Calendar of Seminars and Events 

We are testing a Google Calendar to list Trade Shows, Seminars and Training events for automotive technicians.

Click here to view the calendar!

The latest event listed is in California on Saturday, April 26, 2008.

Another Update
AutoEnginuity v5.4 coming soon

Version 5.4 introduces Porsche to the AE scan tool line.  It also includes improvements, fixes and useful additions to the Audi/VW, BMW/MINI, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Jaguar, Honda, Hyundia/Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Toyota.  Here are some highlights....

Ford: PATs programming to support master key coding
Honda: ABS Type 1 Actuations:
Porsche: enhanced trouble code support 911 ('99-'07), Boxster ('97-'07), Cayman ('06-'07), Carrera GT ('005-'06), Cayenne ('03-'06)
Toyota: HV ECU and HV Battery for '01 - '03 Prius full system support.

Click here for more on AutoEnginuity!

Mac Vandenbrink 
The View: Scope and Scan Tool

Mac Vandenbrink explains the advantages of using your lab scope for ignition analysis in his dvd: Exploring Combustion Behavior Through the Eyes of a Scope....

Article by Joel Glassford
Connections and Intermittent Problems

Intermittent electrical / electronic problems in a vehicle can cause you to spend lots and lots of time before you go crazy trying to figure out the cause.

If you could put your finger on the single most common cause of the elusive intermittent, it would have to be connections.  CONNECTIONS ARE CRITICAL.  Not only am I talking about the physical connection between the pin and its’ mate, or fuse leg and the female receptacle when first assembled, but also about what happens to the initial connection over time.

A lot of research has gone into getting the connections right, and connector position assurance as well as terminal position assurance locks are installed to keep it right.  Some times its wrong from the start and a bulletin will be issued to correct it.  If you don’t check TSB (technical service bulletins), you will never even know it.  Sometimes, over time, with all the flexing and movement of the vehicle, a connection will loosen up under driving, temperature conditions. 

40% of vehicles that approach the "fix it or buy it back" stage are repaired by finding:
-  a loose fitting terminal
-  a loose ground connections
-  an open in a wiring harness.

Test suspected terminals with a "drag test", there should be:
-  a slight drag
-  no deformities
-  no corrosion.

Wiring is getting smaller, 22 gage is becoming standard.  Wire this small has a tendency to break inside the insulation close to the connector ends.

A big problem today is intermittent opens in the harnesses themselves.
- Wiggle test under load is necessary.
- Wiggle it, don't deform it.
- Use a peak min/max feature in a meter to find these.

Try to find an intermittent by:
- Wiggling the suspect harness
- Disconnecting a connector and reconnecting - key off.
- Pulling on a harness to try to locate a break inside insulation.
- Relocating a harness or wire - let customer drive again to see if it worked.
- Load the vehicle, weight, jack, whatever.
- High moisture with high or low temp
- Salt water spray (12oz water 1 tablespoon salt), Spray harness, etc, then load and wiggle test.
- Heat (hair dryer, heat gun)
- Fan, ice or venture type nozzle ( 0+F one end 160+F other)

And of course, one of the biggest problems is that connections are not mated properly.

Two manuals authored by Joel Glassford are now available:

Vehicle "How To" Test Guide 

Understanding & Troubleshooting Vehicle Voltage Drop

Hybrid Vehicles & Manufacturers

More Reading
Newsletter Archives 

All our previous newsletters are available for viewing: http://www.aeswave.com/Newsletter/

November Specials

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