Uncover Potential Profit Sources With Belt and Hose Inspections
Although belts and hoses are still classified as expendable parts, their durability has improved to the point that many dealers and technicians are now neglecting to perform routine belt and hose inspections. From a historical perspective, belts and hoses have moved from a recommended replacement interval to an inspection interval. This means that, unless otherwise
Troublesome Power Steering Repairs Shouldn’t Beat You
We often take the commonplace power steering pump for granted until the driver begins to notice a lack of power assist during parking or the pump itself begins to develop an irritating growling or whining noise.Power Steering SymptomsMost power steering pumps provide ample warning of impending failure. The only exception to this would be the
Diagnosing Engine Misfires
hatare causing a lean fuel condition. Here them. Last, worn valve seats andguides can create an intermittent misfire condition by causing anintermittent loss of compression. Other unusual issues that have been reported to me are heavy lapsplices in serpentine belts and vapor bubbles forming in single-linefuel systems that eventually cause random fuel injector misfires. Last,but
Lessons Learned Regarding ‘Old School’ Ignition Diagnosis
on. If the primary ignition is saturating the coil, the B- coil voltage will generally alternate from battery voltage to roughly nine volts voltage as the engine is cranked. To my surprise, this quick test yielded a maximum of 0.2 volts at the B- terminal as the engine cranked. Because the Mustang’s ignition harness contains
Conducting Non-Intrusive Cooling System Inspections
All too often, we wonder where to begin when we get a cooling system overheating complaint in our service bay. Next, check the color and opacity of the coolant. If, for example, the color of the OE coolant is red and the reservoir is filled with green coolant, the coolant might not meet OE specifications.
Handling Hybrid Vehicle Service
In light of unstable fuel costs, consumers are once again returning tobasic transportation by trading in their old gas-guzzling SUVs for moreeconomical vehicles, especially those powered by hybrid electricvehicle (HEV) technology. This was especially evident in thegovernment’s Cash For Clunkers program, which had to be extended due tothe surprisingly swift consumer response to the program.Hybrid
Muffler Replacements Are a Fast, Easy Way to Boost Profits
Have muffler inspections become a low-priority undercar service in your shop? With the introduction of stainless-steel exhaust systems into the import market, it’s easy to forget that muffler and related exhaust parts sales are still a lucrative service that can enhance any profit and loss statement. On systems using a mass air flow sensor (MAF)
Future Refrigerant Options Help Environment, Pose Unique Problems
There has been a lot of discussion lately about the future of automotive refrigerants and their impact on the environment.There is also an ongoing effort called “I-MAC” (Improved Mobile Air Conditioning) that is aimed at reducing R-134a emissions in a number of ways. One of the goals of the I-MAC program is to reduce by
Charging System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Although checking charging voltage at the battery terminals is the most popular method for testing an alternator, a charging voltage test seldom reveals less common problems. One has to go much deeper to find problems like open or shorted alternator diodes, intermittent high or low charging rates, charging system wiring problems, intermittent cranking/no start complaints
The Role of Springs in Suspension Systems
Any spring, whether it’s a leaf, torsion or coil spring, must compensate for irregularities in the road surface, maintain the suspension system at a predetermined height and support added weight without excessive sagging. Most modern imports use the coil spring in variations of the MacPherson strut design. In general, wire gauge, length, overall diameter and
Performance Exhaust Upgrades Demand Attention to Detail
Depending upon the market to which a tire dealer might be catering, the term "performance exhaust" can have different meanings. The first market actively seeks out the throaty rumble and chrome-plated look as part of the"vehicle personalization" scene. The second installs an exhaust system that produces the most horsepower for a performance application. Sometimes the
A Look at Ride Control Technology and Service
Confused about modern ride control technology? Sometimes looking back into automotive history can put such technology into a more usable framework. A good illustration is how ride control technology evolved from the simple, early-century friction shock absorber to the electronic variable-rate shocks and MacPherson struts being installed on today’s cars and light trucks. When early