Wall Street Is Talking Auto Repair: Are You Listening?
Have you ever wondered what Wall Street thinks about your business? Did you know that Wall Street even cares? Several times a year, I consult with investment analysts to help them understand what is happening in the independent repair sector. The funny thing is that I’m sure I learn far more from them than they learn from me.
How Quick Fixes Can Lead To Long-Term Problems
Once in a while, some of these in-the-ditch repairs truly are born out of a roadside emergency, but I tend to believe that even these quick fixes could be avoided with a little bit of proper maintenance know-how. The problem is that some people like to tackle repair work themselves regardless of their repair acumen.
Ford: P0315 Crankshaft Code Set On Mustangs
Recently, Ford announced Customer Satisfaction Program 17N01. The program covers 2011-’14 Mustang models with both the 3.7L V6 and 5.0L V8 that have code “P0315 Crankshaft Position System Variation Not Learned” set. The solution involves a “scan tool code clear” and a 10-minute test drive.
Upgrading Underhood Service
Earlier this year, we upgraded Underhood Service’s website. We completely redesigned the site to make it more mobile phone- and tablet-friendly. Now, it is easier than ever to view past and present digital issues of Underhood Service, renew your subscription and find technical articles on the fly.
GF-6 Delayed Again: What Does It Mean For You?
If you’ve been waiting on the first license for the new GF-6 oils, prepare to keep waiting. This new oil spec that was first slated to be licensed later this year, and later postponed until April 2018, has now been projected to be delayed until 2019.
Troubleshooting And Sorting Out Multiple DTCs At The Penny Arcade
It is late Thursday afternoon in mid-May and tourist season is just beginning in Colorado’s High Country. After finishing one mobile diagnosis, I was asked to look at another – a 2003 Honda Element with a no-cranking condition that had just been dropped off at my client shop’s busy parking lot by an owner who was now stranded 2,000 miles away from home.
Oil Pump Diagnostics: Rebuild Or Replace?
Considering how important oil pressure is for all of these reasons, why would anyone take a chance on reusing a high-mileage oil pump when rebuilding an engine?
Selling Timing Belt Replacement Jobs
When pricing the job, don’t overlook additional and necessary related sales. The timing belt drives the water pump on these engines. Although very reliable, I would consider it a bad bet to think the pump will last 180,000 miles.
Rear Main Seal Diagnostics Q&A
Solving why the seal failed in the first place is critical to preventing a labor-intensive comeback. Here are six questions you should be asking yourself before, during and after a rear main seal job.
Air Conditioning Odor Causes
Air conditioning odors typically result from the uncontrolled growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in the evaporator. Research by independent laboratories has found fungi such as Aspergillus, Cladesporium, Penicillium and others growing on cooling coils and other A/C system areas.
BMW Extended Warranty On S63 Direct Injection High-Pressure Fuel Pumps
BMW has extended the warranty on the high-pressure fuel pump for the 2012 X5 M and X6 M models with the S63 engine. The warranty covers the pump for 10 years or 120,000 miles. BMW is not recalling the pump and no reason was given for the extension of the warranty.
GM’s Autronic Eye (1952)
In 1952, GM introduced the Autronic-Eye headlight system that dimmed the high beams when an oncoming vehicle was detected, and then turned them back on when the opposing vehicle passed. The system used a light photosensor mounted in a vacuum tube. The system would then amplify the signal using a tube amplifier so a relay could turn the lights off or on.
