Welcome to The SP Diagnostics Tyre Tracks News
We have a brand new product in this issue of Tyre Tracks, the Vapour Check diagnostics unit. The RMI has sent us an article about their new RMISC division, we have some details about our new Loyalty Discount scheme for existing customers and in Gary's Corner he is explaining about reading sensor fault codes.
SP Diagnostics Move into Bigger Premises
At the start of March we moved into our new premises, don't worry our numbers and addresses still stay the same, but if you want to use our non 0844 (local rate) support number you can now phone us on
+44 (0)1225 744777
We recognise the need to constantly increase our support to customers, by moving we have increased our floor space massively and over the coming months will expand the team to give you even more support where you need it. |
RMI Standards & Certifications (RMISC)
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Following the recent launch of RMISC earlier this month, Nick Gaskill, an RMI Bodyshop member, had a few questions, so Stuart James and Graham Threlfall (from the RMI) paid him a visit! “
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Often the questions asked by one member will affect the entire RMI membership, so we thought it would be a great opportunity to answer lots of RMISC questions all at once, and hopefully ensure that, what’s a potentially confusing, complex issue is understood by as many people as possible” said Stuart James.
Why are the RMI setting up this new division?
It's being set up to ensure that every garage or Bodyshop can continue to work on vehicles as they are today, ultimately future proofing them.
We feel that we are the best placed organisation with the relevant knowledge in this sector to be able to audit and inspect both businesses and individuals.
What is the security information?
It relates to the vehicle manufacturers data which is specific to the anti-theft elements of vehicle systems, for example; key coding, alarm systems, programming of electronic control units (ECU).
As we are all aware, vehicle technology is advancing at a rapid rate, it is already difficult for repairers to keep up.
Now, with European legislation dictating that technical information should made accessible to all, many fault codes relate back to the security elements and obviously cannot be made freely available to all because of the risks associated with areas such as vehicle theft.
What is the main aim of RMISC?
Ultimately we want to ensure that repairers can continue to work on all makes and models and ensure we have a fair and level playing field.
Recognising though, the improvements made in reducing vehicle theft, we have to ensure that we do not weaken this and that we have a robust certification process which ensures that the persons accessing security type information have a legitimate need to do so.
There is a real risk that access to vehicle security information could be misused for criminality.
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New Subscription Loyalty Discount
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The start of this month saw the launch of the new Loyalty Discount scheme for existing customers, iMAP, iKeys and iKeysPro customers who stay subscribed with us can get up to 20% off their yearly subscription price.
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As a subscriber, if you renew with SP Diagnostics before your subscription expires you can take advantage of the loyalty scheme! If you re-subscribe with SP Diagnostics and this is your first re-subscribed year (without a break in your subscription) then we will give you a 10% discount followed by a further 5% on top in years 2 and 3, giving you a massive maximum loyalty discount of 20%* This is also available to current subscribers with 1 or more years of consecutive subscriptions giving you up to the maximum of 20% discount where applicable!
*(Offer only applies to continuous re-subscription, current subscribers with proof of 1 or more years of un-broken subscriptions are entitled to this offer with a maximum of 20% discount where applicable. Proof of purchase required in the form of distributor / factor invoice where the subscriptions were previously purchased. Offer only valid when subscribing directly through SP Diagnostics or appointed resellers)
If you would like to talk to use about your subscription please give us a call on:
0844 561 7861
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All-in-One Garage PC
Vapour Check - Smoke Diagnostic Unit
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The Vapour Check unit produces an OEM approved vapour from a specially formulated non-toxic, non-corrosive compound (UltraTraceUV®). The introduction of this smoke into a closed system in a vehicle will almost immediately pin-point any and all leaks, simply view the smoke exiting wherever there is a leak! In addition, you will see the UV fluorescent dye deposited at the exact location of a leak, all accomplished safely with the engine off!
The UV smoke-solution will last for hundreds of tests and is user refillable.
Comes with:
Main unit, hose, caps, adaptors, 2x UV fluid, UV lamp, glasses.
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Why is the Vapour Check different to other smoke units?
The Vapour Check uses a special non-toxic fluid, that is OEM approved and is safe to use.
The fluid contains a special Ultra Violet tracer dye, to pin point the exact location of any leaks.
Use Nitrogen or compressed air, when testing EVAP fuel systems you can use inert Nitrogen instead of compressed air, this practice is recommended by almost every vehicle manufacturer.
 
What can you do with a diagnostic smoke machine?
| EVAP Leaks |
This technology was specifically designed and is OEM approved for vehicles' EVAP systems. |
| Vacuum Leaks |
Hoses, lines, valves, diaphragms, choke pull-offs, heater controls, EGR hoses and controls. |
| Exhaust Leaks |
Manifold cracks, EGR valve feed tubes and passages, exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, boxes, heat control valves and crossover passages. |
| Oil Leaks |
Sump gasket, valve and cam cover gaskets, hoses and seals, cam and crank shaft seals, oil cooler and lines. |
| Under Dash Leaks |
HVAC hoses and tubes, control solenoids and diaphragms.
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Brake Servo
System Leaks |
Hoses, check valves, diaphragm & chamber seals. |
| Turbo & Super Charger Leaks |
Seals, hoses, ducting, intercooler, housing seal and flange connector. |
Head Gasket
Leaks |
To adjacent cylinder, to cooling system, to atmosphere, etc.
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Wind & Water
Leaks |
Around windscreen, windows, doors and sunroof seals.
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| Component Testing |
Bench test water pumps and other components before installation. Test again after installation but before coolant and oil is added to the engine. |
Air Injection
System Leaks |
Control valves, diaphragms, solenoids, tubing, pump, vacuum controls and back pressure check valves. |
For more information contact us on: 0844 561 7861 |
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Gary's Support Corner
Sensor Fault Codes
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Hi all it’s that time again when I try and pass on what little knowledge I have to you the reader.
Today I want to dispel some myths about sensor fault codes you may see when code reading a vehicle. The BIG and quite common mistake is to mis-read an error code like:
“P0156 O2 Circuit - Bank 2, Sensor 2”
The wrong thing to do here would be to only read “O2” and “Sensor” then order a new HO2S, fit it without testing and checking anything else. Let’s read that error code again:
“P0156 O2 Circuit - Bank 2, Sensor 2”
Now look at the word “Circuit” this would imply there may be a fault in the HO2S circuit which could be a short to earth, high or low resistance anywhere in the wiring between the O2 sensor and the engine ECU. So if you fit that new sensor and the error code does not clear you may have another problem which then results in time wasted having to start again.
Always check the function of the current sensor or component before fitting new, use the multimeter (or WASP) to check the resistance/volts of the wiring to and from the sensor or component. Check and clean any connections in the circuit and use some contact cleaner if necessary (We give away a free tube of Contralube 770 contact lubricant with each WASP module). Most sensor voltages are recorded all over the internet so with a little Google help you will have enough information to be able to perform some accurate checks.
High resistance in earth wires can cause strange symptoms in other components unconnected to the component at fault.
Earth wires should be checked for breaks, shorting, corrosion along their entire length as if only 3-4 strands out of 20 to 30 are intact then the resistance will increase and cause a problem.
Remember to use the mV (miliVolts) setting when checking voltages.
Gary
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