Important Update: New Canadian vehicles added to ProDemand

Canadian-specific vehicle models added to ProDemand

More than 200 additional vehicle models sold only in Canada have been added to the ProDemand™ database. Vehicles from Pontiac, Suzuki, Acura, Buick, Kia, Mitsubishi, Saturn, Nissan, Chevrolet, Dodge and GMC are included in the update. Model years range from 1996 to 2011. Specific examples include the 1996-2000 Pontiac Firefly, 2005-2009 Buick Allure and 2005-2007 Nissan X-Trail. You will see these vehicles added to the vehicle selector in ProDemand, along with submodel and engine type. Full repair information including service maintenance schedules and component lookup are covered.

This is part of an ongoing program to add to and enhance the data in ProDemand.

• Click here for more information on ProDemand.
• Click here for a free upgrade for OnDemand5 users.

A Professional Tire Inspection – The Trainer Video Series

Motor Age — Often overlooked and often abused, tire condition can make the difference between “safe” and “unsafe”.

Tire-related accidents made national headlines in the ‘90s when Firestone announced a massive recall in the wake of rollover accidents involving SUVs riding on their rubber. Arguably, there was more to the problem than a defective batch of tires and if you’ve been in this business for even a little while, you know what one contributing factor was already.

Under inflation.

I’m willing to bet that nearly every car you’ve ever worked on has had at least one tire that was significantly low (more than 10%). Tires that are low on air run hotter than normal and increase the risk of failure. One element of the TREAD Act of 2000 was the requirement that manufacturers develop a means to warn drivers when their tires were dangerously low and TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) was born.

Underinflated tires also have more rolling resistance than those that are properly inflated, impacting emissions and fuel economy. The state of California’s Air Resource Board considered it a cause for increased green house gas emissions and enacted a regulation back in September, 2010 requiring shops to check and adjust the pressure on every tire of every vehicle (GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less) they performed any type of work on.

And while under inflation is likely the most common issue you’ll find when inspecting your customers tires, there are others you should be aware of. Has the tire been repaired and if so, has the repair been done properly? Are there any visual signs of damage and if so, what caused them? Does the age of the tire make a difference? These topics and more are the subject of January’s “The Trainer”!

Source: Motor Age

Ever wondered how Mitchell 1 obtains OEM information?

A question that we get asked all the time is how does Mitchell 1 get its information. Repair information is originally created by the OEM as part of a service manual the OEM writes when releasing a vehicle. We aggregate the OEM data and add value by organizing the information in a standard, easily-searchable format and correcting any errors that we find.

In addition to the data that originates from the OEMs, Mitchell 1 also includes value-added information. For example, we add our popular full-color wiring diagrams that aren’t otherwise available from all vehicle manufacturers for all makes and models.            

The “old way” of receiving OEM information.

Mitchell 1 used to receive hundreds of print service manuals from the OEMs, but we’ve gone high-tech. Now almost all the information comes in electronically to our Editorial Staff to compile and format. Software engineers build the technical infrastructure to support this ever-growing database and develop the online website functionality. The end result is ProDemand, a Web-based solution with advanced search capabilities that allows technicians to quickly find the information they need to repair even the most advanced vehicles in their bay.

This is the first in a series of posts that I originally wrote as part of an “Ask the Expert” feature for Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN). To view the original article, click the link: PTEN’s Ask the Expert. Stay tuned for the next installment!

Save Time by Getting to Know Quick Lookups

Have you checked out the Quick Lookups feature in ProDemand™ lately? If not, we highly recommend you become familiar with this valuable resource. Compiled in a single location is a wealth of information that you most likely refer to frequently, including:

• Common Specs & Procedures – a list of the most common information that most techs need on a daily basis
• DTC Index – a list of all trouble codes specifically related to the vehicle selected in one convenient location
• Technical Bulletins – a list of all TSBs specifically related to vehicle selected in one convenient location
• Wiring Diagrams – the full library of our popular color wiring diagrams

With Quick Lookups, we’ve given you one more option to quickly find the information you need to complete the repair. It’s another way of using ProDemand to its fullest potential.

You’ll find Quick Lookups in the Service Manual module by following these steps in the ProDemand workspace:

1. Select a vehicle
2. Go to the “Service Manual” module
3. Find the Quick Lookups tab at the top of Table of Contents

To help you become proficient with ProDemand, we offer free online training sessions every weekday that cover all ProDemand features and include real-world example lookups as well as a Q & A period. Click the link for more information: http://www.mitchell1.com/training/prodemand/

How To: Using ProDemand on the Snap-on Verus

If you’re a Snap-on Verus scan tool user and have a ProDemand account, you can access your ProDemand program right from the Verus interface. It’s easy to set up using the instructions provided on the Snap-on Verus support site at the following link.

http://www1.snapon.com/diagnostics/us/FAQ/VERUSGeneral.htm#Q2

• ProDemand Product Page
• Snap-on Verus Product Page

Mitchell 1 Offering Automotive Technology Outstanding Student Scholarship

Application Deadline 3/31/13

2012 Scholarship Winner Kevin Krutell. Click on image for details.

Mitchell 1 is an ardent supporter of academic achievement in automotive education. We are proud to work with the NACAT Education Foundation to offer our support to a deserving high school senior each year.

This annual scholarship is offered through NACAT and is presented at the annual NACAT Conference and Awards Dinner. The scholarship recognizes one high school senior for outstanding achievement in automotive technology / auto shop repair scholastics.

The scholarship applicant must be a current student majoring in automotive technology / auto shop repair course work and must meet the following criteria:

• Nomination from his/her NACAT instructor
• Minimum overall 3.0 grade point average
• Planning to attend an accredited college or university, or already enrolled in an accredited college or university, and
• A U.S. or Canadian citizen

The winning student receives a $2,500 scholarship, a check for $500 and roundtrip airfare and accommodations for the winner and a guest to attend the NACAT conference held in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada July 22-26, 2013.

Applicants are required to submit the following materials, by March 31 2013, for scholarship consideration:

• A nomination letter from their NACAT instructor (should be limited to two pages). The nominating NACAT instructor must be a member in good standing.
• A cover letter from the applicant indicating his/her career path in the automotive repair industry and thoughts about the future of the industry and the personal educational needs/desires should be typed by the scholarship applicant.
• An unofficial transcript of grades may be submitted by the student, but must be validated by the instructor submitting the nomination letter. An official transcript embossed with the school registrar’s stamp and signed by the registrar will also be accepted.

Scholarship applications will be reviewed by Mitchell 1 who will select the top candidate. Each applicant will be notified before June 1, 2013.

• Click here to apply online. Deadline is March 31, 2013.
• For any questions, please contact Debi Garrett at Mitchell 1, Debi.Garrett@Mitchell1.com or 888-724-6742 ext. 6946

Diesel Turbocharger Technology

New turbocharger designs are helping to improve diesel engine performance.

Motor Age — The diesel engine would be a shadow of its current self if it weren’t for the turbocharger. Having said that, when was the last time you saw a new diesel that didn’t have a turbocharger? Aside from small tractor engines and the like, the naturally-aspirated (non turbo) diesel has pretty much gone the way of the dodo.

This makes sense, because the turbocharger has made the diesel engine better in virtually every respect. Diesels are now more efficient, produce more torque and horsepower, and have much cleaner emissions than ever before. While a host of technologies have been utilized to make this happen, a good deal of the credit has to go to the turbocharger.

Diesel engines have gotten better over time, and this has been enabled by an evolution in turbocharger technology. Early turbos were limited in their capabilities, and these shortcomings had a proportional negative effect on diesel engine performance. The diesel turbocharger of today is capable of performing across a much broader engine speed and load range, yielding tremendous efficiency and emissions benefits. And we can expect even more from our diesel powertrains as new generations of turbocharger technology are introduced.

Turbochargers are relatively simple machines and are very reliable overall. But like everything else, things can and do go wrong, and automotive service professionals are called on to make them right again. Even if you only work on gasoline engines, turbochargers are becoming more common and you will need to become familiar with them. Let’s start by looking at basic turbocharger operation.

Laws of Physics

A turbocharger is constructed by attaching a turbine to the end of a shaft with a compressor wheel at the opposite end. The turbine is located in the engine exhaust stream, so it sees very high temperatures. This requires the use of materials such as ductile iron for the housing and nickel or titanium alloys for the turbine wheel. The compressor, on the other hand, operates much cooler because it handles filtered air at ambient temperatures. Thus, the compressor end of the turbocharger typically uses aluminum for both the housing and the compressor wheel. The turbocharger may also incorporate a wastegate, which would allow exhaust gases to bypass the turbine wheel if boost pressure rises above a certain threshold. 

• Click here to read the complete article at Motor Age

Source: Motor Age

What Pennies and Mitchell 1’s OEM Data Have in Common

When I first started working at Mitchell 1 almost 10 years ago, I was in awe of the amount of information the Editorial Team processes every year. In 2003, Mitchell 1 was processing 200,000 pages of information per year. We’ve come a very long way since then, thanks to numerous process and technology improvements through the years.

In 2012, Mitchell 1 added over 1.8 million pages of data to our online repair information system. In total, there are now over 25 million pages of information available in ProDemand™, our online repair information product. That’s a LOT of pages.

The Ten Million Penny Cube from the MegaPenny Project.

So many pages, in fact, I couldn’t really picture how many that is. So, I turned to the Internet to visualize this huge number and found the MegaPenny Project. They use stacks of pennies to help visualize what a billion looks like. We don’t have that many pages (yet), but I did discover that 10 million pennies when stacked in a cube would measure 6 x 6 x 6 feet, would weigh 31.3 tons,  and if stacked one on top of another would be 9.88 miles high. You can do the math to imagine how much larger 25 million would be. In a word, wow!

But I digress. Back in the automotive industry, much has changed about servicing a vehicle in this last decade. The amount of data required to diagnose and repair cars is increasing every year. Since the introduction of computers and On Board Diagnostics (OBD) into vehicles in the late 1990s, the level of vehicle sophistication has increased significantly.

No technician can possibly hold 25 million pages — or even 1.8 million pages — of information in his or her head. And imagine how many shelves of books it would take to hold all of that information! But technology like ProDemand literally puts it at their fingertips in a matter of seconds. The system manages the rapid proliferation of OEM information by optimizing search capabilities and delivering repair data in a more granular format. ProDemand makes it possible to access relevant information such as procedures, related diagrams, specifications and TSBs from a single lookup.

So, when you think about the Mitchell 1 data you access every day to repair the vehicles in your bay, you might have a new appreciation for how technology is simplifying your life — or at least you’ll have a mental image of all those pennies.

This is the second in a series of posts that I originally wrote as part of an “Ask the Expert” feature for Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN). To view the original article, click the link: PTEN’s Ask the Expert. Stay tuned for the next installment!

• Click here to learn more about ProDemand

Diesel NOx Sensor Technology

Urea SCR systems rely on NOx sensors to operate efficiently.

Motor Age — It’s taken some time, but the diesel world appears to have reached consensus on how to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2010 NOx standards. EPA 2010 was a major milestone in diesel emission control, calling for a 90 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions over the 2007 standards. The magnitude of the reductions required major changes in diesel engine design, and three engineering approaches arose as possible solutions: cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), NOx adsorbers (sometimes referred to as lean NOx traps), and urea selective catalytic reduction (urea SCR).

Chrysler jumped into the fray early, using both cooled EGR and a NOx adsorber on its 2007.5 and newer Cummins-powered pickups. This approach, while expensive, got its trucks EPA 2010-certified three years early and proved to the world that it could be done. Ford and GM both hung back during this time and used cooled EGR and diesel particulate filters (DPFs) to meet the EPA 2007 standards. However, everyone knew that whatever Ford and GM were doing with their diesel pickups at that time wasn’t going to make it once 2010 came along.

Most of the issues regarding DEF have now been worked out, and as of the 2013 model year Chrysler, GM and Ford are all using SCR in their diesel-powered pickups. Beyond that, the holdouts in the heavy-duty truck world have also converted to SCR. Now that SCR has been embraced by all sectors of the diesel transportation industry, it is that much more important for automotive service professionals to understand how SCR works and how it is monitored by vehicle onboard diagnostics.

Urea SCR Operation

The heart of the urea SCR system is the catalyst itself, which is based on either an iron or copper zeolite material. As mentioned earlier, DEF is injected into the exhaust stream ahead of the SCR catalyst. DEF (known as AdBlue in Europe) is a mixture of automotive grade urea and deionized water, which decomposes into ammonia and carbon dioxide when exposed to heat from the exhaust gases. Ammonia is the reductant in the SCR reaction, and it enters the SCR catalyst along with the NOx molecules entrained in the exhaust gases. The term “selective” in selective catalytic reduction means that the ammonia prefers to react with the oxygen in the NOx molecules instead of the oxygen in the exhaust stream. The SCR reaction with ammonia reduces the NOx molecules into molecular nitrogen (N2) and water, effectively returning the gases back to their original form when they entered the engine intake manifold.

The SCR process works very well, provided the catalyst is at the right temperature (570 to 750o F) and the correct amount of DEF is used. If too little DEF is injected, conversion efficiency drops and NOx emissions increase. Conversely, too much DEF will result in a phenomenon known as ammonia slip, where unprocessed ammonia exits the SCR catalyst. Thus, the SCR system will operate efficiently only if accurate measurements can be made of the exhaust temperature and the NOx in the exhaust gases.

• Click here to read the complete article at Motor Age

Source: Motor Age

Tips for Navigating in ProDemand

The purpose of this post is to provide some helpful reminders and tips about basic navigation of the ProDemand product. The information below covers the questions that our technical support team gets asked most frequently.

One of the very basic things to know about navigating in ProDemand is that the browser “Back,” “Forward” and “Refresh” buttons do not work as they do when you are surfng the Internet and should not be used when in ProDemand. Instead, the three ways that you will navigate in ProDemand are described below.

1. Menu Bar

From the home page, click on any module in the menu bar to access specific information. If you are inside a module already, just click on the blue box in the upper left side that displays the module you are in. A drop-down will display giving you all the options below.

The ProDemand Menu Bar

2. The “Drawer”

In the Codes, Components, and Service Manual Modules, you will notice a long vertical bar on the left side of the screen (see below). Clicking the arrow on the vertical bar will open and close the “drawer” which gives you access to searching within each module.

The “Drawer” – closed and open views
(Click image to enlarge)

3. Bread Crumb Trail

When you click on a link in ProDemand you may be presented with a popup window. Additional links in this window will open content in the same window. As you dig deeper into the product, you will notice a “bread crumb trail” forming at the top of the page (see below). Use this bread crumb to  navigate inside this window — simply click any of the links in the bread crumb to go to that page. This makes it easy to go back to any of the other pages you were previously on; just click the desired page link at the top of the window.

ProDemand Bread Crumb Trail
(Click image to enlarge)

We invite anyone who wants to learn more to join us for our daily (Monday–Friday) free online training sessions: http://www.mitchell1.com/training/prodemand/  We cover all ProDemand features and include real-world example lookups as well as a Q & A period.

• Click here to learn more about ProDemand

Special Preview of SureTrack Now Included with ProDemand

With your subscription to Mitchell 1′s ProDemand™ repair information, you now have access to a preview of our newest product, SureTrack™ — the most comprehensive source of expert knowledge for professional technicians.

ProDemand provides the industry-leading OEM repair information you rely on every day to repair vehicles. SureTrack builds on that foundation, adding powerful diagnostic tools – just a click away, so there’s no need to search multiple databases.

Key benefits of SureTrack include access to real-world diagnostic information through a single lookup:

• Real-world fixes written by technicians
• Most commonly replaced parts based on real repair orders for the specific vehicle and diagnosis
• Guided component tests for each component and vehicle
• Waveform and graph library from actual on-vehicle tests
• TSBs and Recalls
• Life-line access to a community of expert technicians

This preview of SureTrack is available to all ProDemand subscribers at no additional cost. You will have access to all the features of SureTrack through September 2013 while we continue to enhance the product during the preview phase. The SureTrack product team is currently working to expand the powertrain information and in the coming months you’ll see the scope grow to include information on brakes, suspension, ABS, body electrical, HVAC, and airbag systems.

To get started with SureTrack, simply select the SureTrack icon in the ProDemand module list. 
 >>Quick Start Guide<<

• Click here for more information on SureTrack.
• Click here for more information on ProDemand.

Important Update: Quick Estimating Lookup Added

In response to customer feedback, we’ve streamlined the navigation and improved the user experience with the Estimator module in ProDemand™.

In particular, you’ll notice changes to these functions in the redesigned Estimating module:

• Easier to perform a Quick Lookup
• Users go straight to a labor or OEM part lookup without creating a quote
• On-page visibility of items added to worksheet
• On-page visibility of running sub-totals 
• Easy navigation between Estimator Module and Quote Module
• Quote now prompts the user to “Save” prior to navigating away from page

The Estimator module is now split from the Quote module, allowing users to navigate faster to either data set. So, if all you want to do is look up a labor time, you can do that quickly without having to fill out a quote.

• Click here for more information on ProDemand.

Important Update: New VIN Decoder in ProDemand

In addition to the existing vehicle lookup tools, ProDemand now lets you select a vehicle by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This makes it easier than ever for you to connect to the correct repair information for the vehicles in your bays. The system will decode the VIN to the year, make, model and engine.

To use the decoder, click on Select Vehicle at the top of the ProDemand screen and select VIN from the list. Enter the VIN in the space provided and the click on the Decode button. The decoded vehicle will appear at the top of the form. Then just click the Use This Vehicle button at the lower right to access the data for the selected vehicle.

TIP: You can cut and paste the VIN into the form from another document to save keystrokes.

ProDemand VIN Decoder. Click image for larger view.

• Click here for more information on ProDemand

3 Ways To Troubleshoot Key-off Battery Drains

Motor Age — Your customer has their car towed to your shop after it wouldn’t start that morning. You check the battery and see it’s pretty low, and you do what’s correct. You charge the battery and test its condition.

It passes with flying colors.

You reinstall the battery in the car and the car starts immediately. You check the starting and charging systems and still no culprit is uncovered. Being the professional auto service technician you are, you know there is only one other logical explanation. Something on the car is not turned off when it should be and it’s draining the battery down to a point there isn’t enough left to spin the engine.

But finding the parasite that is causing that drain can pose a few challenges. Increasingly common are electronic control modules that insist on staying on, or “awake” when they should time out or “sleep”. The traditional method of monitoring current while removing fuses one at a time can often cause the offending module to reset, and the problem to temporarily disappear.

One method you can use to find the cause of a key-off battery drain without intruding on the circuits is to measure for the presence of voltage drop across the vehicle’s fuses. The fuse is a resistance, isn’t it? And according to the laws of electricity, voltage will be used to overcome that resistance resulting in a drop across the fuse we can measure with our meter.

And that’s only one way you can catch the parasite without having to open the circuit.

In this edition of The Trainer, we’ll show you how to test for a “key off” battery drain using a few different methods; first, using the ammeter and voltmeter of your digital multimeter (DMM) and second, using an amp clamp and a digital storage oscilloscope (DSO). Knowing a few different ways to test for these parasites should make those challenges a bit easier to handle!

Source: Motor Age

General Motors Oil Life Monitor Update

Update affects over 770,000 2010-2012 vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines.

General Motors is providing a software update for certain 2010-2012 vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine (LAF/LEA). This update enhances the engine oil monitoring system and in most cases reduces the oil change interval. This update is to address warranty issues that have occurred because of premature wear of engine components. Note that the owner’s manual recommends changing the engine oil and filter at least once a year, regardless of mileage.

The affected vehicles include the following manufactured before the production change:

• 2010-2011 Buick LaCrosse
• 2011-2012 Buick Regal
• 2010-2012 Chevrolet Equinox
• 2010-2012 GMC Terrain

Owners of these vehicles are being notified of the change and the program is in effect until February 28, 2015.

The full text of the campaign, #12312, and customer letter are available in ProDemand.

• Click here for more information on ProDemand.

SureTrack™ Real Fixes of the Week – 4/26/13

Below is a sampling of Real Fixes that can be found in Mitchell 1′s SureTrack product. These are issues that are documented from actual shop repair orders and can help technicians correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using the OEM information alone. SureTrack is currently available in our ProDemand product as a special preview.

Vehicle
2004 Volvo V70 2.5

Title
P0299, Replaced Turbocharger

Complaint
The customer states the vehicle lacks power and the check engine light is on.

Cause
Connected a scan tool to the vehicle and found code P0299 – Turbocharger/Supercharger “A” Underboost Condition. Performed a road test of the vehicle and verified the customer’s concern; the engine had a noticeable lack of power upon acceleration. Connected a boost gauge to the intake system and road tested the vehicle once again. Discovered there was no boost pressure present while the test drive was performed. Connected a smoke machine to the intake system and performed a smoke test to check for potential vacuum leaks; there were no vacuum leaks present. A vacuum leak could potentially cause a boost pressure leak. Removed the turbocharger inlet pipe for further inspection, and found that the turbocharger impeller was seized. The seized turbocharger impeller prohibited any boost pressure from being created, which resulted in the customer’s lack of power complaint.

Correction
Replaced the turbocharger, cleared the fault code and road tested the vehicle. Connected a boost gauge and verified that the turbocharger boost pressure readings were now within specifications. The check engine light remained off and no fault codes returned.

Vehicle
2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS 4motion 1.8

Title
P0118, Replaced Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

Complaint
The customer states the check engine light is on.

Cause
Connected a scan tool and found code P0118 – Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor 1 Circuit High. Monitored the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor parameter on the scan tool, measured the engine coolant temperature with a non-contact pyrometer, and observed the coolant temperature gauge on the instrument panel. Allowed the engine to reach operating temperature, and found the ECT sensor parameter intermittently dropped out on the scan tool. Disconnected the ECT sensor connector, and used a multi-meter to measure the resistance of the ECT sensor between ground terminal 1 and signal terminal 3 at the connector. The ECT sensor on this vehicle is labeled as component G62 by the manufacturer. The measured resistance should have been between 1.5-2 khoms at 30 degrees Celsius, and 275-375 ohms at 80 degrees Celsius. The measured ECT sensor resistance was higher than the specified range at both 30 and 80 degrees Celsius, which caused a rich condition. The ECT sensor was defective.

Correction
Replaced the engine coolant temperature sensor, cleared codes and performed a road test of the vehicle. The check engine light did not illuminate and no fault codes were found.

Vehicle
2000 Nissan Pathfinder SE 3.3L

Title
P0325, Replaced Knock Sensor

Complaint
The customer states the check engine light is on.

Cause
Connected a scan tool and found code P0325 – Knock Sensor 1 Circuit (Bank 1 or Single Sensor). Disconnected the electronic control module (ECM) connector, and used a multi-meter to check the resistance between the knock sensor signal terminal and knock sensor ground terminal at the ECM connector. Found the measured resistance was out of limits, which indicated the knock sensor circuit was open. Disconnected the knock sensor connector, and used the multi-meter to check for the presence of voltage with the ECM disconnected. Found no voltage, which indicated the knock sensor harness was not shorted to battery power. With the multi-meter, measured the resistance of the knock sensor harness between the knock sensor signal terminal at the ECM connector, and the knock sensor connector. Found 0.2 ohms, which indicated the knock sensor wiring harness was not electrically open. Used the multi-meter to measure the resistance of the knock sensor and found the knock sensor was electrically open. The measured resistance of the knock sensor should have been within 500k-620k ohms.

Correction
Replaced the knock sensor, cleared codes, test drove the vehicle and completed the code set enable criteria. The check engine light did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.

Vehicle
2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette GL 3.4

Title
P0131, Cleaned Mass Airflow Sensor

Complaint
The customer states the check engine light is on.

Cause
Connected a scan tool and found code P0131 – O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1). Allowed the engine to reach operating temperature, monitored the oxygen sensor (B1-S1) voltage on the scan tool, and found the voltage was above the specified voltage of 175mV. Connected a smoke machine and induced smoke into the intake system to check for leaks, but no leaks were found. Checked the fuel pressure and found the pressure was within the specification of 52 to 59 PSI. Performed a road test and monitored the mass airflow (MAF) sensor values on the scan tool. Noticed the MAF sensor value measured less than 4-7 g/s at idle and less than 100 g/s when the vehicle shifted from first to second gear. Performed a visual inspection of the MAF sensor connector and wiring harness, but found no obvious signs of damage. Removed the MAF sensor for further inspection and found the MAF sensor was contaminated with dirt and debris.

Correction
Cleaned the mass airflow sensor with an appropriate electronic solvent, cleared codes, test drove the vehicle and completed the code set enable criteria. The check engine light did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.

To see more Real Fixes in SureTrack:

• Current ProDemand Customers: LOG IN TO PRODEMAND
• Current OnDemand5 Customers: UPGRADE TO PRODEMAND (FOR FREE)
  
• Not a ProDemand or OnDemand5 customer? No problem: REQUEST A FREE 14-DAY PRODEMAND TRIAL

SureTrack™ is a ground-breaking all-in-one repair information resource that brings together a unique combination of intelligence and expertise to help aftermarket automotive shops increase accuracy and efficiency from diagnosis to completed repair.

SureTrack™ Real Fixes of the Week – 5/6/13

Below is a sampling of Real Fixes that can be found in Mitchell 1′s new SureTrack™ product. These documented issues from actual shop repair orders demonstrate how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is currently available as a special free preview in our ProDemand product.

Take a look at the Real Fixes below to discover how SureTrack can help you quickly diagnose the problem and complete the repair with confidence. Want more? Here’s how you can see more Real Fixes in SureTrack:

• Current ProDemand Customers: LOG IN TO PRODEMAND
• Current OnDemand5 Customers: UPGRADE TO PRODEMAND (FOR FREE)
• Not a ProDemand or OnDemand5 customer? No problem: REQUEST A FREE 14-DAY PRODEMAND TRIAL

Vehicle
2007 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2

System
Suspension

Title
C0660, Replaced Level Ride Compressor Assembly

Complaint
The customer states the suspension warning light is on.

Cause
Connected a scan tool and found code C0660 – Level Control Exhaust Valve Circuit. Performed a visual inspection of the exhaust valve solenoid and found the valve leaked when turned off. Used the scan tool to command the exhaust valve solenoid on and used a test light to check for power and ground at the exhaust valve solenoid. The testing verified both power and ground were present at the exhaust valve solenoid. Used a multi-meter to check the resistance of the exhaust valve solenoid and found the measured resistance was greater than the maximum specified value of 45 ohms. The exhaust valve solenoid is integrated into the level ride compressor assembly and is replaced as an entire unit.

Correction
Replaced the level ride compressor assembly, cleared codes, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. The suspension warning light did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.

Vehicle
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 3.8L

System
Brakes

Title
C0050, Replaced Right Rear Hub and Bearing Assembly

Complaint
The customer states the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and traction lights are on.

Cause
Connected a scan tool and found code C0050 – Right Rear Wheel Speed Circuit Malfunction. Performed a road test while monitoring wheel speed sensor live data on the scan tool and observed no signal output from the right rear wheel speed sensor. Used a multi-meter to check resistance of the right rear wheel speed sensor and found the measured resistance was not within the specified range of 800-1600 ohms. The wheel speed sensor is integrated into the hub and bearing assembly and is replaced as an entire unit.

Correction
Replaced the right rear hub and bearing assembly, cleared codes, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. The ABS and traction lights did not illuminate and no fault codes returned

Vehicle
2006 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3

Title
P0171, Cleaned Fuel Rail

Complaint
The customer states the check engine light is on.

Cause
Connected a scan tool and found code P0171 – System Too Lean (Bank 1). Monitored live data on the scan tool and found the long term fuel trim (LTFT) and short term fuel trim (STFT) corrections were at +25%, the specified range was 0 to +/-10%. Continued to monitor the live data, and found the upstream oxygen sensors (B1-S1) and (B2-S1) signal voltages were biased lean. The oxygen sensor voltages were less than 500 mV and did not switch from high to low as intended. Performed a visual inspection of the air intake system, checked for leaks and visible damage, but no faults were found. Performed a visual inspection of the mass airflow (MAF) sensor to check for contamination and found none. Attached a smoke machine to the intake manifold to check for leaks, and found the intake manifold was sealed. Attached a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail and performed an injector pressure balance test, the results revealed unequal pressure drops between the fuel injectors. Removed the fuel rail for inspection, and found contaminates in the rail and on top of the injectors.

Correction
Cleaned the fuel rail, cleared codes, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. The check engine light did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.

Vehicle
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 4.3L

System
Engine

Title
P0300, Replaced Fuel Injector #5

Complaint
The customer states the check engine light is on.

Cause
Connected a scan tool and found code P0300 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected. Used the scan tool to monitor engine misfire data, and found cylinder #5 misfired. Performed a visual inspection of the ignition system, but found no obvious faults. Connected a spark tester at cylinder#5, and found that spark was present. Connected a noid light to fuel injector #5, and found the injector pulse signal from the powertrain control module (PCM) was present. Connected a fuel pressure gauge, and performed a fuel injector balance test with the scan tool. Found the fuel pressure failed to drop when fuel injector #5 was actuated. This test confirmed fuel injector #5 was defective.

Correction
Replaced fuel injector #5, cleared codes, test drove the vehicle and completed the code set enable criteria. The check engine light did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.

SureTrack™ is a ground-breaking all-in-one repair information resource that brings together a unique combination of intelligence and expertise to help aftermarket automotive shops increase accuracy and efficiency from diagnosis to completed repair.

• Click here to learn more about SureTrack.
• Click here to learn more about ProDemand.

New ProDemand Videos Give Quick Training Tips

Are you getting the most out of your ProDemand subscriptions? Maybe you (or your techs) are too busy to sit down for an hour-long webinar but could use some additional training on your own schedule. We get it.

Our new series of training videos boils down the basic ProDemand training information that most users need to become more proficient. The videos are short and sweet – just 2-5 minutes long. You can watch a video over a cup of coffee —or whenever you have a few free moments during the day – and gain valuable tips that you can use right away. Topics range from navigating specific modules inside ProDemand, to general information about the product and support resources available from Mitchell 1.

Here are three ways to access the ProDemand Product Training Center, where you’ll find the video library:

If you are not logged into ProDemand:

1. On the login page (https://www.prodemand.com), use the “Click for Training Info” link (lower left side of home screen).

When you are logged into ProDemand:

2. Click the “Watch our Tutorial Video” link on the initial ProDemand home screen.

3. Or, click on Tools (Upper right corner of your screen, next to Logout), click Help, then click Training.

If you would like more in-depth training on ProDemand, we welcome you to join us for one of our daily live webinars. The sessions are free and include a Q & A period so you can get your specific questions answered. The current training schedule can be found in the ProDemand Product Training Center, here: http://www.mitchell1.com/training/prodemand/ .

Click here to learn more about ProDemand

Free A/C Webinar at Motor Age – May 23, 2013

Are you an automotive service professional? Are you ready for the challenges of a new a/c service season? Register for the webinar today! http://www.MotorAge.com/TSTAC

On May 23rd, Motor Age will team up with the gang at TST to host a FREE, live and interactive, webinar on a/c system service and repair. We’ll cover tips on diagnosing system problems, leak location, and standard practices. We may even have a special guest or two to discuss the rise in counterfeit parts and refrigerants.

SureTrack™ Real Fixes of the Week – 5/13/13

Below is a sampling of Real Fixes that can be found in Mitchell 1′s new SureTrack™ product. These documented issues from actual shop repair orders demonstrate how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is currently available as a special free preview in our ProDemand product.

Take a look at the Real Fixes below to discover how SureTrack can help you quickly diagnose the problem and complete the repair with confidence. Want more? Here’s how you can see more Real Fixes in SureTrack:

• Current ProDemand Customers: LOG IN TO PRODEMAND
• Current OnDemand5 Customers: UPGRADE TO PRODEMAND (FOR FREE)
• Not a ProDemand or OnDemand5 customer? No problem: REQUEST A FREE 14-DAY PRODEMAND TRIAL

Vehicle
1998 Lexus ES 300 3.0L

System
Restraints

Title
B0111, Replaced Right Side Air Bag

Complaint
The customer states the supplemental restraint system (SRS) light is on.

Cause
Connected a scan tool and found code B0111 – Open in Right-Side Air Bag Module Squib Circuit. Performed the manufacturer’s procedure for disabling the air bag system before diagnosis was performed. Connected a multi-meter and measured the resistance from the right side airbag connector to the air bag module, resistance measured was within the specification of less than one ohm. This verified an operational circuit between the air bag connector and air bag module. Enabled the air bag system, cleared the diagnostic trouble code, and cycled the key. Viewed codes with the scan tool and found code B0111 returned, which indicated an internal fault with the right side air bag.

Correction
Replaced the right side air bag, cleared codes, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. The SRS light did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.

Vehicle
2005 Lexus RX330 3.3L

System
Engine

Title
P2118, Replaced Blown Electronic Throttle Control Fuse

Complaint
The customer states the check engine light is on and the vehicle exhibits very little power.

Cause
Road tested the vehicle to confirm the customer’s complaint and found the vehicle was stuck in fail safe mode. Connected a scan tool and found code P2118 – Throttle Actuator Control Motor Current Range/Performance. Connected a multimeter to the throttle actuator and measured for the presence of voltage at pin #6, but found no voltage was present. Inspected the wiring harness to the throttle body, but failed to find any signs of damage or corrosion. Removed the engine bay fuse block cover, tested continuity of the fuses with the multimeter and found fuse #7 for electronic throttle control system (ETCS) was blown.

Correction
Replaced the blown electronic throttle control fuse, cleared codes, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. The check engine light did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.

Vehicle
2005 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L

System
Restraints

Title
B0092, Repaired Passenger Presence System Wiring Harness

Complaint
The customer states the supplemental restraint system (SRS) light is on.

Cause
Connected a scan tool and found code B0092 – Passenger Presence System Performance. Connected a multi-meter to the passenger presence system (PPS) module and tested for power and ground at the module. The ground source was present and in good condition, but there was no power delivered to the PPS module. Inspected the passenger presence sensor, located underneath the passenger seat, and discovered the passenger presence sensor wiring harness had been stretched out of place. Further inspection revealed a broken wire within the passenger presence sensor wiring harness.

Correction
Repaired the passenger presence system wiring harness and rerouted the harness to prevent future damage. Cleared codes, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. The SRS did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.

SureTrack™ is a ground-breaking all-in-one repair information resource that brings together a unique combination of intelligence and expertise to help aftermarket automotive shops increase accuracy and efficiency from diagnosis to completed repair.

• Click here to learn more about SureTrack.
• Click here to learn more about ProDemand.