Kia Battery Discharge At High Temperatures
Some 1998-2001 Kia Sephia 1.8L vehicles built between Oct. ‘97 and May ’01, and some 1.8L Spectra vehicles built between Feb.’00 and March ‘04 may experience battery discharge when operated in high ambient temperatures for extended periods of time at low speeds or at idle with A/C, headlamps and other accessories on. Typically, this results
Capitalizing On Advances In Today’s Motor Oil
Evolution is a funny thing — for every advancement that propels the automotive world forward comes another requirement for shop owners and technicians to take a step back, relearn and retool. The continued push for improved oil quality and heightened performance standards is no different. The efficiency of modern motor oil has revolutionized maintenance requirements
Bad Engine Mounts: More Than Just a Bad Ride
Over time and use, hydraulic engine mounts can start to fail and “pancake.” This can directly affect the height and position of the engine, which not only leads to a deteriorating ride, but also has the potential to damage other components such as the cooling fan and shroud.
3A Automotive, Phoenix, AZ: Revisiting A Maintenance Chronicle
We first profiled Phoenix-based 3A Automotive Service in our March issue of Maintenance Matters. Through its two-week assessment conducted Feb. 9-20, the 11-bay shop discovered there were some “black holes” in its approach to service. “We have been running a lot of promotions to keep the car count up, and the numbers definitely indicate that
Selling The Benefits Of A Complete Belt Job
Selling a belt at 90,000 miles is easy. But, making that new belt go 90,000 miles might be impossible without selling the complete belt job. With zero miles on an odometer, the belt is operating in the best possible environment. The tensioner is new, nothing leaks and nothing is worn. By 90,000 miles, wear in
Honda Engine Rattles At Start-Up
Models: 2008-’12 Accord L4 and 2007-’12 CRV Problem: At cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about two seconds. Cause: The variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator is defective. Solution: Replace the VTC actuator. This procedure does not require the complete removal of the cam chain and associated parts, so repair time is much shorter.
Can You Service Modern Batteries?
Back in the day, all that was required to sell batteries and service a vehicle’s charging system was a battery load tester, voltmeter and hydrometer. Today, all of these tools are relatively ineffective for servicing modern batteries and charging systems. The hydrometer used to be essential to measure the specific gravity of the electrolytes in
Odor Removal Tips for Erasing Musty Odor in Evaporator
Musty Odor in Evaporator? Take These Odor Removal Tips Model: All Models with A/C Condensation, dust and pollen inside the evaporator case can cause mold to grow and leave a musty odor when the A/C is turned on. This musty odor can occur in all vehicles, not just Hondas, and it’s worse where there’s high humidity. Although there
ECU Diagnostics
ECU Diagnostics: 1976 Datsun (Nissan) 280Z Call me old-school, but imagine my surprise this spring when a retired “friend of a friend” car collector called about diagnosing a 1976 Datsun (Nissan) 280Z sports car. The collector purchased the 280Z (which had been sitting idle with an engine that wouldn’t start) from a Toyota shop, and had
Rental Car Revelation
Underhood Service Editor Andrew Markel discusses life on the road behind the wheel of some of today’s latest models.
Directions: 20 Years: The Past, Present and Future of Underhood Service
Automotive historians will look back on 1995 as a watershed year for the automotive industry. By September, all 1996 models had to have the same OBDII diagnostic connector under the dash, speaking the same emissions language. Around the same time in Akron, OH, Babcox Media saw the times were changing for vehicle repairs and diagnostics.
Diesel Particulate Filters
The EPA has lowered diesel fuel sulfur content from 500 ppm (parts per million) to 15 ppm. This new ultra-low sulfur fuel has been available since October 2006. All 2007 and later diesel engines must comply with the new regulations that require the reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC) by 50% and particulate
