Toyota Prius: Check Hybrid System Light On
It may be difficult to diagnose a vehicle that has components you aren’t familiar with. This Tech Tip will show you the ropes by guiding you through a diagnosis on the Prius. Hopefully your repair is as simple as this Real Fix and the loose DC/DC connector is the only issue.
Connecting With Hybrids: Hybrid 12-Volt Battery Systems
Why do hybrids even have a 12-volt battery when the car is already equipped with a high-voltage battery? I get asked this question often in the classroom or when I am under the hood with a tech. Those of you with hybrid experience know the answer, but many techs have stayed away from hybrids and
Lithium: An Element That Is Charging Ahead
What is an EMV? As you read the hybrid and plug-in articles that my company, ACDC, is writing this year, we have coined a new term: EMV (electric motor vehicle). Rather than use hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric or electric car with a range extender, we will refer to all these as an EMV. When
What To Do With Used Hybrid Batteries
The nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery is the best and most common hybrid battery so far, and the sheer volume of them is staggering. NiHM batteries have been in use for well over 15 years, and out of the more than 7 million hybrid cars on the road worldwide, 90% have NiMH battery packs. Then,
‘Green’ Bullets: Tips for Servicing Hybrid Vehicles
Newsflash: Hybrids are here to stay. The oldest Toyota Prius models are now 14 years old and many other hybrids from other manufacturers are crossing the 100,000-mile mark every day. Here are a few of my Silver Bullets, — or in this case “Green Bullets” — to help you maintain and service hybrids. Toyota: Restricted
Toyota Hybrid Oil Change
Does the thought of changing the oil on a Toyota Prius scare you? Are you afraid you could be shocked with more than 200 volts? Don’t be afraid, changing the oil is not radically different than any other Toyota. Changing the engine oil on just about every hybrid doesn’t require disconnecting the hybrid drive system,
Hybrid Fluid Service 101
Does the phrase ”hybrid fluid maintenance” scare you? It shouldn’t. With more than 3 million hybrids on the road, and many of your customers considering purchasing one, servicing hybrid vehicles is in your future. Some special procedures must be followed when working on a hybrid.
The Best of The Best: Tales From the 2014 Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo
I try to attend the Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo every year, take some classes, browse the Expo, and meet up with some old friends. Classes range from hybrid service, scope and scanner reading, diesel and gas engine driveability, to shop management. Some of the top instructors gather at this convention and put together some of the best classes I’ve ever attended.
Dorman Products Announces New Dorman University Training Program
Dorman Products recently announced the launch of its new training initiative, Dorman University. Open to the public and available for all channels of the aftermarket, Dorman University provides Web-based access to product training related to Dorman’s growing categories and product offering.
Lincoln Electric Introduces Jessi Combs Women’s Welding Gear Ready-Pak
Lincoln Electric has just added the Jessi Combs Women’s Welding Gear Ready-Pak to its Welding Apparel product group. Female welders no longer need to wrestle with oversized jackets and gloves that don’t fit. The Jessi Combs Women’s Welding Gear Ready-Pak includes all of the essential personal protective equipment that a female professional welder would need.
CRC Introduces GDI IVD Intake Valve Cleaner
CRC Industries, Inc., manufacturer of specialty chemicals for automotive technicians, introduces the GDI IVD Intake Valve Cleaner designed to remove harmful deposits from all types of gasoline powered engines.
New Snap-on A/C Equipment And Tools Catalog Now Available
The new Snap-on Air Conditioning Equipment and Tools catalog is now available, featuring an assortment of Snap-on products to help service technicians complete A/C jobs quickly and efficiently.