Directions: Unlocking Vehicle Key Codes for Independent Shops
There’s been some good news for the independent shops – the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) announced in February that the Secure Data Release Model (SDRM), which allows properly vetted technicians and security professionals to access automotive key codes, immobilizer PINs and other security-related information, has finally been released to the service repair industry.
Tech Tip: Uncovering Cause of Poor Driveability After Electronic Control Computer has been Replaced
Many computer-controlled vehicles memorize and store operation patterns that are lost when battery power is disconnected. The computer will use default data until a number of drive cycles have been memorized. To correct this problem the computer must go through a relearn procedure ….
Tech Tip: Understanding Why Alternators and Starters Fail
One reason why alternators have a high failure rate is because they’re always working under a load. Generating electricity to recharge the battery, run the fuel pump, injectors and ignition system, and power all of the vehicle’s lights and other electrical accessories places a substantial load on the alternator that generates a lot of internal heat.
Snap-on Diagnostics’ SOLUS PRO Featured on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
Snap-on Diagnostics’ SOLUS PRO hand-held scan tool was featured on an episode of CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION on CBS during its current season. The episode, titled "Dead Doll," featured Warrick Brown, played by Gary Dourdan, connecting SOLUS PRO to a 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue to capture readings to help with the criminal investigation.
Tech Tip: Locating Refrigerant Leaks on Today’s Vehicles
When a customer’s A/C system isn’t cooling well and the refrigerant charge is low, you know the system is leaking. The question is where? Fluorescent leak detection dyes are popular because they’re easy and inexpensive to use. All you need is a bottle of dye or refrigerant that has already had dye added to it. The dye may be premixed with the refrigerant, or it can be injected into the system through the low-side service port with a special injector tool that resembles a small caulk gun.
Alternators & Starters: How and Why These Hard-Working Components Fail
One reason why alternators have a high failure rate is because they’re always working under a load. Generating electricity to recharge the battery, run the fuel pump, injectors and ignition system, and power all of the vehicle’s lights and other electrical accessories places a substantial load on the alternator that generates a lot of internal
Hybrid Service: Tools to Service Hybrids
As the price of gasoline goes up, so does the demand for fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles. Currently, there are about 1.1 million hybrid vehicles on the road. Within five years, hybrids are expected to account for 20 to 25% of all new car and light-truck sales. So sooner or later, you’ll be tooling up to work
News: Mac Tools Celebrates 70 Years of Heritage at the 2008 Tool Fair
Orlando, FL — From its conception in 1938 to today, Mac Tools has remained unchanged in its philosophy of providing excellent quality and service, at a fair value. This year, Mac Tools is celebrating 70 years of heritage in quality tool manufacturing and distribution, kicking off the celebration with its annual Tool Fair event. Held
Manuel Lozano, Fuel Injection Service Center
Manuel Lozano, owner Fuel Injection Service Center City of Industry, CA The shop was founded in 2002. I have been in the automotive business for about 20 years. I am an ASE master technician with L1. The five tools that I use the most and have contributed to our success are: Snap-on MT2500 Scanner
Honda Tech Tip: Dealing with EGR Issues
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) has been used for years to control combustion temperature to prevent spark knock as well as control NOx emissions. For the most part, these systems were trouble-free and required service only if you were dealing with a spark knock issue, or if the valve opened too early, resulting in a tip-in acceleration stumble, or the more common, bad idle quality caused by the valve not closing completely at idle.