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Directions: Will You Be Servicing a 100-MPG Vehicle in the Near Future?
Vehicles in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X-PRIZE vie for $10 million in prizes that will be awarded to teams that develop production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 miles per gallon or energy equivalent (MPGe). More
Tech Tip: BMW Check Engine Light On and Vehicle Running Rough Due to Airflow Meter
If a customer complains of a check engine light on and a vehicle running rough, it may be due to problems with the airflow meter and wiring. More
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. If this transistor... More
Diagnostic Solutions: Alternator Testing Tips
When we're attempting to diagnose a charging system failure, it helps to think of the battery's state of charge (SOC) as a type of checking account. If we overdraw our account, we wake up the next morning with an engine that won't crank. Or, if we overdraw our account and not balancing our account at the end of the day, we again are greeted with a slow-cranking engine and an overdrawn charging system account... More
Tech Tip: Intermittent No-Start on Ford 5.4L V8 Truck Engine
When it won't start, there is no communication with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The theft light is flashing rapidly with codes U1147 and U1262 in the Hybrid Electronic Cluster (HEC). Also, the odometer just shows dashes with the key on instead of the actual mileage. More
Tech Feature: Where Do You Start with Mercedes No-Start Diagnostics?
Hundreds of times a year, repair shops will get cars brought to them to repair a "No Start" fault. This article is going to discuss the process that it takes to make repairs when there are so many variables. Though this article will be focused on Mercedes-Benz, the steps can be used for any make or model. More
Mercedes-Benz Tech Tip: Battery Acid Leaking into Battery Box
If you receive customer reports in Model 163.154/157/172/174/175 vehicles, all model years, of acid leaking from the battery ventilation hole causing damage to the battery box, follow the remedy procedures below which detail installing a hose/receptacle combination. More
Mitch Schneider: Emotional Battery
For most of us, it has been a tough year. And, even if you are one of the "lucky" shop owners who have seen a rise in their year-end numbers - "lucky" as in where "opportunity" meets "preparation," and all the skill, hard work, insight, discipline and determination that goes along with that kind of luck - it hasn't been an easy year for the majority of your clients regardless of where you are. More
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. More
Advance Auto Parts Offers Car Battery Care Tips
Car batteries can go bad as a result of undercharging, overcharging, or from corrosion due to the vapor that is produced while the battery is charging during driving. More
 
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