Nationwide Insurance Offers Online Training for Auto Service Owners
Customer and employee safety is critical for building and upholding an automotive service’s reputation. Nationwide Insurance combines simple safety tips with online training courses for a complete safety and loss prevention package. The goal is to assist small business owners with keeping customers safe while reducing risk and insurance premiums.
Larger Vehicles are No Problem for Rotary Lift
Rotary Lift introduces a line of 14,000-lb. capacity four-post general service and alignment lifts, which enable technicians to work on most light-duty vehicles. The new models replace the company’s 12,000-lb. four-post lifts. These new lifts offer longer runways so they can accommodate vehicles with wheelbases up to 212-1/2".
Miller to Give Away the Ultimate Weldshop, Valued at More than $17,000
Miller Electric Mfg. Co. is giving away an Ultimate Weldshop valued at more than $17,000. The Ultimate Weldshop Giveaway includes a welder/generator, welding and plasma cutting power sources, auto-darkening helmet, safety gear, welding accessories and personalized expert training. The Ultimate Weldshop Giveaway runs October 1 through December 31, 2007.
Tech Tip: Curing Engine Rattle on Chevy Astro Vans
Some customers with the vehicles mentioned in this Tech Tip may comment on a rattle-type noise coming from the engine at approximately 1,800 to 2,200 rpm. The spark, rattle-type noise may be caused by torsional vibration of the balance shaft. If detonation noise is present, perform detonation/spark knock diagnostics first.
Ford Tech Tip: Wheel Speed Sensor Removal
When servicing the wheel speed sensors on a 2001-2005 Escape or 2005 Mariner and Escape Hybrid, care must be taken during removal to prevent damage. The wheel speed sensor wire has a body plug attached to it. This plug can be damaged if not removed correctly, such as removal for pinpoint testing. If the body plug is damaged, sensor replacement may be necessary even though the sensor is functional in all other respects.
Tech Tip: BMW Timing Chain Whining Noise
On E38 750iL models with the M73 engine, a whining noise that is generated by the rotation of the timing chain at approximately 1,000 – 1,500 rpm may be heard at all engine temperatures. The timing chain noise is a normal engine operating noise that is transmitted to the body of the vehicle and into the passenger compartment via the engine, transmission and exhaust system mounts.
Mitch Schneider: So Fast, It’s Scary
It was Friday afternoon, the last day of the week, the last Friday of the month, at that point in the afternoon where the walls start to close in on you and time begins to compress. Too many cars and not enough bays, techs or parts to finish them all. The phones are ringing off the wall, the air conditioner is laboring because it’s too darn hot and fire trucks are screaming up and down the street because the Southern California brush fire hazard has just ratcheted up another notch.
Directions: The Internet as a Shop Tool
Over the last few years, automotive aftermarket use of the Internet has continued to grow, making it a valuable business tool in automotive repair shops. Autologue CEO Jim Franco, who’s company provides automotive information system services, e-cataloging parts pricing and other electronic data services for the automotive distribution market, spoke recently in an “Executive Interview”
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Got a Light?
Every diagnostic technician experiences operational complaints that are more bizarre than they are technically complex. The problem is made difficult when the technician fails to stand back from the problem and look at what I call, “The Big Picture.” As you will see in the following case study, The Big Picture is a collection of
Climate Equipment: Hey, It’s Cold in Here!
Wherever two or more shall gather… Somebody is bound to be too hot or too cold! It seems to be a fact of life, people can never agree about the temperature inside. This one says it’s too hot, while that one says it’s too cold. One thing we can all agree on is that we