Blogs

So back from the Tour today, now to get to work. I have Boston and Baltimore coming up this November, and more to expand on the Energy Management System.
 
I learned some additional information on the EMS for Audi and Volkswagen. The E415 ignition switch, looks like this ignition switch will follow suit like the Mercedes switch.
 
Now this is the main function of this E415 on the models with Advanced Key Systems. If a key is inserted into the Access/Start Authorization Switch E415 (= S contact on), the electronics system stimulates the key via the read coil.

So still on the Seminar Tour, now landed in NY. This is the last
Seminar stop before coming home. Been a LONG 30 days, but it has been so worth the effort.

I met some really smart Techs, and Shop Owners. We also had a great time, some fun stories, and LOTS of information and learning.

The learning never stops when it comes to these complex cars and their systems. In another two weeks, I'll be in Boston, then Baltimore. Looking forward to this trip.

Greetings fellow Technicians.
Yes, it's the Car Commando reminding you that if the battery is dead in the Audi A6 and A8 Series car of 2003 to present, more likely, it isn't JUST the battery.
 
My ranting of B+ and Grounds is NOW coming to truth and reality.
 
These high current consumption cars and their systems now have a battery management strategy. And if it isn't working like planned, batteries will be going south, and your head will explode wondering what the %#^%& is causing this?
 

From the VW Tech Tip Archives:
Roll starting a 2005-2007 VW with manual trans may set DTC P3049.
The ECM needs to see a 1 - 2 second delay AFTER the ignition switch signals the relay to start the vehicle. Roll starting the vehicle prevents this delay, causing the ECM to set the DTC. 
DTC P3049 will NOT be set by the ignition switch, ECM, or engine harness.
ONLY a faulty relay or a starting procedure that prevents the ECM from seeing the delay will set this fault code.

Great video of a Nissan GT-R being tossed around Northern Sweden and then UP a snow covered ski slope.

I think I might have stopped to give the two hitchhiking girls a ride...wait, no back seat. Ok, maybe just the blond.

And I can't figure out why the guys on the snowmobiles are following it up the slope. Were the filmmakers trying to give it a James Bond kind of feel? Doesn't matter, the footage is really good and I love the music.

I'm just kidding about the music...

Auto racing in 1956 was friggen crazy! Check out this video from 1956, cameras and a microphone strapped to Mike Hawthorne and his Jaguar as he drives one lap of the LeMans circuit. No guardrails, no catch fencing, nothing. These are public roads, IN USE by the public since it's not race day...

Also note that 1956 is the year after the horrific crash where Pierre Levegh lost control of his Mercedes on the pit straight and launched into the crowd at 150 mph, killing 84 and injuring over 120. Mike Hawthorne and his Jaguar played a role in the accident.

Car Commando from the Field. More TDI Diagnostics here:
Right from the EDR sight, thought I'd share this with the group.

Currently in Denver in 6" of snow and 10 below :-(

There are several vehicle models on which the glow plug position does not coincide with cylinder number, (eg. trouble code P0671 specifies glow plug number 1 but glow plug number 1 is
actually in cylinder number 4).

The only way to be sure which glow plug is faulty is to test all of them. This particular glow plug system on the BHW engine code, supplies 6VDC to the glow plugs.

BMW has issued two recalls, one and electrical system flaw affecting over 500,000 vehicles and the other a hydraulic system flaw affecting over 30,000 vehicles.

Beginning Tuesday January 2, 2013 we have new pricing and new access rules for On Demand Video Training! Here are the details:

Car Commando Field Information and News. Still with the Climate Control Issues are with the 2002 and 2003 Passats (for example).
 
Battery drain??
 
Look for the 4 Climate Control Motors running when ignition key is off. Usually, V71 was the motor starts hunting with the key off, and you can remove it without removing the dash, so replace it if in question.
 
The last thing, ALWAYS run basic settings, all fields for measuring blocks 002 through 005. If they have values other than ZERO, YOU still have an issue. and it's probably with the V85 motor.