Computers: Why You Can’t Do Business Today Without Them
It’s hard to imagine any automotive repair shop doing business today without the benefit of multiple computers. Yet some shops continue to do business and fix cars the "old fashioned way" with no computers whatsoever. I can’t help but wonder how much longer some of these shops will stay in business.
Business Tools: Computers… Why You Can’t Do Business Today Without Them
It’s hard to imagine any automotive repair shop doing business today without the benefit of multiple computers. Yet some shops continue to do business and fix cars the “old fashioned way” with no computers whatsoever. I can’t help but wonder how much longer some of these shops will stay in business. The computer has become
Buying an Import Scan Tool
Thinking about buying a new scan tool? Choosing a tool that provides the best coverage and the most diagnostic bang for your buck isn’t easy with so many different products to choose from today. There are simple code reader tools, entry-level “generic” scan tools, professional-grade tools with bi-directional communication and additional test capabilities, OEM scan
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Ignition Misfires
A flashing Check Engine light and a P0301 to P0312 diagnostic trouble code is a sure-fire indication that one or more cylinders are misfiring. Occasional misfires may pass unnoticed, but a steady misfire is hard to miss. The engine usually feels rough, lacks power and uses more gas than usual.
Ignition Misfires
A flashing Check Engine light and a P0301 to P0312 diagnostic trouble code is a sure-fire indication that one or more cylinders are misfiring. Occasional misfires may pass unnoticed, but a steady misfire is hard to miss. The engine usually feels rough, lacks power and uses more gas than usual. Sometimes a misfire may feel
A/C Update: Bad A/C Blowers & Fuses
One component air conditioners and heaters share in common is the blower motor. The blower motor is usually located in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) housing under the dash. The blower motor spins a squirrel cage fan that delivers both cold and hot air. If the driver wants cold air and turns on
Scan Tools: Tune In, Tune Up, Cash In
What is with all the new interest in music? Everywhere in the car industry and the aftermarket, people are talking about the “tuner” market. Are they talking about the old stereo of Dad’s in the den? Maybe they are talking about the newest disk player that can support mpeg and iPod? No! The interest is
Tech Tip: Engine Analyzers Combine the Capabilities of Many Diagnostic Tools into One
When most people think of an engine analyzer, they think of a big box console with automated test capabilities that can detect a wide variety of faults. There are still some machines like these today, but many of the features of a traditional engine analyzer are now available in top-of-the-line scan tools.
Servicing Ford 4-Cylinders: Contour, Escort, EXP, Focus, Probe, Ranger & Tempo
Ford has used a variety of four cylinder engines over the years, ranging in displacement from 1.6 to 2.5 liters (see engine application chart on page 22). All of these engines are overhead cam engines, some with a single cam others with dual cams, and all have timing belts that need to be replaced at
Servicing Import ABS Systems
Import anti-lock brake systems (ABS) are pretty much the same as domestic ABS systems. In fact, the same OEM suppliers who make the ABS system components for import vehicle manufacturers also make them for domestic vehicle manufacturers. The differences that do exist are typically limited to calibration, diagnostic codes and procedures, and wiring. The ABS