A/C Oil Service: Avoid Compressor Failure With Proper Maintenance
HVAC systems often fail because the air conditioning compressor fails. Not following the proper service procedures or compressor oil recommendations could be factors that contribute to premature compressor failure. Refrigerant Since the mid-‘90s, all vehicles have been using R-134a refrigerant, but soon, vehicles will arrive at your shop equipped with R-1234yf refrigerant. This is the
How Ford’s New Grille Shutters Control Airflow
Some new Ford vehicles feature active grille shutters — a new system that optimizes aerodynamics by using vents to control airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment. If air is required to cool the engine, the vents are opened. If no airflow is needed, the vents are shut, contributing to significantly
How Engine Coolant Temperature Sensors Influence The Modern Powertrain
Considering that roughly 1,500 or more different vehicle models are introduced into our domestic market each year, it’s becoming more difficult to predict how a powertrain control module (PCM) will utilize data from a particular sensor or detect an out-of-range sensor in any single vehicle platform. The engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor provides a
Diagnosing Power Steering Loss on a 2008 Ford Escape
The vehicle in question is a 2008 Ford Escape with a 3.0-L engine. The customer complaints are as follows: The steering wheel will turn by itself; at times, usually when turning, the vehicle will lose all power steering assist; and occasionally, while turning, the vehicle’s steering seems shaky. The 2008 and newer Escape models use
Cartridge Oil Filter Tips
Cartridge oil filters account for a large number of oil filter applications in the field. The chances of improperly installing a cartridge oil filter are greater than with a spin-on filter. The key is to take your time, inspect before installing and follow the tips below. Use the correct tool to remove the housing. Just
The Case of the Missing Starter
I was called last fall by a client who owns a heavy-duty diesel shop to diagnose a no-cranking condition on his father-in-law’s 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe. Because his work is mainly with heavy-duty trucks, my client knew he was lacking both in tooling and technical background when he didn’t hear the familiar click of a starter
Spark Plug Replacement Do’s and Don’ts
Tooling has changed from the old 13/16-inch spark plug socket to a multiplicity of 5/8-inch long, short, intermediate and swivel, thin-wall sockets needed to replace spark plugs on many modern engines. Similarly, tightening spark plugs with the old flex-head, long-handled, 3/8-inch drive spark plug wrench is asking for trouble on engines that don’t have long-reach
Toyota: Fixing Prius HID Headlamp Problems
High Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs are unlike halogen light bulbs, which simply stop working at the end of their useful life. HID bulbs nearing their service end-of-life may flicker or intermittently be inoperable — similar to a fluorescent light bulb. Some 2006-‘09 model year Toyota Prius models may exhibit an HID headlight flicker or intermittent
The Best Tests For Fuel Delivery Systems
The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus said that there is nothing permanent except change. Greek history aside, it’s easy to spot change in our current market because vehicle fuel delivery technology has evolved to include conventional, pulse-modulated and direct fuel injection fuel delivery systems, with each having a specific set of components and testing issues. In
Gasket Q&A: Removal tips and more
Question: When replacing a gaskets on an engine, do I just scrape or peel off the old gaskets, or do I have to do something else? Answer: Removing gaskets used to be a fairly simple procedure. Most engines used to have cast iron blocks and heads, with iron manifolds and stamped steel covers. Iron castings
Everything You Need To Know About Stretch Belts
Stretching the belt may seem counter intuitive after everything you have been told about serpentine belts. But stretching the belt with the right tools is often the only way stretch belts can be installed. Stretch belts can take loads off of the main accessory belt drive, allow for better packaging and solve NVH problems that
Variable Displacement: The Future of the Oil Pump is Here
Almost every major OEM has an engine or engine family that uses a variable displacement oil pump that is controlled by the ECM to deliver the best possible pressure and efficiency. When it comes to improving fuel efficiency, 3% to 5% are huge numbers. Achieving those fuel efficiency numbers while also increasing the power to
