Archive for Fuel Injection Cleaning
Check Engine Light – Code Readers
Posted by: | Comments
If you see a “check engine” or a “service engine soon” light in your instrument cluster; your car has stored a diagnostic trouble code. Which means the computer system on your vehicle has detected a problem within various systems it controls. Your car has many different sensors that monitor the various vehicle systems.
If the trouble code light has been illuminated then your vehicle enters into a “limp mode” . This means it is running on a program that causes poor mileage and increased emissions.
To find out what trouble code or codes were stored then you must use a code reader or Scan Tool . Most scan tools will tell you all of the codes that are stored in the PCM and most of the time in the order they were stored.
Now if you plan on working on your own vehicle quite a bit then I highly recommend paying for a subscription to www.alldata.com. Its one of the best web sites for the do it your selfers and they supply a lot of info that you cant get any where else. It will cost you about $ 26.00 dollars for your first vehicle and $ 16.00 for every vehicle after that and the subscription lasts for one year. Its well worth it and they give you all the TSBs or Technical Service Bulletins, Which are very helpful in diagnosing your problem.
First locate your vehicle’s computer connector (ALDL) or Data Link Connector , most are on the lower driver’s side. In some vehicles you might need to look around a little, on the passenger’s side, and around the center console under a plastic cover. For more information, check your owner’s manual.
After repair has been made, clear the trouble codes and re-check system. After codes have been cleared the computer system is ready for internal testing, this means that while the car or truck is in operation and the on board computer is performing tests. These tests are called “monitors” and most cars have between 4 and 8 monitor systems. The computer goes through its testing procedure in about 40 to 60 miles.
Most on Board Computers are called ECMs ( Electronic Control Modules ) or on the 1996 and newer models they are called PCMs ( Powertrain Control Modules ) and they usually look like this. The job of the ECM or PCM is to monitor the input and output signals produced by various sensors in the system. The ECM or PCM then adjusts the system as necessary.
Sensors can include: oxygen sensor, coolant sensor, mass air flow sensor, air intake sensor, crankshaft angle sensor, throttle position sensor, camshaft angle sensor and knock sensor. The ECM operating program consists of information cells. These cells hold the code for proper engine operation, if information is outside the cell parameters, a MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) or “check engine light” is illuminated on the dash.
Once a “check engine” or a “service engine soon” light in your dash has illuminated, the ECM has stored at least one diagnostic trouble code. This means the computer system on your vehicle has detected a problem with the various systems it controls. Your car or truck has many different sensors that monitor the various vehicle systems.
If the trouble code light has been illuminated your vehicle enters into “limp mode” this means it is running on a special program that causes poor mileage.Trust me if you are running on “limp mode” it will feel like your car is about to stall.
The ECM outputs a 5 volt reference to most sensors to drive the monitoring circuits. The ECM also controls the radiator cooling fan, air pump controls, fuel pump, EVAP system and more depending on the vehicle.
Manufacturers have different trouble codes for each vehicle and some can be very generic. Check with a good after market repair manual if your code reader cannot give you the definition of your code so you can know where to start looking.
And remember that a code definition doesnt mean that a specific sensor is bad. Check it out before replacing it or you could be throwing your money away.
Well I hope this has answered a few questions about that mysterious “ Check Engine Light “ and if you have any more questions, I would like to hear from you. Just leave a comment by clicking on the contact us tab at the top of the page and I will try to answer it for you as soon as possible.
Until next time , this is ASE Master Mechanic Jeff Williams saying ” Thanks for Stopping By ” and if this web site has been helpful to you then please help us keep it running by clicking on the coffee cup icon below. Your support is greatly appreciated. Jeff
Fuel Injection Cleaning – Does It Work?
Posted by: | Comments
Fuel injection services are growing in popularity for the following reasons. The following are place in the order in which they are the most popular with service shops.
* Increases service center’s profit’s
* It’s an easy sell with today’s gas price’s
* Poor gas quality
* Poor vehicle maintenance
Notice that “It’s required” did not make the list. That’s because fuel injection services are not required the majority of the time. In short, if your fuel efficiency is fine don’t bother with a fuel injection service—Save Your Money!
However, injector services are at times beneficial, even necessary.
What do they do?
Depending on the product, injection services clean naturally forming carbon deposits from the fuel injectors and fuel rails—some will even clean the fuel tank, and valve carbon deposits.
Do they work?
In short, yes. Provided it’s a premium product and the service is performed correctly. Fuel injection services can do amazing things. They can improve fuel efficiency, increase horse power, and repair some performance concerns, although this last benefit is rare.
I have even seen fuel injection services quiet carbon knocks–a knocking noise from the engine due to excessive carbon build-up coming in contact with internal engine components.
Are they worth it?
Maybe. It really depends on the condition of the vehicle. If the service achieves any of the advertised claims, it may be worth it. In truth, most cars don’t need it. The consistent use of quality fuel, and proper vehicle maintenance should be all that is necessary to keep a car running properly.
However, consistent use of cheap gas and poor auto maintenance , as well as certain driving styles can significantly increase the accumulation of carbon deposits. Thus the possibility of poor fuel efficiency, decreased horsepower, and performance issues increases–all of which could be helped by injector maintenance.
The other factor to consider is the expense. How much fuel savings justifies the cost of the fuel injection service, and how long is the pay off. Some injector cleaners claim that their product will pay for itself in a year’s time. However, remember that the condition of the vehicle is a big variable!
How often should it be done?
It depends on the product, but generally between 15,000 to 30,000-miles is the average.
Are they necessary?
It depends: See the discussion under Are they worth it?
Can a fuel injection service do any damage to my engine or car?
Not if done correctly. Done incorrectly, anything goes. A technician could conceivably hydro-lock your engine, or blow a hole in the piston—although both scenarios are rare.
If anything does go wrong, there is usually an underlying problem, which gets exacerbated by the fuel injector auto maintenance.
Why doesn’t my manufacturer recommend fuel injector cleaning auto maintenance?
No manufacturer recommends fuel injector cleaning auto maintenance under normal operating conditions. From a manufacturer’s viewpoint: take care of your car right (i.e., as the manufacturer dictates) and you’ll be fine.
However, depending on the problem, some manufacturers will recommend fuel injector cleaning auto maintenance as the cure—especially carbon knock. With the variety of fuel qualities available, manufacturers may reconsider fuel injector cleaning auto maintenance.
How much does fuel injector cleaning auto maintenance cost?
Prices vary depending on the service center and the actual procedure performed, and product used. The procedure you want should clean the entire fuel system including the tank and should not cost more than $150.
Finally, make sure the service is actually performed. Fuel injector maintenance is a common scam across the industry so be careful.
Fuel injection maintenance is also presented in such a way as if it is the magical cure for all your car’s quirks–it not!
When in doubt, please don’t do it.
Well that’s about it so I hope this has shed some light on the subject of fuel injection and the cleaning of them, but if you have any more questions or if you would like to leave a comment then hit the contact tab and leave a message.
Until next time this is Jeff Williams say ” Thanks for stopping by “ and if this post has been helpful to you then please click on the coffee cup icon below and help us keep this web site running. Thanks. Jeff
