Tech Tip: Diagnosing Intermittent Stalling Issues
Intermittent driveability problems of any kind are always a challenge to diagnose. When a customer brings you a vehicle and complains of a stalling problem, you may not have much to go on other than their description of what is happening and when it happens. The more information you can get out of them the better, because you’ll likely need all the details you can get to narrow down the list of possible causes ….
Safe Shop: Waste Oil Collection
As an automotive repair shop, your business handles used oil and fluids daily, and there are certain good housekeeping practices that must be followed. These required practices, called “management standards,” were developed by the EPA for any business that handles used oil. These standards are common sense, good business practices designed to ensure the safe
Management: Finger Pointing and Waving Magic Wands
With fuel prices hovering around $4 a gallon, Americans are driving less. In fact, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), figures released in May showed that in March of this year, the country saw its steepest decrease in driving ever recorded. When compared with March 2007, Americans drove an estimated 4.3% less – translating to 11 billion fewer miles ….
Direction: Finger Pointing and Waving Magic Wands
With fuel prices hovering around $4 a gallon, Americans are driving less. In fact, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), figures released in May showed that in March of this year, the country saw its steepest decrease in driving ever recorded. When compared with March 2007, Americans drove an estimated 4.3% less — translating to 11
Taking Deep Breaths
I had an interesting one the other day. This was a 2005 Ford F-150 4.6L that was setting fault codes for both banks lean, a P0171 and P0174. This vehicle was a trade-in to a used car lot and had only slightly more than 29,000 miles on it. Where to Begin? Of course, the first
Tech Feature: Cylinder Head Cleaning
Being an engine builder is like being a chef. As a master of culinary arts you may prepare the most exquisite meals anyone has ever tasted, but a great dining experience can be easily ruined if the vegetables are not thoroughly cleaned. The same is true with engines. Cleaning cylinder heads may be one of the more thankless jobs your shop performs, and it often falls to the "new guy" or "the kid" to perform these tasks. However, as basic as it is, it’s a process not to be overlooked ….
Tech Tip: Do’s and Don’ts of A/C Repair
As vehicle owners in many parts of the country begin using their air conditioning systems for the first time this year, some will be surprised to find their A/C system is not functioning properly or isn’t blowing out cold air like the summer past. The following is a recap of common A/C system problems, followed by a repair fix for a poor-performing climate system on a ….
Spring Service:The Do’s and Don’ts of A/C Repair
As vehicle owners in many parts of the country begin using their air conditioning systems for the first time this year, some will be surprised to find their A/C system is not functioning properly or isn’t blowing out cold air like the summer past. The following is a recap of common A/C system problems, followed
Spring Service: Do’s and Don’ts in A/C Repair
As vehicle owners in many parts of the country begin using their air conditioning systems for the first time this year, some will be surprised to find their A/C system is not functioning properly or isn’t blowing out cold air like the summer past. The following is a recap of common A/C system problems, followed
Tech Tip: Air Tools Save Technicians Time, but Require their Own Maintenance to Ensure they’ll Provide Support
Air tools are profitable timesavers for professional technicians because pneumatic muscle speeds up disassembly and reassembly. That allows most technicians to beat flat rate and get paid for more billable hours. Professional grade air tools can be very expensive and represent a sizable investment. But the tools can last many years with the proper care – and a clean air supply.