Advanced Belt Noise Diagnostics
One of the noisiest components under the hood of a vehicle can be the belt and the drive components. Noise is not the fault of the belt, but the result of how the power comes from the crankshaft and the components attached to the belt.
Gathering Clouds: We Can Either Hide From Or Prepare For The Coming Storm
Vehicle technology is running away with capabilities that make a car into an enabler or a weapon. Companies are designing tech so fast to be FIRST that they don’t ask themselves real world questions.
HVAC Sensors: More Than Just Temperature
HVAC systems have come a long way in the past 15 years. While the basics of heating and cooling may be the same, the controllers and sensors have improved dramatically. No longer does a driver have to worry about dealing with fogged-up windows or bad smells driving behind a semi-truck.
Variable Displacement Oil Pumps
Almost every major OEM has an engine or engine family that uses a variable displacement oil pump controlled by a control spring or ECM to deliver the best possible pressure and efficiency.
Long-Life Coolants Explained
Different types of coolants cover a range of applications from diesel to domestic, Asian and European vehicles. Each one is formulated to a specific manufacturer’s specifications to keep their engines at an optimal temperature. But, changes to the old one-size-fits-all formula has led to confusion for consumers and even some technicians.
Nissan Tech Tip: CVT Fluid Level Quick Check Gauge
Steps 1 through 6 will ensure that CVT fluid is properly distributed throughout the transmission.
Cranky Crankshaft Seals
Sometimes the least expensive parts are the most time-consuming to replace. This is the case with crankshaft oil seals.
TPMS Service Opportunities: The 656-Million Sensor Market
September 2018 marked the 11-year anniversary of mandatory tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) for all light vehicles sold in the U.S. During these past 11 years, more than 164 million vehicles have been equipped with TPMS. If you multiply that number by four, it means that there are more than 656 million tire pressure sensors that will need replacement at some point.
Technology Corner: Singing In The Wires
The large majority of techs in service bays right now did not have a ground-up automotive education, and many of those who did certainly did not get a ground-up electrical education. This is no indictment of anyone, just cold, hard facts.
The Next Evolution Of Fuel Injection
You may soon see a vehicle that has both direct fuel injection and port fuel injection. It could be a Toyota, Ford or other make. It can be confusing because for a long time we were told that direct fuel injection was better than port fuel injection. To get the best power and economy from an engine, some engineers realized that both injection systems could be used on the same engine.
Hyundai/Kia Theta Engine Inspection Essentials
The Hyundai Theta engine appeared in 2006 Sonata models and is going strong to this day in naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms in various Hyundai and Kia applications. The one area of the engine that has been the source of more TSBs and tech tips has been the bottom end of the engine and lubrication system.
Belt-In-Oil Timing Drives
Performance enthusiasts may have some experience with “wet belt” timing systems as an upgrade for the small-block Chevy, but these “new” belt-in-oil systems are OEM designs, used for oil pump drives as well as for camshaft timing drives.
