Engine Sensors

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efi spares trade tips

 

CHECK THE BASICS FIRST!!!

 Compression Test,Vacuum leaks!!!!

 

Always check injector pulse, spark & fuel supply EVEN  if you have a scan tool.

If you have no injector pulse, spark or fuel pump supply - check you have 12volts to these items.

If running rough - check cam timing and make sure piston is at TDC as pulleys & cam gears move.

If no power - make sure air intake or exhaust (cat) isn’t blocked.
To check cat remove 02 sensor & exhaust will flow out.

Check fuel flow.

*REMEMBER - Fuel flow is more important than fuel pressure. You must have a good return of fuel out of regulator. Same symptom as carby with low float level.

PROBLEM CARS

Cam & Crank sensors -  Wont start or runs on 2cylinders, cam or crank timing out
    Signal has to be at ECU from both sensors At exact time. Check cam & crank drives.

Spark plugs-   Make sure you have right plugs and gap.
    I have seen wrong length plugs & to small a gap causing misfire or no start!

Bad earths - Late model vehicles must have good earths or they will run rough or not start. Add extra earth wires to block & gearbox.

O2 Sensors - Make sure it is ok (switching voltage).

Power steering - Most new cars have power steering unit as part of steering column, not rack it is computer operated and can cost up to $8 000 for new unit ( We are trying to repair these now).

Alternators - Most vehicles 2004 on have regulator in computer, check charge rate, if not charging maybe faulty computer not alternator.

Charcoal cannister & Purge control valves - Running rich _ Cars with map sensors. If purge control is leaking vacuum, it will cause running rich on cars with MAP sensor as it creates a vacuum leak at idle. The map sensor reads low vacuum and will richen the mixture. Common fault.

Cars with variable timing - Fault - No power cold - Wrong or old engine oil causing sensor to give false oil pressure reading to ECU. Wont drive sensor advance. Use oil flush & correct grade oil.       

Cars stuck in limp mode-check reverse & brake lights are working-check cruise contol as it it linked to brake light swich and fuse

MOST COMMON FAULTS

CAR

PROBLEM

DIAGNOSIS

Alfa 156 2000 on

No drive when put in gear (auto)power windows dont work

Blown power window fuse(located below steer column drivers side)

Audi A4 2000 on

Gear selector will not shift out of park

check stop light fuse

Audi A4 Cabrio

 

No start

Earth post located below dash near fuse box securing 4 brown earth wires,poor connection.(clean)

Audi A6 1999 on

No start

Low oil level,will cause no start

BMW 84-96

No fuel pump supply

Check voltage to pump, if none ECU faulty, not switching relay

(Common fault).

BMW 84-96

Surging, lack of power.

Airflow meter! Check fuel pressure & flow.

BMW Most models ,with coil over

Misfire

Find & replace faulty coils

Chrysler Neon

Cutting out, wont rev

Cam sensor connector full of oil. Replace.

Daewoo - Most model 1996 on

No start after fitting Engine/ Gearbox/ Starter motor   

Daewoo wiring loom near starter motor has a main ECU earth wire which bolts onto the block under the starter motor. This wire is black and will fit onto starter motor 12 volt feed from battery. Car will not start if this wire is fitted to s/motor - sends 12 volts down earth wire on crank. 'This is a common fault". Recheck the wiring loom to starter motor.

Daewoo Cielo

Runs rough on 3cyls

Always check cam lobes no.3 exhaust worn out due to lack of oil + clean oil screen on pump.

Daewoo Lanos / Nubira

No spark, runs rough or no inj pulse

Faulty coil pack replace (common fault), Check power supply to coil pack

Daewoo Nubira

High idle

(common fault)

Try new idle motor, but has to be reprogrammed by Daewoo,try cleaning idle motor and pulling out plunger extra 15mm,refit and start car,hold at 4000rpm for 1 minute,should rest idle correctly

Diahatsu most models 

Surging, cutting out

Runs rough.

Water leaking on ECU wiring loom in front of centre console.

Diahatsu Charade/ Feroza

Cuts out, hard to start

Faulty coolant temp switch

Diahatsu Sirion

Wont start no injector pulse, no spark

Wrong or old engine oil, slowing crank signal to ECU. To check take spark plugs out & check injector pulse(motor winds over faster)

Diesel EFI

Runs rough

No power.

BEWARE usually pump problem cost up to $8,000. If not sure send to dealer for second opinion.

Ford Courier/Bravo

92-98

Runs on 2 cylinders

Faulty ECU (Injector drive)

EA-EB CFI

Fuel pump on and injectors on with keys out of car, fuel running out of air cleaner

Bad earth causing injectors and fuel pump to stay on via EFI relay switching on fuel pump relay. Check earth to block.

common fault

Ford Falcon EA-ED

Rough idle runs rich

Split map sensor vacuum hose at manifold or fuel press reg blocked or leaking.

Falcon EA-EL

No spark

Has injector pulse

To check if dizzy is faulty put inj noid light in coil plug & if it pulses dizzy ok. Replace coil.

EA-EL

No power

Cat blocked, injectors, low fuel flow or cam timing out 1 tooth (common fault)

EA-EL 6cyl

Surging/ pinging/ no power

Check timing/ if moving remove dizzy & check dizzy drive gear on dizzy cam - If worn R&R timing chain & replace dizzy cam. Major job (common fault)

EA-EL V8

Misfire

H/Bal has moved causing vibration, ECU then cuts out cylinders to compensate. Check piston TDC to mark on pulley.(Common fault)

EB11- EL

Wont start

No injector pulse

Check interior light fuse. As this is power supply for smart lock.

EB11-ED-EF-EL-XG-XH

Immoboliser signal

 

Check pin 4 at ECU with scope, key on, will be square wave pattern.

(PIN 3 on EF-EL-XH)

EB11 - EL/ Early AU1

(Smartlock)

No start, has good signal from dizzy or crank sensor

Maybe smartlock ( can overide). Leave key on for 40 minutes. If it starts its a faulty immoboliser. Check interior light fuse first!

EB-EL

Key on Smartlock light flashing code 5

 

Voltage surge,check earths,Under charging battery

 

EF

Stalling, erratic idle

Computer faulty

EF/EL

No start,no crank

Check 30 amp engine fuse,if blown air con compressor siezed,remove fan belt to confirm

 

EF/ EL

High idle

Intake manifold gasket leak.

EF/AU1

Cuts out

Hard to start

Crank sensor at H/Bal dirty (oil leak) Also H/Bal loose & hitting crank sensor.

AU

Runs rough, rich

Fuel press reg in rail is blocked due to internals of rail rusting you must clean out or replace fuel rail. Before fitting new reg

AU

No injector pulse on

 1 or 2 cylinders

Faulty coil pack

AU STATION WAGON

 

Stalling when brakes applied

 

Fuel pump earth shares same earth as brake & reverse located RH front inner guard

 

BA/BF 6 cyl

Misfire

Coils (Replace all 6 coils)

BA         

 

No start cold

 

Bad earth or resin in ECU seperating. Try pouring hot water onto ECU. If it starts ECU is faulty.

BA 6 cyl

Runs on 4 cyls afterhard acceleration

 

Faulty variable cam  sensor mech,flush oil & put correct eng oil

 

BA   6&V8

Stalling, Surging

TPS code

Faulty throttle body assembly

(Replace)

BA 6 cyl

runs rich,code 02 sensor

Fuel rail rusty inside and blocking sreen on press reg,to cnfirm check fuel return to tank should be at least 1.0lt in 60 seconds if not replace or clean fuel rail + new press reg and 02 sensor (common fault)

BA/ BF

No start, has injector pulse, no spark, no communication to ECU with scan tool.

Bad earth at battery.

Check all earths.

Ford BA/ BF 6cyl

High idle, surging. All TPS codes.

Intake manifold gasket leaking (Common fault).

BA/BF

No Triptronic function on auto. code selector range shift fault

Listen for buzzing noise from trans in park or neutral or light in cluster always shows trans in drive. fault is broken wire in harness under ABS module

Ford Explorer

Stalling/ lean ,O2 sensor fault codes

Intake manifold warped & sucking air into  intake ports. Replace bottom intake manifold (common fault)

Ford Focus                  

No power/fuel gauge codes

Faulty fuel pump ass.replace ASAP as it will damage dash cluster-$1100.00 from ford for dash + coding

Ford Focus 2002 on manual trans

hard to start/surging

Vechile speed sensor out of range or faulty,to test VSS resistance should be 1.5 kohms between VSS signal out & ground pins at 3 pin connector

Ford Festiva

No start,no dash lights

Ign switch or check near battery tray for damaged wiring from spilled batt acid

 

Ford Laser KC/KH

Surging, cutting out

Runs rough.

Water leaking on ECU wiring loom in front of centre console.

Laser / Mazda 323 98/01 1.6 eng

Misfire

No codes

Faulty coil. Change both coils & leads.

Laser / Mazda 323 98/01 1.6 eng

Runs rough, no power, no fault code.

Faulty airflow meter. Disconnect & drive to verify.

Laser / Mazda 323

with timing chain

Runs rough

Cam sensor code

Check cam timing / Tensioner loose will set cam code when timing out

Ford Mondeo

High rough idle

Check split vaccum hose under coils

Or at back of engine.

Ford Mondeo

Cutting out

Hard to start

Wiring loom loose at back of engine, wires melted to EGR pipes.

Ford Transit Diesel

Runs rough & no power

Don’t bother!

Send to Ford dealer usually pump.

Ford Transit 2.0LT

Diagnostic plug?

Where is it?

Hidden in fuse box, behind fuses LH Top side, pull out separate fuse panel.

Ford Transit Petrol 2.0LT

Stalling.

High idle

Surging

Usually Air flow/ Air intake tubes or EGR valve leaking.

(Common fault)

Ford Transit 2.0LT

Petrol

O2 code

Surging

Check O2 fuse in separate fuse box RHF chassis rail.

Plus replace O2 sensor

Ford Transit 2.3LT

Misfire

Faulty coils & leads

Ford Transit 2000 on

 

No throttle response

 

Throttle pedal sensor  & throttle body out of range,to reset ewitch ign on,slowly depress acc pedal to full travel release slowly.this should reset system

 

Holden  Vectra

Cutting out, misfire (no fault codes)

Check wiring loom to crank sensor or faulty coil pack

TS Astra

Crank code stuck or runs rough or wont rev

Sump has been hit and has damaged ring gear on crank for trigger signal. When replacing sump check ring gear!

TS Astra

Airflow code keeps coming up

Bad earth wire out of ECU to airflow meter. (Yellow wire)

Replace A/flow & add extra earth wire or repair /replace computer.

 TS Astra

Goes to idle, surging

Faulty throttle body assembly, faulty EGR Valve

TS Astra

 

Stalling, runs rough, check light on all the time.

(Check codes & repair items listed first)

Bad earth outputs out of ECU. We have to send ECU, key, reader away to be repaired,replace computer

(Common Fault)

Barina SB late

Fans not working rad or interior

CODE -Quad control module-this code means relay-there are 3 relays behind battery (hard to find) these conrol fan operation-replace all 3

XC Barina / Combo

Stalling & surging

EGR valve faulty (common fault),

Throttle body.

XC Barina/ Combo

 

Stalling, erratic idle

(Check codes & repair items listed first

Bad earth outputs out of ECU. We have to send ECU, immoboliser, key, reader & dash (speedo) away to be repaired. (Common fault),or replace computer,must be programed

VL-Skyline

Hard to start cold

No signal from starter to pin 9, at ECU. Must see 8 volts + otherwise wont advance or richen (common fault)

VL-Skyline

Cuts out

Bad connection to dizzy, do wiggle test. Replace plug & crank sensor as moisture has gone into crank sensor (common fault).

Commodore VN/VY V6

Cuts out

Check codes, If cam & crank appear, it is a faulty coil pack.As this supplies voltage to both sensors. Replace coil pack & crank sensor.

 Commodore VP/VR

Runs rough, hard to start

Fuel press reg sucking vapors & fuel into manifold via vacuum hose.

VR- VS

No start. Code 31  ( Check crank sensor & Coil pack are o.k)

Maybe BCM. (Can overide) Leave key on for 50 minutes. If it starts faulty BCM & key fob.

VR-VT

To reset BCM      

To reset BCM R&R Fuel pump fuse. If you have a problem with some functions not working try this. If it doesn't fix problem the BCM is faulty.

VS-VT V6

 O2 code even after fitting new O2 sensor

(02 not working)

Check earth circuit for both O2’s at ECU pins D14 & D16.

Bridge a wire to both earth outputs to rectify.

VS

 

fans not coming on

 

This is a common fault,BCM runs low speed fan,eng ECU runs hi speed fan.may have bad earth at bolt near battery or wrong thermostat fitted,coolant temp switch,ECU,or relay (2 relays)

VT

Faulty BCM

Check if cooling fan relay is correct,After market relay does not work correctly and will damage BCM(low speed fan operation)

VT-VX

No start or cutting out,has spark & injection but no fuel pressure

beware before changing fuel pump ass,check 12 volts to pump connection as could be fuel pump relay(switches of when hot)

VT-VY 5.7 GENIII

Misfire

Faulty coils (common fault)

Replace all coils.

VT-VY 5.7

GENIII

Cam sensor code

R&R Manifold to replace sensor at back of valley.

VT-VY 5.7 GENIII

O2 sensor codes

If new extractors fitted O2’s will fail in 2 days due to paint & sealant

VT-VY 5.7

Stalling, surging

Split hose at throttle body. Replace complete PVC hose kit.(Holden)

VT-VY

Dash lights on, fans on sometimes

Faulty ABS module

VT-VY

Cuts out, hard to start

Faulty wiring in fuel tank, replace fuel pump assembly or if losing spark - coil pack assembly.

VZ-VE V6

Misfire. No fault codes.

Coils misfiring ( Common fault) replace.

Holden Jackaroo 3.2 & 3.5 Petrol

Surging & runs rich

Airflow meter, but usually O2 sensor faulty.

Holden Jackaroo 3.0

Turbo Diesel

Wont start after fitting new clutch assembly

Flywheel is in wrong position for crank sensor. You must mark flywheel first. As it fits on 8 ways

(Common fault).

Holden Jackaroo 3.0

Turbo Diesel

Runs rough, No power!

If no codes (Dealer only)

BEWARE send to dealer!

$14000 for new engine.

Do not do head gasket!

Holden Rodeo V6 3.2

Hard to start

Cranks ok

Replace battery(common fault)

Losing voltage to ECU on start

 Rodeo 2.6

Hard to start - no fuel pressure

Check voltage to pump connector near fuel filter. Also main brown relay under bonnet.

Rodeo 2.6

No spark

Hard to start

Check voltage to coil on crank, check brown relay, also fuse 9 under dash will have bad connection

(common fault)

Rodeo/Jackaroo 3.5

TPS Code constant

Replace TPS, if code keeps coming back, Check 02 sensor switching, If it has a faulty 02 it will bring up TPS code as circuit is part of fuel trim, try disconnecting 02 sensor to get rid of TPS code

Rodeo/ Jackaroo V6

2000 on

Runs rough on one bank after fitting heads or engine

Loom to o2 sensors on wrong bank ie. left hand loom going to right hand oxygen sensor. Wiring loom reads different to both o2 sensors, cuts injection duration to one bank

Holden Viva 05 on

Runs rough after fitting head or battery disconnected, Check light on   Code-Engine misfire

Computer lost memory for cam timing, Software has to be reprogramed by Holden dealer. NOTE - This is a common fault.

Honda

most models to 1999

No fuel pressure or spark

Check 12volts to pump/or dizzy, If no voltage main relay (8 pin plug under dash) Faulty- resolder board or replace(common fault)

Hyundai - 4cyl / V6 1996 on with Crank angle sensor behind timing belt.

Runs rough. Crank sensor code (Not always). Crank sensor is behind timing belt.

Timing belt out 1 tooth or crank sensor oil soaked or C.A.S disc plate loose behind crank timing belt pulley (common fault).

Accent

High idle-code for idle motor stuck on

check for 12 volts to plug for idle motor,if not there it has a blown fuse under bonnet

Hyundai Excel

series 1 & 2

Runs rough.

No fault codes.

Faulty computer

Excel series 3/ Accent

Cuts out after 3 seconds from start   

Losing power to coil & injectors. Faulty EFI main relay or faulty ignition switch (worn)

Common fault

Excel Series 3

Cuts out / Hard to start. No fault codes

Faulty crank angle plug connector, replace plug kit & crank sensor.

Excel Series 3

Single cam

Runs rough & rich

Airflow meter on back to front (common fault)

Excel Series 3

Twin cam

Runs rough, surging

Faulty TPS or map sensor,check codes

Hyundai Grandeur V6

Surging, no power

Airflow meter faulty, disconnect to verify.

Hyundai Lantra 1.6 & 1.8 DOHC

Running rough, Bad idle. No Power

Cam timing may appear right, but use straight edge on cam marks. Tensioner not set right.

Jeep 6 cyl

TPS Codes

Check wires not broken at junction of fuel rail for TPS. Test voltages and earth at TPS, Do wiggle test at loom near injector rail                                                                        

Jeep Cherokee  6cyl

 

Vechile starts,runs for a few seconds and then cuts out

 

Body control does not recognise ignition key transponder,to reset,remove 50 AMP enscapulated fuse for 30 seconds,Fuse is located in engine fuse box (MUX/T-TOW) Refit fuse and vechile should start

 

Jeep Cherokee & Wrangler 94-00

Cutting out

Wont start

Crank sensor on flywheel faulty. Replace (common fault).OR Auto shut down relay faulty,if no power to coil,disconnect crank sensor,if power appears cas faulty

Kia Sportage

Cutting out

Wiring loom loose at back of head melting on EGR pipes

Kia Sportage

No injector pulse

Power to smart lock, check tail light fuse.

Mazda V6/ Telstar 2.5

No spark

Replace dizzy (common fault)

Also check fault codes- If crank sensor code, beware as some have separate crank sensor on front of engine (replace)

Mazda V6/ Telstar 2.5

Surging / Stalling

Check codes O2 sensors replace both (common fault)

Mitsh all models 1996/on

Wont start, Immobiliser code. Has spark but no injector pulse.

Usually worn key. Immoboliser signal missing to ECU. Try spare key (common fault)

Mitsh 1996 on 4cyl/ V6

 

Runs rough

Crank sensor code (not always)

Timing belt out 1 tooth or crank sensor oil soaked or C.A.S disc plate loose behind crank timing belt pulley (common fault)

Mitsh most models with immobiliser

no inj pulse but has spark

Wrong or worn key,immobiliser will lock and shut system down if constant no start-to reset switch ign on for 60 minutes then switch ign OFF for 5 minutes ,car should now restart

Mitsh Lancer CE

1996-2003

Speedo failure

Incorrect spark plugs!

Must use resistor plugs or will damage microprocessor on speedo circuit board.

lancer/io pajero/ 1.8/2.0

no start after fitting engine or head

coil plug and crank sensor connector fitted on inncorrectly ,will fry computer

Mitsh Magna TE V6

Auto limp mode, Bangs into reverse gear

Check reverse light, if the fuse is blown it locks into limp mode

Mitsh Magna TR / TS

Bad idle

I.S.C motor, computer or airflow meter.

TR / TS

Auto trans stuck in 3rd gear (limp mode)

Trans ECU faulty or TPS connection corroded

TR/TS

T.P.S Code stuck

Check green wire on end ECU plug. (Pulls out when pulling on ECU plug to change ECU).

TR/TS 4cyl

Cuts out, bad connection to dizzy. Do wiggle test.

Replace plug & dizzy. Check plug to TPS.

Common fault.

TS 4 &V6

No spark, has injector pulse or no earth to start relay

Late TS has immobiliser fitted behind ECU plate stops ignitor. To rectify rewire ignitor wire direct to ECU

Magne TE- TH V6

No idle after repairs or battery change

This a common fault,as ECU loses memory,to reset- ign on,press mode button until beep is heard,display screen will show engine capacity,if not correct eng shown use trip computer up & down to set eng size,then press Mode button until beep is heard!this should reset idle

Magna/Pajero V6

Runs rough, surging, intermittent,No codes

O2 sensor faulty,disconnect to verify

Mitsh Triton/ L300 2.4 with dizzy on cam cover

 

Surging,

No power

Worn dizzy drive plate on front of cam, only wears 3mm but changes timing 20° both ways on cruise.

Nissan Bluebird

Runs rough

Cutting out

Oil in dizzy.

Replace dizzy

Nissan Exa 1.6-1.8 300Z /RB20/25

Misfire on 1 cylinder

Faulty ignition module, Replace.

Nissan Maxima V6

Runs rough, cuts out surging

Water leaking onto ECU wiring in front of centre console (common fault)

Nissan Maxima A33-A34

Bad idle/ Stalling.

Idle motor fails due to water leaking into ISC  & then burns out idle circuit in ECU.

 Replace idle motor & repair ECU if burnt board.

Nissan Patrol Turbo Diesel EFI

Wont rev

Airflow meter.

Disconnect to verify

Nissan N16

No start or cutting out

This is a common fault,faulty cam or crank sensor-replace both as linked to same circuit in ECU (usaually no fault code)

Nissan Pulsar N15/ N16

Bad idle/ Stalling.

Idle motor fails due to water leaking into ISC  & then burns out idle circuit in ECU.

 Replace idle motor & repair ECU if burnt board.

Nissan N16

Crank or Cam sensor code stuck, stalling

Timing chain tensioner worn, or chain stretched. To check line up dots on cams, then measure tensioner piston protrusion, if it is over 10mm the chain is stretched!

Nissan N16 with VVT

Bad idle when hot

Check inlet cam VVT sensor, wont retard inlet cam when returns to idle. Change engine oil or replace VVT switch (No code)

Nissan Pulsar N14/15/16

Hard to start cold

No signal from starter motor to ECU wont advance or richen, must see 8volts plus at starter pin in ECU. Check start fuse in fuse panel (common fault)

Toyota all models

2006 on

Lost or damaged key

(Send to dealer)

You have to replace key, barrel kit & computer costs $1500 to $2300.

Toyota Camry SVD10 4cyl

Cuts out

Hard to start

Plug in dizzy faulty to rectify replace dizzy.if map sensor code ,it will be a faulty computer

Toyota Camry V6 96-01

Surging

Stalling

EGR Valve incorrectly switching, replace EGR sensor (common fault)

Camry /Corolla /Rav4(coil over plugs) 4cyl

Wont start or runs rough

Short in one coil sends voltage down earth wires to ECU. Disconnect 1 coil at a time to find faulty coil.

Rav 4 2003 on

Auto shift problems shuddering

ECU faulty (common fault) If left too long burns out end clutch in trans. (Toyota has to recalibrate ECU)

Echo with variable cam timing

No power

Wrong or old engine oil causing VVS sensor not to move. Use oil flush & correct grade oil.If still no power the airflow meter is faulty(usually no fault code)

Common fault

Saab 84-96

No fuel pump supply

Check voltage to pump, if none ECU faulty, not switching relay (Common fault).

Saab 84-96

Surging, lack of power.

Airflow meter! Check fuel pressure & flow.

SAAB late model

misfire

One piece coil pack ass faulty-replace (common fault)

Subaru 98 on

Wont start.

No injector pulse

Worn key (common fault)

Subaru late

In limp mode,will change gears but no power,no cruise control

Check that brake lights are working. If brake light fuse blown will cause the vehicle to go into limp mode.

Subaru late

Wont rev

Air flow meter faulty, disconnect to verify.

Subaru late

Misfire

No codes

Faulty coil pack & change leads

(common fault)

Volvo 84-96

No fuel pump supply

Check voltage to pump, if none ECU faulty, not switching relay (Common fault).

Volvo 84-96

Surging, lack of power.   

Airflow meter! Check fuel pressure & flow.

VW / Seat

Cutting out

No spark

Faulty coil. Test signal out of dizzy, replace pickup in dizzy & coil.

VW- Seat 1998 on

Bad idle, stalling

Electronic throttle body or vacuum leak.

VW/ Seat 1996 on

With coil over

Misfire

Faulty Coils ( Common fault)

VW Transporter 2.0/2.5LT   

Cutting out, No start sometimes

Faulty EFI relay number 30 under the dash, it cuts power to pump or coil. Replace it & wiring loom under the intake manifold if corroded & bare wires touching.

Common fault

VW Transporter 2.0/2.5LT   

Hard to start cold,runs rich   

If previous tests done. I have found that coolant temp switch is faulty, check voltage