in chief vmurphy@tat.net.au workshop repairs. No guarantee Street Cred - with Hayley 12
Ken Newton 0419 284 246 is given, nor any liability accepted
knewton@tat.net.au in respect to any published
advice. The Sheriff - on shonky work 14
07 5591 6274 Design Templates
Fax 07 5591 8172 Allan Green The Automotive Technician Pty TaTs a Fact 15 - 16
0438 569 517 CEO Design Ltd is not responsible for the
ceodesigns@bigpond.com accuracy of any information
Technical editor contained in material submitted Check the Pulse 17 - 18 -19 - 20
Jeff Smit Graphic Design by third parties and published
in this magazine and accepts You said it 20
jsmit@tat.net.au Russell Jones Graphic Design no liability in relation to such
1300 828 000 rjdesign2@aapt.net.au materials or their content.
Murphys Law - ABS 21
Technical research Printing Newsworthy articles or comments
are welcomed, and should be
Deyan Barrie Bones Print Solutions submitted to the Editor in chief. LED light problems 22 - 23
dbarrie@tat.net.au 128 Cope Street
02 9476 6277 WATERLOO NSW 2017 All material appearing in The Top tools 24
bonesps@optusnet.com.au Automotive Technician is
Technical advisers copyright. Reproduction in whole
or in part is illegal without prior Hy there - Hybrids 26
Jack Stepanian Affiliated associations written consent from the Editor
VASA in chief.
Mystery of the Drifting Ground 27
Nick Murphy secretary@vasa.org.au
nmurphy@tat.net.au All advertisers agree to indemnify
the publisher for all damages Who needs petrol - LPG story 28 - 29
or liabilities arising from their
Wayne Broady published or unpublished
www.broadyauto.com.au material. The last word - Mark Mitchell 30
Grant Hand
sharing
information.
Wayne Gardner
Love what you do
and youll never work
I
another day in your
t was the pep talk life. Sophisticated tools, like
techncians needed scan tools may be essential,
to have. The three but they dont do anything
keynote speakers voted oher than identify the area of
the most popular at Junes fault. Technicians still need
2008 Wire & Gas Training to understand whats going
Convention and Trade on, added Grant.
Show, pulled no punches
about how hard the future Source the information.
Dont get
in vehicle repair might Theres a room full of
be, but they saw it more experts next door (the Trade
as a future full of opportunies, provided Show). Spend every minute there talking
technicians were prepared to stay with them. Dont waste an opportunity to
spooked by
connected through training and sharing of find out things,
knowledge.
Keynote speaker, motorcycle racing
At a time in history when far too legend Wayne Gardner, implored the
vehicle
many technicians in the aftermarket packed Wire & Gas audience, Never give
repair industry are worried about their up, particularly when times are tough.
competition, vehicles with lower failure
technology
rates than ever and technology which is The over-riding theme of Wire & Gas was
rolling in faster than their ability to absorb the importance of sharing of information
it, these three wise men laid it on the line. and training, and delegates got plenty of
that.
you have more information stored in your
Technology gurus Jack Stepanian
heads than you think, said Grant.
(electronics) and Grant Hand (climate The Convention saw the debut of The
control) saw nothing but opportunity Automotive Technician training team.
There are no new systems (in AC
in the changing technology of motor
particularly), just application of old
vehicles, provided technicians didnt The relatively new technical information
systems, he added.
stop accumulating knowledge. The company fielded four of the ten trainers
audience was told not to get spooked by who took over one of the massive
Yes, therell be change, but most will be
technology. pavilions of the Gold Coast Convention
evolutionary changes - which are easy.
Centre.
Its the revolutionary changes which are
Too many technicians have low self
difficult.
esteem. Give yourselves some credit,
Gil Sher
Nick Murphy
According to Jack Stepanian, technicians The delegates embraced them all with rates to customer invoices in his own
needed just a few vital things, apart from enthusiasm. But Wire & Gas broadened workshop, with great results.
knowledge, to continue in their job. the scope of training this year, by allowing
TaT to present training on ABS systems, Delegates were told to return to their
You need circuit diagrams to identify why hybrid cars and workshop business workshops and use a new equation, called
a code came up, a digital multimeter, an management. This was quite a radical the KEC - Knowledge, Experience and
oscilloscope and a scan tool - use them all. departure from the traditional AC and Confidence = Your Value.
Dont forget to keep the customer electrical training.
informed. In costing a job, Jeff considers the
But as TaT technical director Jeff Smit customers requirements, the complexity
As for the test light? Chuck it in the bin, says, it acknowledged that most of repairs, the repair options, the level
Jack added. workshops these days need to be multi- of training required by the technician on
skilled. Workshops doing just AC will find the job and, last but not least, the selling
it hard to survive. technique.
Grant Hands call for technicians to raise His theory is that a better informed
their own self esteem could not have come customer is a customer more likely to
at a better time for Jeff Smits training appreciate the cost of repairs, and get the
session, called The Equation. job done properly, instead of cheaply.
The Wire & Gas Training Convention
helped establish TaTs credibility as a His theory is that technicians need to stop In invoicing, labour has to be seen as a
training resource centre. equating the time spent on a customers value, not related to time. These days, the
car with the value of the job and the diagnostics of a job may take considerably
Including the AC licence assessment ultimate size of the repair bill. longer than the job itself. Invoices must
training, the convention fielded eleven of break up the diagnostic descriptions to
Australias top trainers. He has outlawed caculations of hourly show how much effort and training has
been expended to get the car back on the
The TaT booth at the Wire road, explained Jeff.
& Gas Training
Convention, with The hybrid training session, conducted by
Directors Deyan Barrie Gil Sher, opened many eyes, not just to
and Jeff Smit, receiving the technology, but the opportunities this
a participation certificate type of vehicle will present to enterprising
technicians.
from VASA president
Mark Padwick.
In the wrong hands, hybrids could kill with their Jack Stepanian, electronics guru,
powerful electrics, and many of their systems was at his entertaining best at his
could leave a technician with egg on face as training session, which covered the
he stands there scratching his head, trying to fundamentals of electrical/electronic
figure out how to start, or stop, or shut down testing.
the system.
Jack is a regular contributor to this
Nick Murphy covered ABS in his Wire & Gas magazine. Hes on page 27.
G
etting into hybrid vehicle repair is hybrid HV system for simple service. And knowledgeable in electrical
really no different to getting into you have to know how to de-power the HV systems, loves to learn, and sees
anything else in life or career. The system for service and repairs. a good future in this industry. Then set
formula is simple, the technology is not so that person loose to learn as much about
simple. You need education, a new level You should also own a CAT III-certified hybrid systems as possible. It will pay off in
of safety precautions, new equipment and digital volt ohm meter (DVOM) and a pair the future, as hybrids are not going away.
some good old trial-and-error. of 1,000 volt rubber protective gloves rated
class O. Since safety is such a big concern in
Hybrid repair poses some big but not dealing with hybrids, it might be helpful
insurmountable obstacles. Currently, a factory scan tool is needed if I related how I once salvaged some
in many hybrid service cases. However, valuable parts from a hybrid that had
The high voltage (HV) in hybrids is a aftermarket scan tools are improving and been in a bad accident. A recycling yard
serious consideration in terms of personal many now have hybrid capability. had a 2004 Toyota Prius. After sustaining
safety, but it has been blown out of extensive front-end damage in a collision,
proportion. In reality, petrol tank removal I strongly urge the Prius had been written off.
and repair still pose the biggest threat to all workshops
personal safety. The recycling yard owner was literally
to obtain as afraid to touch it. He had heard too many
If manufacturers had taken half as many much up-to-date stories about electrocutions, fires and
precautions in the service procedures and information explosions. This hybrid was his first one.
redundant features of the gasoline storage on hybrids as I dont blame him for being afraid.
system as they have in the high voltage
storage systems of hybrids, many of the
possible, and I proposed a deal whereby I would train
fires, injuries and deaths we have seen to send their two of his employees on hybrid safety for
with petrol tanks might have been avoided. technicians to free and he would give me some of the
some form of parts from the wrecked vehicle.
So what do you need to know before hybrid training.
working on a hybrid? The car was in a puddle and couldnt
Talk to your staff and see who wants to be easily be moved.
You have to know how to shut down the the hybrid expert. Pick someone who is
POWERFUL!
FUNCTIONAL! TOOL
CTB Pass Thru
technology AFFORDABLE!
easily connect generic or OEM scanner features coloured backlit LEDs,
monitor systems scan data streams DLC pin numbering, correspond-
see CTB LEDs signal activity and scan ing DLC pin descriptions, 4mm
CAN Test Box Kit jacks for oscilloscope connec-
data streams SIMULTANEOUSLY!
Components tion, CTB POWER ON LED
Coming soon...
Timing Belts 2009 Now includes Serpentine Belts!
Whats the Autodata Difference?
Clear and concise illustrations
Replacement Interval Guides
Repair Times
Special Tools & Precautions
Step by step removal & installation
instructions written by technicians
for technicians
Covering vehicles up to 2009
Autodata Australia Pty Ltd . 5/25 Veronica Street . Capalaba . QLD 4157
Tel: 07 3245 3282 . Fax: 07 3245 3422 . Email: sales@autodata.com.au
Web: www.autodata.com.au
cooldrive.com.au
he
the tip of the iceberg.
...thist page of
Subscription is found on
the TaT website. This is
fron ebsite
where you interact with
your fellow technicians,
the w
and where the solutions
just dont stop coming.
Select a v
make to fi ehicle
the probl nd all
weve sol ems
that mod ved on
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... want he
with a pro lp
Easy. Just blem?
the Assis fill in
and presst form d s of
submit bu the ...hu n d r e
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sol he
click on t code,
for a
... lookingl story, but problem
technica ember and...
cant rem e? Heres
what issue index.
the onlin
...want to s
surplus st ell some
...bingo!
idea, disc uff, share an
with your uss a problem
... chat aw fellow techs
ay.
You know, I have tried to understand that allowed you access to ECU repairs Unfortunately my back pocket is a little
Nascar and have spent quite a few that could be downloaded and plugged lighter after making many brave wagers
weekends in front of the idiot box to into the ECU and recode it using the right with friends and colleagues, all based on
understand its nuances. scan tool. brave patriotic intentions. Congratulations
to Cadel Evans (pic above) coming
Like all motor sport, it has its ups and What if the manufacturer found a more second, for the second year in a row. What
downs, its heroes and hard core followers. efficient way to make the ECU work and a fantastic effort and something of which
But just recently, I really got into it. all you had to download was the update? he and Australia should be very proud.
Well, its here, and its called flash Did you know the Belgians have adopted
You see, this little known Tasmanian finally programming. Robbie McEwen, the Aussie cyclist
got to drive in the series. Tipped as an who appears on TV speaking the local
Australian who is a street circuit specialist It works just like an iPod. You go to the language (Flemish), and they love him,
he was getting a run in the Little Debbie designated manufacturers website and with bars and cafes dedicated to his name!
Ford Fusion. enter the vehicles VIN number. It identifies
the vehicle and either gives you a list of How is it Australia, a nation of 20 million,
Now my new mates have been teaching the required updates or you can select the get themselves etched into the minds of
me about Nascar. Crafty manoeuvres program you want, pay for it (or subscribe sports lovers all over the world?
like drafting, high and low passes, team to a service) and download it and update
dynamics and stuff like that, but when I the ECU. This year has seen a record number of
arrived in my Pirtek Shirt, my Russell Ingall Australians compete in the PGA, the
signed baseball cap (when he drove for A statistic going around here is that some English Premier League. This month we
the right colour) and my last six pack of 45% of new vehicle repairs are flash saw Aussie boy Andrew Bogut penning a
VB, they were curious. They wanted to reprogramming. Heres also something $72 million contract for five years in the
know about this little known Australian who to ponder though. If you have a hard time NBA and Casey Stoner running a strong
was racing. charging customers for diagnostic time, second overall in the MotoGP.
what about this - a high end 2008 BMW
Marcus Ambros (Australian V8 Supercar has 168 different modules and would take With the Olympics, many pundits are
veteran) got to second place before six hours of downloading flashes if needed tipping a top five finish for little ole
being punted off the course when he got to replace or repair. Now how would you Australia. Quite amazing when you think
hit from behind, and finished in the pits. charge for that? about how young we are as nation, how
Disappointing result, although this was small we are (in population) and how large
when my new mates got to hear about
a conspiracy involving another great Aussie sporting we are in character.
M
y flatmate left for to claim they cannot afford to
a trip to Ibiza with be green in a severe economic
his luggage in a climate. The Carbon Trust,
Sainsburys supermarket bag. a government funded body
that advises firms on carbon
This is not just because Ibiza is emission reduction, is currently
one of the least classy places launching the worlds first
to holiday, but because Easyjet accreditation scheme for
is now charging passengers an organisations that actively
additional fee for all checked-in reduce their carbon emissions,
baggage. rather than relying on offsets.
Warranty... Warranty will also be void if the tank has not been removed, washed
All ACA Fuel Pumps are guaranteed to be free from defects in thoroughly and inspected for defects.
materials, components and workmanship, when correctly installed in It is also a condition of this warranty that the ACA product is to be
the appropriate model, vehicle, operating under normal conditions for installed in accordance with the published instruction sheet and or
the vehicle, for a period of 2 years/ 40,000km warranty from the date with the original equipment manufacturer workshop manuals and or
of fitment. procedures.
All ACA products have serialisation markings cross-referenced to a All pumps returned for warranty will be subjected to a full technical
computerised database. inspection by a qualified ACA technician to determine the cause of
Warranty will be voided where the product in question has been failure and will be accepted for credit based on this report.
tampered with, Remember to practice caution, due care must be taken.
Warranty does not include faulty fitment, damaged caused by Always refer to the manufacturers service & technical handbooks
contaminated fuel, or non fitment of the new strainer/ filter (in tank before removal or installation of any fuel or electrical components.
pumps only).
Copyright 2007 Enforced ABN 78 003 653 183
The sheriff reckons more than them the news, but his manager,
90% of blame for refrigerant in his wisdom, said that since the
leakage through equipment system had just been serviced
failure should be sheeted home by the dealership, it must have
to poor workmanship, not faulty received the incorrect gas
components. charge.
Fault solution
Customer complaint
This part is available as a kit in
Central locking problems. some models but in this case
we had to get compete new
Problem summary barrel assemblies.
TaT Subscribers who wish on the TaT website. Subscriber area of the phone: 1300 828 000
to change their password to website.
New Zealand Subscribers are
something they can more Just follow the link once If you have any problems best to email their requests
easily remember, can do it you sign in to the exclusive with your access, please to: tat@tat.net.au
Fault solution
Problem summary
Recommended time
No interior heat - dual zone
system. Labour time was 2.5 hours,
taking into account research
Only a small amount of warm time, location of parts and
air from left side. actual time spent fixing the
problem.
Diagnostic sequence
Checked all fuses and battery TaT is all about
connections. sharing of information
between technicians.
Hooked up scan tool and
checked for any fault codes.
No fault codes present. There are many very
clever and innovative
Tested the operation of the
dual electric heater taps. technicians who have
Signal is getting to the two developed short cuts
motors but no coolant and tricks which
flow evident through the
taps. would really help their
fellow technicians.
TaT would like to honour
senior technicians by Dont think of other
making sure that their technicians as your
knowledge, accumulated competition. They
over many years, does not
are your associates,
become lost to the industry.
in a very specialised
These technicians are and highly technical
usually very modest people, industry.
so if you know of someone
in that category, please let Share your great ideas
us know so that we can get with them through
in touch and talk with them. TaT. Email:
jsmit@tat.net.au
Technical solutions, just like this one, are being added daily to the database on the website,
accessible only by TaT subscribers and VASA member workshops.
www.tat.net.au
The Automotive Technician 16
Check the Pulse
ars have pulses just Properly monitoring alternator wrong. See Figure 1. resistance in ohms.
like us. Cars have a output becomes a very The components for the So, V = I x R.
heart just like us, only important parameter to ensure charging system are shown
its called an alternator. a cars overall electrical and connected together. The As we explore charging
driveability performance. alternator and battery are voltage (V) and charging
Like us, if the pulse rate is too drawn to look like their actual current (I) issues, its crucial to
high or too low, it can lead to Unfortunately, not enough appearance rather than as understand what the charging
serious complications, even attention is paid to this when traditional schematic symbols. voltage is and how it can be
death. Testing the charging diagnosing electrical and anticipated to vary under
system is not only important driveability problems. On the left is an All Vehicle changing driving conditions.
to resolve issues of under-
charging or over-charging, but
also critical when base-lining a Its also important to
vehicle. understand charging current
and how to correctly test
the charging I apart from
Charging voltage is charging V. We must test
far too important to charging voltage and charging
overlook. current separately. They are
not the same parameter, but
Obviously, its important two distinct tests of charging
because the alternator system performance. Testing
provides the charging voltage one, either charging voltage
(V) and charging current (I) or charging current, does not
to operate all electrical and
verify the other.
electronic circuits while the
engine is running. At the same
All tests should point to
time, the alternator must have
whether or not the charging
enough power left over to keep
the battery charged. system is functioning properly
in the shortest possible time
Think about it and youll realise Many times it is assumed Electrical Loads box, which with no errors in diagnosis.
that the battery doesnt provide the charging voltage is within is sufficient for the purposes
any electrical power to operate proper limits because the of this article to represent the Basic voltage
charge indicator on the dash entire electrical system as it
the vehicle while the engine
is not ON and theres no DTC receives electrical power from
concepts
is running as long as the
alternator is doing its job. for the charging system. Some the alternator/battery (B+)
techs seem to think that the and ground (B-). The basis Alternator testing can be
maximum current a alternator of understanding electrical performed on the car without
There are only two roles for the need for expensive test
the battery while the engine is produces indicates everything systems is Ohms Law, where
they need to know about the V is voltage in volts, I is equipment.
running:
charging system. Both are current in amps and R is
Start the engine and do some
1. To provide a voltage
voltage and current checks
reference point to assist the
to determine if the charging
alternator in maintaining the
system is okay. All thats
correct charging voltage for a
given ambient air temperature needed is a few minutes and
a suitable digital testing device
2. To allow itself to be together with current clamp
recharged. capable of reading from 1.0-
200 DC amps.
Should the alternator fail to
produce the electrical power Before testing, however, the
required, the battery has to charging system basics need
step up and relieve the cars to be reviewed by asking some
electrical shortage, powering pertinent questions. This will
the ignition and fuel systems give an opportunity to evaluate
until the car can reach a your knowledge. Note that
workshop. some questions focus on
charging voltage (V in volts)
These days, the car cant and others focus on charging
be driven very far on battery current (I in amps). Dont get
power before there is a charging voltage and charging
complete electrical failure. current issues confused in the
But theres more to the story. following seven questions:
This is the best automotive technical magazine I have come Share your time saving tips
across. I have already met most of your team over the years
including Jack and Nick and also Wayne when he was still with your fellow technicians.
apprenticed to his father Roley Broady. Very impressive team!
email to : jsmit@tat.net.au
Just some comments to a couple of articles in the June
2008 issue.
BELT TENSION
I use a Gates tool for checking the tension of Micro-V
belts when replacing them. The tool is called KRIKIT
and the part number is Gates 91132 for Micro-V belts
Diagnostic
and Gates 91107 for V belts.
problems?
to overcome slippage.
CARBON BUILD-UP
For a long time I have used SUBARU SA459 Upper
The wheel then turns faster and when AC type signal generated by an inductive To maintain control, the ABS
it turns too fast, the force is reapplied. type sensor. must reduce wheel skid by removing the
This process is repeated continuously, pressure from the affected wheel. By
and this causes the characteristic pulsing More uncommon are the inductive sensor closing the inlet valve (each wheel has two
feel through the brake pedal. An anti-lock with a square waveform. These sensors solenoid valves), the pressure is cut off
system can apply and release braking use live magnets built into the moving hub from the calliper on the skidding wheel.
pressure up to 20 times a second. or the wheel bearings. On the Alfa Romeo
the bearing has the live magnets inserted At the same time, the outlet valve will
Diagnostic procedures in the wheel bearing seal, with the sensor remain open, allowing the pump to pull
pickup in the hub. pressure away from the brake calliper.
It is important to scan the system and
check for any trouble codes. If the system Euro cars are using a different array This process can repeat up to 20 times per
is too early for On Board Diagnostics of WSS. Caution must be taken when second causing the brake pedal to pulse.
(OBD), you will have to manually check Once the wheel maintains close to the
working around the front suspension on
through the circuit. same speed as the other wheels the inlet
2003 and above SAAB, as the WSS tends
valve opens, allowing pressure to flow to
to be affected by dirt getting between the
Testing wheel speed sensors (WSS) using that calliper. At the same time the outlet
wheel hub and the sensor.
a oscilloscope: valve will start to close while still controlling
pressure.
Other common causes of triggering WSS
Locate the WSS connections
codes are loose wheel bearings. The
Select oscilloscope on 1v scale The 4-way system will have two inlet fluid
sensor is located in the hub and the
at 5ms per division ports and four outlet ports (one per wheel).
Jack the car up so wheels are impulse ring is on the moving part of the
free or road test and observe flange. If the wheel bearing has excessive When the pressure is pulled away from the
wave signals on the scope play, the impulse ring will move away from offending wheel, it is pumped back into the
If you are using 4-channel scope the sensor, reducing the intensity of the rest of the system.
the wheel speed signal will vary if signal. The effect of loose/worn wheel
you are cornering. bearings can result in setting an ABS code
or it could activate the ABS under false
pretences.
Happy diagnosing
ABS wheel speed sensors come in
different forms, the most common using an Nick Murphy
Apart from WSS faults, the solenoid valves
in the hydraulic
control unit or the
solenoid relay can
develop faults.
Some systems
can do a self-test,
L
ike most new auto
technologies, every
advancement brings
another set of new problems
to overcome.
LR12
LR12
LR12
LR12
plastic surfaces or
proved many anything that cant R
times, each time handle 170C S
new technology T
is introduced, L
problems
develop that
need to be
rectified.
L
LED lights are certainly the
way of the future, especially
S
with hybrid and electric
vehicles because of their very
T S R
low current draw. Technicians T
just need to overcome some of
the small challenges that the
new technology presents along
the way. E
If you have encountered
similar problems, please let us
Left LED
know so we can share your Right LED
experiences.
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Riding a Pico on the technology wave
ools
I
n this era of faster signals
and complex electronic
components, the need
becomes greater for faster and
more advanced oscilloscopes.
Hybrids
Technical Editor Jeff Smit takes us for a ride
W
hat with petrol prices, worries
about our environment and
carbon footprints, of course the
hybrid vehicle is well and truly on the
radar. In Australia there are two hybrids
available.
Toyotas Prius has been the biggest-selling Its electric mode has Essentially, the differences are that the
hybrid in Australia, and the world, for the
past three years. As Toyota increases
surprised a few people Priuss propulsion is primarily from the
electric motor, which is then assisted by
production numbers, the waiting list for a as it can sneak up on you the petrol engine as required, while the
new Prius was around three months when with no noise coming Honda primarily is driven by the petrol
we last checked. from its engine bay. engine and assisted by the electric motor
as required.
The other is the Honda Civic. Having made
a disappointing debut with the previous The other noteworthy difference is the way
Civic hybrid, Honda has high hopes for the the Honda switches from petrol to electric
new model. It has returned with a bigger power and vice-versa. The Hondas
car and a more advanced hybrid system. transition is noticeable and relatively
The two are similar, but are different in the abrupt, while the Prius system operates
way they go about their environmentally almost seamlessly and feels like a better
friendly business. engineered piece of technology.
Both have small petrol engines Toyotas announcement that they are going
complemented by an electric motor. to build the Hybrid Camry in Australia from
Having now driven both models, here are 2010, together with a sudden push by
our findings. all world wide manufacturers into hybrid
The digital fuel consumption gauge is so technology, it seems likely that hybrids
Toyota Prius prominent, you cant help but try to beat will dominate our future on the roads, until
something better comes along.
your previous trips fuel consumption
Its hard to believe that the Prius has been average. Im sure that was a deliberate
around for more than ten years. Its second decision from Toyota.
generation Prius is already three years old.
Honda Civic Hybrid
There is nothing quite like it on the road.
What makes the Toyota so popular is that As soon as you sit inside the Honda Civic
is has the most advanced hybrid system you can be forgiven for thinking youre on
available in a relatively affordable car and a futuristic Disneyland ride. Its appropriate
genuine fuel economy. that the Civics cabin looks like something
from the future, given that every major car
On the road, the Prius gets on with the maker has fast-tracked plans to introduce
job in a quiet and effortless fashion. The hybrid-powered vehicles.
controls are easy to operate, the cabin
is roomy and it has a massive boot. The Honda was one of the pioneers of hybrid
Prius is competent in corners but isnt technology, so we were keen to see how
likely to win a sports car trophy. its third-generation system performed. The dashboard of the Honda Civic Hybrid
Hondas system is subtly different. As with
It automatically switches off its petrol the Prius, the engine switches off only
engine as the car comes to rest and sits once the car has stopped but it starts the
moment the accelerator is pressed. That As technicians, we need to be aware of
silently in traffic until the lights turn green,
means the engine is being used to help what the future holds and make some
at which point it accelerates on its electric
move the Civic from rest and, therefore, pretty fast decisions about whether to
motor up to 40Km/h before the petrol
burns more fuel than the Prius. The Civic embrace it or not.
engine subtly kicks back into life. The
genius of this system is that moving the can be driven purely on the electric motor
on a level surface when feathering the So what job are you going to be working at
cars mass from rest is what burns most
throttle between 40Km/h and 60Km/h. next week?
fuel.
What is a reasonable
M
uch has been written about the
voltage drop?
effect of a bad supply and a In this waveform, the voltage drop is a
Industry standard is no more than 0.3 of
ground to the performance of a positive drop relative to the base line and
a volt. While the vehicle is under a heavy
vehicle. However while a drifting ground the average voltage drop is approximately
load (cranking) the voltage drop measured
may not have any detrimental effect less than 0.3 of a volt (while cranking).
at any given point should not exceed 0.3
on vehicle performance it can have a
of a volt. This takes into consideration the
profound effect on the fuel consumption. To make sure that the supply was in good
resistance of the circuit coupled with the
current draw. order, the fuel pump fuse and fuel pump
How to check ground relay was restored and terminal B1 and
potentials What if all is well - then C16 were measured (while running).
T
from $2,500 to $5,500 depending on the from freezing. When LPG changes from a
he question on everyones lips vehicle and the type of system fitted. liquid to a vapour, it needs heat to assist.
right now is - what is the fuel of the The water in the cooling system provides
future? the heat. Converters
also have a water
With petrol at whatever temperature sensor
the price is when you to indicate to the LPG
read this, why wouldnt computer that the
any motorist consider vehicle has reached
turning to LPG for less operating temperature.
than half the price. Why This operating
do Australians rely on temperature, normally
imported crude to produce around 40 degrees, is
petrol when we have reached after driving
an abundance of LPG initially on petrol.
(Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
and Compressed Natural After the convertor,
Gas (CNG)? another filter is fitted.
This is a vapour filter, to
The Government is prevent contaminants
supporting LPG as an affecting LPG injectors
alternative fuel for private and pressure sensor.
motorists by giving a Depending on the brand
$2000 rebate to assist of system, pressure
with conversion costs . varies from 1 bar to 2.5
But what about business bar.
vehicles. What about the infrastructure How a vapour injection
for CNG. We can dramatically reduce
our greenhouse emissions by converting
system works Injectors are remote mounted to the inlet
manifold via small injector hoses. A small
to LPG and in the future CNG if the fitting is drilled and taped as close as
The tank is the same as the carby/ventury
infrastructure is put in place. possible to the existing petrol injector.
based LPG systems. A pressure cylinder
is mounted according to Australian
More Original Equipment Manufacturers Most vapour injection systems work on a
Standard AS1425 in an appropriate
(OEMs) need to come on board and build master slave computer system. An LPG
position. Often the spare tyre is relocated
motors which are compatible as original computer is fitted in the engine bay or
to allow the tank to be installed.
equipment or approved for aftermarket under the dash. The switching side of
kits. petrol injectors is interrupted and sent to
A convertor and filter lock is mounted in
the engine bay. LPG is supplied from the LPG computer or injector module and
We can now convert most vehicles to then returned to the petrol injector. The job
the tank via a service line. The convertor
LPG using vapour injection systems and of the LPG computer is to monitor injector
changes LPG liquid to a vapour and
vehicles manufactured after December duration and modify it to suit LPG injector
reduces pressure. Convertors need to
2003 must be fitted with an approved requirements. When a vehicle runs on
be capable of supplying enough LPG
emissions tested kit. Suppliers take LPG, most vapour injection systems send
under high engine loads. Most systems
vehicles to testing stations to ensure each an emulated signal to the petrol injector to
model complies with emission standards. prevent the vehicles ECU
At that point the system is approved for from logging any fault codes.
that vehicle.
Other signals used by LPG
Considering the escalation of fuel prices, computers are an rpm tacho
our LPG-approved workshop has been run signal, 12 volt ignition signal
off its feet. and oxygen sensor mainly
used for diagnosis and set-
We are taking bookings some six months up purposes.
ahead and are having to deal with supply
issues for components to complete To set up an LPG system
conversions. I have had enquiries for you will need computer
a variety of vehicles, including a Toyota software and diagnostic
Prius. cables and ideally a Dyno
4. Vacuum leaks
You said it! 5. Check oxygen sensors
6. and finally, re-set fuel trims
After reading Nick Murphys article So here it goes plug your scan tool in
Diagnosis of Air Flow Meters (April and select current data. Scroll till you
08), I thought I would share my find air flow signal (in volts) and oxygen
experience with your readers, in sensor (pre cat). Now select graphing
particular with the Bosch HFM2 and and you will see them side by side.
HFM5 air flow meters which up until Now drive the car till you find a steep
recently were fitted to mainly European hill or incline. Stop at the bottom of the
BMW and Mercedes. hill and plant your foot to the floor, with
TPS reading WOT. Ag\k^Zl^]8_n^e8^__b\b^g\r8k^ebZ[e^8
The problem with these air flow lmZkmbg`8ehg`^k8eb_^8:hl\a8HeZmbgnf8
meters is that they only have to be The engine management system Henl8liZkd8ien`l8]^ebo^k8ik^fbnf8
out of ranges by 0.05 of a volt and always defaults to rich usually 10.1- ^g`bg^8i^k_hkfZg\^8pbmahnm8ma^8
they will give driveability problems. 12.1. This means that your oxygen ik^fbnf8ikb\^8mZ`8Gger8:hl\a8nl^l
Furthermore, because of the design sensor will also be reading rich 0.9- Z8ink^8ieZmbgnf8\^gmk^8^e^\mkh]^8
it can be anywhere in the flow range. 1.0 volt almost simultaneously with a^Zm_nl^]8bgmh8Zg8^qm^g]^]8\^kZfb\8
These cars will usually have perfect TPS at WOT and more importantly bglneZmhk8mh8^ebfbgZm^8Zbk8`Zil8pab\a8
emissions at idle, even though they stay there as you climb the hill. If at ^qblm8bg8hma^k8ieZmbgnf8ien`l8:hl\a8
will run lean under cruise on full load. any stage your oxygen signal drops HeZmbgnf8Henl88ma^8fhlm8Z__hk]Z[e^8
As Nick said in his article, because below 0.8 volts you have a faulty air ieZmbgnf8liZkd8ien`8hg8ma^8fZkd^m88
the airflow meter is reading in its flow meter. The voltage on your air ppp[hl\a\hfZn
parameters there will be no fault code flow meter should be 4-5 volts but this
for the air flow meter. So how do we will depend on the load and therefore
test it? will vary. Even a slight loss of power in
these vehicles and the oxygen signal
Before I tell you the fail safe way (so drops to 0 volts and the air mass meter
far) of testing these air flow meters we is reading 3-4 volts at WOT.
have to first do some basic checks.
So next time you get one of these
1. First check fuel pressure and flow vehicles in your workshop, plug your
2. Have the injectors been serviced scan tool in and go for a test drive. You
regularly? might be surprised to find a faulty air
3. Check the breathing of the engine flow meter even though the customer
eg cam timing, blocked exhaust has not complained. 9<N9
SXE-Probe VFP1000
Starter Motor
Safe for Automotive Computers
Battery Load
Safe for Automotive Sensors
Alternator
Fuel Pump