Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Ken Peavy, owner Peavy’s Garage Katy, TX www.peavys-garage.com Peavy’s Garage is a family-owned and operated shop, AAA approved since 1970. We also have Peavy’s Tire & Automotive in Houston. About five years ago, we discovered BG products and equipment, which increased our business by 30% and profits greatly. General service techs operate the equipment, which
Wheel Bearing Service Tips
It may seem like a long time ago when removing the wheel bearings was a normal part of every brake job. The wheel, hub and drum would be removed. The bearings and seal were removed and the old grease was cleaned from the bearings with solvent and a brush. You would next take a wad
2006 Ford Explorer Pointers
Photo 2). Another change for the 4.6L in 2006 is that it no longer uses a knock sensor. Both, the 4.0L and the 4.6L use a PCM-controlled heated PCV valve. The PCV valve on the 4.0L SOHC engine is located in the back of the left valve cover, mounted horizontally, and is well hidden from
Tech Tip: Battery Discharge at High Temperatures
Some 1998-2001 1.8L Kia Sephia vehicles built between October 1997 and May 2001, and some 2000-2004 1.8L Spectra vehicles built between February 2000 and March 2004, may exhibit battery discharge when operated in high ambient temperatures for extended periods of time at low speeds or at idle with the A/C, headlamps and other accessories on.
Mitchell 1 Names Bruce Amacker 2007 Educator of the Year
Bruce Amacker, owner and instructor of TurboTraining, has been named Educator of the Year at the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) 2007 Conference held recently in Long Beach, CA. Each year Mitchell 1 recognizes one of the nation’s top teachers for excellence in automotive repair instruction.
Tech Info for Servicing Parts: Central Port Fuel Injection Diagnosis
The acronym PATS stands for Passive Anti-Theft System. It is called “passive” because it requires no action on the part of the driver. With this system, Ford likes to play annoying little games of PATS hide-and-go-seek. That is to say, they can’t seem to decide where they want to put the PATS system. Not only
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.
Hybrids: Basic Service & Safety Procedures
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. Current
Brake Booster: Service Fundamentals
Disc brakes are not “self-energizing” like drum brakes, so they require more pedal effort to apply. It’s the magic of power brakes that allows a 98-lb. little old lady to bring two tons of a you name it luxury sedan to a screeching halt with little more than a light caress of her foot against
Flashing Signals / Reprogramming PCMs
You don’t have to be Microsoft A+ certified to flash reprogram automotive PCMs, but the process requires a certain amount of know-how as well as special tools and access to the latest OEM software upgrades (which are not free!). What’s more, it’s not a risk-free endeavor. Certain precautions must be undertaken before you begin, and