Hybrid Archives - Page 5 of 7 - UnderhoodService
Remy International, Inc. Supplying HVH Electric Motors to Daimler for 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid

Remy International, Inc. recently announced it is supplying Daimler with the Remy HVH electric motor used in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid recently released to the United States market.

Servicing Hybrids: 10 Must Read Articles for Servicing Hybrid Vehicles from Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda and Nissan

Currently, there are about 1.2 million hybrid vehicles on the road. Within five years, hybrids are expected to account for 20 to 25% of all new car and light-truck sales. So sooner or later, you’ll be working on these vehicles at your shop. These vehicles have the same service opportunities like brake pads, filters and suspension parts that need replacement. Also, battery packs, electric motors and computers will need service soon. Below are the top ten hybrid articles so you can cash in.

Hybrid Service: Nissan Altima

While the Toyota Prius dominates most of the hybrid discussion, the Nissan Altima Hybrid warrants some attention too.

Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Makes World Driving Debut

Plug-in hybrid silently laps racetrack without gasoline.

Power Assist: Servicing Saturn VUE Hybrids

The hybrid version of the Saturn VUE was initially referred to as the “Green Line” model because of its improved fuel economy: 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway versus 22/27 for the regular version of the VUE. The Green Line moniker has since been dropped for the 2009 model year.

Tech Tip: ‘Braking’ the Code on a Ford Hybrid

The owner of a Ford Escape Hybrid or Mercury Mariner Hybrid may complain of an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). If you obtain the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) of U2062, the problem may originate in the brake system control module, part of the hydraulic control unit (HCU). Follow the steps in the Service Procedure to correct the condition.

Tech Feature: Ford Hybrid Braking

A hybrid vehicle is a different animal than many of us are used to seeing. After all, if the engine of a typical vehicle were to stall out at a traffic light, the driver of that vehicle would know something was wrong with it. If that same vehicle still drove with the engine off, then that would mean they were probably going down hill. But in the hybrid world, that is all normal. Several systems around the vehicle are impacted by two key elements.

Tech Feature: Wheel Bearing Service on Hybrid Vehicles

Most hybrid vehicles on the market today share wheel bearing components with their non-hybrid counterparts. There is no need to turn away these vehicles for wheel bearing replacement. As these vehicles increase in age, failures of the wheel bearings are inevitable. The main trend for some makes of hybrids, such as Toyota, is a shift to wheel bearing hub units from cartridge-type bearings.

Dana Unveils Hybrid Transmission for Off-Highway Market

Dana Holding Corp. recently introduced new hybrid drivetrain technology specifically engineered for off-highway vehicles. A concept transmission in the evaluation phase, the Spicer TE-15HX is an electric parallel hybrid that features a dual power path transmission control system. This system continuously monitors operating conditions and selects the proper combination of diesel and electric power to optimize productivity while reducing fuel consumption, emissions, noise and engine idling.

Navistar Unveils Industry’s First Four-Wheel-Drive Hybrid Truck

Navistar recently unveiled its newest hybrid truck, the International WorkStar Hybrid 4×4, which the company says is the industry’s first four-wheel-drive diesel-electric hybrid commercial truck. The International WorkStar Hybrid 4×4, part of the International severe service line-up of trucks for heavier duty applications, adds to Navistar’s industry-leading line-up of diesel-electric hybrid vehicles ….

Tech Tip: Toyota Prius Master/Hybrid MIL On/DTC P3125

Under certain driving conditions, some 2001-’02 Prius vehicles may exhibit a Master, Hybrid and MIL Warning Light "on" condition where only DTC P3125, information code 287, has set in the Hybrid Vehicle Control Unit (HV ECU). Use the following procedure to identify whether the HV ECU or inverter/converter assembly should be replaced ….

Tech Tip: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Safety Precautions

As vehicle manufacturers strive to meet or exceed fuel economy standards, alternative vehicle designs incorporating new materials and systems will be produced to accommodate consumer demand. One such vehicle that may roll into your repair facility is the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. Questions will arise when this vehicle arrives ….