Snap-on Shopkey Pro (Cool Tool)

 I rarely point out some of the capability available to me to do automobile repair. Scan tools, scopes, meters, testers I give more time to because they look impressive and do great things. But some things I don't give much thought to because they quietly help the business get done. It's like loosening a fastener with a 10mm wrench, I don't video or give it a highlight because it is just quietly doing the job, nothing flashy. 

Snap-on Shopkey Pro is a bit like that, just quietly doing the job so I sometimes ignore just how impressive it can be as a tool. Just enter a vin, a tag # or the vehicle data and let it take it from there. 

I'm going to use a 2010 Lexus RX350 for this. I only have to add the License Plate initially and the lookup will give me the VIN and choosing Use This Vehicle with give me the specifics of the application. From the next screen I get a list of most commonly replaced components for this car numbered 1 thru 10. It is based on 172,973 repairs. Having used this for several years now, I will say that Disc Brake Pads is pretty much always the #1 most commonly replaced component. 

If I was curious about just when the brake pads are needing replaced I can take a peek at that as well. Most pad replacement peaks at 75,000 miles. But 75,000 to 100,000 would cover a common range. 

I can even see that the most common complaint leading to brake pad replacement it Noise Heard From Brakes. 

I also have access to the most common trouble codes for this vehicle. #1 is P0057. 

You can also get the sense that O2 sensor problems are fairly common. The most common fix for the P0057 is replacing that sensor and the peak mileage for that replacement it 100,000 miles.

There is a lot of information available concerning the trouble code, testing and diagnosing the problem. 

Next list is common symptoms, where Engine Does Not Start has managed to top brake noise. But just barely. 

The most common cause of the Engine Does Not Start? A bad battery. 

There is even a list of the most common search look-ups for this application. Firing Order. 

We could go deeper into the software, but I think you get the idea. Great tool, gets little credit because it works so quietly. 

Thanks!

Kenny@ggauto.repair

Ford 10r Speed Sensor Issues (Transmission Digest link)

Ford 10r Speed Sensor tips 

Jim Mobley, Transmission Digest article.

February 5, 2024

Cooling System Service

 I had a 2012 Silverado in here with a plugged heater core. A plugged heater core is a direct result of cooling system neglect and a 2012 doesn't have a high bar to meet since the recommended service interval is 150,000 miles. At 312,000 miles this one had missed 2 service intervals and while I did gain decent temps by flushing the core, it needs a full replacement and more than one full system flush to remove as much of that contaminant as possible. Much better would have been to never let it get in that condition. 

Similar situation with the 1999 F150 this morning. I did gain 32 degrees of heat by flushing, now 132 vs 100 but it needs the core replaced and system cleaned. Coolant should be replaced at 30,000 mile intervals on this one. 

Know your oil!

 It is very important to your engine life to keep your oil changed regularly and to use the recommended oil for your vehicle. There are recommended oils for every automobile. For instance, the 1999 F150 w/5.4 vin L was originally suggested to use 5w20 oil but Ford later changed the recommended weight to 5w30. It was found to perform better in that application. The 2000 Ford Sport Trac w/4.0 vin K recommends 5w30 synthetic blend. Use the recommended weight. Use the recommend type or higher. If your recommend oil is standard you can go up to a blend or a full synthetic if you wish but if your recommended oil is a full synthetic you never step down. 

There are also specifications that should be met for your application. All of this gets most especially important when your car uses variable valve timing. These systems are prone to problems when maintenance is even a little bit neglected. I would recommend full synthetic on vvt system, early oil changes and meet the oem specifications as applicable. GM vvt systems need DEXOS specifications met. On vvt applications I recommend fewer miles between changes, full synthetic oil that meets specs. It will save you having expensive vvt problems. 

The next issue is about keeping oil level in the safe range. A lot people now neglect to check their oil level between changes. I have found many problems to be caused by low oil level. Vvt systems especially will cause poor performance issues when oil is low. Know that many cars now consume oil, even low mileage cars are guilty as it is part of the design of many and with extended oil change intervals a common occurrence. Check your oil level regularly, at least until you figure out the mileage it will need a quart added. On that note, don't add oil unless it is a quart low. Don't top it off as less than a quart low. 

Keep your oil clean, serviced and full. 

Kenny@ggauto.repair

GM 8L90 #7 Check-ball (Transmission Digest link)

Technical Article 

Use the link to reach the article. Transmission Digest Oct. 2023

GM 8L90 #7 Check-ball: The overheat that saved the day

Vintage Car Parts Bargains

 Niehoff DR148 Stoplight Switch $1

New part. Shelf worn box.

For Compatibility use this link and choose Compatibility

MasterPro 2-2103 Ignition Condenser $1

New part. Shelf worn box.

For Compatibility use this link and choose Compatibility

Dorman 81020 U-joint Strap Kit $1

New part Shelf worn

For Compatibility use this link Compatibility

Autolite APP 5224 Double Platinum Spark Plug $1 Each (4 in stock)

New No box

For Compatibility use this link Compatibility

Autolite APP 765 Double Platinum Spark Plug $1 Each (3 in stock)

New Part # Updated to APP 105

For Compatibility use this link Compatibility

BWD EGR631 EGR PFE Sensor $1 

New Part Shelf worn box

For Compatibility use this link and choose Compatibility

Motorcraft SP-507 Spark Plug $1 Each (6 in stock)

New

For Compatibility use this link and choose Compatibility

Master Pro EC1609 MAP Sensor $1

New Shelf worn

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Autolite AP2545 Platinum Spark Plug $1 each (2 in stock)

New

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Autolite AP985 Platinum Spark Plug $1 each (4 in stock)

New

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LX346 Ignition Module $1

New Shelf worn

For Compatibility use this link and choose Compatibility

Niehoff DR69ACS Distributor Cap $1 

New Shelf worn

For Compatibility use this link and choose Compatibility

AC-Delco 15-72717 Climate Control Module $1

New Shelf worn

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1991-93 Buick Park Ave 3.8 vin L (trouble code 17)

 There are things that are said about getting older that at a glance seem pretty good. For instance, you have more experience. True. Life experiences are very often helpful but I'm going to say that one thing I've learned from life experience is that some of the things you've learned over time and maybe learned extremely well, no longer apply. It wasn't really helpful in the long term for me to know a lot about DOS or Windows 3.11. Do you see what I mean? I know a lot about automobile systems on cars that no one drives these days. I just hate to dismiss things that were important to know at one time in history and perhaps it would be interesting to someone? I don't know. If you get nothing else from this, get that in diagnosing car problems you need to have an understanding of how the system works to most effectively repair it. 

Let's go back to a 91-93 Buick Park Ave 3.8 vin L engine with a recurring trouble code 17. Here is how it works. The crankshaft sensor is a dual signal sensor. Each full turn of the crankshaft is supposed to produce 18 pulses of signal on 18x circuit and 3 pulses on 3x circuit. A reference voltage and ground is provided by the ignition module to the crankshaft position sensor. That voltage passes through the sensor and back to the module. As each blade of the crankshaft pulley trigger wheel passes the through the sensor the voltage drops to 0 volts and becomes your 18x and 3x signal, repectively. The module passes those signals on to the Engine Control Module which uses the signals to determine spark timing and injector pulse. A code 17 sets if the Engine Control Module sees that the 3x and 18x signals from the module aren't in correct sync or erratic. If the ECM sees 240 fuel control pulses since a last spark reference pulse, you set the code. This code will not turn a light on and if the signal quits while the engine is running, it will continue to run. 

Normal suggested diagnostics will often find the fault but if your 3x signal is only quitting during running you won't find it with that testing. You'll need to clear the code and attach your scope to monitor the 18x and 3x signals from the crank sensor to the module. Start the engine and watch the 3x for any drop out or missing pulse. If you see the problem you have narrowed the cause down to the wiring, sensor connector or sensor. 

Kenny@ggauto.repair