Directions: What Dreams May Come
The new year gives the auto industry a new opportunity to deliver an exciting crop of vehicles. Many in the industry are hoping that next 12 months are better than 2007. This is especially the case for the Michigan-based automotive manufacturers, as the year 2007 seemed to be one endless stream of setbacks, bad news
Exterminating Electrical Parasites
Any electrical circuit that is wired “hot at all times” has the potential to become a parasite to the battery. There are some wanted parasites on the vehicle that are necessary to have, and some that are not. We’re going to find out how to “fingerprint” and track down the unwanted ones systematically. A parasitic
Is There Enough Pressure? Fuel Injection Diagnosis & Service
One of the first questions that should always be asked — and answered — when diagnosing a fuel-related complaint on a fuel injected engine is, “What is the fuel pressure?” All too often, technicians assume fuel pressure is “good” without actually measuring it with a gauge. If the engine runs, they assume the injectors are
Consumer Finds HEMIPRO Automotive Task Light on Six-Lane Highway and it Still Works
They say good deeds reap rewards, but the good Samaritan deed of Paul Ferguson had a surprising chain of events after the Utah resident pulled his car over to retrieve what he originally thought was a steel pipe laying in the middle of a six-lane state highway overpass of Interstate-15 in Salt Lake City, UT. Once retrieving it however, the 15-inch-long pipe turned out to be a newly-designed automotive task light recently introduced by Cliplight Mfg.
Tech Tip: Inspecting the Spring-Loaded Automatic Belt Tensioner
The automatic tensioner has a coil spring inside that applies just the right amount of force against the belt to keep it tight. The tensioner also provides a little "give" so it can absorb and cushion shock loads on the belt that occur when the A/C compressor clutch cycles on and off. What’s more, the tensioner automatically compensates for wear and keeps the belt under constant tension.
Staying On Track
You’ve seen the “Advance Trac” badges on the backs of Explorers and Expeditions, but what is it? Have you ever been asked by your Ford dealer parts department if a vehicle you are working on has “IVD”? What’s IVD? Not all vehicles that are equipped with Advance Trac carry the Advance Trac insignia. Advance Trac
Training Program Updates
State-of-the-art automotive technology doesn’t do anybody much good if technicians can’t get the training they need to fix and maintain today’s systems. Unfortunately, in recent years there has been an industry-wide trend to axe training programs. Parts suppliers are under tremendous price pressure these days, and most are looking for ways to cut costs where
Delco Remy Quick Reference Guide Now Available
Delco Remy has released the Quick Reference Guide: Cross Reference Guide. This publication is invaluable for any fleet owner and operator, truck technician or any starter and alternator sales person.
Ingenuity Welcome at Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) is stepping into the spotlight through the recent launch of a new brand communications platform and refreshed corporate identity that incorporates a new logo (called the "open globe"), corporate slogan and advertising campaign – all designed to better align its image and marketing efforts with the company’s current strategic direction.
Tech Tip: Don’t Turn Away Clutch Replacements
Clutch replacement does not have the prestige of driveability diagnostics, but at times, it pays better. Some shops turn away clutch replacements in fear of comebacks and lost productivity. But, clutch replacement offers the shop opportunities to sell additional services that might slip past the bottom line.