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Tech Feature: Hybrid Service will Increase as Hybrids Move Out of Warranty and into the Independent Service Bays

By now it’s no secret that the price of one gallon of regular-grade gasoline has topped the $4 mark and will undoubtedly be even higher one year from now. In light of rising fuel costs, consumers are once again returning to basic transportation by trading in their old gas-guzzling SUVs for more economical vehicles, especially those powered by hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology. On the one hand, the current popularity of hybrid technology seems to offer an ….

Tech Tip: Heavier Hybrids Require Attention when Customizing

Sales of hybrid vehicles have been increasing every month, especially now that you can get a hybrid system in many of today’s popular body styles instead of just the early models that screamed, "I’m a plastic-baggy-recycling tree-hugger!" Now just a subtle badge is about the only visible difference. With fuel costs continuing to soar, what does this mean for ….

CARQUEST Technical Institute Introduces Hybrid Vehicle E-Learning

CARQUEST Technical Institute (CTI) introduces a new Hybrid Vehicle e-course for professional technicians. The course introduces the concept of hybrid vehicles, related technologies, specific tools needed, and the types of people who purchase hybrids. Hybrid vehicles are one of the fastest growing segments of new car sales and ….

Cleaning Carbon from TDI Intake Systems

Volkwagen has been selling diesel-powered cars in the U.S. for almost 30 years. Turbocharged versions have been available for 25. That is a lot of experience and a testament to the development of a reliable, efficient and durable powerplant. The introduction and development of the TDI (turbocharged direct injection) brought the VW diesel into the

Hybrid Service: Tools to Service Hybrids

As the price of gasoline goes up, so does the demand for fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles. Currently, there are about 1.1 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 tooling up to work

Toyota Tech Tip: Prius Hybrid Lacks Power

Some 2001-’03 model-year Prius vehicles may exhibit a Master, Hybrid and MIL warning light on with DTC P3130, and possibly P3125 with sub code 264. When the vehicle is parked after prolonged operation in heavy stop-and-go traffic, or sustained high speeds in ambient temperatures above 90° F (32° C), and when attempting to restart, the vehicle may experience an abnormally low power output condition or inability to "Ready On."

Toyota Contests Announces New Toyota Think Green Contest to Win 2008 Highlander Hybrid

With the holiday season just around the corner and gas prices soaring, Toyota Live Web announces one of the new Toyota contests, the Toyota Think Green contest. Participants enter to win a free 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid combines some of the best vehicle features on the market. Improving fuel economy and boosting performance are just a couple of the benefits to the Highlander Hybrid.

There’s No Escaping Hybrid Service

high as 40 mph (64 kph). Plus, when conditions are right, the engine may shut off at stops and not restart until after 25 mph. As a result, the advertised fuel economy of a full hybrid vehicle is typically much higher for the city driving conditions than the highway driving conditions. In theory, assuming the

Replacing Hubs with Wheel Speed Sensors

By Larry Carley, Technical Editor When engineers came up with the idea of putting the wheel speed sensor (WSS) and tone ring inside a sealed wheel bearing hub assembly, it seemed like a great idea. The sealed environment would help protect the sensor and make it less vulnerable to damage or contamination from the outside

Tech Tip: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive Lacks Power

When Jeff called to discuss the lack of power in his 2002 Toyota Prius, I have to admit I was a little confused. The Prius was designed to be economical, not to compete in the stoplight grand prix. He said it felt sluggish, and recently some lights in the instrument panel had come on. Jeff was lucky; Toyota had already identified the problem and it is covered by the 96-month/100,000-mile Toyota Hybrid Vehicle System Component Warranty.

Hybrid Engine Diagnosis & Service

The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrids have been around since 2001; the Honda Accord, Ford Escape and Lexus RX 400h hybrids since 2005; the Honda Civic, Toyota Highlander, Mercury Mariner, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrids since 2006; and the Lexus GS 450h, Saturn VUE Green Line, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids since

Automatic Transmissions: From Mechanical to Electronic to Hybrid

A long time ago in a service bay, preventive maintenance for an automatic transmission was an oil change, band and throttle linkage adjustment. The 1960s saw the end of external band adjustments. In the 1970s, the drain plug went away and the pick up screen was replaced with a filter. In the 1980s, a turbo