Hybrids: Basic Service & Safety Procedures
Hybrids are hot. As the price of gasoline goes up, so does the demand for new vehicles that can squeeze more miles per gallon from every drop of gasoline. Hybrids do that by combining the best of both worlds: electric power for low-speed, stop-and-go driving, and gasoline power for highway cruising and long-range driving. Current
Tech Tip: Brake Noise/Creak During Slow Speed Braking
Some customers may comment on a creak-type noise occurring when applying the brakes. It is usually heard only during slow speed brake maneuvers. If this condition exists, it should be able to be duplicated when the vehicle is not moving by depressing the brake and listening for the noise from the wheel-well/caliper area.
News Update: Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Surpasses 2,500 Shops
Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper announced the enrollment of their 2,501st certified service center. “Our WDs realize this segment of the business is essential to their prosperity. They have embraced our certified service center program to help us surpass the 2,500 mark,” said John Wick, vice president of sales and training. “The hard work
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. Install an exhaust dampener assembly on affected vehicles using the following service procedure.
Tech Tip: Chevy Blazer’s Engine May Rattle Between 1,800 and 2,200 rpm
Some customers 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.
Escalade Tech Tip: Fixing Front End Squeaks
Your shop just installed a new set of tires on a 2002 Cadillac Escalade. The very next day, the customer returns complaining about a squeak and a rattle coming from the front end that wasn’t there before you replaced the tires. What happened?
Servicing Solutions: GM’s Durable Duramax Diesel
General Motors launched the Duramax Diesel 6.6L V8 engine in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500 Series trucks with Allison automatic transmissions in 2001. The application expanded to the Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick medium-duty trucks for 2003, with 16,000-, 18,000- and 19,500-lb. gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR). According to its engineers,
Directions: The Evolving Story of Electric Vehicles
The latest chapter in the evolving story of electric vehicles (EV) begins with a tale of two very different models. One is downright sexy, with alluring aerodynamic lines and head-turning, sporty styling. The other is, well, downright cute — a spunky little thing that looks a bit like a colorful helmet on wheels. At first
Chevy AVEO Timing Belt Service
As a rule, General Motors uses timing chains rather than timing belts on most of its engines. Timing chains are long-lived and reliable, and do not have a recommended replacement interval. Not so with timing belts. One GM engine that does use a rubber timing belt is the 1.6L E-TECH II engine in the 2004
Servicing Solutions: GM’s Durable Duramax Diesel
General Motors launched the Duramax Diesel 6.6L V8 engine in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500 Series trucks with Allison automatic transmissions in 2001. The application expanded to the Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC Topkick medium-duty trucks for 2003, with 16,000-, 18,000- and 19,500-lb. gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR). According to its engineers,