Origins of the ‘Bendix’ starter
Every now and then you will run into an old-timer who uses the term “Bendix” in reference to the starter. You may think brakes when you hear this term, but there is some interesting history behind “Bendix” being used to describe a starter. By 1910, Vincent Hugo Bendix was almost bankrupt after the failure of
Ford: Smoke From Vehicle When Starting
Vehicle: 2005 Ford Taurus SE, 3.0L Complaint: The customer says smoke comes from vehicle when starting. Cause: Confirmed the customer’s complaint and found smoke coming from the vehicle when the engine was started. Inspected the vehicle and found an unusual smell coming from the starter motor. With the ignition in the start position, used a
Spark Plug Replacement
Every time a spark plug fires, the spark burns a few molecules of metal off the plug’s electrodes. Over time, this eats away the electrodes and rounds off their sharp edges. The erosion gradually increases the gap between the electrodes, which, in turn, increases the firing voltage required to generate a spark. Eventually the point
Avoid Alternator Returns, Make Peace With Your Parts Suppliers
If the charging voltage is low, or the alternator isn’t putting out enough current to keep up with the electrical loads that are placed upon it, don’t automatically assume the starter or alternator is bad and needs to be replaced (unless you’re bench testing the unit out of the vehicle). Many times an alternator is
Saturn: Engine Does Not Crank, Dimmer Switch To Blame
Model: 2002 Saturn LW200, 2.2L Complaint The customer states the engine does not crank. Cause Confirmed the customer’s complaint and found the engine did not crank. Performed a visual inspection of the battery cables and found no obvious faults. Used a multimeter to measure the voltage across the battery terminals and found the measured voltage
Replacing a Faulty Ignition Coil
After a faulty ignition coil is diagnosed and replacement is determined, best practices are essential. Here is a list of tech tips when performing ignition coil replacements. • Coils shouldn’t have any visible damage and the boot should be fully seated. While assembling coils to the engine, disregard the coil if you notice any visible
ASE G1: How To Measure Cold Cranking Amps, Reserve Capacity
The ASE G1 test contains 55 scored, job-related questions, 15% of which will concern electrical maintenance and repairs. From the ASE G1 study guide, you will need to know how to: • Perform battery tests (load and capacitance); determine needed service. • Check voltages, grounds and voltage drops in electrical circuits; interpret readings. Understand Hot
Ford Reflash: Setting Up Your PC
You’ve just finished up a job on a Ford vehicle, and you’re about to try and start it up. However, it needs programmed first. You’ve decided to use a J2534 tool, but there are certain things you’ll need to consider before purchasing that subscription at www.motorcraftservice.com. Choosing a PC The PC you choose for reflashing
Working On Wipers
It’s right after a major snowstorm, and there’s ice and snow on everyone’s windshield. You’re at the shop waiting for the phone to ring. The phone leaps off the receiver and it’s Captain Chaos; he’s managed to find a second use for his wiper blades. Apparently, Captain Chaos was in too much of a hurry
Random No-code Failures: Jeep Cherokee, Ford Crown Victoria
Random no-code failures can be the most frustrating problems to diagnose because the condition usually cant be duplicated in the shop and the “fix” often cannot be verified by test-driving. In this instance, I use the word “random” to describe a condition that might occur only once in two weeks. Sometimes I’ll find something suspicious
‘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
Legendary Spark Plugs: The Six Toughest Vintage Spark Plug Replacements
1. AMC Pacer: The Pacer was supposed to get a GM Wankel rotary engine. If this were the case, the four plugs would have been easy to access. But thanks to emissions problems, the Pacer would get the regular AMC straight six. This forced the engineers to put plugs 5 and 6 under the windshield.
