Al's HI-Tech Auto Repair

06/21/2024

Auto Immo security key programming coming soon to Al's Hi-Tech.

05/09/2024

A grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia, indicted Donald Trump and 18 of his allies on 41 criminal counts for running a "criminal enterprise" to overturn the state's 2020 election results in favor of Trump. Sign now: Disqualify Trump from the presidential ballot NOW for attempting to overturn the 202...

07/31/2023

Here are some tips for maintaining auto sensors:
Situate sensors in ideal conditions
Correctly mount the sensor
Verify wiring connections
Clean sensors each time they are removed for calibration
Replace sensors when they go out of calibration from wear, mechanical damage, or heat damage
Oxygen sensors are expected to last for about 7–10 years, or up to 100,000 miles
A faulty sensor could result in the engine overheating
A cracked sensor can allow moisture to get inside and short out the sensor
Fine dust particles can get past the engine's air filter and dirty sensors
If you have an indirect TPMS system, your mechanic will need to manually reset the sensors after changing your tires
A new TPMS system will typically last for about 10 years before the batteries run out

02/13/2022

Your vehicle's exterior lighting system is the life line for night and daytime driving. Check out this link for info on vehicle lighting systems. https://gomechanic.in/blog/automotive-car-lights-explained/

07/25/2020

Those not working right door locks????????????

Here's how power door locks work on your car! Door locks keep the interior of your vehicle secure. Power operated door locks work with an actuating mechanism...

06/21/2020

Gasoline? What is the stuff?

The type of gasoline you commonly see is either regular, midgrade and premium. Fuel is considered in grade levels and ranked by octane rating. This octane rating is actually an average and noted as a single number: 87, 89 and 92. The correct grade of gasoline should be used to avoid engine damage.

06/17/2020

The Engine Control Module (also called the Powertrain Control Module or PCM) is the brains of the engine management system. It controls the fuel mixture, ignition timing, variable cam timing and emissions control. It constantly monitors emissions performance via its OBD (Onboard Diagnostics) programming, and it oversees the operation of the fuel pump, engine cooling fan and charging system. It also interacts with the transmission controller (if separate), ABS/traction/stability control system, body control module, climate control module and anti-theft system. In short, the engine control module performs a wide variety of functions that are necessary to operate a vehicle.

The electronic components inside an engine control modules are fairly robust, but sometimes things can and do go wrong. Shorts in sensor circuits may overload and damage the module. Problems with the module’s power supply (too much voltage or not enough) or ground connections can cause it to misbehave. Bad inputs from sensors or other modules may also cause it to malfunction. Corrosion, excessive heat and vibration also can cause harm to the module.

When an engine control module fails, it may or may not set any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). This can make troubleshooting difficult and often results in misdiagnosis of a bad computer. Often the real problem is outside the computer such as a bad sensor, wiring fault, power relay or voltage issue. Complete module failures are rare, but failures within the module’s various subsystems and memory are more common. A shorted fuel injector, for example, may overload and burn out the injector driver circuit within the engine control module. If the underlying cause is not found and fixed, it can cause the replacement computer to fail, too.

If a bad computer has been accurately diagnosed, replacing it usually requires several steps. First, the replacement computer must be programmed for the specific vehicle into which it will be installed (year, make, model, engine, VIN, trans, etc.). In some cases, the supplier of a remanufactured module can perform this step by providing them with the necessary information. Or, the module can be programmed by the technician using a J2534 pass-through device and scan tool. Programming requires professional expertise and special equipment, and is NOT something a DIYer can do himself.
On older GM and Ford computers (1995 and pre-OBD II), the programming is on a calibration PROM (Program Read Only Memory) chip. The chip has to be removed from the old computer and installed in the replacement computer.

On many vehicles, it is also necessary to perform a relearn procedure after the computer has been installed so the anti-theft system will recognize the new computer — otherwise the engine may not start.
https://www.counterman.com/engine-control-module-the-brains-of-the-operation/

06/14/2020

Well maintained steering and suspension systems, provide for minimum tire wear and improved handling and suspension performance.

Your steering and suspension systems are vital for your driving safety. But how often should you inspect them? And what are the warning signs?

06/09/2020

FLUID LEAKS
As you approach your parking spot, you notice a suspicious liquid seeping from beneath your car. Your heart drops. What is it? What did I do? How much is this going to cost? Will it crank? You kneel on the pavement, staring at the puddle of unidentified ooze. When a vehicle springs a leak, its driver usually assumes the worst. While some automotive fluid leaks are serious, many are really no big deal and can be fixed by even the most inept car owner.

If you notice a leak, it is more than likely one of the types of auto fluids listed below. Here are some tips to help you identify the mystery leak and instructions on how to stop the drip.

If you notice a leak under your car, it is more than likely one of the types of auto fluids listed below. Click here for tips to identify and stop the leak.

05/31/2020

Importance of air filter maintenance
A clean engine runs more efficiently than a dirty engine and your car's air filter is the engine's first line of defense. ... The air filter prevents airborne contaminants such as dirt, dust and leaves from getting pulled into your car's engine and potentially damaging it.