Carley’s Corner: What Technician Shortage?
People have been talking about “the technician shortage” for years. Many quote old Bureau of Labor Statistics that say there is a shortage of 60,000 technicians in the work force. These numbers are at least 10 years old, if not older, so some are now quoting a more recent estimate that says there is a
Ford Tech Tip: Avoid Over-Filling Oil in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Engines
Incorrect oil levels are being found in many 2002-2003 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. In most cases, the level is being misinterpreted because the oil level on the dipstick is not touching the top hash mark at the upper limit (or MAX mark), or it is partway down the crosshatch area. Ford is in the process of standardizing the marking across all vehicle lines. The markings shown in ….
Tech Tip: The Ins and Outs of Indirect and Direct TPMS
This is the year of the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor System). It’s been coming for some time. In response to a rash of highly publicized rollover accidents caused by tire failures on SUVs, Congress passed a law called the TREAD Act in 2000 which required all vehicle manufacturers to have TPMS on all their cars and light trucks by 2008. Time has run out, and as far as we know, all the vehicle manufacturers have complied ….
News Update: ALLDATA Celebrates 70,000 Customers
Customer-Centric Focus Heightens Success ALLDATA held a media day event at its headquarters in Elk Grove, CA, on Apr. 3, to celebrate its latest accomplishment — 70,000 customers — and to spotlight how ALLDATA is helping automotive service professionals boost their business success. ALLDATA President Jeff Lagges and other company executives discussed how ALLDATA is
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems: The Ins and Outs of Indirect and Direct TPMS
This is the year of the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor System). It’s been coming for some time. In response to a rash of highly publicized rollover accidents caused by tire failures on SUVs, Congress passed a law called the TREAD Act in 2000 which required all vehicle manufacturers to have TPMS on all their cars
Keeping on Track with Steering Position Sensors
Cars just keep getting smarter all the time. Sensors are being used to monitor more and more functions, and to share information between vehicle systems that formerly were mute or didn’t communicate with one another. One such sensor is the steering position sensor. The sensor’s basic function is to monitor the driver’s steering inputs. This
Federal-Mogul Introduces Comprehensive ‘Brake and Front End’ Electronic Catalog
Aftermarket professionals can now save time in finding any of thousands of premium replacement undercar parts, thanks to the comprehensive new "Brake & Front End" electronic catalog from Federal-Mogul Corporation’s MOOG chassis parts, Wagner brake and National wheel-end components brands.
Federal-Mogul’s Latest Champion Spark Plug Technology Solves Tune-Up Challenges Affecting More Than 4 Million Vehicles
Federal-Mogul Corporation’s Champion spark plug brand has introduced an innovative one-piece premium replacement spark plug that will help automotive technicians and do-it-yourselfers eliminate a common tune-up challenge affecting more than four million passenger vehicles ….
Carley’s Corner: A Silver Lining in Every Cloud
The economic news lately has not been good. There has been a significant downturn in the economy this year, and the prospects for a turnaround anytime soon don’t seem very promising. To make matters worse, gasoline is over $3 a gallon, utility rates are up, food prices are up, virtually all costs of living are
Elgin Industries Receives JASPER ‘Preferred Partner’ Award for 7th Consecutive Year
Elgin Industries, a leading manufacturer of engine and chassis components for passenger vehicles and medium- and heavy-duty applications, has received the JASPER Engines & Transmissions "Preferred Partner" Award for the ….