How To Test Drive A Car To Check For Problems
Test drives on the surface can seem like one of the most unprofitable tasks a technician can perform. But, test drives can be one of the most profitable processes a shop can do to help sell more service.
Electronic Brake Distribution Issues Can Cause Wear Problems On Ford Transit Connect
The Ford Transit Connect posted record sales in 2009 and 2010. Based on the Focus platform, the Transit Connect is a cross between a delivery vehicle and a minivan. With a load capacity of more than 1,700 pounds and small car fuel economy, it replaced a lot of pickup trucks. As brake jobs go, the
Clutch Problems: No Release Causes
No release is probably the most common of all clutch problems. The purpose of the clutch is to couple and decouple the engine and transmission. Poor clutch release makes it difficult to impossible to start and stop the vehicle or change gears. Common release problems are: • Air in a hydraulic release system; • A
My Cleaning Products Introduces Organic Rust Removal Help for After-Snow Corrosion Problems
My Cleaning Products recommends Rusterizer for an effective post-winter rust removal process. The company says, “In the absence of harsh chemicals in its content, Rusterizer leaves no harmful residues when sprayed…That makes it safe for health and even the environment.”
Start Solving Transmission Electronic Control Problems
Troubleshooting an automatic transmission can be one of the most intimidating diagnostic procedures at a shop. The first reaction is typically, “We don’t do that type of work.” But there is profit in performing drivetrain diagnostics and “in-the-car” repairs.
Problems That Plague Chrysler’s 3.5L Engine Create Rebuild Opportunities
If ever there was a service opportunity ripe for the taking, Chrysler’s 3.5L SOHC V6 engine (and its 2.7L, 3.2L and 4.0L cousins) is it. This engine was introduced back in 1993 as an “upgrade” from the earlier 3.3L pushrod V6 engine. Some would question whether the move was a step forward or backward because the 3.5L V6 (and its variants) has a poor reputation for reliability.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Solving Starter And Alternator Problems
The starter “solenoid” is actually a combination of an electric relay and solenoid. The relay portion electrically connects the starter armature to the battery. The solenoid portion mechanically engages the starter’s drive pinion with the engine’s flywheel gear.
Interrogations Should Revolve Around Vehicle Problems, Not The Ability Of The Technician To Solve Them
Occasionally, I’ll have a new customer approach the service counter not just to have their car repaired, but also to interrogate every part of my process in finding the solution. More often than not, these customers are referrals from another repair shop or previous customer. I seldom get interrogated by someone who has seen an advertisement or drove by the shop and stopped in for repair.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Building A Plan For Diagnosing Electrical Problems
Every once in a while, I see the topic of a diagnostic check sheet come up on the International Automotive Technician’s Network (iATN) or other industry media. Most often, the question is asked by a shop owner or service writer who is trying to simplify his life by devising a “canned” step-by-step approach to solving various electronic diagnostic problems. Although a canned procedure is a good place to start, it’s not a sure-fire way to solving electronic problems.
Diagnosing TPMS Problems
The first step in any diagnostic strategy is to figure out whether or not your customer’s vehicle actually has a TPMS problem. Any number of things can cause the TPMS warning light to come on or flash. The light should illuminate when a tire is low, and should eventually go out after the low tire has been inflated to its recommended pressure. If the light remains on after checking/inflating the tires, or if it flashes and remains illuminated, it may signal a TPMS problem that will require further diagnosis.