Diagnostic Dilemmas
It’s Mechanical, Stupid! Just about every student of politics remembers President Bill Clinton’s famous campaign slogan, “It’s the economy, stupid!” Allow me to paraphrase by saying, “It’s mechanical, stupid!” Yes, that’s right, mechanical failures can cause diagnostic trouble codes and, all too often, we tread the Primrose Path because we become lost in a maze
Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Adnan “Ed” Anwar, president/master technician Checkered Flag Automotive Lacey, WA I own Checkered Flag Automotive with my wife Mary. I’ve been fixing vehicles since 1982. I’m a certified master technician, CM HDT, Auto L1, PSI and CNG. We have owned the business since 1998 and purchased the shop and land in 2005. Checkered Flag has
Management: Who Will Fix the Cars in Five Years?
Recently, I was asked to address members of the Chesapeake Automotive Business Association (CABA) on the topic, "Who will fix the cars in five years?" The challenge was to put together a 60-minute presentation that would answer the question and not offend the audience of shop owners and technicians.
Perspectives: Who Will Fix the Cars in 5 Years?
Recently, I was asked to address members of the Chesapeake Automotive Business Association (CABA) on the topic, “Who will fix the cars in five years?” The challenge was to put together a 60-minute presentation that would answer the question and not offend the audience of shop owners and technicians. Skip Potter, the executive director of
Tech Tip: Maximizing Ride Control, Steering Response and Handling
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. As you’ll read, each of these functions is extremely important in providing comfort, precise handling and load-bearing capability in the modern import vehicle.
Mitch Schneider: Magic Beans – A Fairy Tale Adventure with Every Day
What could I possibly have in common with Jack, as in the Jack of "Jack and the Beanstalk" fame? Not much, you would think. But, we actually have something very basic in common. We both planted something in the ground with almost no idea of what the result might be.
Tech Tip: BMW Steering Problem
Because of BMW’s stellar reputation for exceptional stability, many BMW owners expect nothing less from their late-model vehicles – even if those vehicles are not DSC equipped. You may get a customer complaining of a very slight "twitch" that can be felt in the steering while holding the steering wheel lightly with one hand and giving the brakes a quick tap.
Rotor Runout: Cause and Correction
The vehicle owner may say that under light braking the vehicle pulses to a stop or under heavy braking the vehicle shudders. Technical service bulletins (TSBs) often describe these symptoms as a “judder.” There are only two causes for judder — lateral runout and disc thickness variation on the rotor’s friction surface. What could have
Diagnostic Solutions: Springs and Things
Maximizing Ride Control…Steering Response & Handling
Tech Feature: Performance Modifications…Getting a ‘Handle’ on Your Customers’ Tuning Needs
The sport compact car market is hotter than ever. The market has moved beyond the simple bolt-ons such as wheels, tires, brake rotors and spoilers. It’s not unusual today to see sport compact engines producing upward of 400 horsepower on the street. With so much power under the hood, the challenge is getting the horsepower