Automotive Services

Drivability

Drivability issues can be defined as misfiring, vibrating, stalling, or having the check engine light illuminated, these all can be symptoms of a larger problem with the vehicle.

The complexity of modern vehicles requires state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose any prevailing issues or problems. A number of drivability Problems can occur in a vehicle. Ignoring these can lead to much bigger hazards; some might even result in complete engine failure. Having a professional technician is crucial to maintaining its health. If your vehicle is experiencing a drivability issue then have a mobile car technician look at it today. Delaying may lead to more expensive problems.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light A.K.A the malfunction indicator lamp is a signal from the car’s engine computer that a problem exists.

Automakers began standardizing their systems with 1996 model vehicles under a protocol called OBD2 which implemented a long list of diagnostic trouble codes and mandated that all cars provide a universal 16-pin connector to access this information. The DLC3 connector is usually located below the steering column depending on the manufacturer.

Depending on the manufacturer, a check engine light may look orange, amber, or yellow. If the light begins flashing, this may indicate a Type A misfire that can cause unburned fuel to enter the exhaust system. When this occurs, some vehicles may or may not incorporate a fuel cut strategy to prevent premature failure of the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. Whether or not this is the case, you should get your vehicle checked out immediately.

Electrical Problems

Today’s modern vehicles are filled with electrical components needed to power your vehicle’s electrical system and can vary according to vehicle make, model and year. Your electrical system includes the battery, alternator, starter, modules, and various sensors. Each vehicle manufacturer has a slightly different system from one another that may require a high level of understanding to troubleshoot a problem correctly. At Auto Tech To Go we do extensive testing and have confidence in our diagnostics so you don’t have to make the mistake of replacing components based only on fault codes and symptoms alone.

Starting System

The starting system includes a battery, starter motor, ignition switch, solenoid, and starter relay. Some manufacturers use an ECM to trigger the relay coil permitting the Input signals such as the immobilizer unit, ignition, and neutral safety switch to be valid. Once the Relay coil is energized, power is sent to the starter solenoid that engages a plunger into position. This creates a path from the battery positive cable to the starter motor allowing the engine flywheel to turn. 

As complicated as a starting system may be, a faulty battery is a common cause of failure that may sound like a repeatable clicking noise during cranking. This repeatable clicking noise can be explained by the solenoid engaging and disengaging rapidly. As a depleted battery energizes the solenoid, the battery voltage drops to a point low enough to disengage the starter relay and solenoid. Once the solenoid disengages, the battery voltage will rise high enough to energize the starter relay again.              

Charging System

The Charging system includes an alternator, battery, drive belt and an internally or externally controlled voltage regulator. After the engine is started and running, the alternator takes over as the source of power and the battery becomes part of the load on the charging system. Most manufacturers are using a smart charging system that will vary the voltage level depending on a few factors such as electrical load, battery temperature, engine RPM, etc.

One of the first steps in diagnosing the charging system is testing the vehicle’s battery.  A depleted battery will act like a sponge and draw a high amount of current from the alternator causing premature failure that leads to a costly repair.

Airbag System

There are several different combinations of airbags that are used in vehicles. One of the more complex designs can be referred to advanced frontal airbags, also known as dual-stage airbags.

Advanced frontal airbags are designed to meet the needs of the occupant depending on the crash situation. This system will automatically determine the level of power to inflate the airbags depending on factors such as 1) seat weight sensors, 2) seat position, and 3) crash severity.

Please note that vehicles that utilize airbags are designed to save lives, this is why it is extremely important to have a full understanding of the system while diagnosing or repairing a fault. Making the wrong decision can lead to serious injury or death and only trained professionals should attempt to service this system. At Auto Tech To Go, we take all precautions and use factory service information before performing any actions.

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is used to prevent the vehicle’s wheels from locking up during an emergency braking situation. During normal driving the ABS module is constantly monitoring inputs from the wheel speed sensors, if a wheel comes to rapid deceleration, then the ABS module will determine this as a lock-up and help to bring the affected wheel up to speed with the others. The first step in accomplishing this is to isolate the brake circuit from the master cylinder, this then stops the brake pressure from rising and keeps it constant. If the wheel speed sensor is still decelerating too rapidly, the ABS module will open a dump valve to relieve some of the brake pressure.

Tire-Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)

A tire-pressure monitor system (TPMS) is used to monitor the pressure inside the tires on most newer vehicles. An underinflated tire can lead to too much friction caused by the tires having increased surface area on the road. This then can then cause the tire’s to overheat, which can lead to premature wear, tread separation, and blowouts.

The two types of TPMS systems that can be found on vehicles are direct and indirect. The indirect does not use pressure sensors but can calculate tire pressure by using existing sensor signals like wheel speed, accelerometers, driveline data, etc. Once the tire pressures have been adjusted, a reset button or menu should be selected for the system to go through a learning phase.

A direct system uses tire pressure sensors located inside of the tire that is usually found at the valve stem. Not only can these sensors display the actual tire pressure, but can also inform the ECM of battery level and temperature. Replacing a tire pressure sensor requires the identification number of the sensor transferred to the ECM. After the transfer is complete, all wheels containing sensors should be trained. Training may also be necessary when a tire rotation is performed.

Preparing your vehicle for state inspection.

If your vehicle is in need of inspection or diagnostics, our certified emission repair technicians can accurately and quickly diagnose your vehicle and prepare it for state inspection.

In New Jersey, a vehicle of the model year 1996-2000 is permitted to have two non-continuous monitors not ready and still pass the readiness portion of the OBD test. A vehicle of the model year 2001 or newer is only permitted to have one non-continuous monitor not ready. The purpose of readiness monitors is to self-test the car’s emission control systems. The monitors are also known as Emissions Monitors.

Monitors that cannot be set as “ready” are often difficult to diagnose and usually require certain conditions met for the monitor to run. These conditions may be different depending on the year make and model.

Once a readiness monitor is complete, the ECU will store any possible problems and fault codes. Faults that are detected must be fixed before the vehicle can pass inspection.

If your vehicle will not pass state inspection or need preparation then give Auto Tech To Go a call to book an appointment.