Tech Tip: Diagnosing Starting/Charging Systems
How many starters and alternators are replaced unnecessarily every year because of misdiagnosis? Nobody knows for sure, but suppliers of both new and remanufactured rotating electrical parts tell us more than half of their warranty returns have "no fault found" when the parts are examined. Many of these returns are from DIYers who lack diagnostic know-how, but some are from professional technicians who apparently lack the same skills.
Seventh Annual National Tire Safety Week to Take Place in April
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) announced that the Seventh Annual National Tire Safety Week will be held April 20-26, 2008. The annual event is an initiative of the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s "Be Tire Smart – Play Your PART" program, a year-round effort designed to help drivers learn the simple steps they can take to ensure that their tires are in good working condition.
Starting/Charging System Diagnosis: Fixing Faults the First Time Eliminates Comebacks & Returns
How many starters and alternators are replaced unnecessarily every year because of misdiagnosis? Nobody knows for sure, but suppliers of both new and remanufactured rotating electrical parts tell us more than half of their warranty returns have “no fault found” when the parts are examined. Many of these returns are from DIYers who lack diagnostic
Time and a Half
One of the hot-button issues in the independent automotive service industry is how to charge for diagnostic time. Currently, the debate is framed by two basic schools of thought. The practitioners of the first school are the shop managers who regard “free diagnostic code reads” as a marketing expense needed to lure potential customers into
There’s No Escaping Hybrid Service
high as 40 mph (64 kph). Plus, when conditions are right, the engine may shut off at stops and not restart until after 25 mph. As a result, the advertised fuel economy of a full hybrid vehicle is typically much higher for the city driving conditions than the highway driving conditions. In theory, assuming the
ServicingSolutions: Chain Reaction…Timing Chain Replacement on Toyota’s 22R Series Engine
Toyota’s 22R series four-cylinder SOHC engine has survived and thrived in its cars and trucks for nearly 30 years, and is a desired powerplant for its power, torque and reliability. The basic design is a continuation of the engine that preceded it, the 20R, which was used in cars and trucks in the mid 1970s.
Snap-on Unveils New Cordless Impact Wrench
Snap-on Tools has taken the best and made it better with the latest version of its Cordless Impact Wrench (CT4850HO). The new "Mother of All Cordless Impact Wrenches" is the ideal tool for technicians seeking a comfortable, powerful and portable wrench for on-the-spot service tasks.
Tech Tip: What To Do When An Engine Won’t Start
In today’s world of high-tech electronics, onboard diagnostics and scan tools, you would think engine diagnostics would be easier than ever. Yet some technicians struggle when confronted with an engine that cranks, but refuses to start. Most no-starts do not generate any fault codes, so how do you proceed to find out what’s causing the problem?
Mac Tools and The Busted Knuckle Garage ‘Cache’ in with Unique Gift Items for Car and Motorcycle Enthusiasts
The Busted Knuckle Garage, (TBKG) a brand of Almost There! Inc., a unique gift shop for wrench turning car and biker enthusiasts, has announced that eight of their new products will be added to the Mac Tools November sales flyer. The Mac Tools November sales flyer contains a vast cache of tools and gear, including items for the family.
Tech Tip: Testing AGM Batteries
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are in the most sophisticated and power hungry vehicles. These batteries are more deep cycle in nature and considered to be more durable within certain parameters. AGM recombinant batteries have a very low internal resistance reducing heat during high charge/discharge levels and very low static charge loss of about 1% to 3% per month.