New technology means new service opportunity

Gasoline direct injection, or GDI, is becoming more commonplace on late model cars and light trucks. As its name implies, fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber at extremely high pressure, much like a diesel common rail system. The promise of this technology is more power, lower emissions and better fuel economy.

The challenge to technicians comes in understanding how these systems work, how to diagnose them when there’s a problem and how to service them properly. CARS attendees who participated in the CarQuest Technical Institute’s class “Gasoline Direct Injection Diagnosis” learned all of that Friday morning.

Led by CTI instructor Jason Virdin, the class focused on the theory and operation of GM’s Spark Ignited Direct Injection (SIDI), Ford’s Gasoline Turbo Direct Injection (GTDI) and Toyota’s D4-S. Virdin explained to his class that, while the presentation focus was on these three, the workbook that came with the class covered other systems produced by VW/Audi, Saturn, Mazda, Mitsubishi and more, making it a valuable toolbox reference.

“While the class is primarily focused on technicians service writers and shop owners also benefit from attending,” Virdin says. “They, too, need to understand how these systems work, the tools required for their service, and the (maintenance) issues that will affect their customers.”

Virdin further explained to the group that one service issue they need to be aware of is the increased need for intake cleaning caused by deposit build up in the intake tract. With no fuel to clean away deposits brought in by the EGR system, deposits are building to severe levels in as little as 15,000 miles.

Virdin brings 16 years of experience as a technician and service manager with him to CTI’s Midwest and Mountain regions. He is ASE CMAT with L1 certified, and recognized as a California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Certified Instructor.