Directions: E15 — Helping or Hurting American Drivers?
At Issue: E15 fuel blends could be available by March or April of 2011, assuming the EPA makes two approvals for use of E15 in 2001 cars and newer models by the end of the year.
EPA Allows for the Selling of E15 Fuel for Newer Vehicles
A decision on the use of E15 in model year 2001 to 2006 vehicles will be made after EPA receives the results of additional DOE testing, which is expected to be completed in November.
Independent Research Shows E15 Poses Minimal Risk to Older Vehicles
The conclusion of the Ricardo study is that the adoption of E15 as the blend limit for standard US pump grades of gasoline should not adversely affect vehicles manufactured between 1994 and 2000.
Tech Tip: Toyota Prius Metallic Knock
Some Prius owners may complain of a metallic knock or clunk noise from the engine bay heard only while driving over speed bumps or rough road conditions. The engine mount assembly has been improved to prevent this condition. Follow the repair procedure in this tech tip to correct the condition.
Directions: Will You Be Servicing a 100-MPG Vehicle in the Near Future?
Vehicles in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X-PRIZE vie for $10 million in prizes that will be awarded to teams that develop production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 miles per gallon or energy equivalent (MPGe).
Austin Community College Offers Hybrid Training Classes for Technicians
Austin Community College in Austin, TX, recently received a $98,860 grant from the state to spend on alternative fuel training. The school is offering training classes on hybrids, as well as classes covering other “green” cars including ones powered by propane, natural gas and biodiesel.
Hybrid Training Class Features Midtronics High-Voltage Battery Tester
The free, live Internet class instructed by Craig Van Batenburg is on Thursday, May 27 at 2 p.m. EST. It is a 30-minute, interactive hybrid class on how to test a high-voltage battery pack. It will also cover construction of a typical battery pack and discuss where rebuilt packs are sold in the market.
The Bendix Brand Leads the Way with Aftermarket’s First Hybrid Brake Service Class
To address the growing number of hybrid vehicles making their way into the aftermarket’s independent repair shops, the Bendix Training Team has developed a comprehensive program called the Hybrid Brake Service Class.
MiraCosta College in Oceanside, CA, Offers Hybrid Vehicle Training Program
MiraCosta College in Oceanside, CA, has received a $400,000 federal stimulus grant to assist in developing their new hybrid vehicle training program. The course is only open to trained technicians who are able to pass a skills test administered by the college.
Tech Feature: Handling Hybrid Service
Right now, the service opportunities lie mainly in the future as hybrids move out of warranty and into the independent service bays. However, it’s entirely realistic to expect hybrids to become a growing part of the automotive service market.
Directions: Fueling Your Appetite for Knowledge
In the manual Changes in Gasoline IV, every attempt is made to focus on the auto technician’s areas of interest and to cover current topics. A new chapter on Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) and E85 has been added, as E85 appears to be emerging as the renewable fuel of choice.
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.