Diagnostic tools with five-gas analyzers, such as the Snap-on Modis that Seyfer uses, are essential to overcoming flex-fuel challenges.
(Photo-Snap-on)
Because flex fuel vehicles can run on gasoline or ethanol blends up to 85 percent ethanol content, automakers have complex strategies for flex fuel vehicles. Knowing what strategies and processes the OEMs are employing can help a technician know what to expect, then make the right diagnosis and subsequent repair, if one is even needed.
Ford began its alcohol program using a sensor that detected the amount of alcohol in the system. Upon finding that these were not terribly reliable, Ford engineers abandoned the sensor in favor of a complex oxygen sensor and fuel level sensor-based strategy. GM also utilized an alcohol sensor, despite Ford's failures, and is now utilizing a Virtual Flex Fuel Sensor - which means that they have gone to a similar strategy as Ford.
Fortunately, the OEMs are ready and willing to help technicians - independent or dealership. For example, both Ford and GM (Check this at show) have flex fuel training and certification available online. In addition, tools exist that can put the knowledge into practice. But it's also critical that automotive professionals undertake to learn the full functionality available to them with these tools. Otherwise, even with information and tools present, a technician's tool competency becomes the barrier to responsible service.
Change your thinking"Developing competency and profitable productivity in handling flex fuel vehicles requires that today's professional technicians change how they think.""When a customer enters a shop with
a flex fuel vehicle, they should always be asked what fuel is normally used and what was put in at the last fill-up," notes Seyfer. "More importantly, before anything fuel-related is done,
the service technician should collect a sample and perform an alcohol content check using a graduated cylinder."
This simple first step can shorten the diagnostic process and lead to the effective solution without aggravation - to the technician, shop owner and customer.
For technicians who have to service flex fuel vehicles, there are idiosyncrasies when engines run on straight gasoline and then switch to E85 or some other ethanol blend, and vice versa.
"Adopting the use of five-gas analyzers and learning how scan tool data and parameter identifiers will change can really help technicians deal with the different challenges hat flex fuel presents," says Seyfer.
INFORMATION
TOOL KITFord flex fuel online training and certification
National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition
E85 related Links |
"Contrary to what technicians are used to with gasoline-powered vehicles, carbon dioxide and oxygen readings are dramatically different with E85," he explains. "Compared to gasoline, with E85, CO2 readings will be lower and O2 readings will be higher than what one would normally expect." Consequently, it's imperative that technicians who service flex fuel vehicles learn those differences and adjust their diagnostic procedures.
With flex fuel and other emerging alternative fuels, technicians and shop owners need to adapt. Not only is a willingness to change thinking necessary, the associated OEM technologies and strategies requires that new diagnostic practices and tools be developed and used properly to resolve customer problems quickly and efficiently.
It's a brave new world - don't let it pass you by.