Lithium: An Element That Is Charging Ahead
What is an EMV? As you read the hybrid and plug-in articles that my company, ACDC, is writing this year, we have coined a new term: EMV (electric motor vehicle). Rather than use hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric or electric car with a range extender, we will refer to all these as an EMV. When
Dual Clutch Transmissions: How do they work?
Dual clutch transmissions are like having two manual transmissions shifting together while being controlled like an automatic transmission. This is the transmission of the future because it is lighter than an automatic and is just as efficient as a manual transmission.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Chrysler Sebring Code P2173 Caused by Vacuum Leak NOT Gaskets
In this month’s Diagnostic Dilemma, I found myself looking into an intermittent fast idle complaint on a 2008 Chrysler Sebring equipped with the 3.5L, V6 engine. The car was in good condition and with approximately 130,000 miles on the odometer. My client shop owner had retrieved some “throttle sensor codes,” which prompted him to replace
Turbo Tech: Power Stroke 6.0 Diesel Turbo Control
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
7 Reasons Direct-Injection High-Pressure Fuel Pumps Fail
Don’t be scared by direct fuel injection diagnostics. In theory, these systems operate on the same principles as port fuel injection, but direct injection can inject more precise amounts of fuel into the combustion chamber so the engine can run leaner and more efficient. The key to direct injection is a high-pressure fuel pump. This
What To Do With Used Hybrid Batteries
The nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery is the best and most common hybrid battery so far, and the sheer volume of them is staggering. NiHM batteries have been in use for well over 15 years, and out of the more than 7 million hybrid cars on the road worldwide, 90% have NiMH battery packs. Then,
Refrigerant Revolution: What R-1234yf Means for Service, Equipment, Safety
The new R-1234yf refrigerant is more than just a new jumble of numbers and letters on a label. For your shop, R-1234yf means several new procedures, a certification and new equipment in order to properly handle these new systems. Why the difference in handling and servicing R-1234yf systems versus R-134a? The reason is flammability. Don’t
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
Directions: Parts Cabinet Potential
When I was a small child, I spent weekends at my grandfather’s Chevron station in Denver. I remember the row of brightly colored cabinets and special displays he had for parts. There were cabinets for light bulbs, brake pads, bearings and many more parts that I have since forgotten. Typically, these cabinets were given to
Selling the Complete Serpentine Belt Job
Technicians and customers have pretty much accepted that the accessory serpentine drive belt should be replaced between 90,000 to 100,000 miles. It is a “slam dunk” sale to just replace the belt, but does that replacement belt have the same chance to survive the same mileage? Chances are in the next 90,000 to 100,000 miles
Gasket Guide: Match A Sealant With Every Type of Gasket
Cork/Composite Gaskets Sealants: Cork and composite gaskets can seal a variety of underhood applications from valve covers to carburetors. The type of sealant used with these gaskets depends on a variety of factors. First, you must consider if the gasket needs to remain flexible. Second, you need to consider the temperatures the sealant will have
Winter, oil prices,
According to a recent Federal Reserve survey of conditions across the U.S., automotive repair shops were among the few businesses benefiting from the winter weather in the first quarter of 2014. Take advantage of this time by investing in your shop and your technicians.
