GM: Exhaust Smell in Cabin: Codes P0299 and P2263
Some owners may complain of an exhaust smell in the cabin and reduced engine power. Under acceleration, a hissing or whistling noise can be heard coming from under the hood. Also, codes P0299 and/or P2263 are present.
IMSA: The Series Born Out Of Spite
The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) was founded in 1969 by John Bishop with the assistance of NASCAR President Bill France, Sr. Some say that the formation of IMSA was the result of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) moving their Runoffs (The Olympics of Racing) away from the NASCAR-owned Daytona Motor Speedway to Road Atlanta in 1969.
Power Steering: To Flush Or Not To Flush
Whenever a technician is performing a repair on a power steering system component, the question is always whether there is a need to flush the entire system. It takes a bit longer and costs a few dollars, but a thorough flush of the power steering system is key to a successful repair.
ACURA: Oil Consumption On Manual Transmission Vehicles
In this updated TSB from 2013, Acura discusses how some 2011-’13 TSX models with manual transmissions can develop an oil consumption problem. The TSB states: “If you do not see any other factors contributing to oil consumption, consider engine braking as the possible cause.”
Diagnosing Belt Slippage
A belt is merely an indicator of the condition of the components with which it is connected. Like a brake pad or tire, it is designed to wear. But, the wear can be impacted by the total system.
Servicing TPMS Sensors
Most TPMS sensors are held in using just a screw or a nut, but if not assembled or torqued properly, the results can be catastrophic. Carelessness can result in a broken sensor or even a customer stranded with a flat tire.
How Long Is a Labor Hour?
Any tech will tell you that a labor hour can stretch to half a day if a lot of research is involved. Conversely, it can last 15 minutes if you know what you’re doing. Most labor guides typically don’t take into account how much research, diagnosis and equipment setup is needed for a given job — not to mention the time it takes to recover your 10 mm socket that just fell down into the engine compartment.
What is an Import Car?
When I started working on cars in the 1990s, repairing import vehicles was far different than domestics. If you looked under the hood of a Nissan pickup, it might have eight spark plugs for four cylinders. In 1990, Toyota put an engine on its side and placed it under the passenger seat of a minivan. Volkswagen even made a V6 with a single cylinder head.
AUDI: Start-Stop System Information
This informational TSB applies to Audi vehicles with a start/stop system. The start/stop system allows automatic engine stops and starts. Although the driver expects it, the engine may not automatically be switched off due to many different factors.
Trusting Your Torque Wrench
The torque specifications for components are much more exact now. Fastener requirements are also changing such that nuts and bolts are more vehicle specific, so there is no more running to the backroom if you need a replacement.
Diagnosing V8 Engine Leaks
You already know that there are plenty of BMWs with V8 engines on the road today, but you might be surprised that they can have issues with oil leaks. Inevitably, some of these will find their way to your shop in need of service, so here are some common items to be aware of when they arrive at your shop for repairs. In this article, I will focus on valve covers, the front upper timing chain covers and the alternator bracket gasket.
Sealing Modern Water Pumps
Over the past 20 years, we have seen water pumps and cooling systems evolve to improve start-up emissions. We have also seen a revolution in the material used for engine blocks, cylinder heads and cooling system components. Today, coolant may flow through an iron block, aluminum cylinder head and plastic thermostat housing.
