Making Money with Mode $06
Nothing is more frustrating than “fixing” a customer’s vehicle and then have it come back a few days or weeks later with the check engine light on and the same fault code or a new fault code. You look bad, lose your customer’s confidence in your ability to fix their vehicle, and in states that
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
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
Battery Service and Diagnosis
A good battery with an adequate charge is absolutely essential for reliable cold starting. A weak battery, or one that is rundown, may not deliver enough amps to crank the engine when temperatures plunge and the oil thickens. Cold weather can be hard on batteries, but so can hot weather because it increases water loss
Driveability Diagnostics and Direct Injection
Direct injection is becoming standard on more and more late-model vehicles. These systems can be a diagnostic challenge, but with the right foundation, problems can be solved profitably. Years ago, all a low-level technician needed to diagnose a fuel problem was a set of “noid lights,” a fuel pressure gauge and maybe a meter. These
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
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
Snap-on Tool Of The Month: ETHOS+ Scan Tool
With the Snap-on ETHOS+ scan tool, professional service technicians can quickly and effortlessly access OEM-specific codes and live data for dozens of systems on nearly 40 domestic and Asian makes to get an accurate diagnosis with only a few clicks in just moments. The optional European vehicle kit provides deep coverage of eleven popular European
Tracer Products Offers Tracerline EZ-Ject A/C And Fluid Kit
The Tracerline EZ-Ject A/C and Fluid Kit (part no. TP-8657) pinpoints leaks in A/C and fluid systems. According to the company, it features the only concentrated, premium-quality, OEM-approved fluorescent dyes in the industry. The dyes are used and approved by more major OEM manufacturers than any other brand. Some of these manufacturers include BMW, Chrysler,
Think Like Sherlock Holmes To Avoid The Wrong Diagnostic Conclusions
As a boy, I read most of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Sherlock Holmes was a genius-level detective who could break a case by analyzing seemingly insignificant clues like the ash from a cigar. In contrast, Inspector Lestrade, who was Holmes‘ competitor from Scotland Yard, would inevitably arrest the wrong person by jumping to a premature
Snap-on Introduces Software Upgrade 14.2
The latest upgrade helps professional technicians work at peak performance with new features such as One-Touch Code Scan and the addition of Porsche coverage with the optional European software. Upgrade 14.2 also includes new 2013 domestic and Asian model year coverage for Acura, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi vehicles.
Autel Announces the MaxiSYS Mini Automotive Diagnostic & Analysis System
The MaxiSYS Mini is an ultra-mobile solution for automotive diagnostics. It comes with a powerful A9 quad-core processor and comprehensive OE-level vehicle coverage. The multitasking Android operating system is capable of coding, adaptations, actuations and much more.
