Cleaning Carbon from TDI Intake Systems
Volkwagen has been selling diesel-powered cars in the U.S. for almost 30 years. Turbocharged versions have been available for 25. That is a lot of experience and a testament to the development of a reliable, efficient and durable powerplant. The introduction and development of the TDI (turbocharged direct injection) brought the VW diesel into the
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: Worn Steering and Suspension Parts are Often Overlooked
It’s a little known fact that many cars and trucks that end up in junkyards have never had any major steering or suspension parts replaced. They still have the original equipment shocks and struts, springs, ball joints, tie rod ends and steering racks. So does this mean junkyards all across America are full of perfectly good parts? Not these parts ….
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 ….
News Update: ALLDATA Celebrates 70,000 Customers
Customer-Centric Focus Heightens Success ALLDATA held a media day event at its headquarters in Elk Grove, CA, on Apr. 3, to celebrate its latest accomplishment — 70,000 customers — and to spotlight how ALLDATA is helping automotive service professionals boost their business success. ALLDATA President Jeff Lagges and other company executives discussed how ALLDATA is
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
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Servicing Quadrajet Carburetors
Introduced at the dawn of the emissions control era of the early 1960s, the “spread-bore” Rochester Quadrajet carburetor was considered leading-edge fuel delivery technology for the time. The “spread-bore” configuration consists of two small-diameter primary venturis designed to maintain high primary air velocities during normal driving for maximum fuel economy and low exhaust emissions. The
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
Audi Tech Tip: Diagnosing Noisy Power Steering
Noisy power steering on an applicable vehicle may be caused by the following conditions: 1) Air drawn into the power steering pump if the power steering fluid is below the minimum mark during cold conditions; and 2) If any system components have been replaced or disconnected and the system filling or bleeding procedures were not carried out properly ….