Air Care News
October 1996

Problem cars: what to look for

These vehicle/engine families have been identified by technicians as difficult to diagnose. The checklists below contain some helpful hints to assist you in difficult emissions repairs. A thorough diagnosis is always recommended to ensure a successful repair and/or emissions inspection. If you find this information valuable, attend a quarterly Tech Night, and share your information. Announcements are included in your monthly repair report card. Look for more helpful hints on problem cars in future issues of Air Care News.

Initial Test Fail Rates

fail rate graph

1.9L Ford Escort

No power valve
Evap
Recalls
Jetting
--idle
--air corrector
--main
Ignition-timing advance
Catalyst
Engine, basic mechanical
AIR system
HAC

Ford 200ci 6, Non-Feedback

Power valve
Gaskets
Vacuum delay/AIR system
Catalyst Test
EGRs

360 Jeep, Non-Feedback

Power valve
Catalyst
Air injection
Jetting (52/54)
--P/N C3UZ-9533A-54
--P/N C3UZ-9533B-52
--P/N C3UZ-9533C-50
EGRs
Accel. pumps
Timing

Early Feedback Dodge 318

Power valve
Throttle switch
ECM location/abuse
Connections
Watch for closed loop switching
Temp switches

"Y" VIN Olds 305, Feedback, Carburetor (E4ME)

Load it!
Watch TPS
Air management
Purge valve
Vacuum system
--lines/routing/etc.
Thermal vacuum valve
MAP sensor/signal
Basic carburetor set up/adjustments

Ford 3.8L CFI

Air system!
O2s switching together
EGR/EVP
ACT sensor
Catalyst
Check injectors
TPS
Temp inputs
Air filter
Purge solenoid
Power/grounds
MAP input
Recalls

Adapted from an article by Brian K. Manley in the August 1996 AutoInc. Magazine. Printed in Air Care News with permission.

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Tech Nights: a success story
by Doug Decker

Want the latest on I/M 240 diagnostic strategies? How about a hot tip from a repair industry colleague on that difficult repair? If so, you may want to check out the next "Tech Night" sponsored by the Air Care Colorado Program.

Informal three-hour clinics designed for Denver metro area repair technicians, Tech Nights in April and July attracted more than 90 technicians from 60 repair facilities. Attendees shared diagnostic and repair information on some of the toughest I/M 240 failures. With input from State of Colorado technicians, Envirotest master diagnosticians and a variety of drivability and emissions experts in the enhanced program area, Tech Nights are proving to be a valuable resource for the repair industry.

The fast-paced clinics are never short on topics. The agenda is kept strictly to those items that will help the experienced drivability/emissions technician do the job better and faster.

Popular topics of discussion have included how to access technical information on the Internet. From vehicle manufacturer information to technician bulletin boards and "chat rooms," internet sites specific to vehicle repair are growing daily in size and number.

At the July Tech Night, Colorado Emissions Technical Center staff shared experiences about the "top ten problem cars." What problem vehicles are more frequently seen? What works to get them repaired? These and many other issues were discussed, with constructive input from attending repair technicians.

Diagnostics are discussed and specific case studies are presented at each clinic. Previous case studies included how to determine if a vehicle is in fuel control and the five critical input diagnoses central to proper emissions/drivability diagnosis, regardless of whether a vehicle is carbureted or fuel injected.

Technicians from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also review repair studies. One previous review focused on a repair deterioration study that looked at how well vehicles perform six to twelve months after a repair. An update on the Repair Effectiveness report card also is given at each clinic.

At each Tech Night, representatives of the host facility are invited to show off their operation and discuss their approach to I/M 240 diagnosis. Time also is allotted at each clinic to recognize a technician who has shown exemplary ability to repair problem vehicles, has demonstrated a positive attitude toward the program and to customers, and has openly shared experience and knowledge with industry colleagues.

In April, Scott Hopkins-Stutz, formerly of The Auto Repair Place in Boulder and Seyfer Automotive in Wheat Ridge, was recognized as the spring 1996 Air Care Colorado Top Technician. Joshua Lowenstein of Best Tune in Englewood was recognized as the summer 1996 Air Care Top Technician in July.

Future Tech Night clinics will include themes that focus on different topics like imports and carbureted vehicles. Look for future Tech Night announcements in your Repair Report Card mailings.

Tech Nights are expected to be held quarterly and rotate among repair facilities interested in hosting a clinic. The next Tech Night is tentatively slated for October.

The Repair Advisory Committee is seeking host facilities for future Tech Nights. If you or your facility are interested in hosting a Tech Night, please contact Doug Decker at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 692-3126.

Doug Decker is an environmental protection specialist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division, Small Business Technical Assistance Program.