The PCM Effect on Oil Service
As with everything else under the automotive sun, technology is changing the lube, oil and filter market. More specifically, modern technology is making it possible to use the vehicle’s on-board engine management system to mathematically determine the length of an oil change interval. At the most basic level, the PCM simply adds up the mileage
Suspension Vibration Diagnosis
Vibrations are annoying and may be a warning signal that something is amiss. So don’t ignore such symptoms.
Back From Vegas
Last month I attended the grandaddy of all automotive trade shows in Las Vegas. “Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week” (AAIW) is a multi-show affair that fills both the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Sands Expo Center with more than 2 million square feet of exhibits and cars. The event is not open to the general
Rancho Wins Second Straight SEMA “Best in Show” Award
For the second consecutive year, the engineering team at Rancho has captured honors for the best new off-road suspension for a popular light truck or sport utility vehicle model. Rancho’s first-to-market Hummer H3 suspension system was judged “Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product” at the 2005 Specialty Equipment Markets Association (SEMA) Show.
Dual Mass Flywheel/Clutch Replacement Options
Dual-mass flywheels are a unique kind of flywheel that have been used on a variety of pickup truck and passenger car applications since the late 1980s. You’ll find them on 1987 Ford F-Series 6.9L diesels, 1987-98 Ford F-Series 7.3L diesels, 1992-1996 Chevy/GMC 6.5L diesel trucks and 1992-02 Chevy/GMC 8.5L diesel trucks. Dual-mass flywheels have also
Foreign Affairs: Can Your Shop Handle OBD Multiplexing?
“CAN” is the new buzz word in automobile diagnostics. It stands for Controller Area Network and is a protocol for onboard diagnostics and scan tools. CAN is a high-speed data link that provides more information at a faster rate for better communication between onboard electronics and external diagnostic equipment. Many manufacturers have already started incorporating
Tech Tip: Basic Cylinder Head Gasket Installation Tips
For a successful repair, the cylinder head gasket must seal fuel, air, vacuum, hot pressurized combustion gases, coolant, as well as high and low pressure oil. The following tips will help ensure that a quality repair is made.
4WD Clutch Replacement
Here in the upper part of the West Coast, four-wheeling is a very large part of outdoor recreation. Vehicles of all kinds are taken to the forests and mountains every weekend. There are miles and miles of off-road trails, and organized clubs are available for every make, model and size of 4WD vehicle. Toyota trucks
Federated Offers State-of-Art Training Programs
Federated recognizes the difficulty in trying to keep pace with constantly changing technology in the automotive industry. Federated links technicians to self-study courses as well as local and regional training seminars. This allows the technician to set the pace of their educational program.
Brake Performance Upgrades: Meeting Customer Expectations While Ensuring Safe Repairs
In case you haven’t noticed, the auto manufacturers are in a horsepower race. And as horsepower numbers go ever higher, the need for improved brakes increases. BMW has kept pace with the other manufacturers in both areas by systematically increasing brake component size while, at the same time, turning more control over to the various