Tech Tip: Servicing Bravada Electronic Controlled Air Suspensions
I borrowed a friend’s 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada to pick up some supplies from the local home improvement store. After loading it with weekend-warrior bounty, I started the vehicle and noticed that the rear end was sitting low. The Electronic Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) compressor was running, but the back end would not return to normal ride height. I found the compressor check valve sticking in the compressor housing, not allowing the compressor to build pressure and raise the rear.
Tech Tip: Nissan Optical Distributor Test
Many Nissan vehicles have a power transistor controlling the coil (or igniter). The power transistor is a separate unit on optical distributors. It allows the signal sent from the ECU (low current) to activate the primary circuit in the ignition coil (higher current). This induces high voltage in the secondary windings of the coil, providing spark to the distributor cap and plugs.
DENSO Small Engine Spark Plug Catalog Now Available
DENSO Sales California has announced the availability of a new Small Engine Spark Plug catalog with 111 part numbers and more than 12,300 small engine applications.
OTC LeakTamer Plus Offers Industry Best Practices for EVAP System Testing
The LeakTamer Plus EVAP Smoke Machine (P/N 6521) by OTC, a business unit of SPX Corporation, is a versatile, diagnostic, one-button tester built from the ground up to specifically test and repair OBD-II EVAP system leaks while operating in accordance with major automakers’ EVAP testing specifications and needs.
Tech Tip: Adjusting Mechanical Camshaft Belt Tensioner
Use the following procedure when adjusting the mechanical camshaft belt tensioner on 1998 Volvo S70/V70/C70 (B52X2/B52X4) vehicles with engine serial number 1266128-on.
Tech Tip: Diagnose and Repair ABS on Ford Trucks
As you are all very well aware, occasionally anti-lock brake system (ABS) malfunctions can be very complicated and hard to diagnose. In the case of some late-model Ford truck anti-lock brake systems, however, several malfunctions may have a very simple solution.
Tech Tip: Radio Hum or Whine Continues After Replacing the Alternator
After replacing the alternator, a hum, whine or buzzing noise is heard through the speakers of the vehicle radio or two-way radio when the fuel pump runs. The in-tank electric fuel pump may be the cause of the electrical noise. In August of 2002, Ford Motor issued TSB 02-16-4 addressing this issue.
Tire Tech Tip: Watch for Unusual Bolt Patterns
New rides are hitting the streets, so hold on tight while we try to decipher the latest OE changes that affect our lives – both in terms of profit and frustration. First up is the most controversial – the new Jeep Wrangler JK, which debuted late last year.
Brake Tech Tip: Noise/Creak During Slow Speed Braking
Some customers may comment on a creak-type noise occurring when applying the brakes. It is usually heard only during slow speed brake maneuvers. If this condition exists, it should be able to be duplicated when the vehicle is not moving by depressing the brake and listening for the noise from the wheel-well/caliper area.
Tech Tip: Subaru Radiator Cap Cleaning
Whenever servicing the coolant/radiator, it’s imperative that the filler neck and cap are clean of all contaminants and debris. If foreign material is left in the filler neck sealing area, it will become embedded in the rubber seal and prevent the cap from sealing properly. Before making the determination that the radiator cap is faulty, perform the following repair procedure.