Tech Tip: What To Do When An Engine Won’t Start
In today’s world of high-tech electronics, onboard diagnostics and scan tools, you would think engine diagnostics would be easier than ever. Yet some technicians struggle when confronted with an engine that cranks, but refuses to start. Most no-starts do not generate any fault codes, so how do you proceed to find out what’s causing the problem?
Cadillac Tech Tip: Knocking Sound from Catera’s A/C Compressor
Some customers may comment on a knocking sound from the air conditioning compressor. This condition may be caused by an internal tolerance stack-up in the compressor. Perform the following A/C system checks and correct any concerns that may be found. Only after these checks have been done and any concerns found are corrected should the A/C compressor be replaced.
News Update: Adrian Smith Appointed GM of Brembo North America
Brembo North America (BNA) recently appointed Adrian Smith as general manager of its North American operations with responsibility for its three offices in Costa Mesa, Detroit and Charlotte, NC. Previously, Smith served as technical director of Brembo SpA based in Curno, Italy, where he was responsible for a staff of 240 engineers and core engineering
Tech Feature: Engine Diagnostics…What to do When an Engine Won’t Start
In today’s world of high-tech electronics, onboard diagnostics and scan tools, you would think engine diagnostics would be easier than ever. Yet some technicians struggle when confronted with an engine that cranks but refuses to start. Most no-starts do not generate any fault codes, so how do you proceed to find out what’s causing the
SafeShop: Nature of the Hazard – Safe Welding Practices
Welding two pieces of metal together with sparks, fire and electricity is obviously a dangerous part of a technician’s job. Because as an automotive technician you’re not welding all day, the safety precautions that a professional welder takes sometimes go by the wayside. But even for short periods of welding, you must consider the dangers
Tech Tip: Infiniti Engine Cranks, but Won’t Start
If the owner of a 1997 Infiniti I30 complains of an engine that cranks over normally, but is difficult to start or will not start at all, follow the service procedure listed in this tech tip.
Ford Tech Tip: Diagnosing 6.0L Engine Misfire, Lack of Power or No Start
Some 6.0L vehicles may exhibit a misfire, lack of power, buck/jerk, excessive smoke or crank/no start. There are several potential causes for these symptoms. If normal diagnostics lead to an injector concern, use the following diagnostics to confirm the cause of injector failure and/or to rule out other conditions which may cause the same symptoms as a failed injector.
Decoding the Past
“I’d like for you to hook it up to the code machine and see what it says to replace” – anonymous customer Sound about right? It sure does. Of course, as auto repair professionals, we know better. We know that reading the code is not diagnostics, but rather that is where diagnostics might begin. We
Tech Tip: Maintaining Fluids in Import Vehicles
Picking the proper lubricant for your customers’ import car will depend on the application. For example, serious track racers with large ponies under the hood will want heavy-duty, high-performance racing lubricants designed specifically to stand up under the stress. For the average high-performance import car, quality products will provide good functionality and durability for almost any application.
Tech Tip: Top 10 Domestic Diagnostic Codes and Fixes
A Check Engine Light that’s illuminated is always a sign that something is wrong. But what? You usually can’t tell until you plug in a code reader or scan tool and read out the code(s) that have turned on the light. At least then you have a starting point for further diagnosis. Some people think a code is all you need to fix a fault and turn off the Check Engine Light. A diagnostic trouble code certainly helps, but it only tells you that some kind of fault has occurred, and maybe the circuit or component associated with the fault.