Tech Tip: Mustang Burning Smell is a ‘Head’ Ache
Marty dropped off his 2002 Mustang GT saying there was a burning smell inside the car. He also noticed a wisp of smoke from the passenger side when parked in his garage. After some investigation with leak detection dye and a black light, I called Marty with the bad news.
Staying On Track
You’ve seen the “Advance Trac” badges on the backs of Explorers and Expeditions, but what is it? Have you ever been asked by your Ford dealer parts department if a vehicle you are working on has “IVD”? What’s IVD? Not all vehicles that are equipped with Advance Trac carry the Advance Trac insignia. Advance Trac
AAMCO Unveils Eco-Green Initiative to Promote Cleaner Running Cars and Centers
AAMCO, the world’s largest chain of transmission service centers, recently introduced Eco-Green Auto Service Certification, a new program designed to protect the environment, reduce vehicle emissions, and promote alternative fuels among the thousands of motorists AAMCO serves annually.
Tech Tip: A Short Drive Saves Tee Time
Mr. Ellis called first thing this morning to ask why the “low tire” lamp was on in his 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. He needed to get out to the golf course for an 8 a.m. tee time. I told him that as long as the tire wasn’t flat, to come over to the shop and I would check the tire pressure. I guessed that cold weather combined with low tire pressure may be causing the lamp to illuminate. A quick check showed that the left rear tire was 5 psi below specification. After adding some air, Mr. Ellis was on his way to the country club.
Tech Tip: Curing Steering Wheel Vibration Felt During Braking
Customers may report that a vibration or "judder" is felt in the steering wheel during braking. The front brake discs may have worn unevenly, resulting in thickness variations on the disc. The remedy is to install two new front brake discs (Land Rover P/N SDB000201) in combination with new specification front brake pads (Land Rover P/N SFC500050).
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.
Tech Tip: Range Rover Conquers Brake Rotors
Customers may report that a vibration or "judder" is felt in the steering wheel during braking. The front brake discs may have worn unevenly, resulting in thickness variations on the disc. The remedy is to install two new front brake discs (Land Rover P/N SDB000201) in combination with new specification front brake pads (Land Rover P/N SFC500050).
Tech Tip: Ford and Lincoln Tie Rod Inspection Procedure
Check the outer tie rod ends by grasping by hand and push up and down. Check the inner tie rod ends, pushing them front to rear. If any free play is observed in a joint, it is worn and should be replaced. Keep reading for additional Ford and Lincoln tie rod inspection tips.
Tech Tip: MIL Illuminated, System Lean in Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Vehicles
This article is intended to aid in diagnosing DTCs P0171, P0174, P1130, P1131, P1150, P1151, P2195 or P2197 (system lean or lack of HEGO switches) when a vacuum leak is present. HEGO sensors, MAF sensors and PCM replacements are not an effective repair when a vacuum leak is causing the above DTCs.