A/C Compressors Take A Pounding
Insight to A/C compressor pumps for tire dealers and technicians.
Eight Common Diagnostic Mistakes
Learn about frequent diagnostic mistakes to avoid to help technicians improve.
Cabin Air: The Unseen Automotive Filter
A new cabin air filter is something many motorists need but often don’t know it. The cabin air filter (CAF) is not a well-known or well-publicized filter. Close to 90% of late-model cars and trucks now come factory-equipped with a cabin air filter, but the original filters in many of these vehicles have never been
Fluid Maintenance Issues
the base oil and additive package of any oil must be compatible with extended service interval requirements. Second, the oil must meet the OEM’s lubrication requirements for highly stressed engine components like camshafts and piston/ring assemblies. Third, the oil filter itself must meet extended interval requirements. Last, and most important, most fluids in a modern
Oil Filters: It’s What’s Inside That Counts
To many people, oil filters are a generic product. They look for the cheapest filter that fits their vehicle and make their buying decision based on price alone. Oil filters do look pretty much the same on the outside, but what’s inside the can or cartridge can make a big difference. Filter manufacturers use a
Starter & Alternator Replacement
Rotating electrics in older vehicles make for added sales opportunities
Pulling Codes: Hit or Miss? The Story of P0302
It is unfortunate that today misfire analysis can be a hit-or-miss concept on many of today’s engine families. If one views several misfire failures, and documents the behavior of fuel trims, it is reasonable to state that ignition misfires do not have a significant impact on them, whereas fuel-related issues create a significant impact. There
Biomass or Bio Mess?
What does bio-fuel have to do with servicing two particular Ford vehicles – each with 7.3L IDI diesel engines that were used in Ford trucks up until 1994 when the Power Stroke was introduced? These trucks were virtually identical, with roughly the same amount of miles and symptoms. The problem plaguing the two trucks was that they both had just shut down and would not run.
Are Your Techs Overcharging?
In the world of public opinion, if you were asked if your technicians were overcharging your customers, you might interpret that as an issue pertaining to the customer’s repair bill.However, in the world of mobile air conditioning service, we’re referring to the problem of some vehicle A/C systems being (unknowingly) charged with too much refrigerant.
Servicing GM Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
GM TPMS systems on Buick, Pontiac, Chevrolet, GMC Cadillac and Hummer models are some of the easiest to service if you have the right tools and knowledge. Starting in 2007, most vehicles use Schrader- or VDO-manufactured systems that shares the same relearn procedures and behaviors. There are exceptions, like the Pontiac Vibe. The initial “low
Battery 411: Testing, charging and replacing a battery
In recent years, the electronic content in vehicles has multiplied several times over – and more electronics means more demand on the battery and charging system.
Common Diagnostic Dilemmas
Most “diagnostic dilemmas” aren’t really all that complicated. Many were caused by basic oversights and incorrect assumptions on the part of the technician. This situation has largely been caused by a lack of training or, in some cases, poor training.