VW OBD II Revisited: Good Vehicle Service History Helps Determine Causes of Repeat Failures
After 10-plus years of dealing with OBD II, it should be apparent that we are on a learning curve that probably has no end. Almost daily we have a VAG model come into the shop with a check engine light on, or a “state OBD II failure” form. Although we have the latest scanner software
Getting Tanked: Flex Fuel Engine Modifications Allow for Alcohol-Based Fuel
In case you haven’t heard, Flex Fuel technology is really starting to take off in the U.S., becoming more popular in late-model vehicles than technicians may realize. If you haven’t had any training on these vehicles, you may find some of the technical changes OEMs have made to the engines will alter the way you
Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Rick Moe, owner The Nurburgring, Inc. Saint Bonifacius, MN www.the-nurburgring.com My shop is an independent Porsche repair shop specializing in 356s and early 911s. I’ve been a professional Porsche mechanic for more than 30 years. I established The Nurburgring, Inc. in the Minneapolis area in 1977. I am a factory-trained mechanic with extensive background in
Tech Tip: Clutch Replacements – Don’t Turn Them Away
Clutch replacement does not have the prestige of driveability diagnostics, but at times, it pays better. Some shops turn away clutch replacements in fear of comebacks and lost productivity. But, clutch replacement offers the shop opportunities to sell additional services that might slip past the bottom line.
Optimum Driving Comfort and Low Fuel Consumption – DualTronic Transmission Technology from BorgWarner
The new transmission concept has its origins in motorsports. Back in the 1970s, it was Porsche who developed the first dual-clutch gearbox for its Group C Porsche 962. The advanced technology finally made its debut in series production development in 2003 in the VW Golf R32 DSG (direct-shift gearbox) and the Audi TT 3.2.
Looming Mandate: Without Help, Shops Face Dark Future
…How Will You Cope?
Aftermarket Update: CARS 2005 Provides Education, Networking, Entertainment
Bedford, TX — Hundreds gathered at the 2005 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) held at The Mirage in Las Vegas Nov. 3-5. CARS, the premier event of the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Mechanical Division, is held annually during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) and focuses on education while also offering entertainment and networking
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
Back From Vegas
Last month I attended the grandaddy of all automotive trade shows in Las Vegas. “Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week” (AAIW) is a multi-show affair that fills both the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Sands Expo Center with more than 2 million square feet of exhibits and cars. The event is not open to the general
Midas Completes First Independent Shop Conversion, Grows Nashville Shop Count to Eight
Ron Atkisson, who opened his first Kar Plus shop in Nashville in 1984, has become a Midas franchisee and will convert four Kar Plus shops in the Nashville area to the Midas brand. He also will reopen two previously closed Nashville-area Midas shops.