Clean Diesel Surge Offers Diagnostic and Repair Opportunities for the Aftermarket
There’s a bright future for the latest generation of clean diesel cars and trucks, thanks to common rail high-pressure, direct-injection systems with sophisticated electronic controls that have transformed today’s diesels into clean-running, quiet and powerful power plants. As these vehicles come out of warranty, it will create new diagnostic and repair opportunities for the aftermarket.
Diagnostic Solutions: The Relationship Between PCMs, Sensors and Actuators
Not that I recommend installing used PCMs, but I occasionally need a rebuildable core to replace a missing or badly damaged powertrain control module (PCM). But lately, I’ve noticed that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a used PCM for an older import at a local auto salvage yard. While it’s sheer speculation on my part, this apparent shortage of PCM cores might be caused by too many poorly trained technicians replacing PCMs to solve sensor-based problems. In most of these cases, the problem remains unsolved even as the original and fully functional PCM is casually tossed into the trash when the tech moves on to another job.
Performing a Brake Job on a 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is based on the GMT 360. The brake system on the Trailblazer is not groundbreaking by any means, but there are some intricacies technicians should be aware of on this common platform. The front brakes utilize dual piston calipers with phenolic pistons. The most important thing to remember when replacing the pads on this vehicle is to replace the hardware.
Tech Feature: Subaru Service Essentials
My stint at being a service advisor for a number of dealer service departments over the years gave me a lot of experience in “bundling” services into a package. Having a service plan or “menu” built value for the customer. It also provided the service department with reliable income. Though there are good and bad points to service menus, the basic idea is a good one, and works well for any kind of automotive service or repair facility.
Tech Feature: Transmission Fluid and Filter Service
To prevent any service from being over sold or under sold, it is important to not only know that a particular service should be performed, but also why it should be performed. That knowledge can also help you spot when to recommend that service, and when not to. When speaking about transmission fluid, the short version of the explanation is that it gets dirty and wears out.
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Tech Tip: Top 10 ‘DOs’ of Piston Ring Installation
Here are 10 brief pointers from Hastings Piston Rings on how to properly install piston rings and avoid a comeback.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2003-2008 Honda Pilot
Aligning the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot is not difficult. The first-generation Pilot shares the same suspension design as the Odyssey and rear suspension design with the Accord. The Pilot is the largest vehicle Honda manufacturers. There are no TSBs issued for alignment or tire wear problems. Most TSBs for these vehicles focus on the steering column noise, but most of them are for a limited number of vehicles. The Pilot is based on Honda’s Global Light Truck Platform. It features a highly robust and rigid unit body design with isolated front and rear subframes.
BRAKE JOB: 2005-Current Ford Mustang
Many of these cars are now reaching the point where it’s time for their first brake job. The original equipment front disc brake pads are typically lasting about 45,000 miles with normal driving. But many people who buy Mustangs don’t drive “normally.” Consequently, they may be wearing down the front pads in as little as 25,000 miles.
Tech Feature: Why Aftermarket Belts are Lasting Longer
Serpentine belts made of EPDM may last up to 100,000 miles or more before they have to be replaced. But that doesn’t mean they will last forever. A serpentine belt that’s aging or slipping may develop a hard glazed surface that makes the belt noisy. Aerosol belt treatments may quiet the noise for a while, but sooner or later you’ll have to replace your customer’s belt.