Service Guide: F-Series New Model 2004
A bold new look and some subtle changes probably best describe the 2004-and-up Ford F150. To the technician, it is the subtle changes that he or she needs to be aware of. Starting with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F150. The new body style truck is a new
Tech Feature: Performance Modifications…Getting a ‘Handle’ on Your Customers’ Tuning Needs
The sport compact car market is hotter than ever. The market has moved beyond the simple bolt-ons such as wheels, tires, brake rotors and spoilers. It’s not unusual today to see sport compact engines producing upward of 400 horsepower on the street. With so much power under the hood, the challenge is getting the horsepower
Troubleshooting MIL Issues: OBD II & “CAN” Scan Tool Diagnostics
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is one of the most misunderstood warning lights on vehicles today. Most motorists have no idea what the light means or why it’s on. Some think the MIL light is an oil change reminder light. Others realize something must be amiss to cause the light to come on, but don’t
Viewpoint: Cat Burglars and the Converter Cartel
How many catalytic converters can a battery-powered reciprocating saw cut from a dealer’s lot before the battery runs out? The answer is 18, according to news reports. In one night, 18 converters were removed at a Mentor, OH, Mitsubishi dealership. Other dealerships have been hit, with an average of 15 converters cut loose per night.
Diagnostic Solutions: Oxygen Sensor Diagnostics
Once considered leading-edge technology, today’s oxygen sensor has become a commonplace service item on modern vehicles. Popularly introduced in the 1970s, the Lambda or, as it’s more popularly known, the oxygen sensor, rapidly became standard equipment as it’s a vital component of closed-loop or feedback fuel control technology. By using a voltage input from the
Buy or Bend?
What is your strategy for exhaust service?
Up in Vapor
Gasp! It’s the “Gas Cap Code”! Oh no, you just pulled a code P0422, evaporative purge small leak detected… Here goes the needle in the haystack syndrome. So what do you do? Recommend a new gas cap and ship it? Well you could do that, but would that be in your or your customer’s best
2006 Underhood Service Repair Market Industry Profile
Welcome to the 2006 Underhood Service Repair Market Industry Profile, our in-depth report of the independent automotive repair market. This profile highlights many of the elements of doing business in today’s repair shops. The information presented is a good indicator to make short-term predictions about these shops. It’s also a fair yardstick to see how
Diagnostic Dilemmas: The Pressures of Intake Manifold Vacuum Tests
Several years ago, a retired school teacher brought in a 1994 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer that had developed an intermittent rough idle condition. Although a rebuilt engine had been installed a year before, and all of the wiring and vacuum hoses looked as if they were in factory condition, I took nothing for granted. An ignition
Codes & Converters
It is a moral dilemma that many shops encounter on a regular basis. It starts when a good customer comes in with the engine light a blaze. Running your usual diagnostics, you encounter a catalytic converter efficiency code, slow to responded oxygen sensor or some proprietary fuel trim code. Other than the light, the customer
Diagnostic Solutions: Throttle Position Sensors
Although conventional throttle position sensors attached to the throttle shaft are considered basic technology on modern engine management systems, the conventional throttle sensor plays an important role in its relationship with other sensors. The voltage inputs of most throttle position (TP) sensors may, for example, be coordinated with the barometric pressure (BARO), manifold absolute pressure
KONI and Eibach Develop Integrated Suspension Partnership
KONI Shocks and Eibach Springs have pooled their engineering talents, combining KONI’s new FSD damper technology with Eibach’s Pro-Kit springs, providing consumers with a single, complete solution to improving ride, handling and driver control.