Tech Tip: Fixing The Honda Accord, CR-V Rattle At Start Up
If a Honda, including the 2008-2012 Accord, 2012-2013 CR-V, and 2012-2013 Crosstour, has a pronounced rattling noise emanating from the engine during cold start-up, persisting for approximately two seconds, then this symptom is typically indicative of a defective Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) actuator, as outlined in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 09-010. The corrective action
Bionic Exoskeleton Vest: The Cure For The Aging Technician?
The vest for assembly line workers was a collaboration between Ekso Bionics and Ford. The technology can help to extend the career of technicians by relieving some of the stress and injuries that can come from working on cars.
Drive Belt Checklist: What Are You Missing?
You might have only one chance to sell a customer a new serpentine belt. With belts lasting roughly 90,000 miles, proper inspection at the time of failure is critical not only for selling the belt, but also for ensuring add-on sales and better customer satisfaction.
Diesel Exhaust Particulate Filters: How Do They Work, What Do They Do?
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a ceramic filter that has thousands of tiny channels or honeycomb-shaped openings that trap the soot onto the channel walls and prevent the particulate matter (down to 1 micron) from exiting out the tailpipe. The honeycombed inner structure is covered with a layer of a chemical catalyst that contains small amounts of precious metals, usually platinum or palladium.
Rental Car Evolution Presents Service Opportunities & Can Extend Your Shop’s Car Count
There are a growing number of privately owned rental fleets. These fleets are not big businesses, but rather small ones that are run by private individuals. You can find them with mobile apps and websites like Turo and Uber.
Oxygen Sensor And Catalyst Efficiency
The catalyst efficiency monitor verifies the catalytic converter is operating at a high enough efficiency rating to keep exhaust emissions within the predetermined values. The PCM compares the signals from the upstream and downstream oxygen sensors to determine the state of the converter. These “tests” are called the readiness monitors.
Gonzo’s Tool Box: Cash Discount For Engine Swap Gone Wrong
In attempt to drum up some new business, I decided to run a cash discount promotion for large jobs thinking it might bring in new customers. It sounded like a good idea at the time, but the best-laid plans often go awry.
What a Brake Caliper Taught Me About Service Information
According to the service manual, the procedure involves removing the lower caliper bolt, swinging the caliper up, and swapping the pads. The students also were required to torque the bolts and use torque sticks to mount the wheel.
Winter Battery Service Best Practices
Most shops in colder climates start to see an influx of customers with battery service needs as the holidays approach. Perhaps more than any other maintenance category, being proactive about taking care of your customers with dying or dead batteries is essential this time of year.
Turbocharging: Managing Pressure In The PCV System
Crankcase vapors are routed through the positive crankcase valve (PCV). The PCV valve is a simple spring-loaded valve with a sliding pintle inside. The system allows the vapors to be siphoned into the engine using engine vacuum.
Alternator Testing: What Is The Correct Voltage?
For some alternators, it’s normal to see as low as 13 volts. For some, a constant 13.6 volts is an indication of a problem. For others, it’s normal to see as high as 16 volts for long stretches. Still, it’s perfectly normal for others to see the alternator not charge at all intermittently.
Forget Rolling Back Prices – Focus On Taking Care Of The Customer
In the book “Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action,” author Simon Sinek argues that customers don’t buy what companies do, they buy why they do it.
