Tech Feature: Don’t Be Restrained from Servicing Airbag Systems
Airbags, along with other components of safety restraint systems, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and misinformation can spread like wildfire. Here’s what you need to know to restore them to OEM standards.
GONZO’S TOOLBOX: I SMELL A ‘RAT’: Murphy’s Law Was This Time Disguised as a Pesky Rodent
A 2002 Lexus LS430 came in the shop earlier this year. It was stumbling and sounded rough. It had a slight misfire but, overall, the owner said he couldn’t feel it vibrate. The check engine light was on and it didn’t seem to have the power it used to have.
Bosch Celebrates 125 Years of Technological Leadership
A young German engineer, Robert Bosch, founded an engineering company 125 years ago that then and today enjoys pivotal significance in the automotive industry and the aftermarket. Established in Stuttgart in 1886, as the “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering,” Robert Bosch Gmbh in 2011 is celebrating its 125th anniversary, as well as the 150th anniversary of its founder’s birth. 2011 is also the 75th anniversary of Bosch’s introduction of automotive diesel systems.
Tech Feature: Common Rail Systems May Soon Be Commonplace
Due to the conflict between consumer performance demands and more stringent EPA standards, the use of
Gonzo’s Toolbox: I Smell a ‘Rat’
A 2002 Lexus LS430 came in the shop earlier this year. It was stumbling and sounded rough. It had a slight misfire but, overall, the owner said he couldn’t feel it vibrate. The check engine light was on and it didn’t seem to have the power it used to have. There were two codes, P1310 (misfire on #3 cylinder) and P0330 (knock sensor code). I figured I better start with the misfire code and see where it leads. It could be that the knock code was a result of the misfire.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Push Button Keyless Start Systems
Push button keyless start systems began appearing on several import cars about six years ago, and are now being offered on more and more new vehicles, both import and domestic. Motorists say they like the push button keyless start systems because they are convenient to use. There’s no ignition key or switch to fumble with, and you don’t have to do anything other than have the smart fob in your pocket or purse when you get in the car.
‘Driving Innovation’ Road Tour Showcases Bosch Leadership in Automotive Technology
Bosch launched “Driving Innovation,” a dramatic interactive traveling road tour at this year’s Indy 500 to demonstrate Bosch’s leadership in advancing automotive technology and building business for parts stores and service facilities.
K-I-S-S Method: Listen to the Customer Before You Grab the Scanner
An older gentleman came to the shop with wipers that would not turn off. This customer was insistent that it had to be a serious malfunction. He was so sure of himself that it made me think there was something seriously wrong with the car.
Tech Tip: Ringing Sound Coming from Jeep’s Propeller Shaft When Shifting from ‘D’ to ‘R’
A ringing, snapping or popping sound may be heard coming from the driveline when the transmission is shifted from Forward to Reverse or Reverse to Forward. The sound may also occur when the brakes are released after shifting into or out of Drive or Reverse.
Tech Tip: VW’s Check Engine Light is On with Fault Code P0411
When diagnosing various VW and Audi vehicles, the Check Engine Light (MIL) is on and fault code P0411 (16795) is stored in the fault memory.