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Major Banks and Financial Apps Affected by CrowdStrike Crash: What You Need to Know

Jul 19, 2024 by Brandon Lewis @nerovisum - 0 Comments
Crowd strike collapse banks and fortune 500 companies around the world
Crowd strike collapse banks and fortune 500 companies around the world.[/caption]Windows computers are experiencing the Blue Screen of Death, flights are being grounded, and websites are down, all due to a faulty update from CrowdStrike.

CrowdStrike acknowledged reports of crashes on Windows hosts linked to the Falcon Sensor in an alert issued at 1:30 a.m. ET on Friday. “Symptoms include experiencing a bugcheck/blue screen error related to the Falcon Sensor. Our engineering teams are actively working to resolve this issue, and there is no need to open a support ticket,” the alert stated.

The CrowdStrike crash impacted more than just personal computers; it disrupted operations for everyone using the cybersecurity company’s services or the widely popular Windows operating system, which supports numerous devices and businesses.

“We’re aware of an issue affecting Windows devices due to an update from a third-party software platform. We anticipate a resolution is forthcoming,” a Microsoft spokesperson said.

The recent CrowdStrike crash has impacted numerous companies, including major banks. If you’re experiencing issues with your bank, don’t panic. Here’s a list of banks and financial apps that might be affected by the outage, according to DownDetector:

TD Bank
Charles Schwab
VISA
Bank of America
Chase
Capital One
Arvest Bank
Wells Fargo
Square
US Bank
SNAP EBT
E-Trade
While this is not an exhaustive list of all banks experiencing issues due to the Microsoft outage, it highlights the widespread impact on financial institutions.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

Russian Warships Depart Havana’s Port After Five-Day Visit to Cuba

Jul 19, 2024 by Brandon Lewis @nerovisum - 0 Comments

Russian Warships On Havana’s Port.

HAVANA (AP) — A fleet of Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, departed from Havana’s port on Monday after a five-day visit to Cuba. This visit followed planned military drills in the Atlantic Ocean and is perceived by some as a display of strength by Moscow amidst the ongoing tensions, with the U.S. and other Western nations supporting Kyiv in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.

The departing fleet comprised a submarine, a frigate, an oil tanker, and a rescue tug, which left the port on Monday morning.

The fleet’s next destination within the Caribbean remains uncertain. However, U.S. officials have speculated that the vessels might also make a stop in Venezuela.

Last week, officials from the Biden administration stated they were monitoring the Russian vessels and confirmed that they did not pose a threat to the region, nor did they indicate a transfer of missiles. In response, the United States docked the submarine USS Helena at its Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

The American naval base, situated in the southeastern part of the island approximately 1,000 kilometers (625 miles) from Havana, is regarded by the Cuban government as illegally occupied territory.

The Russian fleet arrived at the port last week following the Russian Ministry of Defense’s announcement that the fleet had completed successful military drills in the Atlantic Ocean, which included simulating a missile attack on targets more than 600 kilometers (375 miles) away.

The fleet, which included the frigate “Gorshkov,” the nuclear-powered submarine “Kazan,” the tanker “Pashin,” and the tug “Nikolai Chiker,” was welcomed in Havana with a 21-gun salute.

On Saturday, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel toured the frigate and engaged with the sailors, as he mentioned in a post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Meanwhile, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío condemned the presence of the American submarine at the Guantanamo Base, asserting that it was both unwelcome and uninvited.

A State Department spokesperson stated last week that Russia’s port calls in Cuba are “routine naval visits” and do not present any threat.

On Thursday, the day after their arrival, hundreds of people queued up to tour the frigate. The ship was also open to the public on Saturday, a customary practice for visiting vessels.

On Friday, Canada’s navy patrol boat Margaret Brooke entered Havana harbor.

How to Repair a Wastegate Actuator (P1920 Code) on a BMW 328i

Jul 17, 2024 by Brandon Lewis @nerovisum - 0 Comments
How to Repair a Wastegate Actuator (P1920 Code) on a BMW 328i

When driving a sophisticated and finely-tuned vehicle like the BMW 328i, experiencing an issue such as a faulty wastegate actuator indicated by a P1920 diagnostic trouble code can be unsettling. The wastegate actuator plays a crucial role in managing the turbocharger’s operation, controlling the flow of exhaust gas to the turbine, thus regulating the boost pressure provided by the turbo. In this article, we will explore step-by-step how to diagnose and repair the wastegate actuator to ensure your BMW continues to perform at its peak.

Step 1: Diagnosing the Problem
Before starting any repair, confirming that the wastegate actuator is indeed the source of your troubles is vital. The P1920 code generally points to a fault within the turbocharger boost control position sensor circuit, indicating an issue with the positioning or functionality of the wastegate actuator.

Tools Needed:

OBD-II scanner
Basic hand tools
Procedure:

Connect the OBD-II Scanner: Plug the scanner into the diagnostic port of your BMW 328i (usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side) and read the fault codes.
Interpret the Codes: If P1920 is confirmed, proceed to visually inspect the wastegate actuator. Look for signs of physical damage or disconnected hoses.
Step 2: Inspecting the Wastegate Actuator
The wastegate actuator is typically attached to the turbocharger housing. Inspecting it involves checking for any mechanical wear, tear, or obvious malfunctions.

Procedure:

Locate the Turbocharger: In the BMW 328i, the turbocharger and its components are mounted near the front of the engine.
Examine the Wastegate Actuator: Check for any loose connections, broken linkage, or evidence of rust or damage on the actuator itself.
Check the Vacuum Lines: Ensure that all vacuum lines connected to the turbine and actuator are secure and intact.
Step 3: Replacing the Wastegate Actuator
If diagnostics and inspection reveal that the wastegate actuator is faulty, replacement is the next step. This is a detailed yet manageable task for those with some mechanical experience.

Tools Needed:

Replacement wastegate actuator (specific to BMW 328i)
Socket set
Wrench set
Screwdrivers
Procedure:

Remove the Old Actuator: Disconnect any electrical connectors and vacuum lines. Using a socket set, remove the bolts securing the actuator to the turbocharger.
Install the New Actuator: Position the new actuator in place and bolt it down securely. Reconnect the electrical connectors and vacuum lines.
Calibration: Depending on the model, the new wastegate actuator might need to be calibrated to ensure proper operation. Refer to the vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions or consider professional assistance for calibration.
Step 4: Testing and Final Checks
Once the new actuator is installed, it’s important to test the vehicle to ensure the issue is resolved.

Procedure:

Clear the Fault Codes: Use the OBD-II scanner to clear any stored fault codes.
Road Test: Drive the vehicle under various conditions to ensure the turbo is operating correctly and that no new warning lights appear.
Re-check: After the test drive, double-check for any leaks or loose components.
Conclusion
Repairing the wastegate actuator on your BMW 328i not only can restore the full performance and efficiency of your vehicle but also extend the life of the turbocharger. While the process requires meticulous attention to detail, with basic mechanical knowledge and the right tools, it is a manageable task for a weekend project. Should you feel unsure at any stage, consulting with a professional mechanic is advised to ensure the repair is performed safely and effectively. Remember, taking care of your BMW not only enhances your driving experience but also helps maintain its value and reliability.

How To Replace A Wastegate Actuator On a BMW (P1920 Code)

Jul 17, 2024 by Brandon Lewis @nerovisum - 0 Comments

When driving a sophisticated and finely-tuned vehicle like the BMW 328i, experiencing an issue such as a faulty wastegate actuator indicated by a P1920 diagnostic trouble code can be unsettling. The wastegate actuator plays a crucial role in managing the turbocharger’s operation, controlling the flow of exhaust gas to the turbine, thus regulating the boost pressure provided by the turbo. In this article, we will explore step-by-step how to diagnose and repair the wastegate actuator to ensure your BMW continues to perform at its peak.

Step 1: Diagnosing the Problem
Before starting any repair, confirming that the wastegate actuator is indeed the source of your troubles is vital. The P1920 code generally points to a fault within the turbocharger boost control position sensor circuit, indicating an issue with the positioning or functionality of the wastegate actuator.

Tools Needed:

OBD-II scanner
Basic hand tools
Procedure:

Connect the OBD-II Scanner: Plug the scanner into the diagnostic port of your BMW 328i (usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side) and read the fault codes.
Interpret the Codes: If P1920 is confirmed, proceed to visually inspect the wastegate actuator. Look for signs of physical damage or disconnected hoses.
Step 2: Inspecting the Wastegate Actuator
The wastegate actuator is typically attached to the turbocharger housing. Inspecting it involves checking for any mechanical wear, tear, or obvious malfunctions.

Procedure:

Locate the Turbocharger: In the BMW 328i, the turbocharger and its components are mounted near the front of the engine.
Examine the Wastegate Actuator: Check for any loose connections, broken linkage, or evidence of rust or damage on the actuator itself.
Check the Vacuum Lines(NEW MODLES USE ELECTRIC INSTEAD OF VACCUUM): Ensure that all vacuum lines connected to the turbine and actuator are secure and intact.
Step 3: Replacing the Wastegate Actuator
If diagnostics and inspection reveal that the wastegate actuator is faulty, replacement is the next step. This is a detailed yet manageable task for those with some mechanical experience.

Tools Needed:

Replacement wastegate actuator (specific to BMW 328i)
Socket set
Wrench set
Screwdrivers
Procedure:

Remove the Old Actuator: Disconnect any electrical connectors and vacuum lines. Using a socket set, remove the bolts securing the actuator to the turbocharger.
Install the New Actuator: Position the new actuator in place and bolt it down securely. Reconnect the electrical connectors and vacuum lines.
Calibration: Depending on the model, the new wastegate actuator might need to be calibrated to ensure proper operation. Refer to the vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions or consider professional assistance for calibration.
Step 4: Testing and Final Checks
Once the new actuator is installed, it’s important to test the vehicle to ensure the issue is resolved.

Procedure:

Clear the Fault Codes: Use the OBD-II scanner to clear any stored fault codes.
Road Test: Drive the vehicle under various conditions to ensure the turbo is operating correctly and that no new warning lights appear.
Re-check: After the test drive, double-check for any leaks or loose components.
Conclusion
Repairing the wastegate actuator on your BMW 328i not only can restore the full performance and efficiency of your vehicle but also extend the life of the turbocharger. While the process requires meticulous attention to detail, with basic mechanical knowledge and the right tools, it is a manageable task for a weekend project. Should you feel unsure at any stage, consulting with a professional mechanic is advised to ensure the repair is performed safely and effectively. Remember, taking care of your BMW not only enhances your driving experience but also helps maintain its value and reliability.

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