eAir Repair: February 2010

              If you are looking for past issues, click here.
February 2010 edition
In This Issue
EVAP Leak with a Code P0441
1996 Buick Park Avenue
When My Phone Rings
» Your Grade Depends on Setting
Monitors
» Using Air Team Appointment Only
Testing Stations
2001 Honda Civic
2010 Seminar Schedule
Dashboard Tip of the Month
» Shop ID vs. User ID
Articles Needed for eAir Repair
EVAP Leak with a Code P0441
1996 Buick Park Avenue
By: Steve Lind from Lind Auto Service, Inc.
Problem: EVAP Leak with a Code P0441
Solution: The flow chart did not help in this case because when the flow chart
directs you to command the purge solenoid on, that equals 100% PWM. The
vacuum switch would show open or purge (I forget which) at that PWM, but
repair information states it is supposed to open even at a 25% PWM
command. As I increased the PWM incrementally from 0% with the Tech 2, I
noticed the switch would be steadily open only well over 50% PWM. Finding
no other problem, I replaced the vacuum switch and checked to see what the
new switch would do. Sure enough, the new one would show a steady open at
25% PWM or higher. I cleared the code, ran the monitor and no MIL!
Editor s note: This technician has an excellent habit of testing the vehicle after
a repair. He has confirmed the repair and knows what a good component
looks like on his testing equipment.
back to top
When My Phone Rings
By: Dave Alder from Applus Technologies, Inc.
Your Grade Depends on Setting Monitors
This month I want to share with you a phone call I got from a shop with a vehicle that failed with a
P0420 CAT code. The shop replaced one O2 sensor and the CAT. After the repair, the shop told
the motorist to  drive around  to set the monitors. Keep in mind this vehicle had a CAT failure so
the CAT monitor has to run.
The motorist drove the vehicle for about 500 miles (with expired plates) and brought the vehicle
in to be tested. The motorist filled out the RDR for the shop since the shop did not do it. When
the car rejected for the CAT monitor, I got a phone call.
The first point I would like to make is that repair shops should protect their grade in the Report Card by setting monitors as part of
the repair process. This is better customer service, and nobody likes an irate come-back.
Second, "driving around" does not set monitors. The shop manager called me to complain that monitors would not set. I asked if
the drive cycle was followed and I got the "it was driven 500 miles." The specific drive cycle needs to be followed, in this case
twice. This particular vehicle needs two good trips to set the CAT monitor. After the shop drove the proper drive cycle twice, the
CAT monitor ran without any other repairs. Instead of doing this while the vehicle was in for the initial CAT failure, the shop now
has to deal with a fail in the Report Card and an unhappy customer. That is if we can still call the motorist a customer.