Caring For AGM And Flooded Batteries

Ethanol Damage to Fuel Pumps

Forcing Vehicle Monitors For Calibration

Caring For AGM And Flooded Batteries

Ethanol Damage to Fuel Pumps

Forcing Vehicle Monitors For Calibration

Domestic Driveability Diagnostics & Tips

Sponsored By NGK Spark Plugs

Learn how to streamline the diagnostic process for driveability issues. This webinar will help you effectively communicate a vehicle diagnosis to the service advisor. The presentation will provide "real-world" data and cases studies.

This technical topic is geared for the average B+ technician and/or a refresher for the A technician. NGK is dedicated to meeting the learning needs of all skill levels.

Speakers Philip Austin, Technical Training Specialist, NGK Spark Plugs Andrew Markel, Director of Technical Content, ShopOwner

Sponsored By NGK Spark Plugs

The new issue of ShopOwner magazine is now available to read online or download at no charge to you!

TPMS sensor signals are low power and low frequency, with most sensors transmitting at 315MHz or 433MHz.

One of the problems with ethanol is how it reacts to water in the air and in the tank.

Underhood Service targets repair shops that derive 50 percent or more of their revenue from the service and repair of under-the-hood systems. The expanding amount of knowledge and capital needed to keep up with technological advances has led these shop owners to concentrate on underhood systems, while also offering preventive maintenance services on most major vehicle systems. By subscribing, you’ll receive the ShopOwner digital edition magazine (12 times/year) featuring articles from Underhood Service and the Underhood Service eNewsletter (twice weekly). Access to digital editions, contests, news, and more are ready for you today!

Underhood Service targets repair shops that derive 50 percent or more of their revenue from the service and repair of under-the-hood systems. The expanding amount of knowledge and capital needed to keep up with technological advances has led these shop owners to concentrate on underhood systems, while also offering preventive maintenance services on most major vehicle systems. By subscribing, you’ll receive the ShopOwner digital edition magazine (12 times/year) featuring articles from Underhood Service and the Underhood Service eNewsletter (twice weekly). Access to digital editions, contests, news, and more are ready for you today!

ByUnderhood Service Staff Writers on Jul 15, 2022

ByUnderhood Service Staff Writers on Jul 6, 2022

High underhood temps, increased power demands and vibration can damage alternators or starters. Sponsored by ACDelco.

Don’t settle for “almost” - it matters where the engine is manufactured or remanufactured. Sponsored by ACDelco.

Brake pads are thoroughly developed to produce the best result. This video is sponsored by ZF Aftermarket.

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Here are several tips, tricks, and best practices for GDI service. This video is sponsored by Standard Motor Products.

Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) has become the new standard for today’s vehicles. It has allowed the OEMs to control the amount of fuel needed for combustion to a degree which was previously unthinkable. When a GDI vehicle comes into your shop for service, there are several things you need to be aware of before you start diagnosing or repairing the fuel system. Here are several tips, tricks, and best practices for GDI service.

Let’s start with the basics; depressurize the system before you start a repair. There are a number of ways this can be achieved. You could remove the relay for the supply pump inside the fuel tank and crank the engine. With no supply of fuel, the HPFP won’t have anything to pressurize. However, a better alternative is to use a scan tool to depressurize the system. This method typically redirects the fuel back to the fuel tank, so it won’t put any strain on the system. You can confirm that the fuel system has been depressurized by checking the reading from the fuel pressure sensor.

Pay close attention to the seals on the direct injectors. In most applications, the seal ring which seals the injector to the combustion chamber cannot be reused. These seals are often made of materials such as Teflon™ and require special tools to install them. The seal needs to be carefully, and uniformly stretched to slide onto the injector, then it is resized to fit into the groove on the end of the injector. It’s best to check the OE service information whenever you’re servicing the injectors.

The next thing to consider whenever servicing a GDI fuel system is the engine oil. Now, what does the engine oil have to do with the fuel system? Regular oil changes are especially important on GDI engines. As the engine oil ages, the additives inside will begin to break down. This can speed up the formation of carbon deposits on the intake valves, leading to a number of drivability concerns. Old, broken down oil, or the incorrect grade, type, or viscosity oil can lead to abnormal engine wear. This includes special lobe on the camshaft which drives the high-pressure fuel pump. If this lobe wears down, it may not fully actuate the HPFP, resulting in lower peak fuel pressure.

The high-pressure fuel line is another component which may not be reusable during service. In many applications, the fittings on the ends of the line will have a sealant applied inside the threads, or the fitting may stretch or crush during install to form a tight seal. You may also see a yellow tag or sticker on the fuel line which says, “HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE, DO NOT REUSE”, or something similar.

And finally, be extremely careful whenever you’re searching for a fuel leak source. GDI systems operate under enormous pressure, and this pressurized fuel could pose a number of health risks if you’re not careful. Wear your PPE, not just some of the time, but ALL the time. If you’re having trouble finding the source of a leak, try using a telescoping mirror or the camera on your cell phone to gain access to those hard to reach places in the engine bay. If you can’t find an external leak, check the engine oil – it’s possible for fuel to leak out of the HPFP and into the crankcase.

This video is sponsored by Standard® Brand.

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Technical resources to help diagnose and repair engine-related service issues.