Subaru Ignition Coil Testing
All late model Subaru four cylinder engines employ a “waste spark” ignition system. Testing methods for this type of coil are slightly different from what you might be accustomed to.
Subaru Electrical Connector Handling And Terminal Sliding Resistance Measurement
All automobiles (including Subaru vehicles) are filled with dozens of multi-terminal connectors. They can be the source of intermittent and/or hard to diagnose electrical problems.
Test Bench: MotorVac Carbon Clean System
Joe Vehicle Owner would buy a can of his favorite brand of spray carburetor cleaner, remove the air cleaner, spray the heck out of anything that looked like it had anything to do with carburetion, start the engine, then finish the treatment by spraying the remainder of the can down the carburetor throat while attempting to keep the engine running.
Exploring the Low Pressure Zone
The effects an engine can have on the vacuum waveform.
Tech Tips
Easy Now!; Pressurized; Come Along Please; Volkswagen Windows; Lights Out; Tape Roll; Losing It
Counterwobbling the Flailing Reciprocals Part One
A reciprocating engine will always vibrate when it’s running, and not just because some parts go up and down or in and out.
Coolant Temperature Monitoring Methods
How engine temperature sensors work and what they influence. And, we’ll examine some unusual coolant temperature sensor monitoring methods employed by PCMs from different manufacturers.
Circuit Savvy Part One
It doesn’t have to be that way. This article begins a series of articles on electrical circuit analysis that will help you understand the operating principles of electric circuits. It will help you troubleshoot tough electrical problems and give you the “circuit savvy” to attack difficult electrical problems with confidence.
Airbags – More Hot Air?
It’s been five years since we brought you a feature length article on airbags (October 1993 Import Service). Five years ago, airbag-equipped vehicles made up just 10 percent of the U.S. vehicle fleet. According to National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics, airbag-equipped vehicles on the road today represent approximately 41 percent of all cars […]
Subaru On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) SYSTEMS
The on-board computer is capable of monitoring all of the sensors and actuators to determine whether they are working as intended. It can detect a malfunction or deterioration of the various sensors and actuators, usually well before the driver becomes aware of the problem.
Subaru EndWrench Fall 1998
In this issue: H-4 and H-6 Engine Service; WRX Turbo Tech
Pumped Up
When Bob Dylan sang “The times they are a-changing,” he probably wasn’t referring to changes in the automotive repair industry. But as we know, there are very few things that change as rapidly as electronic fuel control systems and emissions components. Keeping up with new model year changes is hard enough, not to mention the […]
Motronic 4.3 – 4.4
Motronic 1.8 was followed by Motronic 4.3-4, which added the ability to perform OBD-II systems fault monitoring. While the Motronic control unit on all of these systems controls ignition timing, it also ensures that the ignition coil is optimally charged, regardless of engine speed. The two knock sensors on the Volvo’s five cylinder engine, along […]
Exploring the Low Pressure Zone
Checking timing, ignition, fuel quality, fuel delivery, filters and engine condition are very important basics that have a bearing on how a computer controls various engine systems.
Sourcing Service Information
The car probably isn’t going to get fixed without one remaining ingredient: service information.
“Environmental Compliance and How to Pay For It.”
Does your shop comply with environmental regulations? How do you handle the expense of complying with the environmental regulations and running a “green” shop?
The Functional Management System
It can help you hit the marks by organizing your thoughts.
Test Bench: Personal Digital Assistant
The main trend over the last few years has been to move away from big diagnostic machines, in favor of hand-held, technician-affordable, multifunction tools.
Tech Tips
Strap It; Jetta Idle Problems; Coolant Disappearing Act; Lock Up; Keeping Track; Home-Made Ammeter
Positive Identification Part Three: The Wrong Way
Remember, for positive charging system component identification, the term to use in place of “Alternator” is now “Generator.” Yes, it will take time to mend our ways but we try, don’t we?
Pondering Shaven Heads
Head work can throw off an engine’s compression ratio and valve timing enough that the car won’t run properly or can’t pass the sniff tests!