Thursday, October 20, 2011

Are Your Lights Dim?

The purpose of the charging system is to maintain the charge in the vehicle's battery, and to provide the main source of electrical energy while the engine is running.  A compromised  battery, alternator or generator can have many adverse effects on your vehicle.  Today's vehicles rely heavily on the proper operation of it's electrical system.  Stop by 60 Minute Tune for a complimentary charging and starting system analysis today.

If your battery, alternator or generator fails it can be a serious problem that can leave you stranded, without warning. This system is crucial because it keeps your battery charged. It also provides power to run your lights, air conditioning, radio and other electric accessories on your car while it is running. A failed or malfunctioning charging system can ruin a battery by over or under charging it.

If your battery is dead, keeps running down or cranks your engine slowly, you may have a charging system problem.  Please call 60 Minute Tune today and take preventive measures to avoid being stranded.  Stop by for a complimentary charging/starting system analysis.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Is your O2 sensor bad or is it something else?

A common sign of a bad oxygen sensor (O2 sensor) is a decrease in fuel economy. O2 sensors usually last between 60,000 miles and 100,000 miles depending upon the vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for recommended mileage replacement or call 60 Minute Tune, we are here to help.

A decrease in fuel economy does not automatically mean your O2 sensor is bad, it's just a symptom. Before replacing an O2 sensor, your vacuum hoses, spark plugs,  and ignition system should be checked.  A vacuum hose could be leaking which can also cause a bad oxygen sensor symptom even though the sensor is functioning correctly.

A professional shop will use a diagnostic tree to eliminate all other issues to ensure the suggested repair is the right repair for your vehicle. This will save you time and money. Oxygen sensors work by constantly measuring the oxygen content inside the exhaust manifold and comparing it to the air outside the engine.

A bad O2 sensor will usually cause the check engine light to illuminate. Remember a bad O2 sensor diagnostic code is not always the root of the problem. A check engine light may also illuminate due to a fouled plug, bad ignition switch, or a vacuum leak among other problems. All of  these symptoms can return a bad O2 sensor diagnostic code. Be safe have it checked at a professional shop before you spend a fortune on home repair.