Automotive Technology
EP2-Engine Tune-up Procedures
Name ____________________
Description: During this lab assignment you will perform basic engine tune-up procedures that’s
required of today’s modern vehicles. Also you will be introduced to many of the older procedures that
would apply to older vehicles that may still be in operation.
Ignition System(s)
Combustion inside the engines cylinders could not be possible without some form of ignition.
This is accomplished by using a step-up transformer called “an ignition coil”. The coil provides
enough energy to create a spark at the spark plug. Below is a list of basic components used in
the ignition systems over the years, note some components have been eliminated over time.
Point Type Ignition
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Breaker points
Distributor assembly
Spark plug Cables
Spark plugs
Distributor cap
Rotor Button
Electronic Ignition
1. Ignition Module
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Distributor assembly
Spark plug Cables
Spark plugs
Distributor cap
Rotor Button
Distributorless Ignition
1. Ignition module
2. Spark plug cables
3. Spark plugs
4. Coil pack(s)
5. CKP sensor
Coil-on-Plug (COP)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Individual coil per cylinder
Spark plugs
Ignition module (pcm)
CKP Sensor
Spark Plug Removing and Installing
1. Locate a shop vehicle to remove the spark plugs, list the following information before
removing the plugs
a. Year __________________________________
b. VIN ___________________________________
c. Spark Plug Type required __________________
d. Gap Specification ________________
2. When removed, use a gapping tool to check the gap and if needed re-gap them by
bending or widening the ground strap.
3. Show the instructor and re-install them back into the vehicle.
Ignition Identification
Coils/Coil Pack ___________________
Spark plug wires if it has them, COP will not ______________________
CKP sensor (shopkeypro) ____________________
Spark plugs _______________
Fuel Filter
Most vehicles use a fuel filter that is easily replaceable. Although there are some vehicles that
utilize an “in-tank” filter that can only be accessed by lowering the fuel tank. The purpose of the
fuel filter is to clean the incoming fuel prior to it reaching the fuel injectors, fuel filters are rated
in microns Some pictures are shown below
1. Before removing the fuel filter, BE SURE THE FUEL PRESSURE HAS BEEN RELEASED. Fuel
pressure inside the fuel line can cause severe burning of the eyes and skin when
exposed. Fuel under pressure can spray you in the eyes and face, so be certain you have
relieved the line pressure before you remove the filter. Some methods to do this are
below
a. Remove the fuel pump relay and crank the engine several times
b. De-press the fuel pressure Schrader valve on the fuel rail if it has one
c. Remove fuel pump fuse, attempt to start the vehicle
2. Once the filter is removed show the instructor
a. Instructor OK _____________________
Air Filter
Air Filters are designed to filter the incoming air before it enters the engine assembly. It’s very
important that the air be filtered to keep dirt from reaching the internal parts of the engine.
Locate a shop vehicle using shopkey5.com, and provide the air filter number below
Air filter number ______________________________
1. Remove the air filter from 2 shop vehicles and show the instructor
a. Instructor OK ______________________
Using a Scan Tool for Diagnostic Trouble Codes Stored in the Vehicle Control Units
The purpose of a scan tool is to communicate with the onboard computer(s) a vehicle may be
equipped with. Computers have been around since the early eighties and today are a vital part
of the vehicles communication and functional ability. There are several scan tools out there but
all fall basically into 2 categories, Manufacturer Specific Such as GM Tech 2, and after-market
Such as Snap-On Modis. After market scan tools will communicate with virtually any vehicle out
there but their drawback is they will not do as many functions as a manufacturer specific scan
tool.
1. Find the Data Link Connector on the vehicle. After 1996, most DLC’s look like the picture
below, and will be located on the driver side under the steering column somewhere
under the dash area.
2. Hook the scan tool into the DLC and power it up.
3. You will be asked for specific digits of the VIN number on the vehicle. It’s extremely
important you enter these correctly or the scan tool may not communicate with the
vehicle
4. Next you will navigate to a screen that gives you options of Powertrain, Chassis, Body.
5. In powertrain you will find everything engine and transmission related, Chassis is ABS
and brake system, and Body is Body controls, Instrument Cluster, power windows and
accessories.
6. Select power train
7. Look at DTC’s Diagnostic trouble Codes, list any that are found
a. _________________________________________________________
b. _________________________________________________________
c. _________________________________________________________
8. Go back out and click on Engine Data1 List the following information (Key On engine
Running)
a. Battery Voltage _______________________________
b. MAF _________________________________
c. ECT (engine Coolant Temp) ___________________________
d. Engine Run Time _______________________
e. How many Oxygen sensors (O2)are listed and name them
i. ____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
f. Inj Pulse Width _____________________
g. Cylinder Misfires ____________________________
h. IAT ________________________
9. Scan the body Control module for codes and list them
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. Scan the ABS module for codes and list any found
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
ASE Questions
1. Describe the difference between a manufacture and aftermarket scan tool
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. List three ways to relieve fuel pressure
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Identify the parts of the spark plug shown below
A.
B.
C.
D.
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
4. Fuel filters and air filters are rated in _________________________.
5. DLC stands for ____________________________________
6. Technician A says that aftermarket scan tools cannot be used to retrieve DTC’s.
Technician B says there are something’s a manufacturer scan tool can do that an
aftermarket cannot. Who is correct
a. Technician A
b. Technician B
c. Both
d. Neither
7. What is pin #16 used for on the DLC? ___________________________
8. When hooking up a scan tool and the scan tools says, “No communication” what have
you most likely done wrong? _____________________________________