Carley’s Corner: The Pitfalls of Extended Warranties
New car warranties keep getting longer and longer, much to the dismay of the aftermarket.
Tool Feature: Scan Tools and Software Updates
Though some vehicles have diagnostic modes that can show fault codes and other diagnostic information via the instrument panel, climate control system or driver information display, most simply turn on the check engine light or another warning light when a problem occurs. So without a scan tool, there’s no way to tell what the problem might be, let alone make an accurate diagnosis of which sensor or other component may need to be replaced.
Tech Feature: Making $ (Money) with Mode $06
Mode $06 is one of the nine diagnostic modes that is part of the OBD II on-board diagnostics system on all 1996 and newer vehicles.
What is Mode $06 and the other OBD II Modes?
OBD II modes are organized into nine categories, each of which is assigned a particular mode number preceded by a $ sign to symbolize the hexadecimal code it represents.
Tech Feature: Boosting Profits Through Turbocharger Services
A turbo’s basic purpose is to boost power, so when an otherwise healthy engine suddenly becomes anemic, it often (but not always) means turbo trouble.
Carley’s Corner: Cars, Kids & College
Sending a kid off to college hundreds of miles from home with a car can be scary. Finding a repair shop for them helps you put yourself in your customers’ shoes.
Tool Feature: Tooling Up for TPMS
A Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a great safety innovation and has likely saved some lives, but TPMS also complicates tire replacement and rotation, and special tools are often required to reset the system.
Tech Feature: Troubleshooting BMW’s Condition Based Service System
BMW’s “Condition Based Service” (CBS) system monitors various maintenance items on the vehicle, and alerts the motorist when service is needed. But even this maintenance alert system can require maintenance itself.
Carley’s Corner: Confessions of a Tool Junkie
Larry Carley loves tools. And like most automotive buffs, he’s acquired many over the years.
Customize a Tool Storage System That Meets Your Needs
Most technicians own thousands of dollars worth of tools and equipment, and require a cabinet or chest with lots of storage capacity to hold the tools of their trade.
Tech Feature: Curbing Catalytic Converter Thefts
Catalytic converters have been disappearing at an alarming rate. The theft of these emission control devices is being perpetrated by sleazeballs looking for easy money. A thief can hock a pilfered converter for $25 to as much as $100 depending on the value of the precious metals inside it.
Tech Tip: How Can You Tell if a Head Gasket is Leaking or Has Failed?
The first symptoms of a head gasket that is failing are usually a slow loss of coolant with no visible leaks, engine overheating and/or a Check Engine light with cylinder misfire codes.