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Automotive Computers I (what they do)
Introduction: Most experts agree that the two greatest inventions of the twentieth century were the automobile and the computer. In the late 1970s, the two were brought together in a marriage made in the laboratory. This was primarily to find a way to combat increasing air pollution caused by the hydrocarbon burning, internal combustion engine. In many ways it was a successful marriage resulting in a cleaner atmosphere, more efficient engines, and less costly repairs. The computer processes thousands of calculations per second while on the morning commute to work. It incorporates an ingenious tool known as the Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD). The OBD warns the driver that a problem has been detected when the “check engine”, light is illuminated on the instrument panel. When this occurs, the computer must be diagnosed by a trained technician. Just as technicians are trained in engine repair, transmission repair, brake repair, or wheel alignment, they must be trained in all aspects of computer diagnostics. At Uptown Auto Service in Alliance, Ohio, our technicians are trained and certified in automotive computer diagnostics. Computers monitor and control various aspects of a vehicle’s operation such as fuel economy, braking on slippery roadways, and even the interior climate. The “check engine” light signals a potentially serious problem with any of these systems. An illuminated “check engine” light should always be diagnosed by a trained, competent technician. The Engine: In order to understand what an automotive computer such as the Engine Control Module (ECM) does, one must first have a grasp on the hardware it controls; the internal combustion engine. The primary component of an engine is the piston. It moves up and down inside the cylinder block. It transmits power via a connecting rod to a concentric shaft known as the crankshaft. Mounted on top of the cylinder block is an arrangement of valves contained in a structure known as the cylinder head. These valves are operated by a shaft with concentric lobes known as the camshaft. The camshaft is operated by the crankshaft via a chain or belt. There are four distinct stages of operation as the piston moves up and down within the cylinder. First, is a down-stroke known as the intake stroke. As the piston moves down, the intake valve, mounted in the cylinder head, opens and allows a mixture of fuel and air to be drawn into the cylinder. When the piston reaches the bottom of the cylinder, the valve closes and the piston move up again. This is known as the compression stroke. With the valves closed in the cylinder head, the piston compresses the air/fuel mixture into a small space at the top of the cylinder under tremendous pressure. A spark, provided by the spark plug, ignites the compressed mixture. The resulting explosion drives the piston down in what is known as the power stroke. This down-stroke causes the crankshaft to turn, providing power to operate the vehicle. As the piston moves up again, another valve, known as the exhaust valve, opens in the cylinder head. The up-stroke of the piston forces the gases resulting from the air/fuel combustion out of the cylinder. With the crankshaft turning at 3000 revolutions per minute (RPM), this process happens faster than the human eye can perceive. The roar of an unmuffled engine is the rapid succession of these individual explosions blending together. Next, we will examine how the Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors and controls every aspect of the internal combustion process and how the computer is diagnosed when an error occurs. [...]
Thank You
I would like to express my appreciation for all the well wishes from friends, customers, and co-workers during my recent illness. Thanks to your thoughts and prayers, I am back at work and feeling fine! Earl[...]
Now Open Sundays
Beginning the first Sunday in November, Uptown Auto Service will be open for business seven days a week. We will now be open every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This is especially for our busy, hardworking customers who have no time on regular weekdays for their service and repair needs. Our suppliers have stepped up to the plate and promised parts delivery every Sunday. So, all types of service and repair will be available. Our weekly specials and promotional prices will be honored. Come out to Uptown Auto Service on Sundays and get the same, friendly customer service and our famous, best price guarantee![...]
Another Satisfied Customer
Was in town for the HOF festivities. We noticed a problem in the back of our van and thought it was an emergency brake problem. We took it to a couple places and they all said it was going to be a few hundred $. Couldn't believe this was happening to us! Uptown was the last place to get an estimate. Chris got us right in, took it for a drive, fixed the brake (I guess I didn't release it the right way) and only charged us $10!!! What a relief! It's great to see there are still honest people in this world who want to do the right thing and not take advantage of people. Thanks Uptown for all your help and Chris...Go Bengals!! Mark Nugent[...]
New Sales Associate
Uptown Auto Service wishes to welcome Jennifer Saunier to the Uptown family. Jennifer lives with her family in Louisville and has ten years experience in the automotive industry working in both sales and service. We invite you to come meet Jennifer at Uptown Auto Service. Her professionalism and great smile will makes your auto service or repair experience a pleasure, not a dreaded ordeal.P.S. Be sure to ask her about the great summer specials at Uptown Auto Service.[...]
Summertime
Monday, June 21 is officially the first day of summer. Everyone loves summertime. It means beaches, picnics, family reunions, vacation, and road trips. Being stranded on the side of a busy highway is no fun. So, before leaving on your vacation or weekend road trip, come visit us at Uptown Auto Service for a Complete Vehicle Inspection. We'll make sure your car is safe, with good brakes and in top operating condition. We'll check the condition of the tires and make sure they are inflated properly. We'll check the cooling system to make sure your car can handle the high summertime temperature. We'll check the battery, alternator, and all the lights for nighttime driving. We'll check the air conditioning system so you can ride in comfort. A tuneup and a clean fuel injection system will assure optimal fuel mileage. New tires or brakes? No problem. At Uptown Auto Service you get the best price in town, guaranteed! Remember, drive defensively and watch out for the other guy. From all of us at Uptown Auto Service, have a safe, happy summer! :-D[...]
Memorial Day
The first summer holiday is upon us once again. It's Memorial Day, a day of parades, picnics, and lawn parties. It is also a day when we stop and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the liberty and freedoms we enjoy today. We as Americans fiercely defend these hard won freedoms. In war after war, battle after battle, would be dictators learned that the American fighting spirit would not die.To quote President Obama:"It's what led a ragtag militia to face British soldiers at Lexington and Concord," Obama said. "It's what led young men, in a country divided half slave and half free, to take up arms to save our union. It's what led patriots in each generation to sacrifice their own lives to secure the life of our nation, from the trenches of World War I to the battles of World War II, from Inchon and Khe Sanh, from Mosul to Marjah."As we enjoy this summer holiday with our families, let us stop for a moment and remember the cost of liberty. Let us offer a prayer of thanks for our freedom and those that made it possible.HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY to all our customers and friends from all of us at Uptown Auto Service![...]
Pre-Owned Vehicles
We have added quality, pre-owned vehicles to the many services Uptown Auto Service offers to our customers. We have a small selection of family vans, sedans, and a few classic models for your consideration. These vehicles are quality checked by our technicians to assure your safety. Buy with confidence at Uptown Auto Service. See our selection here: http://www.uptownautoservice.com/index.php/home/pre_owned1/[...]
Car Care Month
At Uptown Auto Service we are excited about National Car Care Month. During the month of April we will be doing various promotions to celebrate. Come visit us or call 330-821-3065 and ask about a Free Steak Dinner at the Texas Roadhouse Resturant. Uptown Auto Service is a full service facility for all automotive service and repair needs. Whether it is regular scheduled maintenance, such as oil and other fluid and filter changes, brakes, tires, shocks, or[...]
Brake Special
Brakes Grinding?Come to Uptown Auto Service for a free brake inspection during the April, National Car Care Month. Receive special pricing on brake service.[...]
We are Open!
Uptown Auto Service is now open for business at 2075 W. State St. in Alliance. We provide a full range of auto service and repair. We offer engine oil change, transmission flush, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, and more. We sell all brands and sizes of tires at our guaranteed best price. We also guarantee the best price on brakes. Call us for all major repairs, such as engine overhauls, transmission repairs, suspension, and bearing replacement. Visit us at 2075 W. State St, in Alliance, n[...]
Tire Numbers
What do all those numbers on a tire sidewall mean? The tire size is a combination of width, height, and wheel size. A common size designator is 225/60R16. The first number, 225 is the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters. The second number, 60 is known as the aspect ratio. It is the height of the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the width. The letter R denotes a steel-belted radial. The third number is the wheel size in inches. The service rating, printed after the size, is two numbers and a letter. The numbers are a load index. The number 87 is a common identifier and represents the tire's ability to safely carry 1,201 pounds. The higher the number, the more weight the tire is able to carry. The letter is a speed rating indicating the tires maximum safe speed. Most sedan tires are rated S and can be safely operated at 112 miles per hour. Performance tires for sports cars have a rating as high as V or Z and can be operated at speeds up to150 mph or greater. Next is the DOT number. It is a serial number required by the Federal Department of Transportation. It identifies the factory where the tire was manufactured and, more importantly, the last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. Tread wear, traction, and temperature numbers are results of government mandated tests known as Uniform Tire Quality Grade System. They are indicators of the tire's performance parameters. A complete description of UTQGS ratings can be found at www.safercar.gov. These tests are performed by each manufacturer and are not meant for brand comparison.[...]
Merry Christmas
A very Merry Christmas to all our wonderful patrons! Uptown Auto Service wishes you and yours the best of the holiday season. We are looking forward to serving you in the coming New Year![...]
Vehicle Locator Service
We offer a vehicle locator service. On our Contact Us page, give us the specifications of what you are looking for; year, make, model, color, price range, etc. We will find the vehicle of your dreams with our famous best price guarantee.[...]
Saving the day for the DJ
DJ Scott Adams, of radio station Q92, was having a bad day on Wednesday. He spoke on his show about the frustating car problems he was having that morning. Chris Debo, co-owner of Uptown Auto Service, was listening to the show on his morning commute. When he arrived at the shop, he immediately sent an email to Mr. Adams stating that he would send a technician to the station and check out the problem free-of-charge. The technician was able to fix the problem on the spot by replacing a serpentine belt.The following as an excerpt of an email sent to Uptown Auto Service by Mr. Adams:Yo Mr. Debo! I can't thank you enough for helping me out this morning. Not only did Jeremy fix my van in the parking lot of the radio station, but he also showed me the cause of the problem and exactly what he did to fix it.Great work all the way around! You and your crew changed my entire perspective on a horrible morning. Thank you again! Happy holidays,S.A.[...]