Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz Low Range Light Flashes, Code P1831
If you receive customer reports in the affected model vehicles of the low-range light flashing rapidly (18 times) after vehicle start with fault code P1831 (positioner motor, position sensor or power supply is faulty) in the transfer case ECU, do not replace the transfer case motor. This is caused by a temporary loss of communication between the transfer case control module and the shift motor position sensor.
Tech Feature: Modern Engines Make Oil and Additive Services More Complicated
For me, sourcing automotive chemicals and motor oils goes all the way back to 1957 when I worked at my corner service station. Since we were in a small town without a local parts jobber, we bought our oil additives and chemicals from an out-of-town distributor. Our gasoline and motor oil came from our local-branded petroleum products distributor.
Selling Services: Wheel Bearing Hub Unit Q&A
Can I use an impact wrench to remove or install a wheel bearing hub unit?
Hybrids: Service & Diagnostics
What do you do when a customer with a Toyota Prius hybrid says his Check Engine light is on and wants you to diagnose his problem? Can you do it? Or, would you send your customer back to the Toyota dealer? To help alleviate anxiety over the complexity and reliability of its hybrid systems, Toyota
Diagnostic Solutions: Fluid Maintenance…Selling Needed Services Vs. “Wallet Flushing”
Good import shop managers stay on top of their annual workflow by placing jobs like timing belt and brake replacements into categories that can be tracked on a historical basis. If a shop has faithfully tracked the kinds of work flowing through its service bays during the past 10 years, it might become apparent that
Tech Feature: Dialing in on Today’s Engine Bearing Trends
When selecting engine bearings, engine builders often focus on getting the proper clearances and maintaining sufficient oil pressure, but other bearing characteristics should also be considered in certain applications. Durability is less of a concern today because the aftermarket and OEMs demand bearings that can last 150,000 miles even under severe stress from a neglectful vehicle owner.
Mitch Schneider: A Total Eclipse of the Son
Not all that long ago, an entire generation learned about high performance and hot rods from Jan & Dean and The Beach Boys. Their lyrics romanticized surfing, cars and the California lifestyle. I knew kids who quoted those lyrics as they described either the car they were driving, or the one they desperately wanted to drive. And, I guess that was OK.
Tech Feature: Getting Up to Speed on Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrids are hot. As the price of gasoline goes up, so does the demand for new vehicles that can squeeze more miles per gallon from every drop of gasoline. Hybrids do that by combining the best of both worlds: electric power for low-speed, stop-and-go driving, and gasoline power for highway cruising and long-range driving.
Tech Tip: Ford Engine Oil Levels – How to Avoid Overfilling
Incorrect oil levels are being found in many 2002-2003 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. In most cases, the level is being misinterpreted because the oil level on the dipstick is not touching the top hash mark at the upper limit (or MAX mark), or it is partway down the crosshatch area.
New Product Guide Covers Complete Bar’s Leaks and Rislone Lines
The new 2007 Bar’s Leaks and Rislone Product Guide provides detailed information about both lines of premium automotive chemicals in a convenient, pocket-size brochure.