Tune Up

What Should A "Complete" Tune Up Include?

· Electronic ignition, computer engine controls, and electronic fuel injection have pretty much eliminated many of the adjustments that were once a part of a traditional tune up. Most would agree that tune up today is a preventive maintenance service and performance check.

· Things like hard starting, stalling, hesitations, missing, poor fuel economy, or lack of power are seldom solved by installing a new set of sparkplugs and a few turns of a screw driver. Every tune up should include a comprehensive performance check to verify that no performance problems or trouble codes exist.

· Taking into account the longer service intervals and reduced maintenance requirements of today's vehicles, a tune up is probably only necessary every 30,000 miles or once every two to three years. This is altered when a drivability or emissions problem occurs that requires diagnosis and repairs.

· The best guide to tune up intervals is probably the recommended spark plug replacement interval in the vehicles owner's manual.

· Our list of items that should be included in a "complete" tune up include:

1. Replace spark plugs
2. Check and replace distributor rotor if necessary
3. Check and replace distributor cap if necessary
4. Check timing (adjust if necessary)
5. Check plug wires (replace if necessary)
6. Perform scope check (firing voltage and ignition patterns)
7. Check idle speed (adjust if necessary)
8. Check choke (carbureted engines)
9. Clean Fuel injectors
10. Check manifold vacuum (reveals exhaust restrictions)
11. Check battery and charging system
12. Check exhaust emissions (verifies fuel mixture, ignition performance and emissions performance)
13. Check vehicles computer for trouble codes
14. Install new air filter
15. Replace PCV valve
16. Check all emissions controls (EGR valve air pump etc.)
17. Check all vital fluid levels (engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brakes, power steering)
18. Check belts and hoses
19. Check safety items such as lights, wipers, tires, (including inflation pressure) horn, etc.