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March - April 2015

March - April 2015

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ACDelco Insider
With this second issue of our new publication, we launch a new
name and affirm our commitment to delivering information to
help our customers build more succesful businesses.

Video Series Highlights Shops Customer


Service, Quality ACDelco Parts
Andrew Sexton and
his father always
tinkered with cars in
the familys barn not
as a hobby, but as a
necessity.

We werent a
very wealthy
family or
anything, so we
had to fix our
own cars just to
keep them on
the road.
Sexton had no idea
hed eventually use
those skills to open his
own automotive service shop ATS Automotive in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Sexton
opened the shop in 2009 at age 21, thanks in large part to encouragement from
his fiance, Jennifer Johanns.
Continue reading on page 2

WHATS INSIDE
IN THE NEWS
Video Series Highlights Shops Customer
Service, Quality ACDelco Parts......................................

pg 1

the service bay


Diagnosing Voltage Drops................................................

pg 6

Take Advantage of Bosch Diagnostic Equipment


Rebate...................................................................................

pg 8

SPS Programming Tips......................................................

pg 9

Throttle it Back: Check Connections Before


Replacing the Throttle Body or Accelerator Pedal..... pg 10
Inspect Terminals for Fuel Pressure DTCs................... pg 11

training
Training Benefits All Technicians....................................

pg 2

Chasing Lost Electrons: Electrical


Diagnostics Course...........................................................

pg 4

GM Service Programming System Video Tutorial......

pg 8

How to Take ACDelco Training....................................... pg 12


Training Schedule............................................................... pg 12

product
ACDelco introduces more than 140 new
aftermarket part numbers................................................

pg 3

Reman Diesel Fuel Injector Now Available For 6.6L


Duramax............................................................................... pg 11

running the business


ACDelco Spark Plug Rebate.............................................

pg 3

tech tips
CHMSL Wiring for Afermarket Bed Caps....................

pg 5

2 March - April 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1


She really reinforced that I was a great tech, I
knew what I was doing. She told me, just, you
know, lets quit, lets start a shop and thats
what we did.
Sexton is the third young auto service professional featured in The Part That Built Me, a
video series developed by ACDelco to honor
the work of technicians and encourage young
people to pursue careers as automotive technicians. To see the video, go to
http://bit.ly/1AQJJ05
Five years later, ATS Automotive is growing
every year, thanks to loyal customers who
continually refer new clients.
It was the scariest thing Ive probably ever
done in my life, said Sexton, an ASE-certified
technician. But owning your own business is
the best thing in the world. I love being able to
help a wider range of people.
We just want to keep growing and keep that
small-town mentality that were going to take
care of that customer; were going to take care
of you.

Training Benefits All Technicians


Whether youre a veteran technician
who has been working in automotive
repair for years, or a newcomer
just getting started in the business,
ACDelco training provides the
educational courses you need to build
your knowledge base and keep up
to date on the latest technology and
processes.
Randy Weber, a technician at Farmers
Cooperative Oil Company in Sheldon,
Iowa, is a staunch advocate for
ACDelco training and its benefits. He
has completed 171 ACDelco training
courses, including ILTs, WBTs and Tech
Assists. In 2013, he was awarded an
ACDelco Training Excellence Award.

Sexton said a big part of taking care of customers is using the right parts. He uses ACDelco
parts for almost every job because using inferior parts is not taking care of anybody.
Customer Thad C. praised Sexton and ATS
Automotive on the online review site Yelp:

I had car trouble on the way home from


Christmas vacation. I had AAA tow me to ATS
Automotive in Cedar Rapids because they were
open until 6 p.m. on Fridays. I got there about
5:15 p.m., and ASE-certified technician Andrew
Sexton stayed late to figure out what was
wrong with my truck.
Even though they are normally closed on Saturdays, Andrew came in on Saturday morning
to get me on the road again. I was guessing my
bill would be $360, and it turned out to be only
$205. Awesome service and great pricing. I
highly recommend ATS Automotive if you are
anywhere near Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Those are the kinds of testimonials that make
Sexton happy that he and Johanns followed
their dreams, took the plunge and opened the
shop.
You know, we get to know [our customers] and
theyre just like family. You can always just stop
in even if your car is running just fine. Just come
down and say hi.

Tom Canfield of Matts Automotive


Service Center, has become a skilled
and valuable technician in just three
short years. Although he had little
experience in the automotive field
before joining the ACDelco Blue Level
Professional Service Center, Canfield
took advantage of the training made
available to him.

Tom Canfield

M&R Specialist - Brian Swan (left), Randy


Weber (center), District Manager - Randy
Babcock (right)
ACDelco training has allowed me to
keep up with the latest information
and technology on todays vehicles,
Weber says.
He adds that, along with his degree
in Automotive Technology and
Machining and 20 years of experience,
his ACDelco training has been essential
to his success in the automotive repair
industry. With encouragement from
Farmers Cooperative Oil Company,
an ACDelco Blue Level Professional
Service Center, he looks forward to
enrolling in future courses.
In Moorhead, Minn., technician

He has completed more than 50


percent of ACDelcos online classes
in his training path, is ASE-certified
and credits ACDelcos instructor-led
training and seminars for giving him
the critical information and instruction
he needs to maintain a high level of
quality in his work.
The opportunity to hear different
perspectives from the other attendees
has really helped in diagnosing and
repairing the vehicles I work on every
day, Canfield says.
ACDelcos proven training methods
benefit technicians of all experience
and education levels. To view
some of the upcoming training
courses available to you, visit www.
acdelcotechconnect.com and click on
the Training tab.

March - April 2015

Remind Your Customers: Its Spring Car


Care Month
When it comes to your customers cars, April
is the cruelest month. And this winter, few
parts of the country were spared the snow,
ice, frigid temps and now -- potholes that
drain batteries and chew up suspensions.
Spring Car Care Month is a good time to
remind your customers of the importance of a
thorough vehicle checkup before the summer
driving season. In addition to routine services
such as an oil change and fresh wiper blades,
recommend to them its a good time to have
the following inspections and/or repairs
made:

Spark plugs Many are designed to last


100,000 miles, but they can get dirty
or fail prematurely. Also: ignition wires
lose insulating ability over time and the
connection to the plug or ignition coil
can degrade. Having the plugs checked
and, if necessary, replaced, can improve
performance and efficiency

Examine belts, clamps and hoses, and


tighten or replace as necessary
Inspect and replace suspension
components such as struts, shocks, tie
rods, and bushings, which take the brunt
of spring potholes

Test the battery Remind customers


heat can tax a battery as much if not
more than cold.

Finally, remind customers one of the best


and most cost-effective ways to protect and
preserve their vehicles is with regular car
washes all year long but particularly in winter,
to counteract the damaging effects of road
salt. This is also important for customers who
live on unpaved roads.

Customer Savings Heat Up with


ACDelco Spark Plug Rebate
ACDelcos popular Spark Some Savings
spark plug rebate program has been
extended, giving your customers more time
to enjoy extra savings throughout the 2015
calendar year.
Customers who purchase qualifying ACDelco
spark plugs will appreciate your effort to
pass along the opportunity for the following
rebates:
Professional Iridium, $2 per spark plug
Professional Platinum, $1.50 per spark
plug
Rapidfire, $1 per spark plug
Professional Conventional, 50 cents per
spark plug
Purchases of between four and 16 spark
plugs per household are required to collect

a rebate through the program. Repair orders


must include the qualifying spark plug
numbers to be eligible.
Youll find 2015 Spark Plug
Rebate Form pads (# AMFM-0078-15) available for
ordering at acdelco1store.
com. You can also download
a digital version of the
form at acdelco360.com or
acdelco1store.com. Rebates
typically take six to eight weeks
for processing.
Be sure to tell your customers about this
offer and make it easy for them to participate
throughout the year.

LMS Quick Tip


Have you participated in a
service seminar presented by
an ACDelco representative
recently? Log on to the ACDelco
Learning Management System
(LMS) to receive credit for your
service seminar participation.
Under the Manage My Training
section on the home page, click
the Seminar Participation tab.
Enter the Validation Code,
Course Number, and Session
Date. This information was
provided during the Service
Seminar. Click the Submit button
to record your attendance and
receive training credit.

product INFO
ACDelco introduces more than
140 new aftermarket part
numbers
A staggering list of new aftermarket part numbers introduced early this year shows
ACDelcos commitment to its
General Motors Original Equipment transmission components
line.
The line of 143 components,
which consists mostly of torque
converters, transfer case
parts and fluids, encompasses
millions of vehicles from GM
brands dating from the 1980s
to 2015 models.
Part numbers for all of GMs
current and former brands, including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC,
Cadillac, Pontiac, HUMMER,
Oldsmobile and Saturn are
included. Other specific Isuzu
models that were developed in
conjunction with GM are also
included.
The transmission components
line parts have been priced
consistently with GM dealers
and have been added to the
2015 catalog.

4 March - April 2015

Chasing Lost Electrons: Electrical Diagnostics Course


Faced with an inoperative tail lamp, Tech A checks for power
and ground at the bulb socket with a test lamp. The test lamp
illuminates, so the tail lamp socket and bulb are replaced.
However, the tail lamp is still inoperative. Tech B asks if a check
was done for ground resistance or voltage drop across the bulb.
Tech A asks, what for, if the test light works? Tech B says thats
exactly why.

several layouts are reviewed from Original Equipment and


Aftermarket Service Information systems.
It also covers how to interpret GM electrical diagrams in an
electronic format, including the various symbols used in the
electrical schematics as well as navigating the schematic viewer
interface and understanding wire colors and acronyms.

When using a test light, the working resistance of the bulb


compared to any existing circuit resistances determines
whether it will illuminate. But a voltage drop test will reveal
if there is a high resistance problem. Measuring resistances
of the power and ground circuits with a Digital Multimeter
(DMM) will find the high resistance.
The new ACDelco Instructor-Led Training (ILT) course
Electrical Diagnostics: Chasing Lost Electrons, S-EL0617.01ILT, covers electrical testing and diagnosis of conditions
like the inoperative tail lamp, where the cause was a corroded
terminal in the rear junction block. As more and more
electronic systems have been added to new vehicles, proper
electrical diagnosis has become a critical skill for all technicians.
Topics covered include:
Common circuits and functions used in vehicle electrical
systems
Digital Multimeter functions and use
Oscilloscope functions and use
Test lights
Interpreting schematic information
Automotive relays
Terminal numbering
Information is presented in the course from the circuit/signal
perspective and a variety of case studies are used to show how
different tools can affect the diagnosis and efficiency of the
repair.
The case study format provides participants with real-world
vehicle conditions that are consistent with repairs that would
be found in the service bay. They include a descriptive event
with the information needed to find the root cause and
determine the most effective correction.
Electrical Road Map
Automotive wiring schematics are the road map for the
electrical system and being able to interpret them is critical
to effective electrical diagnosis and repair. In the course,

Diagnostic Tools
A number of tools used in electrical
diagnosis are highlighted in the
course, including a test light, Digital
Multimeter, logic probe, and fused
jumper wire.
The Digital Multimeter is one of the
most utilized electrical diagnostic
tools. It can be used to measure
the common electrical circuit
characteristics of potential difference
or voltage, ohmic resistance, current
or amperage and frequency. The
course reviews what the Digital
Multimeter is measuring, how to
interpret the reading, applying voltage drop, understanding
limitations of some measurements in certain circuits, and some
useful diagnostic tests for electrical intermittents and poor
connections.

March - April 2015

The course also covers use of the


J-35616-F Terminal Test Kit, which
features various terminal probe
adapters designed to mate with some
of the most common terminal styles.
Test equipment probes, such as a
Digital Multimeter, inserted into a
connector or fuse block terminal will
deform the terminal.

J-35616-F Terminal Test Kit


In addition, the functions and use
of an oscilloscope are presented.
An oscilloscope is a voltmeter that
provides a graphical representation
of a measured voltage over time. All
the parameters that are measured
(pressure, current, temperature,
vibration) are converted to voltage,
which is displayed on the screen as a
trace. The completed trace across
the screen is the pattern.
An oscilloscope can help with
intermittent faults that are
dependent on complex signals, or
when its necessary to monitor more
than one signal for comparison.
Learn More
Go to www.acdelcotechconnect.com
and click the Training tab to enroll in
the Electrical Diagnostics: Chasing
Lost Electrons course or to check out
all the available training courses on
the ACDelco Learning Management
System scheduled in your area,
including a variety of classroom
training and web-based courses.

TECH TIP

CHMSL Wiring for Aftermarket Bed Cap


2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500; 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra

When installing an aftermarket bed cap or topper on a 2014 Silverado 1500 or


Sierra 1500, or a 2015 Silverado or Sierra, the wiring provisions for the Center High
Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) are provided at the Rear Body Junction Block (X63A)
connector X6, terminal 1. Follow the installation guidelines based on the vehicle
configuration.
Trucks with the Under
Rail Bed Lighting Option
Trucks equipped with the under rail
bed lighting option will already have
an X6 connector at the Rear Body
Junction Block X63A. Obtain an
appropriate length of 14-gauge wire
to run from the Rear Body Junction
Block up to the CHMSL wiring for the
cap or topper. Create a terminated
lead using the appropriate terminal and wire seal and connect it to one end of the
wire.
Disconnect the X6 connector at the Rear Body Junction Block and remove the
rubber cavity plug in terminal position 1 and discard. Install the terminated lead into
the X6 connector, terminal 1. Run the wire up to the CHMSL for the cap or topper
and connect. The ground for the cap or topper CHMSL will need to be made to an
appropriate ground.
Truck without the Under Rail Bed Lighting Option
Trucks not equipped with the under rail bed lighting option will have a dummy
connector at the X6 position of the Rear Body Junction Block. The X6 connector
body is not available separately, but can be obtained by ordering the under rail bed
lighting harness. The harness includes terminals/wiring in positions 4 and 7. Remove
the wiring from terminal 4 and discard. Move the rubber cavity plug from terminal
position 1 into terminal position 4.
Obtain an appropriate length of 14-gauge wire to run from the Rear Body Junction
Block up to the CHMSL wiring for the cap or topper. Create a terminated lead using
the appropriate terminal and wire seal and connect it to one end of the wire. Install
the terminated lead into the X6 connector, terminal 1. Terminal 7 is a ground circuit
used for the under rail bed lighting and it can be used to ground the CHMSL for the
cap or topper, if desired. If terminal 7 is not used, remove the terminal and install a
rubber cavity plug or cut off the additional wiring, leaving a couple inches of wire,
and seal the end of the wire.

did you know?


Within the first 2 nanoseconds of its arc, the spark of a spark plug reaches 100,000 degrees F
about 10 times hotter than the surface of the sun.

6 March - April 2015

Diagnosing Voltage Drops


When an electrical circuit is operating as designed, electrons flow from the battery positive terminal, through each of the
components and wiring in the circuit, through vehicle ground, and back to the battery negative terminal. Components include the
battery, wiring, terminals, relays, switches and other controls, the load, and various other items, depending on the circuit.
What Is Voltage Drop?

Why Not Measure Resistance?


If excess resistance is the cause of the problem in a
malfunctioning circuit, it may seem logical to use an
ohmmeter to measure and locate the excess resistance.
But this is not a good idea for several reasons.
First, the ohmmeter sends only a few thousandths of an
amp, called a milliamp, though the circuit. This does not
simulate the reality of a circuit that normally carries higher
amperage.

Voltage is the pressure that pushes electrons to flow through


a circuit. Current, also called amperage, is the measure of
electron flow. Resistance is what holds back electrons from
flowing freely. Everything that electricity flows through has
some amount of resistance. When electrons are held back by
a resistance, fewer of them are available to do the work the
circuit was designed for.
The difference between the amount of electrons on either
side of the resistance is the amount of electrons that didnt
make it through that dropped out. This results in voltage
drop. Excessive resistance causes excessive voltage drop, and
voltage drop is a symptom that can be identified and measured
in a malfunctioning circuit.
For example, if a fuel pump isnt operating, diagnosis calls for
verifying system voltage and ground at the fuel pump electrical
connector using a digital multimeter (DMM). But if there is
corrosion on the fuel pump relay contact or ground connection
to the chassis, there might be enough voltage potential for the
multimeter to read correctly, but the circuit voltage may drop
off under load.
Measure the voltage between the battery positive post and the
positive feed at the fuel pump connector with the fuel pump
commanded on (using a scan tool) and with a load applied, such
as from a small sealed-beam headlamp. The multimeter will
display the difference in voltage potential between the two
points the voltage drop.

Second, the ohmmeter uses its


own power supply, so the
circuit being tested
must be isolated
(disconnected)
temporarily from
the vehicles battery.
Again this does not
simulate reality.
And third, a very small amount of
resistance possibly too small to be
measured accurately with an ohmmeter can have a very
large effect, particularly on high amperage circuits like the
starter motor circuit. As an example, a resistance of only
0.01 ohm in a 200-amp 12-volt circuit will cause a drop of 2
volts (Ohms Law: voltage = current x resistance).

March - April 2015

How to Measure Voltage Drop


If the test leads are reversed, the measurement will be
indicated as negative voltage, although the numerical
value will be accurate.
4. Operate the circuit.
5. While the circuit is operating, the multimeter displays
the difference in voltage between the two points.
Because the excessive resistance youre looking for may be
in the ground connection of the component, be sure to do a
voltage drop test between the circuits ground stud and the
batterys negative terminal.

The voltage drop test is ideal for locating excessive resistance


in a circuit. First, the circuit being tested is not disturbed
in any way by the test, so reality is maintained. Second, the
voltage drop test actually requires the circuit to be operating
during the test. And a high-impedance multimeter offers
very high resistance through its circuitry, so it does not cause
confusion by introducing an alternative path for current to
flow.
Never measure voltage in a computer-controlled circuit
unless instructed to do so by a service procedure. Done
incorrectly, or with the wrong instrument, the test could
cause more problems than it locates.
In addition, do not insert digital multimeter test probes
into any connector or fuse block terminal. The diameter
of the test probes will deform most terminals. A deformed
terminal will cause a poor connection, which will result in a
system failure. Always use the properly sized probe from an
appropriate terminal test probe kit in order to front probe
terminals. Do not use paper clips or other substitutes to
probe terminals.
Use a digital multimeter when performing voltage drop tests.
1. Set the digital multimeter to the V (DC) position.
2. Connect the positive (red) lead of the multimeter to one
point of the circuit to be tested. Generally, the positive
lead should be connected to the side of the component
closest to the battery positive terminal.
3. Connect the negative (black) lead of the multimeter
to another point of the circuit. Generally, the negative
lead should be connected to the side of the component
closest to the battery negative terminal (ground).

The amount of voltage drop that is acceptable depends on


the current being carried by the circuit. A lower current
equates to a lower acceptable voltage drop. According
to standards established by the Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE), 8 milllivolts (mV) is the maximum acceptable
voltage drop in a 16-gauge wire carrying 15 amps.
For a fuel pump, as mentioned earlier, an acceptable voltage
drop should be close to zero, but no more than 1/10 of a volt
for each connection in the circuit.
Repairing the Cause of an Excessive Voltage Drop
If any voltage drop is higher than acceptable, disconnect the
appropriate connections and look for corrosion. Perform
the necessary repairs and test again. Often the very act of
pulling a terminal apart will scrape offending corrosion away.
But to be sure, use approved cleaning procedures. If cleaning
the connectors does not decrease the voltage drop to an
acceptable level, the component itself may be defective, or
may require further examination or testing.
After making the repair, perform the voltage drop test again
to confirm that the repair was successful.
Another Consideration
To this point, only voltage drops that are higher than design
intent have been discussed. However, voltage drops that are
too low can be a problem, too. Some circuits are controlled
by inserting a specified, or a variable, resistance. If this
resistance and its resulting voltage drop are too low, the
circuit will fail to operate as designed. For instance, many
sensors in a computer-controlled engine management system
operate on the voltage drop principle. The amount of voltage
drop is interpreted by the computer as a variable operating
condition. A sensor that drops too little voltage (or too much)
will cause improper operation.

8 March - April 2015

TECH TIPS
ACDelco technical tips provide
repair information about
specific conditions on a variety
of vehicles. If you have a tough
or unusual service repair, the
Diagnostic Hotline can help.
Call 1-800-825-5886, prompt
#2, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
MondayFriday, to speak with a
technical expert with the latest
OEM information.

PRODUCT INFO
For free technical assistance and
product information regarding
specific ACDelco products, contact these toll-free information
hotlines staffed by ASE-certified
technicians:
Brakes
1-888-701-6169 (prompt #1)
Chassis & ReadyStruts
1-800-270-2124
Clutches
1-888-725-8625
Lift Supports
1-800-790-5438
Shocks
1-877-466-7752
Starters & Alternators (New)
1-800-854-0076
Starters & Alternators (Reman)
1-800-228-9672
Steering
1-855-451-1212

GM Service Programming System Video


Tutorial on ACDelco TechConnect
ACDelco has added the Service
Programming System (SPS) tutorial to its
lineup of videos covering programming and
scan tool diagnosis for service technicians
in aftermarket repair shops. The SPS video
covers a critical aspect of repairing todays
vehicles that have an increasing number
of electronic control modules, sensors
and actuators running on multiple data
networks in a vehicle. For most shops,
service programming provides an important
revenue stream and can be a key competitive
differentiator.
SPS is available through an online TIS2Web
subscription to update the flash calibration
files stored in a vehicles onboard control
modules. Using a J2534 programming
interface device, SPS communicates
with a vehicle control module to modify
it or reprogram it with newer calibration
information downloaded from the ACDelco
Technical Delivery System website.
Service programming is not complicated,
but it must be done right. Shops that use
ACDelcos service programming subscription
may find the service programming learning
curve is smaller than expected. With the
right tools and a $50 SPS subscription,

Wiper Blades
1-800-810-7096

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BOSCH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT REBATE


If youve recently purchased Bosch diagnostic equipment for your shop, you
may qualify to receive one or more rebates from the manufacturer this year.
Several products, including the Tech 2 Pro Optima, SMT 300 and CANDI
module, are eligible for the Bosch Diagnostic Equipment Rebate, which has
been extended into 2015. You could receive rebates ranging from $50 to $250.
To see a complete list of qualifying purchases and to access the rebate form, go
to acdelcotechconnect.com. (Also note that Bosch will accept the 2014 form
until an updated version is established online.)

independent service centers can program


vehicle control modules themselves to
maximize the potential of many repairs,
reducing the time and expense of
outsourcing the work.
ACDelcos short SPS video is a key resource
along with 11 additional TIS2Web tutorial
videos that are now available to help support
independent repair shops that diagnose
and program GM vehicles using ACDelco
software applications.
Visit the ACDelco TechConnect website to
view the Service Programming tutorial and
other videos. Click TIS2Web in the Tool Box
to learn more about TIS2Web online or to
purchase a subscription.

March - April 2015

SPS Programming Tips


Before programming a vehicle control module using the
ACDelco Service Programming System (SPS), there are
several steps technicians can take to assist in completing
a successful programming event.
While every repair shop may have a different network
environment, here are a few recommended best
practices.

Setup/Configuration
Recommended setup and configuration:
Place the service PC next to or inside the vehicle (if
its a laptop computer).
A laptop computer should be plugged in to ensure
the laptop battery will be maintained during the
programming event.
Connect the PC to the Internet/TIS2Web via a
quality LAN cable or reliable Business Grade Wi-Fi
access point.
Connect the PC to the J2534 programming interface
device using the USB cable method.
Connect a battery maintainer or equivalent to
maintain proper battery voltage during programming
when required.
To ensure the computer remains active, adjust the
Microsoft Windows Power Options. Select the
High performance power plan and set it to Never
sleep in either On Battery or Plugged In modes.
Recommended Process Rationale
During SPS programming, the required data/calibration
files are retrieved from the TIS2Web server. They are
downloaded completely, verified and cached onto the
service PC before module programming can begin. When
ready, programming continues using these cached files
and the required data is then transmitted from the PC to
the vehicle module by way of the J2534 device and DLC.
If an error or connection problem occurs during file
retrieval, it may be necessary to restart or recover and
carry on retrieving the required files. If a communication
error develops while transmitting to the vehicle, there
is a risk of damage to the vehicle module that may be
unrecoverable. Because of this, a USB connection from
the service PC to MDI is a best practice.

Trouble-Free Programming
Several factors to consider to help ensure trouble-free programming
include:
Dedicate the service PC (laptops preferred) Placing a laptop
PC inside the vehicle during programming ensures the PC remains
dedicated to that function. This helps to minimize risk of someone
accidentally interrupting the programming process by multitasking the
PC. Laptops are preferred because their portability permits placement
in the vehicle and the internal battery provides additional insurance in
the event of a temporary AC power interruption during programming.
A power supply should be used at all times.
Prevent PC going into sleep mode Laptops are typically configured
to conserve power using Power Management techniques. Disable or
adjust the Windows Power Options to prevent the computer from
going to sleep during the programming event.
Choosing an MDI connection method for SPS J2534 device
connections are critical to the success of module programming.
Reliability takes precedence over convenience, so keep it simple.
Connecting the device directly to the service PC via the USB cable is
recommended in order to maintain an error-free connection between
the PC and vehicle module (via the J2534 device and DLC). This
method is simple, easy and eliminates any potential for a network
problem to interfere while transmitting data to the module during
programming.
Quality/Reliability of shop network (LAN) Wi-Fi hardware used
by repair shops varies greatly and is difficult to qualify. ACDelco
recommends Business Grade hardware for the Wi-Fi Access Points
(AP). Hard-wired cable connections to the LAN are considered more
reliable than Wi-Fi and may be more suitable if not near a reliable WiFi connection. Beware that cables are still prone to physical damage,
such as deterioration of the cable or connector, which is not always
visually evident. If a cable is suspect, substitute another cable.

10 March - April 2015

Throttle it Back: Check Connections Before Replacing the


Throttle Body or Accelerator Pedal
Automotive engineers continue to work to design vehicle
systems that reduce weight, improve engine performance and
increase fuel economy. One of those systems is the electronic
throttle control system (ETC).
The electronic throttle control system is made up of an
electrically controlled throttle body, an electronic accelerator
pedal and wiring to connect these components to an electronic
control unit, or ECU. Analysis of throttle bodies returned under
warranty shows most are found to be fully functional.
Common Issues
The most
common reason
for electronic
throttle control
malfunctions is high
resistance in one or
more of the sensor circuits between the accelerator pedal and
the ECU or between the ECU and the throttle body. These low
voltage signals can be affected by resistance in the circuits as a
result of poor terminal tension or corrosion.
Another condition is higher than normal idle speed and high
engine speed during deceleration after replacing the throttle
body or cleaning carbon from the area around the throttle
blade.
How to Repair the ETC System
For Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) related to the throttle or
accelerator position sensors, ACDelco offers a variety of wiring
pigtails to repair wiring concerns.
A common pigtail used to repair
the ETC system is part number
PT2713. This pigtail connector
attaches to the throttle body and
comes with six blunt-cut wires and
six crimp n seal splice sleeves to make the electrical
connection to the vehicle wiring harness.
To connect the pigtail to the vehicle harness:
1. Strip 5/16 inch (8 mm) of insulation from the wires to be
joined.
2. Insert one of the wires into the splice sleeve until it hits the
stop position and crimp using Kent-Moore J-38125-8 or
equivalent. Use the crimp tool nest that corresponds to the

color of the splice sleeve. The handles will release when


the crimp is complete.
3. Repeat step 2 with the remaining wires.
4. Gently tug on the wires to make sure they are securely
crimped.
5. Apply heat evenly from the center to the outside of the
splice sleeve using a Mastertech UT-100 or UT-100si
Ultratorch with hot air attachment or a heat gun capable of
producing at least 500 F. The sleeve will shrink around the
metal clip and sealant will come out the ends of the splice.
NEVER use an open flame to shrink the splice sleeve.

To help prevent corrosion or fretting concerns in the future,


coat the terminals with dielectric lubricant, ACDelco part
number 10-4071.
Idle Learn/Reset Procedure
If there is higher than normal idle speed and high engine speed
during deceleration
after the throttle
body is replaced or
carbon is cleaned
from the area around
the throttle blade:

Perform an Idle Learn/Reset. Some vehicles require an Idle


Learn/Reset procedure after throttle body replacement
or cleaning using a Tech 2, GDS2 or equivalent scan tool.
This procedure must be performed with the key on/engine
off. If it is performed with the engine running, the scan tool
may indicate that the procedure is complete when it is not.
The procedure can be found at the following path on the
Tech 2 scan tool (using a 2009 GMC Sierra as an example):
Engine Control Module > Module Setup > Idle Learn Reset.

Confirm that the procedure completed successfully by


viewing the TB Idle Air Flow Compensation PID in scan
tool data. If the procedure was successful, this PID will
show 0%.
If high idle is not corrected by following these steps,
reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) to reset the
Idle Air Flow Compensation PID to 0%.

March - April 2015

Inspect Terminals for Fuel Pressure DTCs


2010-2014 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX,
Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain; 2013-2014 Cadillac
ATS, Cadillac XTS; 2012-2014 Chevrolet Camaro and
Chevrolet Impala

If normal diagnostics do not lead to a repair


when Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)
P00C6 (Fuel Rail Pressure Low During Engine
Cranking) and/or P228C (Fuel Pressure
Regulator Control Performance Low
Pressure) are set on these models equipped
with the HFV6 engine (RPOs LF1, LFW, or
LFX), check the terminals at the ECM for
fit and tension as well as the crimp to wire

connection before replacing any components.


Terminals to inspect in the E39 and E39A
controllers are:
Connector X2, terminals 3, 18, and 19 for
the fuel rail pressure sensor
Connector X3, terminals 16 and 32 for
the high pressure fuel pump
As little as 2ohms on either circuit can cause
these DTCs to set. If any conditions are found,
replace the affected terminals and verify the
vehicle is repaired.

COPO Camaro Racecars are built for Speed

PRODUCT
Reman Diesel Fuel Injector
Now Available For 6.6L
Duramax
ACDelco introduced the
diesel fuel injector (part
number 19327361) for use on
high-volume, 6.6L V8 Duramax
Diesel engines with 2001-2004
Chevrolet Silverado and GMC
Sierra applications. Until now,
availability has been limited to
GM dealers.
The ACDelco Professional
remanufactured Duramax
Diesel fuel injector maintains its
OE design features by replacing
every seal, control valve and
nozzle 100 percent of the time
with new components. This is a
key differentiation from many
aftermarket competitors, and
one that your customers will
applaud.
Installation hardware, including
combustion seals and o-rings,
are packaged with each injector,
providing proper function
and convenience. All of these
features combine to ensure
the superior product quality
and performance expected of
ACDelco products.

PRODUCT

Chevrolets 2015 COPO Camaro is the


fourth edition of the limited-production,
factory-built drag race car and the final
version for the Gen 5 Camaro. As with the
previous three model years, only 69 will
be built. They are designed to compete in
NHRAs Stock Eliminator and Super Stock
classes.
Each COPO Camaro race car is built by hand
starting with production hardware, including
the same body in white used for production
models. The production race cars are fitted

with an NHRA-approved roll cage and other


safety equipment, along with racing chassis
and suspension components including a
unique solid rear axle system in place of a
regular-production Camaros independent
rear axle.
Customers can select from a variety of
supercharged and naturally aspirated
LS-family engines based on their intended
NHRA Stock and Super Stock classes,
including 350, 396 and 427 naturally
aspirated engines and a supercharged 350.

New Paper Catalogs Available


For Wipers And Batteries
The most up-to-date product information is essential to running
a successful business. Youll find
detailed information about ACDelco Wiper Products, as well
as Professional and Advantage
Batteries, in two paper catalogs
now available for order.
The 8A-CH-14, 2014 Wiper
Products Catalog covers 19922014 model years (superseding
8A-CH-12) and the 7A-10014-REV, 2014 Battery Catalog
replaces the earlier released
7A-100-14. Both catalogs provide the latest product listings
at your fingertips and contain
2015 applications for most GM
vehicles, making them invaluable additions to your shops
collection.

11

12 March - April 2015

Training Schedule
Current Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Courses
The following ILT courses are currently being scheduled:

Course Number

How to Take ACDelco Training


Go to www.acdelcotechconnect.com and click the Training tab to log in to the
ACDelco Learning Management System (LMS).
To launch or enroll in courses in your
training path, open the home page to
view your Training Progress Status
Report, select Show Detail, and then
click the course number and title to
view details on a specific course and to
launch or enroll in the course.
To view Instructor-Led Training (ILT)
courses (ILTs are full-day hands-on
classroom courses), click Take Training
> Catalog > Catalog Search and select
Instructor-Led Training under Delivery
Type.
To view Virtual Classroom Training
(VCT) courses (VCTs are 1- to-2-hour
live online courses), click Take Training
> Catalog > Catalog Search and select
Virtual Classroom Training under
Delivery Type.

To launch a Web-Based Training


(WBT) course (WBTs are 1- to 4-hour
self-guided online courses), click Take
Training > Catalog > Catalog Search
and select Service or Business WebBased Training under Delivery Type.
To launch a TechAssist (TAS) course
(TAS courses are 15- to 20-minute
online presentations on a specific
topic), click Take Training > Catalog >
Catalog Search and select TechAssist
under Delivery Type.
To launch a Simulation (SIM) (SIMs
require users to complete all repairs
for a condition), click Take Training >
Catalog > Catalog Search and select
Simulation under Delivery Type.

dexos1 0W-20 Oil Approved as


Substitute for dexos1 5W-20 Oil
2013-2015 Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Malibu,
Chevrolet Spark; 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala;
2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon

These models equipped with the 2.5L


L4 engine (RPO LCV, LKW) or 1.2L L4
engine (RPO LLO) were factory filled
with dexos1 5W-20 engine oil and the
engines were fitted with engine oil fill
caps that say: SAE 5W-20 dexos.

GM has tested, validated and approved


the use of 0W-20 dexos1 as an
acceptable and optional top off and
service fill for these models.
Refer to www.gmdexos.com for more
information about dexos1 engine
oil and the demanding performance
requirements and stringent quality
standards in the dexos1 specification.

Course Name

S-AC07-02.01ILT

Automotive Air Conditioning


Advanced Refrigerant System
Diagnostics

S-AC07-03.01ILT

HVAC Control System Operation


and Diagnostics

S-BK05-01.01ILT

Braking Systems

S-BK05-02.01ILT

ABS Operation and Diagnosis

S-BK05-03.01ILT

Electronic Brake and Chassis


Controls: Is the vehicle really
smarter than the driver?

S-DS11-02.01ILT

Service Programming Flash


or Pass: Dont pass up potential
customers!

S-DS11-13.01ILT

Vehicle Network Communications:


When modules talk, who is really
listening?

S-EL06-04.02ILT

Network Communication Diagnosis

S-EL06-10.02ILT

Electrical Power Management

S-EL06-11.02ILT

Enhanced Automotive Circuit


Diagnosis

S-EL06-12.01ILT

Hybrid Technology and Service

S-EL06-13.01ILT

Body Electrical Global Diagnostics

S-EL06-14.01ILT

Advanced Body Control System


Electrical Diagnostics

S-EL06-16.01ILT

Hybrid Vehicle Service and Safety:


Batteries Included

S-EL06-17.01ILT

Electrical Diagnostics: Chasing Lost


Electrons

S-EM01-01.01ILT

Valvetrain Controls: Are they


phasing you?

S-EP08-02.01ILT

Engine Performance Computer


Controls and Ignition System
Diagnostics

S-EP08-04.01ILT

Engine Performance Fault


Monitoring and Emission System
Diagnostics

S-EP08-05.01ILT

Engine Performance Advanced


Drivability Diagnostics

S-EP08-06.01ILT

After Combustion Sensors: Is what


is in the exhaust making your engine
run rough?

S-EP08-07.01ILT

Air Induction and Fuel Injection


Systems

S-EP08-08.02ILT

Evaporative Emissions Controls:


Why is there always a code but
never a leak we can find?

S-EP08-10.01ILT

Direct Injection

S-EP08-81.02ILT

Duramax Diesel Operation and


Diagnosis

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