28
May/10

obd2

by admin under Uncategorized

You already know that your car s engine is responsible for creating the energy that turns your wheels and propels your vehicle down the road. It generates this energy through its combustion process. Air and fuel enter each cylinder s combustion chamber where the mixture is compressed and ignited. A lot of drivers fail to realize that the mixture within each cylinder s chamber must be carefully measured. The oxygen sensor (OS) plays an important role in ensuring an optimum ratio between the air and fuel.


Below, we ll explore this component, and the job it performs, in greater detail. You ll learn how the OS is part of your engine s feedback loop. I ll also describe how it works and what can happen if it fails.

Maintaining The Perfect Ratio

The optimum ratio between the oxygen and fuel that enters your engine s combustion chambers is 14.7 to 1. Too little air causes a rich mixture. In such cases, the combustion process results in unburned fuel that flows out of the chamber and into the exhaust system. That generates pollution and will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test.

When there is too much air in the combustion chamber, a lean mixture results. That produces excess nitrogen oxides, a dangerous pollutant. Not only does that make your car s catalytic converter work harder, but it can also lead to engine damage.

Maintaining the optimum ratio between the air and fuel mixture requires constant monitoring. That is the job of your oxygen sensor.

Understanding The Control Loop

The OS sits within your vehicle s exhaust pipe and measures whether the air fuel mixture is too lean or too rich. It accomplishes this task by identifying the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust leaving each cylinder s combustion chamber. It sends a continuous stream of data to your car s computer.

The computer receives the data sent from the O2 sensor and uses it to modify the ratio of air and fuel used during combustion. If the oxygen sensor notes a too lean or too rich mixture in the exhaust, the computer (i.e. the engine control unit, or ECU) will adjust the fuel intake system in order to compensate.

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Any modifications made by your car s ECU will produce changes in the oxygen level present in the exhaust. These changes are identified by the OS, which continues sending a stream of corresponding data to the ECU. This is a closed feedback loop.

How The Oxygen Sensor Performs Its Job

Your vehicle s O2 sensor generates a small electrical current when the component becomes heated. This voltage is produced by a chemical reaction. The portion of the sensor that is screwed into the exhaust manifold is equipped with a small bulb. The bulb is coated with chemicals that produce a reaction when they are exposed to the gases contained in the exhaust leaving your car s combustion chambers.

The voltage created by this chemical reaction communicates the level of oxygen to the engine control unit. A high voltage means the mixture is too rich. A low voltage means the mixture is too lean.

When The Component Fails

Oxygen sensors can last up to 80,000 miles, but can fail earlier depending on your driving habits. If it fails, your car s computer will be unable to make changes to the ratio of the air fuel mixture used in your engine s combustion chambers. In effect, the closed feedback loop that normally ensures the mixture is optimized, opens. Your emissions will rise, potentially causing your vehicle to fail an emissions test. Your gas mileage will fall as your engine becomes less efficient. You might also notice a reduction in performance as the air fuel mixture runs rich or lean.

If your car s O2 sensor fails, have an OEM certified replacement installed as soon as possible. Otherwise, your engine may begin experiencing problems that worsen with time.

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7
Jun/10

What a Check Engine Light Means

by admin under Uncategorized

Imagine driving home from the office and suddenly noticing the check engine light is displayed on your dash. What should you do? Many of us have heard this light is one of the worst possible lights to see because it suggests expensive repairs. Moreover, most drivers have no idea what they should do in the event they see it.

Below, we ll provide an overview regarding your check engine (CI) light. We ll describe how it works, the most common reasons it turns on, and how you should react when you notice it. We ll also give you a few tips for troubleshooting the culprit that triggered it.

How The Light Works

The CI light is actually part of an older automotive design. It is connected to your car s onboard diagnostic system. This system is built around a computer that monitors and regulates several features of your vehicle s operation. For example, the computer watches your engine s RPMs, the air fuel mixture within the individual cylinders, and its ignition timing. It may also control the shifting of your transmission, depending on your vehicle s make and model.

When a problem occurs, the on board diagnostic system will attempt to correct it. If it is unable to do so, it will trigger the check engine light. Whenever the computer sets off the light, it will generate a trouble code. This code helps the mechanic determine what is causing the problem. For example, a failing oxygen sensor will produce a different code than a misfire.

Your mechanic will have access to a special diagnostic tool that can pull the code from the computer. You can also purchase a similar tool at many auto supply stores. Automakers create the trouble codes to make it easier for technicians to find and resolve problems.

It s worth noting that every automaker designs their onboard diagnostic system a little differently. That means the computer in one type of vehicle may set off codes for different events than another vehicle s computer. That said, there is a significant amount of overlap. For example, nearly all automakers have designed their computers to identify most types of powertrain issues.

Knowing How To React

So, what should you do if you notice the CI light illuminated on your dash? The worst thing you can do is ignore it. A lot of drivers see the light and convince themselves they have plenty of time to have the issue addressed. The problem is, there s no way of knowing whether something serious is wrong with your engine or another major component. A lot of issues start small and worsen with time. When your engine is involved, this can lead to extensive and expensive repairs.

To be clear, there s rarely a need to pull over immediately when you see the CI light. However, if it comes on, avoid letting too much time pass before having a mechanic pull the trouble code. Drive to a repair shop and ask a technician to pull the code as soon as possible. Then, once you have determined if the issue is serious, you can decide whether you can postpone the necessary repairs.

A Few Common Sense Tips

When you see the check engine light come on, try to identify other signs that imply a potentially serious problem. For example, a low oil level should trigger a dedicated light, but may also set off the CI light. Because insufficient oil can cause your engine to overheat, you should pull over until you have a chance to replenish it.

Also, the light can often be triggered by a loose gas cap. If you have recently refueled your car, check the cap to make certain it is tight.

If you re driving a GM vehicle and subscribe to the OnStar service, call a representative as soon as you notice the CI light. The representative can remotely pull the trouble code and determine the problem.

The purpose of your car s check engine light is to notify you of any issues that need to be resolved. If you notice it illuminated on your dash, have the underlying issue identified and fixed as soon as possible.

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23
Jun/10

All You Need To Know About OBD II Scanners

by admin under Uncategorized

We have all heard the term OBD II but many of us aren’t sure exactly what it is and how the OBD II scanners work. OBD is short of On-Board Diagnostics. These on board diagnostic systems are found on most cars today. These systems were first installed in the latter 70’s and early 80’s as a method to control engine functions and diagnose engine Problems when they took place. The idea was the OBD systems could also help pollution and help with fog control. All automobiles built since 1996 have what is sometimes known as OBD-II systems.

All vehicles built since 1996 have what is often known as OBD-II systems. These systems are a later version of the first OBD system and are meant to further enable the control over engine functions and ability to diagnose engine issues. The way that the Problems are diagnosed is with OBD-II scanners. These scanners are often employed by car repair shops but they can also be acquired with patrons.

These OBD-II scanners are linked up to the connector on the automobile. These connectors are usually under the dash or perhaps close to the ashtray in most vehicles. The OBD-II scanners have a plug that is put into the connector and is then attached to an AutoTap. The scanner is able to measure toxins coming from the auto as well as decode any engine troubles. The OBD-II scanners could also be able to clear old codes, depending on the unit that’s bought. OBD-II scanners can range from $50 for hand held models all of the way up into the thousands of bucks for the console computer based units.

OBD-II scanners can range between $50 for hand held models all the way up into the thousands of greenbacks for the console PC based units. The great thing about having your own OBD-II scanners is that it will help you identify where engine difficulties are originating. Instead of guessing what the issue is or ignoring that check engine light, now you can diagnose the problem yourself and decide if it is something that you can fix yourself or if you will need to bring the automobile to an automobile repair center to have the issue fixed and the code cleared from the system.

If you do not need to buy OBD-II scanners you don’t have to, you can take your automobile into your local auto repair shop and have them hook it to their scanner. This can usually cost. Most shops will charge anywhere from $25 to $150 for the employment of the scanner. This is where having your own scanner will save you money, although you could be capable of finding a store that will not charge if you’ve got the repairs done there.

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