Hybrids Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Brake & Front End
A/C Update: Recharging A/C Compressor for 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

This article will provide you with critical information on recovering and recharging the A/C compressor on a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid.

ATA Offers Free Training on Hybrids, CNG and Biodiesel Technology

The Automotive Training Authority (ATA) is offering free “green” aftermarket training courses on hybrid, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles and biodiesel/clean diesel technology. The courses, geared toward automotive repair shop owners, technicians and fleet maintenance managers, are made possible through a federal alternative fuel training grant.

Tech Tip: Toyota Prius Metallic Knock

Some Prius owners may complain of a metallic knock or clunk noise from the engine bay heard only while driving over speed bumps or rough road conditions. The engine mount assembly has been improved to prevent this condition. Follow the repair procedure in this tech tip to correct the condition.

Austin Community College Offers Hybrid Training Classes for Technicians

Austin Community College in Austin, TX, recently received a $98,860 grant from the state to spend on alternative fuel training. The school is offering training classes on hybrids, as well as classes covering other “green” cars including ones powered by propane, natural gas and biodiesel.

The Bendix Brand Leads the Way with Aftermarket’s First Hybrid Brake Service Class

To address the growing number of hybrid vehicles making their way into the aftermarket’s independent repair shops, the Bendix Training Team has developed a comprehensive program called the Hybrid Brake Service Class.

Tech Feature: Handling Hybrid Service

Right now, the service opportunities lie mainly in the future as hybrids move out of warranty and into the independent service bays. However, it’s entirely realistic to expect hybrids to become a growing part of the automotive service market.

Remy International, Inc. Supplying HVH Electric Motors to Daimler for 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid

Remy International, Inc. recently announced it is supplying Daimler with the Remy HVH electric motor used in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid recently released to the United States market.

Hybrid Service: Nissan Altima

While the Toyota Prius dominates most of the hybrid discussion, the Nissan Altima Hybrid warrants some attention too.

Power Assist: Servicing Saturn VUE Hybrids

The hybrid version of the Saturn VUE was initially referred to as the “Green Line” model because of its improved fuel economy: 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway versus 22/27 for the regular version of the VUE. The Green Line moniker has since been dropped for the 2009 model year.

Tech Tip: ‘Braking’ the Code on a Ford Hybrid

The owner of a Ford Escape Hybrid or Mercury Mariner Hybrid may complain of an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). If you obtain the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) of U2062, the problem may originate in the brake system control module, part of the hydraulic control unit (HCU). Follow the steps in the Service Procedure to correct the condition.

Tech Feature: Ford Hybrid Braking

A hybrid vehicle is a different animal than many of us are used to seeing. After all, if the engine of a typical vehicle were to stall out at a traffic light, the driver of that vehicle would know something was wrong with it. If that same vehicle still drove with the engine off, then that would mean they were probably going down hill. But in the hybrid world, that is all normal. Several systems around the vehicle are impacted by two key elements.

Tech Tip: Toyota Prius Master/Hybrid MIL On/DTC P3125

Under certain driving conditions, some 2001-’02 Prius vehicles may exhibit a Master, Hybrid and MIL Warning Light "on" condition where only DTC P3125, information code 287, has set in the Hybrid Vehicle Control Unit (HV ECU). Use the following procedure to identify whether the HV ECU or inverter/converter assembly should be replaced ….