The Ins and Outs of Diagnosing Battery, Charging and Starter Problems
You answer the phone and the voice on the other end says, “My car won’t start.” When temperatures drop, the no-start calls start pouring in. Cold weather increases the strain on the battery, starting and charging system and tends to bring out any weaknesses in these components. Cold weather thickens the oil and makes the
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
GM Timing Belt & Chain Service
Some overhead cam engines in General Motors vehicles use timing belts to drive the cam (the 2.0L for example), some use chains (2.3L Quad Four, Cadillac’s Northstar dual overhead cam 4.6L V8, the Aurora Northstar 4.0L V8 and Chevy’s Vortec 4200 inline six), and some use a combination of both (Chevrolet’s 3.4L V6). The rest
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Playing the Diagnostic Shell Game
More often than not, deciphering diagnostic trouble codes is like playing a high-tech version of the old circus sideshow “shell” game. In the trouble code shell game, we are led to believe that the pea (diagnostic solution) is hidden under one of the shells (DTCs) stored in the diagnostic memory. Unfortunately for the diagnostic technician,
Keeping Hondas Original is Jason’s Automotive’s Specialty
When it comes to advertising, Jason Abbott does it all: TV commercials, mailers, phonebook listings, newspaper and local school event sponsorships. And for this independent repair facility in Tujunga, CA, it works. “I’m the busiest shop around here,” says Abbott, who co-owns Jason’s Automotive Specialty Shop with his wife, Roxanne. “Even when times are real
Permanent Magnet Starters: ‘Starting’ the Electrical Diagnosis
When we diagnose problems with the modern, permanent magnet, reduction-gear import starter, we begin by looking at a system composed of the battery, starter and connecting wiring. The automotive battery, for example, is designed as a fast-discharge battery capable of sustaining enough amperage output to crank the engine until the fuel injection and ignition cycles
Muscling in on Restoration Work: Part 2
There’s a hot trend in the automotive aftermarket to return car owners to the past. Literally. Today, aging baby boomers are spending big money on “recapturing the rapture” of the cars of their youth. Just turn on your television any evening and you’re sure to find some type of automotive program on the cable and
Chrysler Neon 2.0L
When Chrysler introduced their new Neon models back in 1995 under the Dodge and Plymouth nameplates, they said they were launching a new generation of “fun-to-drive” entry-level cars that would appeal to a wide range of people. Everything was new about the Neon: a brand new body, a brand new chassis and two new engines,
Muscling in on Restoration & Performance Work: Part 1
As automotive technology continues to become more complex with each new model year, you may be longing for the “good ol’ days” when engines had carburetors and distributors but no sensors, fuel injectors or computers. Most driveability problems were fairly simple to diagnose and only required a trained ear and a few basic tools. Alas,
Tech Tips: Safety Issues for Servicing Hybrid Vehicles
The hybrid concept of combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and electric power supply is becoming more popular as vehicle manufacturers look to reduce emissions and fuel consumption in vehicles. Consumer interest in these vehicles has been favorable, which is why you can expect to see more of these types of vehicles