VW’s Turbocharged 1.8L Engine Named To ‘2014 Ward’s 10 Best Engines’ List
On the heels of the introduction of the new EA888 engine in the 2014 Jetta and Passat, Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced recently that its new turbocharged, direct-injection four cylinder has been named to the “Ward’s 10 Best Engines” list for 2014.
Ford Wins International Engine of the Year Awards 2012 in Dominant Style
The small but powerful 999cc, three-cylinder turbo unit wins Ford its first ever Engine of the Year Award
Clean Diesel Surge Offers Diagnostic and Repair Opportunities for the Aftermarket
There’s a bright future for the latest generation of clean diesel cars and trucks, thanks to common rail high-pressure, direct-injection systems with sophisticated electronic controls that have transformed today’s diesels into clean-running, quiet and powerful power plants. As these vehicles come out of warranty, it will create new diagnostic and repair opportunities for the aftermarket.
VW/Audi Maintenance that Drives Profits
To say that Volkswagen and Audi Group (sometimes mistakenly referred to as VAG) is a large part of the automotive scene worldwide is a gross understatement. From basic transportation to record-setting performance cars, VAG is a recognized leader in innovation and cutting-edge technology. A broad spectrum of models has put a huge number (millions) of VAG models on the road in North America, and these cars will provide many years of potential repair and service opportunities. Getting to know the various models, repair techniques and a few shortcuts will help make repairs more routine and profitable.
Editor’s Notes: New CAFE Standard to Take Effect by 2025
On July 29, President Obama announced the next phase in the Administration’s program to increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. Automaker fleets will need to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025 – about 2 mpg less than the earlier fuel-economy target of 56.2 mpg.
Tech Tip: VW’s Check Engine Light is On with Fault Code P0411
When diagnosing various VW and Audi vehicles, the Check Engine Light (MIL) is on and fault code P0411 (16795) is stored in the fault memory.
Tech Tip: VW/Audi Throttle Body Alignment
Have you had a customer pull into the shop with a Volkswagen or Audi that just will not idle correctly? One of the possible causes is that the throttle position is not known. The ECU must know the full range of motion of the throttle in order for it to properly control the engine.
Shop Profile: Minneapolis Repair Shop Continues to Grow Even During Recession
Revenue at Good Carma in Minneapolis, MN, was up 37 percent in 2009. The shop, which specializes in VW and Audi repair, has a strong customer following and these satisfied customers help bring in new customers by distributing the shop’s promotional magnets.
Gearing Up for Timing Belt and Chain Work
Timing belts are a maintenance item on engines that have them, but what about timing chains? On most overhead cam engines that use a timing chain to turn the cams, there’s usually some type of chain tensioner or adjuster to keep the chain tight and to compensate for stretch as the chain ages. But on pushrod V6 and V8 engines, there is no chain tensioner to compensate for chain stretch. Consequently, after tens of thousand of miles, the chain loosens up, starts to make noise as it rattles against the front cover, and causes cam timing to retard. At this point the timing chain needs to be replaced.
Timing 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