Mitchell1 Tech Tip: Stuck Buick Turbo
Sometimes you go through all the documented testing steps for a problem and still can’t find the solution. When this happens, turning to your fellow techs is a great solution.
Autolite Tech Tip: The Anti-Seize Debate
There is a debate about whether or not to use anti-seize when installing spark plugs.
When Good Turbos Go Bad
They are most vulnerable to lubrication-related issues (e.g., poor quality oil, not changing the oil often enough, dirty oil, low oil level or low oil pressure), but turbos can suffer other complications as well.
Attention To Tension: Why Start-Stop Engines Still Require Belt Diagnosis
As many start-stop vehicles are aging out of warranty, you are likely to be encountering them in your service bays.
Reflashing And Reprogramming For Newbies
The choice to reflash is the hardest because there is no one solution or single path to follow.
Alternator Pulley Diagnostics
When faced with an illuminated charge light diagnosis on most late-model vehicles, do not automatically assume the problem is inside the alternator and potentially unserviceable.
Emissions 101: A Basic Understanding Of How Catalytic Converters Operate
To begin, an internal combustion engine creates heat energy by igniting a mixture of gasoline and atmospheric oxygen with a high-voltage spark.
Saddle-Style Fuel Tanks: Twice The Trouble
This style of tank uses two wells, one on either side of a driveshaft or exhaust system. This position optimizes luggage compartment capacity, fuel volume and crash safety.
Spark Plugs: The Lost Art Of Gapping
With modern fine-wire spark plugs, you should not measure the gap unless instructed by the manufacturer because you could damage the center electrode. The majority of these plugs come pre-gapped from the factory, but it is still a good idea to inspect the new spark plugs for damage or defects.
Oil And Carbon Deposits
Gains in power and fuel economy have been realized with direct injection and turbocharging.
How Can You Incorporate A Telematics Strategy Today?
Everywhere you look today – whether it’s online, in trade publications or notices from trade associations – you hear about telematics.
Learn To Say ‘I Don’t Know’
Most trainers say what makes for a great diagnostic technician is not knowing everything but knowing what they don’t know. Some say they have an internal diagnostic strategy that finds problems with the vehicle and the fault with their thinking.
