Modifying Consumer Oil Change Habits
to try and save your customers 50% or more on their oil change services? With two simple steps, you and your customers may be able to significantly extend oil change intervals and save them money. The first step is to read the vehicle owner’s manual to find out how many miles the manufacturer recommends between
Tech Feature: Correcting Coolant Confusion
Have you ever seen the inside of an aluminum water pump that was not adequately protected by the corrosion inhibitors in the coolant? Or a radiator or heater core that failed from the inside out because of internal corrosion? These kinds of parts failures are all too common. Yet they can be easily prevented by using the "right" coolant and changing the coolant before trouble starts to heat up.
Correcting Coolant Confusion
Have you ever seen the inside of an aluminum water pump that was not adequately protected by the corrosion inhibitors in the coolant? Or a radiator or heater core that failed from the inside out because of internal corrosion? These kinds of parts failures are all too common. Yet they can be easily prevented by
Tech Tip: Tire Rack Offers Answers to ‘Top Five’ TPMS Questions
Over the last year or so, Tire Rack has been conducting an informal and unscientific survey of its customers regarding the reoccurrence of issues dealing with tire pressure monitoring systems. Thanks to its wholesalers, service technicians and counter sales people in the field, just to name a few, Tire Rack developed a list of the Top Five most common TPMS questions.
Tech Tip: Special Timing Chain and Belt Tools
Before you replace a timing belt, chain or gear set on some engines, you will have to look up the timing reference marks. Some engines have multiple timing marks that can cause confusion if you don’t know which ones to use or how to line them up. Many engines also require special tools when changing a timing belt or chain. At the very least, you should have a belt tension gauge to make sure the tension on a timing belt is correct.
Tech Feature: Understanding the Metallurgy in Today’s Engines
Cast iron is like an old familiar friend to most of our readers because it’s been around forever. Vehicle manufacturers like cast iron because it’s cheap compared to most other metals, it is strong and durable, and it can be easily cast and machined to make engine blocks, cylinder heads, crankshafts, connecting rods and other engine parts. But as automotive technology continues to move forward, other metals have been replacing ordinary cast iron in many applications.
Tech Tip: Inoperative Jeep Instrument Cluster
The same two-wire CCD BUS that Chrysler has been using for years on its cars is now being used on Jeeps and trucks, giving today’s Jeep Wrangler a new level of sophistication. On these vehicles, the BUS bias voltage is produced by the printed circuit board or instrument cluster. As with all CCD BUS circuits, the wires are twisted together in the wiring harness with 2.5 volts on each wire.
Tech Tip: Spare Tire May Set ABS Warning Light
During some driving conditions, an underinflated T125/70D15 compact spare tire, installed on one of the front wheel positions, may result in the following symptoms on a 1999-2004 Hyundai Sonata: ABS/TCS and brake warning lights may set on the dashboard; and the vehicle may not accelerate over certain driving speeds.
Bosal Expands Direct-Fit Exhaust Line; Adds Truck and SUV Coverage
Bosal USA has introduced 86 new part numbers to its direct-fit import exhaust line. More than one third of the new SKUs cover light trucks and SUVs. The new coverage now includes model years 1998 – 2004 for Toyota Tacoma, Highlander and 4 Runner; Nissan Pathfinder, XTerra, Frontier and D21 Pickup; Honda Passport and CRV; Mazda Tribute; Hyundai Santa Fe; and Isuzu Amigo and Rodeo.
Foreign Affairs: VW P Codes — … Putting Out The MIL
After 10-plus years of dealing with OBD II, it should be apparent that we are on a learning curve that probably has no end. Almost daily we have a Volkswagen model come into the shop with a check engine light on, or a “state OBD II failure” form. Although we have the latest scanner software