Three spark plug service and replacement tips
How to avoid and overcome roadblocks that may come up during the removal or installation of spark plugs.
A/C Compressor Replacement: Visual Inspections & Checks Ease Diagnostics
Driving around in the hot summer heat can take a toll on the A/C system, so, chances are, you’ll be doing a lot of HVAC repairs from now until the end of September.
Antifreeze: Premixed Or Straight?
Antifreeze is a product that is in every liquid-cooled vehicle’s cooling system. Most brands of antifreeze are made of Ethylene Glycol (EG), although some brands use Propylene Glycol (PG) because it is somewhat less toxic if ingested. Antifreeze is mixed in equal parts with water to create a coolant solution that provides both freezing and
Cabin Air Filters Serve A Dual Purpose
Cabin air filters, like other filters, are a maintenance item that needs to be inspected and replaced on a regular basis. Yet, in spite of the aftermarket’s efforts to educate the public, many motorists still don’t know their vehicle even has such a filter. It’s out of sight and out of mind for many motorists.
Late-Model Vehicles Place High Demands On Batteries
Long, cold winters are hard on car batteries, but long hot summers can be even harsher. Batteries in hot climates like Arizona, New Mexico and Florida typically need to be replaced a year or two sooner than those in states with more moderate climates. The reason is that heat causes the electrolyte inside the battery
Keeping Drivers Cool with Proper Maintenance
Spring has sprung, so that can only mean one thing: A smoking hot summer is just around the corner. So it’s a great time to remind customers that their air conditioning systems could use a little post-winter TLC. HVAC systems often fail because the air conditioning compressor fails. Not following the proper service procedures or
Diagnosing Electrical/Electronic Automatic Transmission Failures
Don’t be alarmed if you pull an automatic transmission trouble code when diagnosing a “check engine” warning light! Since the automatic transmission operation has a major effect on grams-per-mile exhaust emissions, you’re going to see the occasional “global” P0700 to P0900-series diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). The fact is, if you understand basic transmission operating principles,
A/C Cooling Loss Caused by Numerous Factors
It may be hard to think about A/C refrigerant this time of year, but when warmer weather arrives, the demand for refrigerant always jumps. Refrigerant is the working gas inside an A/C system. Refrigerants are gases that condense and change to a liquid at a certain temperature and pressure. They are normally a gas at
Driveability Diagnostics and Direct Injection
Direct injection is becoming standard on more and more late-model vehicles. These systems can be a diagnostic challenge, but with the right foundation, problems can be solved profitably. Years ago, all a low-level technician needed to diagnose a fuel problem was a set of “noid lights,” a fuel pressure gauge and maybe a meter. These
Loads, Faults and Drains
A good battery with an adequate charge is absolutely essential for reliable cold starting. A weak battery, or one that is rundown, may not deliver enough amps to crank the engine when temperatures plunge and the oil thickens. Cold weather can be hard on batteries, but so can hot weather because it increases water loss
Battery Charging Tips
Do not turn the charger on until both leads have been connected to the battery. Connect positive to positive and negative to negative. Do not reverse the connections as doing so may damage the charger and battery. Slow-charging at 6 amps or less is best because it develops less heat inside the battery (which can
Hand Wire Splicing for Sensitive Connections
Get the hang of splicing wire when solving electrical service problems.