Servicing Import ABS Systems
Import anti-lock brake systems (ABS) are pretty much the same as domestic ABS systems. In fact, the same OEM suppliers who make the ABS system components for import vehicle manufacturers also make them for domestic vehicle manufacturers. The differences that do exist are typically limited to calibration, diagnostic codes and procedures, and wiring. The ABS
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
Chrysler Group Licenses its Transmission Fluid, ATF+4, for Retail and Commercial Usage
In response to marketplace demands and evolving vehicle technology, Chrysler Group has established a licensing program for its advanced synthetic automatic transmission fluid, ATF+4. This program will allow ATF+4 to be made available at retail outlets and through independent repair facilities for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicle automatic transmissions, beginning Sept. 1, 2005.
Odds & Ends: Book Report
The classic Sebring race of 1970 – when Mario Andretti’s Ferrari 512 passed the Peter Revson/Steve McQueen Porsche 908 in the closing minutes to win by a scant 23 seconds – is relived in a new hardbound book, 12 Hours of Sebring 1970. The book has more than 100 photos and includes comments from Andretti,
More Vans May Be Cruising Back on the Roads
In a recent news article by Associated Press writer John Porretto, General Motors Corp. and nearly two dozen outfitters plan to spend more than $2 million in an effort to revive demand for big, souped-up conversion vans. No longer decorated with beads and shag carpeting, conversion vans have evolved into sophisticated vehicles for families and
Tuning into Specialty Niche Markets
If you are thinking of expanding your shop to include restoration, performance modifications or even customizing ‹ now may be the time. There are plenty of niche market opportunities for your shop to go along with your regular business, provided there is an interest by you and your team. If you, the shop’s decision maker,
Diagnostic Dilemmas: The Effects of Warm-Up Laps on a Running Engine
Most diagnostic technicians have experienced the frustrations of troubleshooting temperature-related engine performance problems. All too often, the true nature of the problem is concealed by the very fact that it occurs only at specific engine temperatures. If the engine quickly passes through the critical temperature range needed to duplicate the problem, the problem can easily
Missed Services
Uncovering missed service can bring an instant profit, while at the same time resulting in customer gratification. Unfortunately, some services are often overlooked in our daily routine. It’s easy to gain tunnel vision in this business, only fixing what the car came in for, while ignoring the rest of the vehicle. Whether it’s because of
OHC Engine Repairs and Service on Chrysler’s 3.5L V6
Chrysler’s 24-valve 3.5L single overhead cam V6 engine was introduced back in 1993 in their LH platform cars (Chrysler Concorde, Dodge Intrepid and Eagle Vision). Since then it has been used in a variety of Chrysler models. The 3.5L engine is an even-firing power plant with aluminum cylinder heads, a single camshaft in each cylinder
A Tutorial in Hyundai Driveability
Diagnosing a driveability problem starts with the customer interview. When you are able to obtain the proper details about the vehicle’s symptoms, you will be able to diagnose the source of the problem more efficiently. Clues provided by the customer, such as “vehicle starts but runs rough until warm; worse when wet,” is invaluable information