TechASSIST: Heater Blower Motors

As a moving part, blower motors will naturally wear out over time and likewise blower motor resistors are subject to heat when regulating voltage to the motor. This again makes them subject to failure over time.

However, it is always important to identify any other possible root cause, especially if the failure is deemed to be premature.

Blower motors not functioning correctly or not at all, can be caused by several key components in the electrical system. It is essential to test them all before replacing any of them. 

We recommend beginning diagnostics at the start of the related circuit rather than the end. Thankfully the components at this end are quicker, easier and cheaper to resolve!

However, it is still important to continue testing/inspecting all components even if a fault is found early on. As failure may have been caused by faults further up the chain.

Read more
What're Camshaft Adjustment Valves

TechASSIST: Camshaft Adjustment Control Valves

The camshaft adjustment valve (also known as an oil control valve) is an integral part of the variable valve timing (VVT) system in modern engines. Each manufacturer has different technology and terminology for the system, some of the most recognisable names include VVT, VVTi, VTEC and VTi (For a full list please see Table 1). Many of which have been introduced with iconic VVT milestone vehicles.

There will also be some differences between manufacturers as to how the systems operate but fundamentally the concept remains the same…

Read more

Braking Misconceptions

When replacing brake pads, discs or shoes it can be easier and certainly cheaper to overlook some of the finer details such as fitting kits, disc shields and wear indicators. But these extras which technicians often misconceive as optional or irrelevant can have a significant impact on the longevity and performance of the newly replaced parts. The extended range of VXPRO braking parts delivers these components at better value to make the upsell much more appealing to fitters and drivers. To reinforce the message ELTA VXPRO discuss the real life benefits of each part.

Read more

Milestone vehicles throughout the history of variable valve timing.

We’ve been learning a lot about variable valve timing and the technology behind the various systems over the last year here at ELTA. Variable valve timing is a key process used by many vehicle manufacturers to meet increasing strict emission regulations. The methods used vary but the fundamentals remain the same. By gaining more control of valve lift depending on engine speed and conditions, greater efficiency can be achieved. There have been many milestone vehicles since its introduction but here are some of the most significant and iconic.

Read more

TechASSIST: ABS (Wheel Speed) Sensors

ABS Sensor Technical Advice

OUR GUIDE TO ABS SENSORS

Fundamentally, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents skidding and loss of control under harsh braking. The Anti-lock braking system uses ABS Sensors (also known as wheel speed sensors) to sense conditions in the wheel which could result in a skid or loss of traction. But ABS sensors are also used by other vehicle systems aside from the ABS system including:

  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Hill descent control
  • Collision avoidance.

The rapid and accurate feedback from the ABS sensor is vital to an effective anti-lock braking and other safety systems.

The ABS sensor works in conjunction an ABS ring (sometimes referred to as a tone or pulse wheel) that is mounted to a component moving at the same rotation as the wheel. This is often the wheel hub but can also be the brake disc, CV joint or the drive shaft. The ABS sensor is mounted next to the ABS ring and communicates the rotational speed back to the ECU. The way in which rotation in measured depends on the type of sensor and ring in use. The most common sensors are either passive or active.

The ABS Sensors and Ring Diagram

Read More

TechASSIST: Diagnosing Lambda Sensor Issues

Lambda Sensor Fault Diagnosis

Lambda sensors were first fitted to cars in 1977 to improve the efficiency of combustion engines and help to reduce harmful exhaust emissions such as carbon monoxide.

Lambda sensors operate by measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. An efficient engine requires a specific amount of air and fuel in it’s cylinders at combustion. The perfect ratio being 14.7:1 (14.7 parts air to 1 part fuel). This perfect mixture is called Lambda and this is where the unusual name originates. However, they are often also called oxygen sensors or O2 sensors due to their fundamental role of measuring oxygen. The levels calculated by the Lambda are sent as data to the ECU which then calculates and determines how best to achieve the ideal mixture of air and fuel at combustion.

An incorrect air/fuel mixture will be either rich or lean:

• In a rich mixture the air is high in unburned fuel, though low in oxygen.
• A lean mixture has the opposite balance and is high in oxygen due to not enough fuel being injected.

Many vehicles now feature a pre-cat Lambda Sensor and a post-cat Lambda Sensor. Whilst the pre-cat Lambda Sensor communicates to the ECU regulating the air/fuel ratio; the post-cat Lambda Sensor performs a diagnostic role, monitoring the Catalytic Converter.

Read More

TechASSIST: Window Lift Regulators

ELTA Window Lift Regulator

Demand Continues to Rise

Aftermarket demand for window regulators continues to grow year-on-year because, as well as now being a generally standard feature, the trend for larger windows in modern automotive design puts them under increased stress. Here we look at the causes of failure, effective fault diagnosis and key considerations when replacing window lift regulators.

Read More

TechASSIST: Brake Disc Shields

ELTA TECHASSIST BRAKE DISC SHIELDS

Although seen on a daily basis, brake shields, otherwise referred to as dust covers, back plates or splash panels, are largely considered an irrelevance and generally ignored by technicians, as they undertake their regular service and repair responsibilities. Perhaps the only exception is when they are sometimes removed on the misconception that without them brake cooling can be improved or benefit the vehicle’s aesthetics.

Read More

TechASSIST: Wiper Blade Troubleshooting Guide

Wiper Blade Troubleshooting Guide

Diagnosing Wiper Blade Issues

Wiper blades may not be something that we rely upon every day (especially through the summer months) but when we do need them, we need them to perform. Your wipers are all that stand between the assault on your windscreen and your driving vision, making them a critical safety component. However, the performance of your blades hangs in a delicate balance. The soft, supple rubber that sweeps away water so effortlessly is not so great at battling other environmental factors. Faced with an onslaught of road tar, tree sap, cleaning chemicals, insects, oils from exhaust gasses and damaging UV rays, wiper blades can quickly deteriorate and that simple, easy-going component becomes the bane of your driving experience. Streaking, chattering, smearing and noise are all common and whilst replacing the old blades can often cure all of these complaints, it is not always the answer. Garages and motor factors frequently report new blade customers returning and reporting the same issues. ELTA believes that in these cases, the root causes of the symptoms have been missed. Here we look at some of the most common wiper blade complaints and identify possible causes and recommended solutions and additional checks to ensure that higher levels of customer satisfaction are achieved.

Read More