The Future of Diagnostics Is In The CAN
Since model year 2003, a growing number of domestic and import vehicles have been built with a new onboard communications protocol called CAN (Controller Area Network). CAN is essentially an engineering standard for how computers and modules talk to one another via the serial data bus in a vehicle’s wiring system. It’s a high-speed standard
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Diagnosing Rodent Damage
Of all the technical innovations of the past century, the plastic-insulated copper wire is one of the most dependable components found in the modern automobile. Sure, this summer I had three different cases of the copper wire actually being broken inside the plastic insulation. In the first two instances, I had the intake air temperature
Odds and Ends: NYPD Blue Gets Some New Muscle
The New York Police Department is adding some muscle to its car fleet with 15 police versions of the 2006 Dodge Charger. In a flip of irony, this late-model Charger is kin to the 1969 model made famous as “The General Lee,” and was best remembered for outrunning a hapless sheriff in The Dukes of
Federal-Mogul Speed-Pro Competition Series Coated Engine Bearings Help Eliminate Wear in ‘Dry Starts’ and Racing Conditions
Speed-Pro Competition Series engine bearings are now offered with Federal-Mogul’s exclusive DUROSHIELD friction-reducing polymer coating for a variety of small- and big-block Chevrolet and small-block Ford engines.
Clevite 77, Victor Reinz and Perfect Circle Power Jimmy Johnson to First Daytona 500 Win
The 48th running of the Daytona 500 lived up to its billing as "the Great American Race" by keeping both fans and drivers on the edge of their seats. The No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo team knew all along that they had what it took to make it to victory lane – a strong team at the shop, a fast and dedicated crew at the track, a strong driver and the help of Clevite 77 engine bearings, Victor Reinz gaskets and Perfect Circle piston rings.
Getting Tanked: Flex Fuel Engine Modifications Allow for Alcohol-Based Fuel
In case you haven’t heard, Flex Fuel technology is really starting to take off in the U.S., becoming more popular in late-model vehicles than technicians may realize. If you haven’t had any training on these vehicles, you may find some of the technical changes OEMs have made to the engines will alter the way you
Strutmasters Offers Air Suspension Products and Conversions
Strutmasters is a one-stop shopping center for air suspension products and conversions for all Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chrysler, Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Cadillac, Lexus, Land/Range Rover and Jaguar automobiles.
Tech Tip: Chevy Blazer’s Engine May Rattle Between 1,800 and 2,200 rpm
The spark, rattle-type noise may be caused by torsional vibration of the balance shaft. If detonation noise is present, perform detonation/spark knock diagnostics first.
Jay Leno Teams with OVERHAULIN’ to Trick Friend
When Jay Leno found out that his part-time mechanic and friend Dave Killackey was in dire need of an overhaul on his 1956 Chevrolet Nomad, but couldn’t afford the expense himself, he turned to the dynamic team on TLC’s OVERHAULIN’ to make Dave’s dream come true.
Bad Gas Update
How bad can it get? When the price of gasoline soared to over $3 a gallon after hurricane Katrina, people were shocked. They actually began to change their driving habits to conserve fuel by eliminating unnecessary trips, sharing rides to work, staying home in the evening instead of going out and doing what little they