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Often misunderstood, always awesome, the turbo is one of the greatest gifts to the automotive world.
At its core, an engine is an air pump, which creates the byproduct of horsepower and torque. A turbo simply increases the engine’s ability and efficiency in regards to moving air in and out of the engine. Rather than relying on the engine’s vacuum to suck air into the engine, a turbo forces the air into the engine.
A turbo has a few basic parts. Two wheels, which resemble fans, are attached to each other with a rod. The fans sit inside housings. The center section resides between the two housings and holds the bearings, as well as the oil journals and the cooling jackets.
Whatever your relationship with the automobile, it is important to understand who built it. The trouble with auto manufacturers is that they are always building stuff for each other. This post will help sort out who built what, for who, and why it matters.
First thing first, let’s get acquainted with the major automotive families. Automotive families are different makes that are all made by the same manufacture. Many times manufactures will want to produce a regular run of vehicles, and then a more luxurious run of models. They will produce what is essentially the same vehicle, but badge them differently and pack one with all the high end wonders people love.
The major automotive families include …
Toyota, Lexus, and Scion. Honda and Acura. Nissan and Infinity. Hyundai and Kia. BMW and Mini. Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat. Jaguar and Land Rover. Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury. Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Plymouth and Eagle (Here shortly, toss in Fiat). General Motors, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Pontiac, Buick, Hummer, Saturn, and GMC (As well as Opel, Vauxhall, Holden and Daewoo). You can always tell a terrible product, because they will have numerous names for the same bad product.
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The other day a Nissan came into the shop. The battery and the alternator had been replaced. The car would start if you drove it, and let it sit a few hours, but would need a jump start if left over night. The battery tested good, and the alternator was charging plenty of amps, with no A/C ripple, and 15 volts. Sounds like a classic case of a draw.
I hooked up a test light and found the draw is on the fuse for the alternator charging signal. (For information on how to find a draw please visits here ) Occasionally, you will have an alternator that is charging fine, but back-feeds when the car is off and thus results in a draw. Given the fact that the alternator has already been replaced, it is highly unlikely that the alternator is the cause of the draw. So where do we go from here?
Upon inspection of the alternator, I found the following
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Nissan Trouble Codes 1100-1199
P1105 MAP/BARO Pressure Switch Solenoid Valve
P1126 Thermostat Function
P1130 Swirl Control Valve Control Solenoid Valve
P1148 Closed Loop Control (Bank 1)
P1165 Swirl Control Valve Control Vacuum Switch
P1168 Closed Loop Control (Bank 2)
P1320 Ignition Signal
Nissan Trouble Codes 1200-1299
P1211 ABS/TCS Control Unit
P1212 ABS/TCS Communication Line
P1217 Engine Over Temperature (Overheat)
Nissan Trouble Codes 1300-1399
P1320 Ignition Signal
P1335 Crankshaft Position Sensor (REF)
P1336 Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKPS)
Nissan Trouble Codes 1400-1499
P1400 EGRC Solenoid Valve
P1401 EGR Temperature Sensor
P1402 EGR System
P1440 EVAP Control System Small Leak
P1441 Vacuum Cut Valve Bypass Valve
P1444 Canister Purge Volume Control Solenoid Valve
P1445 EVAP Canister Purge Volume Control Valve
P1446 EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve (Closed)
P1447 EVAP Control System Purge Flow Monitoring
P1448 EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve (Open)
P1464 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit (Ground Signal)
P1490 Vacuum Cut Valve Bypass Valve (Circuit)
P1491 Vacuum Cut Valve Bypass Valve
P1492 EVAP Canister Purge Control/Solenoid Valve (Circuit)
P1493 EVAP Canister Purge Control Valve/Solenoid Valve
Nissan Trouble Codes 1500-1599
P1550 TCC Solenoid Valve
Nissan Trouble Codes 1600-1699
P1605 A/T Diagnostic Communication Line
Nissan Trouble Codes 1700-1799
P1705 Throttle Position Sensor Circuit A/T
P1706 Park/Neutral Position (PNP) Switch
P1760 Overrun Clutch Solenoid Valve (Circuit)