Bob Dowie, Author at UnderhoodService - Page 4 of 6
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Tech Tip: Hyundai Check Engine Light Diagnostics

There are a couple of ways a Hyundai will find its way into your bay with a check engine light complaint. If a misfire is obvious, you may be tempted to get to work and start switching coils, checking wires or whatever, looking to diagnose the problem. But before you do, check the codes to see if more information is available.

Tech Feature: Diagnosing and Repairing Cooling System Leaks on Hyundai Models

Cooling system problems will present themselves in a variety of ways, and it’s important that your service writer has the skills to ask the correct questions that will help your techs make efficient repairs.

Tech Feature: Nissan Brake and Suspension Repairs; Solving Noise Complaints

At first, you may not think brake and suspension systems are closely related. But when it comes to noise and vibration complaints, you don’t want to be looking at one without considering the other.

Tech Feature: Mazda Driveability Diagnostics and Check Engine Light Complaints

From a torn air intake hose to ignition system concerns, Bob Dowie tackles driveability issues as well as some of the more common ailments that will bring Mazda vehicles into your bays with a check engine lamp complaint.

Tech Tip: Cartridge Wheel Bearing Replacement

While wheel bearing noise is one of the toughest problems for the customer to describe, it’s not unusual for it to come on so gradually that the customer may not even notice it until you mention it after an unrelated road test. Many times, the customer complaint will send you down the wrong path if you let it. We’ve heard complaints from exhaust leaks, to tire balance, to “it just doesn’t sound right,” that have ended up being bad wheel bearings.

Tech Tip: Honda Engine Service Essentials

While engine-related complaints aren’t common on Honda’s line of vehicles, problems may still arise from time to time. Import Specialist Contributor Bob Dowie walks you through head gasket repair, from diagnosis to estimating the job to gasket replacement, and also discusses the intricacies of timing belt replacement ….

Kia: Brake Service Essentials

Arm Yourself With the Proper Tools, Equipment & Service Information to Facilitate Diagnosis and Repair

Hyundai: Drivetrain Noises & Wheel Bearing Replacement

One of the toughest challenges we face as import specialist techs is noise complaints. These aren’t necessarily difficult from the technical or nuts and bolts perspective as much as from the diagnostic process. The first challenge is to pin down the noise that has the customer concerned. We’ve all listened to our customers struggle with

Mazda: Timing Belt Replacement

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

Right On the Mark: Lining Up Timing Belt Service for First-Generation Kias

This month, we’re going to take a look at timing belt replacement on the increasingly popular Kia line of vehicles. Kia has made strong inroads into the market by offering high-quality vehicles at an affordable price. As underhood car techs, we’re prepared to handle any of these cars: You have the required skills and, with

Nissan: Head Gasket Replacement Procedures

With the reliability that late-model cars and especially their engines enjoy, we don’t find ourselves doing too much heavy engine work anymore. Many of us miss the feeling of accomplishment we’d get when completing an in-house engine rebuild. I know I always enjoyed the moment when the fresh engine would light right off and run

Kia: 4WD Front Hub and Brake System Service

Being import specialist techs, we may not be real familiar with 4WD systems and the associated parts, but that’s no reason to turn away this profitable work. For this article, we’ll look at the 2000 Sportage. The most common complaint you’ll encounter is no 4WD operation, which can usually be traced to problems with the