Tech Feature: Acquiring Data on Scan Tools, Part II Technical contributor Gary Goms discuss the importance of choosing the right scan tool, using scan tool database systems, graphing data, storing data for future use, analyzing scan tool data and using bi-directional controls. More

Tech Tip: Volkswagen MIL On/DTC P1603 (18011) Stored If DTC P1603 (18011) “Control unit faulty” is stored in the DTC memory on an affected vehicle, do no ­automatically replace ECM for this condition. First perform the following procedure. Diagnostic Procedure: 1. Verify that the battery voltage and condition are OK. (Charge and load test as necessary). More

Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz MIL On/DTC P2034 Stored in ECU If you receive customer reports in the affected model vehicles of the "check engine" light being activated after starting the engine, and code P2034 is stored in the engine control unit, the cause may be that the ­engine ECU has detected a faulty crankshaft sensor during start up of the engine due to the camshaft ­sensor. More

Toyota Tech Feature: Diagnosing Today's Complex Electronics Systems Find out the latest innovations in scan tool technology, and what your scan tool should be doing for you. More

ECMs Rarely Fail By Themselves CARDONE offers technical advice on the causes of EMC failures. More

Tech Feature: Getting The Most Data From Your Scan Tool It's more than likely that many technicians use their scan tools as diagnostic trouble code (DTC) readers rather than as the analytical and testing tools that they really are. More

Diagnosing Mercedes-Benz Low Range Light Flashes, Code P1831 If you receive customer reports in the affected model vehicles of the low range light flashing rapidly (18 times) after vehicle start with fault code P1831 (positioner motor, position sensor or power supply is faulty) in transfer case ECU, do not replace the transfer case motor. More

Tech Feature: Mass Airflow Sensors Are Critical In Today's Engine Management Systems In addition to providing an exact measurement of airflow into the engine, airflow sensor inputs can be used to provide a load-sensing input to the powertrain control module (PCM) to help control the shift points and shift quality of an automatic transmission. More

Tech Tip: Scan Tools Needed for Some ABS, ESC and A/C Service Some new technologies may require the use of scan tools to service them - in unexpected ways. A scan tool may be necessary when servicing vehicles equipped with ESC (Electronic Stability Control), for instance, even with simple service such as an alignment. This scan tool helps perform the steering center calibration, which, if not performed correctly, can result in the vehicle pulling to one side or the other... More

Tech Feature: Cooler 'Heads' Prevail - Pouring Over GM's LT1 Engine and Reverse-Flow Technology The LT1 engine was used in a variety of General Motors models, including 1992-'96 Corvette (Y-body), 1993-'97 Camaro and Firebird (F-body), and 1994-'96 Chevy Caprice and Impala (B-body), Buick Roadmaster and Cadillac Fleetwood (D-body). More