Automatic Transmissions: From Mechanical to Electronic to Hybrid
A long time ago in a service bay, preventive maintenance for an automatic transmission was an oil change, band and throttle linkage adjustment. The 1960s saw the end of external band adjustments. In the 1970s, the drain plug went away and the pick up screen was replaced with a filter. In the 1980s, a turbo
Selling Services…Fitment Blues: Solving Aftermarket Wheel Problems
Aftermarket wheel installation requires much more than just placing the wheel on the hub and tightening the lug nuts. It involves a great deal of knowledge and expertise that, admittedly, very few people have. Here is just one scenario that may help you avoid or diagnose a problem. Case Study A customer complains that his
Honda Performance Upgrades
Service & Diagnostics Call it what you want — the compact performance market, sport compact market, import scene or the tuner market — but there’s no denying the import car performance segment has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade. According to SEMA’s 2006 Compact Performance Market Report, retail sales for this niche
Who’s at Fault?…Top 10 Domestic Diagnostic Codes & Fixes
A Check Engine Light that’s illuminated is always a sign that something is wrong. But what? You usually can’t tell until you plug in a code reader or scan tool and read out the code(s) that have turned on the light. At least then you have a starting point for further diagnosis. Some people think
Scan Tools: Scan Tools Offer a Window Into a Vehicle’s Inner Workings
Scan Tools Offer a Window Into a Vehicle’s Inner Workings Larry Carley, Technical Editor [email protected] Technicians who attempt to make driveability or emissions repairs today without a scan tool are troubleshooting in the dark. A scan tool is absolutely essential because it provides a window into the inner workings of the engine management and onboard
Point Of View: ‘Upon My Honor…’
In our June issue of TechShop, I asked our readers, “What’s your motto?” I told you my proposed motto for the Universal Independent Shop Owner and Professional Technician: “I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself
Tech Tip: Curing Rough Idle and Hesitation on Mazda 626 Models
Some 2000-2002 Mazda 626 models with the FS 4-cylinder engine may experience a rough idle, hesitation, stumble and/or misfire during or immediately after a cold start. A DTC P0303 may also be stored in memory. In extreme cases, the engine may stop running and multiple misfire codes, like P0300-P0304, may be stored in memory.
California Warranty Standards Proposed in New Mexico
New Mexico, under a general order from Gov. Bill Richardson, is moving to adopt the California Clean Car standards. The New Mexico Department of the Environment has proposed standards that, if passed, would implement the California vehicle emission standards – including the super warranty. The proposal directs the state to implement global warming and smog-forming emissions standards for vehicles. Additionally, the bill would impose the expansion and extension of warranties.
Rostra Precision Controls Introduces Driving Innovations Catalog
The 2007 "Driving Innovations" catalog from Rostra Precision Controls Inc. is now available. It features the company’s aftermarket obstacle sensing systems, passive rear camera systems, seat heaters, cruise control systems and smart parking aids.
Tech Tip: Boom-Type Noise During Engine Warm-Up on Chevy Astro Vans
Some customers may comment on a boom-type noise heard in the vehicle passenger compartment during engine warm-up. To correct this, install an exhaust dampener assembly on affected vehicles. Use the following procedure and the part numbers listed in this Tech Tip.