Kia Tech Tip: AWD System Hydraulic Actuator Replacement
This bulletin provides the procedure for replacement of the hydraulic actuator of some All-Wheel Drive (AWD)-equipped 2011-2016 Sportage trucks (produced from May 6, 2010-February 19, 2013) and some AWD-equipped 2011-2015 Sorento models (produced from October 24, 2009-December 11, 2014).
Ford Tech Tip: Rear Driveshaft Slip Or Bump
Some 2009-2012 F-150 vehicles equipped with a two-piece driveshaft only and built on or before 7/30/2012 may exhibit a rear driveshaft slip/bump concern on light to moderate acceleration from a stop or when coming to a stop with light braking.
Ford Tech Tip: ABS/TCS Lamp Flashing And Multiple Diagnostic Trouble Codes Present
Some 2009-2012 F-150 and 2010-2012 F-150 Raptor vehicles built on or before 6/10/2012 may exhibit a condition in which the traction control indicator is flashing or illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) C1278, C1280, C1282 and/or C1963 stored in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module.
Brake Job: 2015-Current Chevrolet Camaro
GM’s Alpha platform is a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive platform used for the sixth-generation Camaro. This generation includes a variety of engines, ranging from a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder to a 6.2L supercharged V8. With this wide range of powertrains, the brake systems technicians may encounter can vary depending on what is under the hood.
Alignment Spec: Toyota RAV4 2006-2013
The third generation of the Toyota RAV4 shares all of the same infrastructure with the Corolla and many other Toyota vehicles. The front suspension is easy to adjust, while the rear needs a little more attention.
Air Ride Diagnostics: It’s Not Just Swapping Parts
Air ride systems can control vehicle ride height, passenger comfort and improve handling. How they operate and work with the rest of the systems on the vehicle is part of the embedded logic of their control system.
Curing Customer Noise Complaints With Logic
The topic of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) diagnostics came home to me 20 years ago when I began dabbling in collector car repairs. Customers soon began complaining about wind noise and chassis vibrations in ’60s-era cars.
Understanding Steering Sensors
Modern vehicles need to know the difference between what the driver “wants” and what the vehicle is actually “doing.” The vehicle uses sensors that measure steering angle, brake pedal position and throttle angle to know where the driver wants the vehicle to go.
Putting The Spring In Your Brake Jobs
Brake hardware is often a second thought when it comes to replacing a set of brake pads. I can remember not that long ago when it was rare that any new hardware was included with the replacement brake pads.
Understanding ABS Modulator Problems
Mechanical issues with the ABS modulator or hydraulic control units (HCU), are rare, but they can happen. With more vehicles on the roads having older ABS systems that have not seen proper brake fluid maintenance, mechanical issues are becoming more common.
Overcoming Identity Crisis Means Equal Parts Art And Science
The automotive industry has suffered with an identity crisis for a number of years. Some of it is self-inflicted and some of it is due to public stigma which comes from a lack of understanding about what it takes to successfully move along with a large dose of commoditization in a race to the bottom.
Smart Phone, Dumb Customer
Recently, I went to a shop to get an alignment. I decided to wait and enjoy the shop’s waiting room on a Saturday morning. As the morning rush was coming to a close, in pulled a car with the wear sensors howling.
