October 2020 - Turning Wrenches

Where to Take Your Sputtering BMW Engine in Louisville

by turningwpuser | Oct 25, 2020 | BMW Repair

Of the many problems that can occur under the hood of a car, problems with the engine itself should be feared the most, especially on vehicles as reliable as BMW. The engine is the heart and soul of your vehicle. Any problem with the engine can potentially lead to engine failure or problems with other systems in your BMW.

Regardless of the cause, a sputtering engine is indicative of a serious problem within your vehicle’s engine. Any sputtering, even small sputters, should be looked at as a serious matter and should be a reason to take your car to be fixed without hesitation. Don’t allow the problem to spread to other areas of the car.

Causes of a Sputtering Engine

When it comes to the causes of a sputtering engine, the possibilities are potentially limitless but all serious. Fortunately, these can be identified fairly easily by any mechanic shop.

Fuel System

There are three major components that go into producing the optimal fuel reaction within the combustion bay: the filter, pump, and injectors. The filter ensures property flow of fuel and cleans the fuel, the pump moves fuel within the system, and the injectors spray specific amounts of fuel to the cylinder when needed. If any of these parts go bad, they may compromise the other parts and lead to improper fuel ratios. This could be a potential cause of engine sputtering.

Spark Plugs

The spark plugs on your vehicle are incredibly important and can become worn out over time. The spark plugs “spark” the air and fuel mixture within the engine. This drives the miniature explosion that sends the piston flying back down. If your spark plugs have become worn out, this reaction may not occur when it should or even at all. This would also lead your engine to sputter.

Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is responsible for turning carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide in the vehicle. As more pollutants stay within the engine, they can negatively affect performance and the air within the combustion chamber. This reduced performance may take the form of a sputtering engine by not providing the engine with the proper clean air to fuel ratio that it needs.

Effects of a Sputtering Engine

A sputtering engine may not seem like a worrisome issue, but the effects of this problem are far-reaching and have harsher implications for the rest of the vehicle. Below are just a few of the negative effects that can arise from a sputtering engine.

Dirtier Fuel Injectors

As mentioned, the entire fuel system could be the cause of the engine sputtering within your BMW. When the fuel filter becomes dirty over time and is left unchecked by a continuously sputtering engine, the fuel injectors themselves may become dirtier. This leads to contaminated fuel entering the combustion chamber, resulting in more problems.

Dirty Mass Airflow Sensor

Another effect of a sputtering engine is a dirty mass airflow sensor. This component is what measures the amount of fuel and air in the vehicle. A sputtering engine can result in a dirtier sensor that fails to do its job properly, worsening the problem.

Exhaust System Leaks

As referenced, the catalytic converter may be the cause of a sputtering engine by letting harmful pollutants into the engine bay. It should be obvious to you when exhaust system leaks occur, as the sulfer smell may be extreme and smell rotten.

Turning Wrenches Can Help

Turning Wrenches is the auto solution for you with our specialization in European repair. We have proudly been serving clients around Louisville, KY since 2013, and our reputation as BMW specialists has only been increasing.

Our services run the gamut from simple oil repairs to major engine repairs. We guarantee that we have the latest tools and most up-to-date knowledge to identify why your BMW engine is sputtering and then fix it quickly.

We hope to satisfy your auto needs in a timely manner while also providing the highest quality of service. Give us a call today to see why we are the best in the business or come to our location to see why we are so trusted in the community. We look forward to earning your trust and business.

What Causes Door Lock Failure in a Mercedes?

by turningwpuser | Oct 9, 2020 | Mercedes Repair

Mercedes models were designed and built with performance and elegance in mind. Driving a Mercedes is an experience that is unforgettable, smooth, and safe every time. Part of the safety and security Mercedes vehicles offer is the door locking mechanisms. Mercedes designed a vacuum door lock technology that is featured on all their vehicles. This article goes into detail of how this door lock technology works, what can cause it to fail, and where to go to fix it.

The Vacuum Door Lock Technology

The vacuum door lock technology was patented by Mercedes and involves using pressure to lock all of the doors at the same time. This pressure is created by a vacuum-based mechanism.

In addition to locking the doors, this technology is used as an antitheft device. As you can see, the door lock technology serves two different but equally important purposes. When the door lock is engaged, all the locks are simultaneously pressurized and remain pressurized until the master lock is released. This prevents anyone from trying to pry their way into your Mercedes.

This door lock technology has been so successful and relatively fail-safe because the system does not contain any electrical components. This means that there is no way for any type of electrical theft device to be used to unlock the doors.

With that being said, there is the chance that mechanical failure can occur, and this will release the vacuum pressure that is required to keep the doors locked.

Reasons Behind Door Lock Failure

Having a door lock system that properly functions is necessary to keep your belongings securely inside your Mercedes and to prevent theft of your car. The best way to do this is by knowing the reasons behind door lock failure. The door lock system is made up of many parts that need to work together to remain in optimal condition. So, unfortunately, there are a few reasons why the door lock can fail.

The first reason is pump failure. The pump is located underneath the passenger’s seat and is responsible for moving the air that is required for the vacuum locking system. When the pump fails, the entire door lock system fails. If there is no air moving through the system, then the doors will not lock when directed.

The second reason that door lock failure can occur is an actuator leak. Every door has an actuator that aids in the actual locking of the door. Once the air is pumped and pressurized, the actuator uses this air to engage the lock. If there is a leak in the actuator, air escapes, and not enough is left in the system to lock the doors. In most cases, it is simpler to replace the actuator as opposed to repairing it. Although depending on the situation, repair may be the way to go.

The third reason for door lock failure is system aging. The longer you have your Mercedes, the more wear and tear to the door lock system. This system is made mostly out of plastic so, over time, it will deteriorate and become dry and brittle. This will lead to cracks and leaks. This damage then leads to the failure of the actuator and the pump.

Addressing the Door Lock Failure

When it comes to the vacuum door lock system, each part is easily located by a trained technician. As previously stated, the pump is under the passenger seat and each door has the actuator near the door lock. So when you bring in your Mercedes for door lock failure, the mechanic knows exactly where to look.

To find the best mechanic for the job, turn to us at Turning Wrenches in Louisville, KY. We specialize in European vehicles so you can be well assured that our technicians are trained and certified in all things Mercedes. We inspect all vehicles with the latest and most up to date technology to diagnose the source of the issue. From there, high-quality parts are used to make the necessary repairs.

If for any reason we need to hold on to your vehicle for a few hours, we offer rental vehicles or Uber rides at highly competitive rates. This way, you are not inconvenienced while we take care of your Mercedes. You will be back on the road in no time with a vehicle that securely locks. We look forward to becoming your Mercedes service center for your future needs.