Presentations

Electronically Controlled Turbocharging Systems

Omar Trinidad — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 06:40:40 PST

This article summarizes the design, function, and major issues regarding electronically controlled tubo charging systems.

Variable Camshaft Timing/ Variable Valve Timing

Matt Dixon — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:10:24 PDT

Variable camshaft timing (VCT) and variable valve timing (VVT) have become common strategies used by many automotive manufacturers to increase engine performance, reduce emissions, and improve economy and driveability. This presentation was conducted at the fall 2012 ICAIA conference in Joliet, IL on October 5th, 2012. The two most popular methods include the use of a phaser to alter camshaft position and the use of multiple camshaft lobes with rocker arm coupling and de-coupling (both phaser and lobe switching methods can also be combined). VCT/VVT use can be employed on pushrod engines, DOHC, SOHC engines and can be utilized on just intake valves, just exhaust valves or both intake and exhaust valves. A review of mechanical components, hydraulic controls, and electrical controls is provided along with observations regarding operation. In addition, basic diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) and troubleshooting points are discussed.

Prius High Voltage Battery Diagnosis and Upgrade

Timothy Janello — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 08:20:21 PDT

The Tricks of NOx : Oxides of Nitrogen

Timothy Janello — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 08:20:21 PDT

The Mitsubishi i electric vehicle

Matt Dixon — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:04:41 PDT

In 2012 Mitsubishi introduced the "i" electric vehicle. This vehicle is 100% electric drive meaning no engine, no fuel tank, no motor oil, no air filter (other than maybe a cabin air filter) A 3 phase AC motor propels the vehicle. The battery pack is a 330-360 volt lithium ion style pack. The vehicle features an electric A/C compressor and electric heater. This presentation was presented to SIU automotive students as a glimpse into the possible future of production electric vehicle service.

Changes in Gasoline Chemistry

Matt Dixon et al. — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:48:23 PDT

Gasoline is a zeotropic blend of approximately 500 different hydrocarbons. Gasoline differs in BTU energy content, octane rating, vapor pressure, distillation class, content of ethers and alcohol. Over time, the content of gasoline has changed because of various concerns and regulatory requirements. Lead is banned for on road use because of coating the catalytic converter. Aromatic levels have fluctuated. Benzene is now limited to less than 2/3 of one percent of volume. Ethers, most notably MTBE, have been banned by several states. Oxygenated fuels, reformulated gasoline, and ever evolving federal and state requirements have promoted the use of ethanol as an oxygenate, where it is necessary. Excise and sales taxes on gasoline vary by state. This presentation is aimed at automotive instructors to assist them in providing students relevant knowledge and recommended practices concerning gasoline.

Coil On Plug Ignition: The Wired Differences

Matt Dixon — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:37:35 PDT

The dominant method of providing spark on late model gasoline engines is coil on plug (C.O.P.) ignition systems. Looking underhood on different vehicle makes will reveal that some coils have 2 wires, some have 3 and others have 4. The presentation examines how each of these coils is triggered and what tools and test methods are best. Several scope images and component pictures are included. Also consider viewing the July 2011 article on this topic I wrote for Underhood Service.

Gasoline Direct Injection

Omar Trinidad — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:49:09 PDT

Hybrid Air Conditioning Systems Overview

Eugene Talley — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 20:05:43 PDT

Steering Angle Sensor Resets

Timothy Janello — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 19:45:20 PDT

Undercar Electrical Diagnostics

Timothy Janello et al. — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 19:36:42 PDT

R1234yf Refrigerant

Eugene Talley — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:41:36 PDT

Basic Stability Systems

Matt Dixon — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:12:01 PDT

Federal standards require that vehicle manufacturers equip 100% of light duty vehicles with a stability system for the 2012 model year. (FMVSS 126) This presentation examines basic stability system components, inputs, outputs, hydraulic operation and service operations including examples of component replacement and bleeding. This presentation was for the fall 2010 ICAIA conference.

Animating Your Presentations

Omar Trinidad — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:05:36 PDT

Hybrid Regenerative Braking Systems

Timothy Janello et al. — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:38:23 PDT

Hybrid Vehicle General Servicing Issues

Timothy Janello et al. — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 08:47:30 PDT

Overview of general servicing of Toyota, Honda, and Ford Hybrid Vehicles.

Hybrid Vehicles & Changes

Timothy Janello et al. — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:44:46 PDT

Hybrid Maintenance

Timothy Janello — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:25:03 PDT

Driveability: What is normal?

Matt Dixon — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:47:39 PDT

Like experts in other professions, automotive technicians must sift through a plethora of data to determine course of action. The data itself is meaningless without understanding of what the numbers mean. This fall 2009 ICAIA presentation examines 5 different vehicles across 5 different operating conditions measured with 5 different scan tools in an investigation of "normal" parameters.

Demographics and Learning Styles of Automotive Students

Omar Trinidad — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:20:23 PDT