Nissan: Head Gasket Replacement Procedures
With the reliability that late-model cars and especially their engines enjoy, we don’t find ourselves doing too much heavy engine work anymore. Many of us miss the feeling of accomplishment we’d get when completing an in-house engine rebuild. I know I always enjoyed the moment when the fresh engine would light right off and run
Keeping on Track with Steering Position Sensors
Cars just keep getting smarter all the time. Sensors are being used to monitor more and more functions, and to share information between vehicle systems that formerly were mute or didn’t communicate with one another. One such sensor is the steering position sensor. The sensor’s basic function is to monitor the driver’s steering inputs. This
So There is No Con-Fusion
Nestled into the marketing space between the Focus and the Taurus/Five Hundred is the Fusion. The Fusion came on the scene in 2006. The 2006 Ford Fusion shares a design platform with the Mercury Milan and the Lincoln Zephyr. In 2007, the Zephyr is replaced by the Lincoln MKZ. The Fusion comes with a choice
Swaybar Tune Up
A long time ago in a service bay far away, the average tread life of a bias ply tire was 20,000 miles. Even with belted bias ply tires, you did well to get 30,000 miles. Shocks, ball joints and bushings averaged out at 40,000. Today, modern radials can get 60,000 and suspension parts can go
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
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.
Tech Tip: Headlight Service on Volkswagen New Beetles
The body of the New Beetle is cute, and the flush mounting of the exterior lighting likely improves aerodynamics. But that mounting also creates problems as far as retaining the lights. There is a rotating, sliding, cam-locking piece of plastic that is retained in a plastic track that collects things like dirt, water, sand or anything else that can jamb two plastic parts and make them one. When everything is clean and dry, the headlight units come out using these procedures.
EGR Issues: Dealing with P0401 Codes
ht=”245″ alt=”” align=”right” /> As emission controls got tighter, and with the advent of OBD II, things started to change. We not only saw additional driveability complaints, but we also had the check engine light (CEL) telling the customer there was an emissions failure that had to be dealt with for the good of the
Suspension & Brake Repairs: Ensure Customer Service and Safe Vehicle Operation
This month, we find ourselves in a familiar environment — under a car or in the wheel well. The good news is you’re under a Mazda car or truck that will present few surprises in terms of service procedures, while providing the additional service opportunities we’ve come to expect from undercar repairs. A vehicle can
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.