Service Section Technical Pages

Engine Tuning & Diagnostics in Shropshire.
Telford 01952 247007
Mobile 07703 558610
www.autoelectrics.net
Mobile Service  for Computerised Vehicle Diagnostics using professional test equipment with latest software updates.        ..........More info

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Drivers and fleet operators require the best performance from their vehicle for comfort , reliability and fuel economy.

Problems with the vehicle engine management, fuel & ignition systems may cause

  • Difficult Starting
  • Engine Misfire   (Ignition misfire may set P0300 fault code)
  • Intermittent cutting out and stalling of the engine
  • Loss of engine performance & sluggish acceleration
  • Engine temperature faults eg, overheating
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Illumination of the check engine light (also known as MIL or Malfunction indicator lamp )  
  • MoT test exhaust emissions check failure due to excessive CO (Carbon Monoxide) or HC (Hydrocarbon) content in exhaust gas
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    Remapping of engine control software for better performance
    The software control parameters of  electronic engine management systems are stored within the vehicle on board computer as a "map".  Vehicle manufacturers software is often programmed to provide low emissions and driveability over a wide range of  operating conditions.

    Performance upgrades are available which allow specific changes to the original software to meet individual driving requirements.

    Driving cycle and engine control mapping

    The driving cycle will have a huge impact on the type and frequency of servicing needed.
    A vehicle operating on frequent short journeys may not reach normal operating temperature before it is stopped and may also suffer from battery charging system problems.
    A build up of carbon and sludge deposits in the intake manifold can cause blockages and restrictions leading to malfunction of items such as idle speed control motor , throttle flap,and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve etc.
    Manufacturers often develop engine management software for production cars to optimise fuel efficiency combined with low exhaust emissions.
    Performance vehicles developed to compete in motorsport may be operated with modified engine control software maps written to provide increased fuelling and power output often at the expense of driveability.

     

    Extended Service Intervals ? Service Light Reset

    Manufacturers develop extended service intervals to reduce operating costs.
    Many newer vehicles are equiped with a service indicator light to prompt the operator when a service or inspection is due based on a time or mileage or engine running hours calculation.

    The computerised engine management fitted to the modern vehicle allows improved fuel consumption and reduced maintenance because ignition timing, fuel mixture, and idle speed are electronically controlled.
    Sensors & Actuators
    Inputs from sensors measure driver demand (throttle position), engine temperature (coolant temp), engine load (manifold absolute pressure), mass air flow and air temperature, exhaust gas emissions (Lambda), vehicle speed ,etc.

    The inputs are carried along wires to a central computer, (ecu) where the received signals are processed and compared to programmed  values stored as a memory map, then output values calculated and sent along wires to output actuators such as fuel injectors, control pressure regulator , cooling fan, idle speed control ,etc, to maintain performance factors such as smooth engine running, fuel economy, and low exhaust emissions.

    What causes problems with engine management?

    Various things can affect the efficient running of your vehicle:

  • Vibration
    • of the engine or vehicle body can cause wiring harnesses and pipes to move and chaff against other components leading to wiring insulation damage , and eventually corrosion or breakage of wires. Damaged wiring insulation may cause a short circuit between power and signal or ground wiring.
  •  Road salt and moisture can enter wiring connections leading to corrosion , high resistance, and low voltage faults.
  • A scan tool test to retrieve   fault codes stored as history by the vehicle computer may indicate a component low voltage or open circuit or short circuit code identifying  the area the where a fault exists.
  • Build up of carbon deposits due to the operation of exhaust gas recirculation systems can also cause problems with air intake
  • Fuel quality will affect component life. Moisture or contamination in fuel can lead to corrosion which may be detrimental to precision machined components particularly in high pressure fuel injection systems. Signs can be metal particles in the fuel filter or fuel tank indicating component wear.

    • Manufacturer Software Updates

    When manufacturers develop a new vehicle model there may be unforeseen problems which only show after the effects of wear and tear. These problems which develop may affect exhaust emissions or driveability can sometimes only be corrected be updating the control unit software, in similar fashion to updating the drivers on a pc.

    The type of microcontroller chip inside the control module will determine the method required to update software. In some cases this may require replacement of the program microchip , but on later vehicles updated software may be 'flash' programmed via the diagnostic connector using a pass-thru programming technique.

    Certain faults which occur to a particular vehicle model may alert the manufacturer to release a TSB or Technical Service Bulletin.

    Updated calibration software is downloaded from the vehicle manufacturers website and transferred to the vehicle computer using either a dedicated tool or a computer and SAE J2534 (refers to Society of Automotive Engineers protocol) compliant interface

     

    Vehicle Computerised Diagnostics

  •  Mobile service for car electrics repair
    •  
  • Telford, Shrewsbury and Shropshire surrounding areas.
    •
    Telephone 01952 247007 for booking.

    Computerised vehicle diagnostics is a means of using the ability of the vehicle computer control system to monitor  the condition of  vehicle components.

    Warning light on ? Breakdown ? Driveability problems ? Immobilised? Engine Management ecu fault? Electrical fault - Car won't start ? Need repairs ? Private Customers & Motor trade Welcome. Unsure if you should drive the vehicle with a dash warning light on - We provide a breakdown callout mobile service that comes  to you.

    Historical fault codes
    Intermittent faults which occur during driving may be logged as an error fault code which causes the dashboard warning light to illuminate..

    Random disconnecting of electrical connectors in the engine bay may also cause  fault codes to be logged.


     Retrieval of fault codes

    Most modern vehicles require diagnostic equipment with dedicated software to interrogate the relevant control module for stored fault codes.
    Automotive  system electrical diagnostics involves an interrogation  scan of the  vehicle computer  for stored fault codes using suitable diagnostic equipment such as a scan tool fault code reader.

    Some older vehicles (usually Japanese)  have a self diagnosis function allowing the the fault code to be read by counting the flashes of the check engine light and looking up the value in a reference table.

    Test and Repair

    Following testing, a faulty wiring circuit may be repaired or component cleaned or replaced.
     

    Diagnostic Equipment Functions
    Our diagnostic equipment is capable of

  •   Fault code reading
  •   Actuator testing

    • to verify wiring circuits by operating the suspect component on a wide range of vehicle systems. The actuator test function can allow some components to be thoroughly cleaned which may save replacement cost.
  • Programming and Coding

    • Some components such as electronic fuel injectors , throttle bodies etc may need coding to the vehicle ecu
  • Advanced system testing can be carried out using oscilloscope signal test methods
  • Reset Procedures

    • Following repair work the fault code memory of the vehicle computer will need to be reset to clear stored fault codes.

    Diagnostic Training

    Automotive diagnostics involves more than just plugging in a scan tool to read faults.

    Diagnostic error codes provide a clue as to what the control system recognises as a fault but remember it is an electro mechanical system which is under repair.

     Motor trade experience combined with continuing professional development of staff through system manufacturer training courses aids vehicle system diagnosis & repair.

     

     

    Vehicle Software available for car and light commercials

    Alfa Romeo
    Audi
    BMW
    Chrysler
    Citroen
    Daewoo
    Daihatsu
    EOBD
    Fiat
    Ford
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Isuzu
    Jeep
    Kia
    Lancia
    Landrover
    LDV
    Mazda
    Mercedes Benz
    MG
    Mini
    Mitsubishi
    Nissan
    Opel
    Peugeot
    Porsche
    Proton
    Renault
    Rover
    Toyota
    Seat
    Saab
    Subaru
    Skoda
    Suzuki
    Vauxhall
    Volkswagen
    Volvo
    EOBD
    American OBD2

    Manufacturer Systems include : Ford,Bosch, Sagem, Renix, Delco, Denso, Autoliv, Lucas,
    Vehicle System diagnostics for :

  • Engine Management

    • Petrol engine diagnostics , electronic ignition, fuel injection.

    Diesel engine diagnostics , Mechanical and electronic Diesel Fuel Injection including Lucas EPIC. Common Rail Diesel Fuel Injection . Diesel pump electronics

     

  • Airbag system diagnostic testing
    • (SRS - Safety Restraint System)
  • Air conditioning and  climate control
  • Antilock Braking system (ABS)
  • Audio and Cellphone,
  • CANbus onboard vehicle control network
  • Central door locking
  • Dashboard Instrument cluster functional test
  • Electronic control Unit ECU information & coding
  • Immobiliser Passive Antitheft PATS
  • Lighting
  • Parking sensors
  • Power doors
  • Service Light Reset
  • Speed Limiter
  • Steering Electrically operated power steering
  • Suspension control  Adaptive damping
  • Traction control TCS
  • Tyre pressure monitoring  .
    Computerised Diagnostics
    Snap On Diagnostic equipment with up to date version  software for modern vehicles is one of a range of tools which provides Fault code reading, Fault code clearing, Actuator testing, ECU interrogation for live data.
    Diagnostic testing available in Telford & Shrewsbury Shropshire areas.

    Bosch KTS equipment provides control unit diagnosis and multimeter functionsboschkts.jpg



      

    Breakdown callout and diagnostics in Telford,Shrewsbury,Shropshire areas.

    LINKS TO ENGINE TUNING & DIAGNOSTIC PROFESSIONALS IN OTHER UK AREAS :

    GREATER MANCHESTER     http://www.havatune.co.uk

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