How to Troubleshoot an Automotive Engine
Whether you plan on doing your own automotive engine repairs or leaving your car with a professional mechanic to do the work, learning how to troubleshoot an automotive engine is a necessity to save yourself time and money. Today's automotive engines are mostly computer driven; understanding the error codes will be helpful in trouble shooting. By using a scanner, you can quickly understand the error codes of your car's computer and assess the necessary repairs. The remainder of the engine hasn't changed much over the years; a few simple steps will help you narrow down the possibilities of what is causing trouble when you troubleshoot.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Drive your car until it is at normal operating temperature; shift through or otherwise engage all the gears. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
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Lay an old white sheet on the ground beneath the engine and watch for any leaks. Leaks not only reveal a loss of fluid, but possible vacuum leaks in your car's system that will cause the car to lose power or the engine to operate erratically. If the car has a leak and the fluid is greenish in color, it is coming from your cooling system. Check and replace hoses as necessary. If the leak is oil, check your oil pump, filter, drain bolts and coolant tubes for potential leaks.
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Connect your Actron CP9135 OBDII AutoScanner to the scanner port of your car; consult your vehicle's manual for the exact location. The port is typically located under the dash on the driver's side; the port will match the plug on the scanner.
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Turn the autoscanner on and select "Error Codes" from the menu. The scanner will then read your car's computer and return any codes found. Use the accompanying book and software to match the code to the problem. An autoscanner will help you identify problems with the exhaust, cooling and electrical operational systems of your car. Follow the suggestions in the code book to remedy the problem. Reset the error code and perform the test again to see if the error has been resolved. If it has not, take your vehicle to a professional mechanic and tell them the code you are receiving.
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5
Turn the engine on and leave the car idling. Listen to the engine. If you hear a high whine that may or may not go away as your car is warming up, the fan belts are worn or loose and should be replaced. For other sounds, use an automotive stethoscope (just like a medical one, but it has a metal rod rather than a cup at the end). Listen to the different parts of the engine by placing the end of the metal rod directly on the engine block. You will know the area making the sound because the volume of the noise is the stethoscope will be almost deafening. Depending on the location of the sound, use your car's manual and engine diagram to identify which internal part is malfunctioning to direct your repair efforts.
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Tips & Warnings
Autozone and other auto supply stores often offer free scanning of computer codes; save yourself the expense of having to buy your own scanner and learning the codes for your car.
If you use an autoscanner other than the Acton CP9135, be aware that OBDII is only effective for cars made from 1996 to 2003; you will need the CAN-BUS protocol (included in the CP9135 ) to read the codes from an automotive engine made after 2003.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Actron Inc.
