Modern Engine Repair Technology: Challenges and Innovations

With the rapid development of the automotive industry, modern engine technology is changing rapidly, this article will introduce you to the characteristics, challenges and future trends of modern engine repair technology.

1. Electronic control system maintenance has become the core skills

Modern engines have entered the era of electronic control, engine control unit and various sensors constitute the engine “nervous system”. Maintenance technicians need to master the use of OBD-II diagnostic instrument, to be able to interpret the fault code and analyze the data flow. For example, when the engine has a lack of power, the technician needs to analyze the air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, throttle opening and other parameters through the data stream, rather than just checking the mechanical components.

The popularity of turbocharging systems has also created new maintenance challenges. Common turbocharger failures include oil leaks, insufficient boost pressure, etc. Maintenance requires not only checking the wear and tear of the turbine blades and bearings, but also troubleshooting intercoolers, pressure relief valves, and other supporting components. The turbochargers of some high-end models also have integrated electronic control units, which require specialized equipment for matching and calibration.

2.Maintenance Difficulties of Direct Injection Technology

The wide application of in-cylinder direct injection technology significantly improves fuel efficiency, but also brings new maintenance problems. Failure of high-pressure fuel pump and precision injector nozzle will lead to engine shaking and power loss. Maintenance of such systems require special tools to disassemble the high-pressure fuel rail, and pay special attention to safety protection to avoid high-pressure fuel injection injury.

3. Application of intelligent maintenance equipment

The modern maintenance workshop is undergoing digitalization changes. Three-dimensional endoscope can be deep inside the engine to visually check the cylinder wall, the top of the piston; infrared thermography can quickly locate the cooling system failure; vibration analyzer is used to diagnose abnormal vibration of the engine mechanical components. These devices greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency of fault diagnosis.

Artificial intelligence diagnostic systems are beginning to enter the maintenance field. By analyzing massive repair case data, AI can quickly provide fault possibility ranking and repair recommendations. Some advanced systems are also capable of initially determining the type of malfunction based on the sound of engine operation alone through sound recognition technology.

4. Transformation of Hybrid Powertrain Maintenance

With the popularization of new energy vehicles, maintenance technicians are faced with hybrid power systems in which traditional internal combustion engines and electric motors work in tandem. The maintenance of such systems requires a whole new body of knowledge, including high-voltage electrical safety operations and battery management system testing. For example, when servicing a Toyota hybrid system, it is necessary to first disconnect the high-voltage circuit and wait for the capacitors to be fully discharged before starting work.

Repair of energy recovery systems is also different from conventional braking systems. Repair technicians need to understand the principle of generating electricity when the motor is braking, and master the detection method of the relevant sensors. Some hybrid models have an extremely high frequency of engine start/stop, which puts higher demands on the starter motor and battery, and is also an area that requires special attention during maintenance.

5. Future development trend

Remote diagnostic technology will change the traditional engine repair mode. Through the car networking system, the maintenance center can obtain real-time vehicle data, discover potential problems in advance, and even remotely guide the owner to carry out simple processing. Modern engine repair technology is in a period of rapid development, maintenance personnel need to constantly learn new knowledge and master new skills to adapt to the needs of the industry's development.