Servicing Solutions: 15 Tips on Servicing Ford F-150s
A bold new look and some subtle changes probably best describe the 2004-and-up Ford F-150. To the technician, it is the subtle changes that he or she needs to be aware of. Beginning with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F-150. It is a new vehicle inside and out.
Tech Tip: When Drums Lock Up
Drum brakes that occasionally lock up should not be ignored, but a relatively recent drum-brake-lockup condition is often dismissed because it doesn’t happen all the time. Since it’s usually not present by the time a technician gets to look for its cause, it’s often tempting to suggest the customer simply live with it ….
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Wheel Speed Sensors
Wheel speed sensors (WSS) provide essential wheel speed information not only for anti-lock brake systems (ABS), but also for traction control and stability control systems. Some vehicles even compare the wheel speed sensor readings against the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) to make sure all of these sensors are accurate and working correctly. In some situations, it is also possible that the ….
Good times, Bad Times: The Growth Rings of the Aftermarket
The last couple of months have been tough for the economy. The markets are down. Credit has tightened up to the point it is strangling any growth. Some large dealerships have closed their doors due to declining sales and not being able to finance their floor plans or customers. It is tough to remain positive
The 3rd (or 4th) Pedal
When was the last time you used your park brake? During a training seminar recently filled with brake people I got a lot of blank stares. Ok, rule number one don’t ask open ended questions right after lunch. Rephrasing, how many of you used your park brake when you parked the car today, one hand
Diagnosing Wheel Speed Sensors: WSS, ABS Systems
Some vehicles even compare the wheel speed sensor readings against the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) to make sure all of these sensors are accurate and working correctly.
Diagnosing Intermittent Stalling Issues
Intermittent driveability problems of any kind are always a challenge to diagnose. When a customer brings you a vehicle and complains of a stalling problem, you may not have much to go on other than their description of what’s happening and when it happens. The more information you can get out of them the better,
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
Carley’s Corner: Good China, Bad China?
A relative of mine recently purchased a Chinese motor scooter to save gas. The 150 cc scooter looks sharp, runs nice (so far) and gets almost 100 mpg. Best of all, it only cost him $1,140. But here’s the catch. It’s a no-name, barebones product. There is no dealer network, no customer service number to
Boost Your Preventive Maintenance and Repeat Business with Mighty’s ‘Car Care That Pays’ Consumer Promotion
Mighty Auto Parts is offering a unique Fall Consumer Incentive designed to immediately grow sales, then bring customers back to your shop for a follow-up visit. When your customers purchase one or more of the qualifying Mighty product-based services as part of a ….