The internal combustion engine contains a device called the camshaft. The job of the camshaft is to manage the intake of gasoline and the emission of fumes from the exhaust system. There are offset lobes attached to the camshaft which control the exhaust valves and intake valves. A timing belt or chain link the camshaft … Read more
On modern fuel injected engines, there are many sensors that work together to tell the engine or transmission computer the state of the world. The computer needs to know how fast the wheels are turning, how fast the engine is spinning, and make sure that all monitored parameters remain within specifications. A “speed sensor” could … Read more
The idle air control valve is responsible for managing the engine idle speed in revolutions per minute (RPM). When it starts malfunctioning, you’ll start experiencing some fairly obvious clues of its failure. Keep reading to learn the most common symptoms of a bad idle air control valve, what causes it to fail, and how much … Read more
An oil control valve (also referred to as a VVT solenoid) is an important component of a vehicle with a variable valve timing (VVT) system. The existence of the system aims to control the performance of the engine utilizing two methods to retard and advance camshaft angle. If your oil control valve goes bad, you’ll … Read more
The fuel pressure sensor is a small but crucial component that plays a major role in making sure that your engine receives the right amount of fuel for peak performance and efficiency. If this component were to fail, a variety of issues can result. Keep reading to learn about the most common symptoms of a … Read more
The alternator is the backbone of your vehicle’s electrical system, silently keeping everything from headlights to your windshield wipers running as intended. Despite its major role, many drivers overlook this component until it’s too late. A failing alternator can quickly turn a routine drive into a roadside emergency, leaving you stranded at the worst possible … Read more
The ECU is the Engine Control Unit of your vehicle. It’s also commonly referred to as the ECM (Engine Control Module) or even a PCM (Powertrain Control Module), although a PCM has additional functions as well. This electronic module is a built-in computer which your vehicle depends on for managing a variety of its systems … Read more
It can be a terrible feeling when you have trouble starting your engine. When it’s cold outside, the feeling is even worse although the situation is more likely during winter. You might have a dozen ideas running through your head about why your engine is so difficult to start. Perhaps you worry that your engine … Read more
The idle air control valve is a small, yet important component in your car’s engine. Its job is to regulate the air flow into your engine, which in turn controls the engine’s idle speed. When functioning properly, it helps maintain a steady idle speed under various conditions. However, a dirty or faulty idle air control … Read more
Modern vehicles have so many electrical devices built into them. The alternator is what keeps these devices powered while the vehicle is in operation. But it is the battery that supplies power to the starter motor which gets the vehicle running in the first place. The battery also manages the electrical devices after you turn … Read more