Mechanical Engineer

Hybrid electric vehicle
HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle): This system combines a combustion engine and an electric motor, which can work together or separately to power the vehicle. The battery is charged by the engine and regenerative braking, which recovers energy from the wheels when slowing down. HEVs use petrol as fuel and have lower emissions and better fuel economy than conventional vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid
PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle): This system is similar to HEV, but it has a larger battery that can be charged from the grid or a charging station. PHEVs can run on electricity, petrol, or both, depending on the driving conditions and the battery level. PHEVs have a longer electric range than HEVs and can reduce fuel consumption and emissions even more

Battery electric vehicle
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): This system is powered solely by an electric motor and a battery, which can be charged from the grid or a charging station. BEVs have no combustion engine, no tailpipe, and no emissions during operation. BEVs have the lowest running costs and environmental impact of all the systems, but they also have limited range and require longer charging times.

Fuel cell vehicle
FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle): This system is powered by hydrogen fuel cells and an electric motor, which can work together or separately to power the vehicle. The fuel cells generate electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, and the battery is charged by regenerative braking or the fuel cells. FCEVs run on hydrogen, which can be produced from renewable sources, and emit only water vapour. FCEVs have a long range and fast refuelling times, but they are expensive and require a hydrogen infrastructure.

PCV Valve

The positive crankcase ventilation valve releases exhaust gas and unburned fuel from the engine block into the intake manifold.

All engines allow some exhaust gases, unburned fuel and oil to “blow by” the pistons and collect in the crankcase where it produces sludge if not eliminated.

Separating the crankcase from the intake manifold, which is a source of varying air pressure, the PCV valve maintains the optimal level of vacuum in the crankcase to extract the products of blow-by as well as potentially damaging moisture. Automakers may designate a replacement interval.

The valve is an inexpensive, easily replaced example of the dozens of parts that can elicit a check engine light and associated vexing investigation. It can also be the source of oil leaks.

PCV Trouble Codes

1: Air Leak/Lean Condition

P0106: Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Performance
P0171: System Too Lean (Bank 1)
P0174: System Too Lean (Bank 2)
P2195: O2 Sensor Signal Biased/Stuck Lean – Bank 1, Sensor 1
P2279: Intake Air System Leak
P0300: Random Cylinder Misfire Detected

2: PCV Heater

P053A: Positive Crankcase Ventilation Heater Control Circuit/Open
P053B: Positive Crankcase Ventilation Heater Control Circuit Low
P053C: Positive Crankcase Ventilation Heater Control Circuit High
P145E: PCV Heater Control B Circuit
P1489: PCV Heater Control Circuit

3: Other

P051B: Crankcase Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
P0507: Idle Control System RPM: Higher Than Expected
P051F: Positive Crankcase Ventilation Filter Restriction
P1101: Intake Air Flow System Performance

Valve Damage And Causes