Jim Grant's Tech Tips
Parts
Store Diagnosis
Q:
Have you seen a big increase in grounding problems in the
newer cars? Working on Subarus every day we are finding
this to be a major problem. Small grounds from transmission
to body will throw idle air control codes. We see a lot
of people taking cars to parts store and getting the computer
codes read and going out and buying a $150 parts for the
shot in the dark fix. Do you think it's a good idea to let
these people trouble shoot? …
Bob
A:
Computer
grounding problems are an issue. The abundance of winter
road salt used here in New England really exasperate the
problem. Computer grounding problems have been around since
the creation of the first Bosch “Jetronic” system
in 1967. I just scared myself realizing I started out on
those systems. The answer to your first question is yes.
As for your next question “Do you think it's a good
idea to let these people trouble shoot?” I believe
there should be “no restrictions” on who to
or where a consumer can go for information or repairs. Plugging
in a generic scan tool and providing the computer codes
to the consumer is not trouble shooting in my eyes, I view
it is an information service. With that information the
consumer can then make the decision to buy a part or go
to a repair facility. I do have a concern if the parts person
providing the codes to the consumer tells the consumer what
part is needed, a code alone is rarely enough information.
As you point out, a bad ground will set false idle air control
codes. Myself, I have a learned mistrust for computer codes
for the very same reason. But, that is why we do what we
do. I’ve also learned that I should stay away from
plumbing projects..
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