Maximizing Current Ramping Techniques In The Shop
Although modern on-board diagnostic systems are becoming far more comprehensive than in years past, it’s still important to know how to use a lab scope and inductive current probe to analyze the amperage flow through the primary ignition and fuel pump circuits.
Memory Lane: Nuts, Bolts And Screws – Finishing A Chevy Restoration Project
Gary Goms discusses the mechanical challenges of restoring a truck that he began maintaining when he went to work in a gas station – back in 1957!
Diagnostic Solutions: Oxygen Sensor Inspection And Service
Oxygen sensors have been a part of the automotive maintenance scene since 1976, when feedback fuel controls were popularly introduced. By 1980, nearly every car and light truck was equipped with an oxygen sensor that allowed their computer-controlled fuel systems to operate in a “closed-loop,” “feedback” or “fuel control” mode.
Diagnostic Solutions: Fluid Maintenance Issues
Several factors are driving modern fluid maintenance services. First, a modern vehicle’s service life often extends to well over 200,000 miles and good fluid maintenance practices are, in part, responsible for that remarkable achievement. Second, car counts in many shops are declining because late-model vehicles require less scheduled maintenance and less frequent repairs. Consequently, many shops are looking at add-on services, such as fluid maintenance, to boost shop revenues.
Memory Lane: Culture Club – Restoring a Vehicle to ‘Car Culture’ Status
What some call the “car culture” still exists today as many large, organized “cruises” are held in various metro areas during the summer, as well as a number of car shows in the country’s smaller towns. This year was special because my body and paint (B&P) man and I had just finished putting the finishing touches on my old 1st-series 1955 Chevrolet 3100 pickup, which I inherited from my dad in 1973.
Diagnostic Solutions: Testing Automotive Batteries and Starters
In the real world, battery and starter testing data can vary widely and for no apparent
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Solving Late-Model Charging System Dilemmas
This month’s Diagnostic Dilemma involves a pristine 1995 Buick Park Avenue with a customer complaint of dimming instrument cluster lights, a flickering voltmeter needle, a driveability bucking complaint and a dead battery. The alternator had been replaced due to an indication of excessive AC ripple on the shop’s hand-held battery and charging system tester. A P1630 trouble code was present, indicating a high/low condition with battery voltage.
Diagnostic Solutions: Steering Geometry Diagnostics
Bent steering knuckle assemblies are easy to
Inspecting Brake Hydraulic Systems: Worn Components Take Their Toll on Advanced Suspension Technologies
During a service writer’s efforts to sell competitive brake services at the service desk, he or she often focuses on selling “good, better or best” brake friction replacements, while ignoring the added expense of repairing brake hydraulics. Did you know that neglected brake system hydraulics can cause an expensive warranty comeback?
Diagnosing Murphy’s Law Under the Hood of a Ford F-150
Most of us working in the automotive service trades are very familiar with Murphy’s Law and how it affects our shop’s cost of doing business. Murphy’s Law says, “Everything that can go wrong usually will go wrong.” Gary Goms investigates a mysterious engine noise in a 1989 Ford F-150 pickup equipped with the venerable 5.0L or 302 cubic-inch V8 engine.
A New Look at Cooling System Technology
While changes in modern cooling system technology might not be apparent in day-to-day servicing, the fact is that auto manufacturers are continuing to increase fuel economy and power output by changing how the cooling system operates.
Diagnostic Solutions: Engine Lubrication System Problems
Auto manufacturers are continuing to reduce vehicle maintenance requirements by extending oil change intervals, but many vehicle owners are forgetting to check their engine’s oil level between oil changes, warns Gary Goms, import specialist contributor. As such, extended oil change intervals are changing how we should recommend and perform scheduled vehicle maintenance.