Brake Rotor Service: January & February 2010
Brake Rotor Service: January & February 2010
The coating should not be removed and will wear off with normal brake
usage. The coating does not hinder brake performance.
2
Details on Diesel Fuel
Water in diesel fuel is a contami- Diesel Fuel Additives
nant that can cause damage to the
Customer use of
fuel system. Water in fuel can take
diesel fuel additives
two forms: coarse water droplets
are neither required nor
that drop out of suspension and can
recommended for the
be filtered out or emulsified water
6.5L diesel and 6.6L
particles suspended in the fuel,
Duramax diesel
which can pass through some filters.
engines. Alcohol-
Proper fuel filter servicing and the based additives
use of clean diesel fuel that is free of permit water to
water or contaminants are critical for pass the fuel
the longevity of fuel system compo- filter and water
nents of a modern direct injected diesel separator,
engine. Adherence to the fuel filter change causing damage
interval will help to ensure that the diesel to the fuel
fuel system will be protected from contami- system. GM
nants and that the engine will continue to Diesel Fuel
operate as designed. Purchasing fuel from a Conditioner,
high volume fuel retailer increases the chances part number
that the fuel is fresh and of good quality. 88861009, is alcohol-free and
utilizes water demulsifiers to cope
Water in Fuel Sensor with water in the fuel.
The Water in Fuel Sensor on the GM Duramax diesel Fuel distributors blend no. 1 and no. 2 diesel
engine can be tested after removing it from the fuel filter fuels for seasonal requirements in a particular
assembly. A good sensor will have continuity when the float region. No other blending of fuels is recommend-
is manually raised. Use a DVOM to check for continuity. The ed. If a customer desires to use a winter fuel additive to
float can be tested by placing it in water and in clean diesel prevent fuel waxing or icing during extreme cold snaps, the
fuel. A good float will float in water and sink in diesel fuel. winter fuel additive must not contain alcohol or other water
emulsifiers that may compromise the water removal
effectiveness of the fuel filtering system.
The use of additives such as a cetane improver to enhance
engine performance or a lubricity additive to aid in the
longevity of fuel system components are not fixes for poor
quality or contaminated fuel. If such additives are used, they
must not contain alcohol or other water emulsifiers.
Biodiesel
Diesel fuel containing greater than five percent biodiesel
(B5) or the use of unmodified bio-oils blended into diesel
fuel at any concentration may damage the diesel fuel
system and engine.
Waxing
Diesel fuel gelling or waxing (also called cloud point) at low
Water in Fuel Sensor temperatures may result if the fuel is not blended properly
for the temperatures being experienced. Further, biodiesel
begins to wax at temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees higher
Contaminants than no. 2 winter blend fuel.
If water is present in diesel fuel, fungi and other A below freezing hard start/no start condition may be
microorganisms can survive and multiply, especially in caused by fuel waxing or fuel contamination. Fuel waxing
warmer climates. The fungi can be present in any part of the may also restrict the amount of fuel flow through the fuel
fuel handling system. These fungi grow into long strings and filter. A high fuel system vacuum reading will be found if the
will form large globules. The growths appear slimy and are system is checked when the fuel is cold and waxing.
usually black, green or brown. Fungi use the fuel as their
main energy supply and need only trace amounts of water The use of engine block heaters in extreme cold tempera-
and minerals. tures may alleviate some fuel waxing concerns.
The most common symptom of fuel contamination is Refer to the appropriate Service Information for additional
fuel filter plugging, however, various metal fuel system information about diagnosing the effects of contaminants in
components also can corrode. If fungi have caused fuel diesel fuel and testing for the presence of contaminants,
system contamination, flush the fuel system, replace the including fungi, water, gasoline, and biodiesel in amounts
fuel filter and refill the tank with clean diesel fuel. larger than five percent.
If a customer desires to use a biocide after flushing the
– Thanks to Bill Carnevale
fuel system, it should not contain alcohol or other water
emulsifiers.
3
Electrical Intermittents and Fluke 87-5
Terminal Crimping Multimeter
Electrical
intermittents can
AC and DC
be a source of
frustration when
Settings
repairing a vehicle. Imagine a vehicle with a no start
Some circuits in condition and a dead battery. Measuring
vehicles are not the amperage of a control module using a
only susceptible to Fluke DMM (digital multimeter) in AC
an intermittent mode shows a reading of only 25 mA, but
condition, but high in DC mode, a reading of 335 mA reveals
resistance also the continuous draw that would drain the
may cause erratic battery. This type of scenario shows the
operation or set importance of checking the multimeter’s
DTCs. An often default settings before testing.
overlooked possi-
bility in the diag-
nosis of electrical
intermittent condi-
tions is the quality
of the terminal
crimps.
When diagnos-
ing any type of
electrical condition,
inspect the integri-
ty of all related
wiring harness
connectors and
terminals. Poor
connections may Sealed splice installation sheet is now available
on the TechConnect Magazine website.
lead to numerous
types of intermit-
tent conditions, such as miscellaneous DTCs, driveability conditions, hard or
no start conditions, incorrect gauge readings, illuminated MILs and inopera-
tive control module conditions.
Once the circuit that connects the components in question has been
isolated, perform a visual and physical inspection of the wiring harness Fluke 87 multimeter
connectors for integrity. Many times, repairs may be made by simply
disconnecting and reconnecting the connectors. Versions 1-4 of the Fluke 87 multimeter
A pull test of the terminals should be performed after any wiring harness defaults to reading DC amperage when
connector or terminal repairs. Insert only the proper size terminal test tool set on the amperage or milliamp scale.
into the terminal to determine if the terminal is making good contact, or The new Fluke 87-5 meter (version 5),
whether the terminal has been damaged and needs to be replaced. It’s when set on the amperage or milliamp
critical to use the right tool when testing. Most terminals in current module scale, will default to reading AC current.
connectors (ECM, BCM, EBTCM) are small 0.64 mm sq. terminals and can If a diagnostic test step is requesting a
be damaged by probing with the wrong tool. DC amperage reading to be taken and the
In many cases, once the electrical integrity of the wiring harness is meter is set on the AC amperage setting,
verified, the associated module or component becomes suspect. However, the meter will display 0 amperage (or
it is possible for a harness that tests as electrically conductive to be the close to 0 amperage). This will cause an
source of an intermittent condition. The electrical harness should have the inaccurate test result that can cause the
terminal pins re-crimped before replacing a module or component that test to pass or fail when it shouldn’t.
tests OK. To avoid an incorrect test result when
The correct crimping tool is required to consistently provide secure testing amperage, always check the
electrical conditions. multimeter’s display to make sure it is
either on the AC or DC setting. Use the
For additional information on the proper crimping procedure, an updated unmarked blue or yellow button (depend-
sealed splice installation sheet is available on the TechConnect Magazine ing on the version of multimeter being
website. Click the Troubleshooting PDF Job Aids link under Resources on used) on the top left of the multimeter to
the right side of the page to print out the installation sheet PDF. select between the AC and DC readings.
– Thanks to Tina Levi and Mike DeSander – Thanks to David Nowak
4
The TSS Q&A provides
answers to common
2010 TSS Program
questions received by Enhancements
the ACDelco Customer In 2010, the Total Service Support (TSS) program will feature several enhance-
Support Center. ments designed to increase the rewards and benefits of participating in the
program, including new opportunities in training, promotions and exclusively
Q: How do I download material from yours (EY) Rewards points.
ACDelco Advantage that I have
added to My Cart? The TSS program continues to offer ways to help TSS accounts build their
business with the support of ACDelco, such as with the Consumer Assurance
A: To download the items in your cart: Program, Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Program and ACDelco advertising.
• Complete the order process by In addition, there are a variety of money-saving discounts available to TSS partici-
clicking Begin Checkout from pants, including discounts on GM vehicles, Bosch® diagnostic tools, SPX® tools
your cart and equipment, uniforms, GM Service Information and ASE certification.
• You will see an Order ID number The changes for 2010 include opening the instructor-led training courses to all
that confirms your request was levels, increasing the use of the acdelco.com locator service, and increasing the
received payout through the EY Rewards program. Here are some of the details:
• Visit your Order History where you Red Level (Less than $12,000 in annual purchases) – Limited access to free
will see your order instructor-led training.
• After a few minutes a Download White Level ($12,000 – $35,999 in annual purchases) – Expansion to more
link will appear that allows you to accounts to provide increased access to the acdelco.com locator service and
download your order or email it to additional free instructor-led training. New accounts enter the program at the
recipients of your choice White level.
Q: Where can I order ACDelco
Blue Level ($36,000 or more in annual purchases) – Unlimited access to free
calendars for the new year?
instructor-led training and acdelco.com preferred locator listing position.
A: 2010 ACDelco calendars can be
ordered by calling 1-877-845-3773, or The exclusively yours Rewards program also has increased the opportunities
online at acdelcomerchandise.com. for monthly payouts. The minimum amount for earning a percentage back (based
To order online: on monthly purchases) has been reduced. Plus, a new level of 5% back for top
performers has been added for 2010.
1. Log in to your
acdelcomerchandise.com account – Thanks to Steve Sheldon
2. Select 2009 Holiday link on the left
side of the page
3. Select from the calendar options
Readers’ Rides
If you are a new user and want Two of the latest additions to
to create an account on the TechConnect Readers’ Rides
acdelcomerchanside.com: gallery are built for speed. Read all
about the transformations and view
1. Click Create an Account more photos at TechConnect
2. Select your Registration Type from Magazine Online. To get a closer
the drop-down menu look at the cars of fellow TSS
3. Fill out the required information shop owners and technicians, go to
www.acdelcotechconnect.com and
Q: How can I order ACDelco click the TechConnect Magazine
multi-point inspection forms? Online tab. 2007 Chevy SSR Top Sportsman
A: To purchase ACDelco multi-point Drag Truck, Mark Hicks, Maas Radiator, Inc.,
inspection forms, call the ACDelco To submit photos of your car or Bloomington, Ind.
estore at 1-866-700-0001 and request truck (include your name, TSS
item #AM-FM-0065-09. service center, location and a few
technical details about your vehicle):
Q: How do I get in touch with my new
ACDelco representative? 1. Go to the TechConnect Magazine
Online website by clicking the
A: ACDelco has enhanced their sales
TechConnect Magazine tab on
representative positions by ensuring
www.acdelcotechconnect.com
all field representatives have a more
technical service background. Many 2. Click the Contact Us link
field representatives are still servicing 3. Send an email with photos
TSS accounts and the new ACDelco attached to technical editor
staff is well equipped to support our Mark Spencer
1994 Mazda Miata,
TSS customers. If you have any ques- Dan Pedroza, JC Automotive Specialist,
– Thanks to Mike DeSander Round Rock, Texas
tions, please contact the ACDelco CSC
at 1-800-825-5886, prompt #0.
5
Wheel Speed Sensor Diagnosis
When anti-lock brakes (ABS) first became common outputs, also
equipment on new vehicles well over two decades ago, it compare them
featured a “passive” variable-reluctance wheel speed sensor. using an oscil-
Later, the “active” magneto-resistive sensor was introduced, loscope or AC
which improved performance by providing a more precise volt meter.
wheel speed reading at very low speeds.
To measure
The role and importance of an accurate wheel speed the output of
reading has continued to grow with the increased popularity the magneto-
of electronic controls for automatic transmissions, traction resistive wheel
control, tire pressure monitoring and other vehicle systems. speed sensor,
start by testing
Operation the 12-volt ref- Measure WSS amperage
output using a DMM
While the appearance of active and passive wheel speed erence circuit
sensors is similar, operation is not. from the EBCM.
The operation of the variable-reluctance sensor uses a Also, DC amperage can be measured across the wheel
small internal magnet and coil of wire to generate a signal to speed sensor. Slowly turn the wheel and watch the DMM.
the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). Operation Amperage should fluctuate from high to low.
involves a gear-shaped tone wheel that rotates near the The digital signal generated by the magneto-resistive sensor
sensor on each wheel. As the tone wheel rotates, a magnetic also can be viewed using an oscilloscope. Connect the leads
field fluctuates around the sensor and induces AC voltage into as you would for a DMM. A good wheel speed sensor scope
the internal coil windings. AC voltage is sent to the EBCM, waveform should have sharp square corners on the DC signal
which interprets the voltage and frequency as a wheel speed circuit to the EBCM.
signal input.
Remember, the EBCM sends a 12-volt reference signal to
This type of each wheel speed sensor. As the wheel spins, the wheel
sensor requires speed sensor produces a square wave DC signal voltage.
that the tone The wheel speed sensor increases the signal frequency as
wheel rotate fast the wheel speed increases, but does not increase the signal
enough in order amplitude.
to generate a
usable signal. As Poor connections and broken wires are some of the leading
wheel rotation causes of wheel speed sensor-related failures. Other common
slows, the signal causes of wheel speed sensor malfunction are water intrusion
strength decreas- and corrosion in the connector to the sensor and damage to
es, resulting in a the tone ring.
Magneto-resistive wheel speed sensor
weak signal at For more information on wheel speed sensor diagnosis,
very low speeds. visit www.acdelcotechconnect.com and click the Training tab.
To combat this weakness in signal strength at low speeds, Log in to the ACDelco Learning Management System to view
the magneto-resistive wheel speed sensor was designed. It TechAssist S-BK05-01.01TAS – Active/Hall Wheel Speed
uses a tone wheel and a permanent magnet like the variable- Sensor Operation.
reluctance sensor, along with a two-wire connection that – Thanks to Mike Militello and Mike DeSander
consists of a supply circuit and signal circuit connected to the
wheel speed sensor. To power the sensor, the EBCM provides
12 volts on the supply circuit.
As a toothed ring passes by the wheel speed sensor,
changes in the electromagnetic field cause the wheel
speed sensor to produce a DC voltage signal. It is a digital
high/low toggle rather than an analog voltage like with a
passive sensor.
The sensor is able to detect the first edge of the next
tooth on the tone ring immediately after powering on. The
EBCM uses the frequency of the DC signal to calculate the
wheel speed.
Diagnosis
If DTCs or diagnosis procedures indicate a wheel speed
sensor failure, visually inspect the sensors, related wiring and
connections for problems.
A variable-reluctance wheel speed sensor can be checked
by measuring its resistance with a digital multimeter (DMM).
If the sensor resistance is out of specification, it will not
produce an accurate signal to the EBCM. To verify sensor
6
The following technical tips provide repair information about specific conditions on a variety of vehicles. If you have a tough or unusual
service repair, the TSS Technical Assistance Hot Line can help. Call 1-800-825-5886, prompt #2, to speak with a technical
expert with the latest OEM information.
Engine Mount Information to install the new mount solution ensures proper freeze and
Replacement with heat shield into the vehicle. corrosion protection. The refractometer
uses a minimal amount of coolant
2004-2007 Cadillac CTS with 3.6L Verify that the heat shield is properly
that can be taken from the coolant
(LY7) or 2.8L (LP1) engine located on the mount.
reservoir, radiator or engine block. If
When replacing the engine mounts A retaining spring nut is not required. the concentration is below 50%, the
for any reason, follow these steps to cooling system should be flushed.
prepare and install the new mount. Ignition Lock Cylinder In addition, verify that no electrolysis
The new part does not include the 2008-2009 Cadillac CTS (built prior to is present in the cooling system using
exhaust heat shield which must be VIN breakpoint 90163371), 2005-2009 a digital voltmeter. The electrolysis
re-used. Chevrolet Cobalt (built prior to April 14, test can be performed before or after
2009), 2006-2009 Chevrolet HHR and system repairs. Electrolysis is often an
Pontiac Solstice (built prior to April 14, intermittent condition that occurs
2009), 2007-2009 Chevrolet Equinox when a device or accessory that is
(built prior to July 2008), 2007-2009 mounted to the radiator is energized.
Pontiac G5 (built prior to April 14, 2009) This type of current could be caused by
and Pontiac Torrent (built prior to July a poorly grounded cooling fan or other
2008), 2006-2009 Saturn SKY (built prior accessory and can be verified by
to April 24, 2009) — with an automatic watching the voltmeter while turning
transmission only on/off various accessories or engaging
the starter motor.
Technicians may experience some
difficulty installing the new style ignition Follow the flushing procedures
lock cylinder on these models. outlined in the Service Information for
Original mount vehicles using DEX-COOL® coolant
A. Hole location of alignment pin Before installing the new cylinder,
and for vehicles using conventional
B. Retaining spring nut carefully inspect the housing for debris
silicate coolant.
or damage from the old lock cylinder.
Do not mix the OEM orange col-
Follow the appropriate Engine Mount No tools are required for installing the
ored DEX-COOL coolant with green
Replacement procedure in SI to remove new lock cylinder. When installing into
colored conventional coolant. Some
the old mount from the vehicle. the housing, ensure that the lock cylin-
GM vehicles, such as the 2004-2005
der is fully seated to ensure it latches
Once the mount is removed, mark Chevrolet Aveo use a blue colored
into position.
the hole location of the alignment pin conventional coolant.
on the mount heat shield. Do not use the old style lock cylinder
that is still used on a manual transmis-
Using a sion-equipped vehicle on a vehicle with
suitable tool, an automatic transmission; the original Diagnostic Assistance
remove the binding condition will likely return. For free technical diagnostic
retaining
Refer to GM bulletin #09-02-35-005A assistance and product information
spring nut
for additional information. regarding specific ACDelco products,
from the top
contact these toll-free information
of the mount
Aluminum Heater Core and hotlines staffed by ASE-certified
heat shield
Radiator Replacement technicians:
and discard
the old 2005 and prior GM passenger cars
Replacement mount Brakes – 1-888-701-6169 (prompt #1)
mount. and light-duty trucks
A. Lower locating pin
Prepare Chassis – 1-888-701-6169 (prompt #2)
B. Top alignment pin It may be necessary to replace an
the replace- aluminum heater core, radiator or water Clutches – 1-888-725-8625
ment mount pump due to erosion, corrosion or
by cutting the lower locating pin off Lift Supports – 1-800-790-5438
insufficient inhibitor levels in the
using a die grinder and cutting wheel. coolant. A coolant check should be Shocks – 1-877-466-7752
Align the marked hole on the heat performed when replacing these Starters and Alternators –
shield with the top alignment pin on the components in order to verify proper 1-800-228-9672
replacement mount. coolant effectiveness.
Steering – 1-866-833-5567
Follow the appropriate Engine Mount Verify coolant concentration using a
refractometer. A 50% coolant/water Wiper Blades – 1-800-810-7096
Replacement procedure in the Service
7
How to Take ACDelco Training ACDelco Instructor-Led Training Locations City State
Go to www.acdelcotechconnect.com and click on the Training tab
South Central Region Training Locations continued
to log on to the ACDelco Learning Management System (LMS).
Longview Community College Lee's Summit MO
• To enroll in an Instructor-Led Training (ILT) course, click on the
Enrollment link or the Instructor-Led Courses link. North Harris College Houston TX
• To launch a Web-Based Training (WBT) course, click on the Ozarks Technical Community College Springfield MO
Web-Based Courses link to view the catalog and select a Pulaski Technical College Little Rock AR
specific course. San Jacinto College Pasadena TX
• To launch a TechAssist (TAS) course, click on the TechAssists link South Texas Community College CAAT Center McAllen TX
to view the catalog and select a specific course.
Southwest Tennessee Community College Memphis TN
• To launch a Simulation (SIM), click on the Simulations link to
St. Louis Training Center St. Louis MO
view the catalog and select a diagnostic challenge simulation.
St. Philips College San Antonio TX
Training Locations Tarrant County College Fort Worth TX
ACDelco offers numerous hands-on Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Tulsa Tech Lemley Campus Tulsa OK
courses at many convenient locations around the country. Following Wichita Area Technical College Wichita KS
are the ACDelco training locations. West Texas Training Center San Angelo TX
Southeast Region Training Locations
ACDelco Instructor-Led Training Locations City State
Albany Technical College Albany GA
North Central Region
Central Kentucky Technical College Lexington KY
Bismarck State College Bismarck ND
Central Piedmont Comm College Matthews NC
Cincinnati State Community College Cincinnati OH
Florida Comm College at Jacksonville Downtown
Columbus Automotive Distributors Warehouse Columbus OH
Forsyth Technical Community College Winston Salem NC
Cuyahoga Community College Parma OH
GM Training Center Alpharetta GA
Delta College Saginaw MI
Ivy Tech Community College Evansville IN
Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny IA J.F. Drake State Technical College Huntsville AL
Dunwoody College of Technology Minneapolis MN J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Goochland VA
Fox Valley Technical College Appleton WI Lawson State Community College Bessemer AL
New GM Training Center Glendale Heights IL Nashville State Community College Nashville TN
GM Training Center Warren MI Sarasota County Technical Institute Sarasota FL
Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids MI Seminole Community College Sanford FL
Ivy Technical State College Indianapolis IN Sheridan Technical College Hollywood FL
Michigan Technical Education Center Traverse City MI Trenholm State Technical College Montgomery AL
Minnesota State Community & Technical College Moorhead MN Wayne Community College Goldsboro NC
Sinclair Community College Dayton OH Western Region Training Locations
South East Technical Institute Sioux Falls SD American River College Sacramento CA
Stark State College North Canton OH Arapahoe Community College Littleton CO
Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee WI Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque NM
Northeast Region Training Locations College of Southern Idaho Twin Falls ID
CNY Autotech Training Center Syracuse NY Community College of Southern Nevada N. Las Vegas NV
Community College of Allegheny County West Hills Center Oakdale PA Cuyamaca College San Diego CA
GM Training Center Ardsley NY Denver Training Center Denver CO
Lakes Region Community College Laconia NH Fresno City College Fresno CA
Mass Bay Community College Ashland MA Glendale Community College Glendale AZ
Monroe Community College Rochester NY GM Training Center Burbank CA
Northampton Community College Bethlehem PA Las Positas Community College Livermore CA
The Community College of Baltimore County Baltimore MD Leeward Community College Pearl City HI
South Central Region Training Locations MSU – Billings College of Technology Billings MT
Austin Community College Austin TX Portland Community College Portland OR
Del Mar College W. Campus Corpus Christi TX Renton Technical College Renton WA
GM Training Center Garland TX Shoreline Community College Seattle WA
Hinds Community College Career Center Raymond MS Truckee Meadows Community College Reno NV
Iowa Western Community College Council Bluffs IA University of Alaska Anchorage AK
Johnson County Community College Overland Park KS Weber State University Ogden UT
TS-PU-0013-10