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Troubleshooter Tips and Real Fixes

The power of experienced-based information

With increasingly complex vehicle systems, you might encounter faults or symptoms you've never seen before. This often requires extra information beyond the basics, leading many technicians to spend significant time searching through OEM procedures, internet resources, or consulting with colleagues or friends in the industry. 

This process can significantly reduce efficiency. If it takes an hour to gather and piece together information for a diagnosis, that's an hour lost. Many techs will agree that a significant portion of their diagnostic time is spent searching for information. To improve efficiency, you need faster, easier access to critical information. 

Here’s a quick overview of the two key information sources:

1. OEM Information: Includes manufacturer data, technical service bulletins (TSBs), and repair procedures. 

2. Real-World Information: Derived from actual repair experiences and technician insights. 

So where do we get that real-world information from?

  • Repair orders – what has fixed the same problem before in actual workshops? 
  • Knowledge - Technician's knowledge comes from their experience working on vehicles. They often learn quick fixes by encountering the same issues repeatedly. They can also learn from other technicians, whether it's a colleague nearby or someone at a dealership, by asking if they've faced a similar problem and how they resolved it. 

Case Study

A 2006 Mini Cooper-S, (1.6 Supercharged W11 Engine) with a P1688 trouble code. The definition of P1688 is “Electronic Throttle Control Monitor Level 2/3 Mass Airflow Circulation”. 

The troubleshooting process involves the following steps: 

Initial Diagnosis: 

  • The customer reports a lack of power and an engine light. 
  • Scanning the vehicle reveals code P1688. This code suggests issues related to the electronic throttle control motor or the mass airflow sensor. 

You’ll likely want to check OEM data, such as looking at Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), in this example there are two TSB’s present: “DME Fault P1688” and “W11 – DME FC/P1688/Diagnostics Hints”.   

 

Following the OEM recommendations there are three possible causes to the problem as follows:  

  • Check for Air Leaks: Inspect the entire air intake system, including the throttle body, supercharger, intercooler, and inlet manifold. Air leaks can lead to performance issues and trigger this fault code. 
  • Verify Sensor Values: Ensure that both Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensors (MAP sensors) are showing plausible values. If the values are not accurate, refer to the MAP sensor test module. 
  • Inspect the Supercharger Bypass Valve: Test the bypass valve with a handheld vacuum pump to ensure it operates correctly. If the valve is sticking, replace it. If this valve is functioning properly and there are no air leaks, the next step would be to reprogram the engine control unit.

 

Common Misdiagnosis: 

  • The factory test plans may incorrectly suggest replacing the DME control module might be suggested, but this can be costly and often unnecessary. Additionally, in the TSB’s suggest that the bypass valve could be sticking. 

      

 

Your tool filters all relevant information to give you the answer!

Top Repairs: Harmonic Balancer Replacement

Based on experience and data, the most common fix for this issue is replacing the harmonic balancer. A failing harmonic balancer can disrupt supercharger operation, causing symptoms like power loss and the P1688 code. 

 

 

For this vehicle model, engine, and mileage, replacing the harmonic balancer is often the most effective solution. This component frequently causes issues mistaken for problems with the throttle control or airflow sensors, making it the first thing to check. 

This example highlights that relying only on OEM recommendations can lead to costly repairs that might not address the root cause. By consulting experience-based data, the Snap-on® Top Repairs Graph identifies the most common fixes. SureTrack® Real Fix data provides detailed descriptions of successful repairs performed by other technicians, verified by Snap-on engineers. These fixes are based on billions of repair records across various makes and models, ensuring accurate and reliable solutions. 

 

Real Fix Summary: 

  • Complaint: Lack of power and P1688 code. 
  • Cause: Harmonic balancer failure, leading to supercharger issues. 
  • Correction: Replacing the faulty harmonic balancer resolved the issue.

 

If replacing the harmonic balancer doesn’t resolve the issue, further diagnostics may be necessary. This could include inspecting the MAP sensors as per OEM guidelines. Additional Real Fixes for the P1688 code involve checking or replacing the MAP sensor, based on OEM recommendations. 

 

Get even More Experienced Based Information 

Troubleshooter Tips: If you encounter additional issues, check the Troubleshooter for specific tips related to your diagnostic trouble code (DTC).  

Even after diagnosing and repairing a fault, you might face issues like the engine still not starting. If you’re unsure about any reset or relearn procedures, and functional tests don't address it, check the Troubleshooter for additional guidance. You’ll find a variety of tips are which are categorized into: 

  • Code tips 
  • Symptom tips 
  • Time savers 
  • Tests and procedures 
  • General information 

These tips can offer crucial advice on component testing, replacement, or other procedures that might not be covered in OEM documents. Checking troubleshooter tips could be the key to fixing the issue and getting the vehicle back on the road, rather than calling a tow truck and incurring additional dealership costs, which is a costly mistake. 

By integrating experience-based data with OEM information, you can enhance your diagnostic process and improve repair speed and accuracy.