Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Making A Comeback On Some Imports
Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are the systems that do not have air pressure sensors inside the tires. Rather, they detect a low tire by comparing relative wheel speeds via the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) wheel speed sensors. New systems are taking advantage of better wheel speed sensors and modules to make indirect systems work. Indirect TPMS began making a comeback in 2011 on all Audi models. The highly popular Honda Accord switched to indirect TPMS for the 2013 model year.
Cold Weather Diagnostics: Modules Go Down With The Temperature
The subject vehicles were 2002-2006 Ford trucks – the first was a 2002 Ford F-150 with a 5.4 liter, second was a 2006 Lincoln Navigator with a 4.6 liter and finally a 2004 Ford F-250 with a 5.4 liter engine. All of the customer complaints with these vehicles were the same: “The vehicle will not crank/start when cold.”
GMC Sierra: No-Crank/No-Start Condition
Customer Concern: The battery was jump-started with the key on, which resulted in a no-crank, no-start condition. Theft deterrent module (TDM) DTC B3060 is present. The module will perform the
Start Solving Transmission Electronic Control Problems
Troubleshooting an automatic transmission can be one of the most intimidating diagnostic procedures at a shop. The first reaction is typically, “We don’t do that type of work.” But there is profit in performing drivetrain diagnostics and “in-the-car” repairs.
ACDelco Adds Professional Remanufactured Alternators, Starters
ACDelco has released an additional 143 Professional remanufactured alternator and starter part numbers covering 1992-2012 models from GM, Toyota, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Nissan and other manufacturers.
Massachusetts Considering Tire Aging Bill
Recently, a joint committee in the Massachusetts legislature heard testimony on a proposed tire aging bill. The bill would make it illegal for passenger vehicles to have tires more than six years old.
GM Tech Tip: Intermittent No Crank/No Start With MIL On And DTCs Set
This repair can be applied to any electrical connection including, but not limited to: lighting, body electrical, in-line connections, powertrain control sensors, etc. Do not over apply lubricant to the point where it prevents the full engagement of sealed connectors. A light coating on the terminal surfaces is sufficient to correct the condition.
VW Tech Tip: No Start/No Crank On Jetta’s Keyless Start System
The customer may state that the engine cranks intermittently or will not crank. This condition may be more evident when the engine is hot. This may be caused internally when the steering column electronic systems control module – J527- fails, causing Terminal 50 to not energize high, which results in a no-crank condition. Models affected: 2005-’07 Jetta (A5) and 2006-’07 Rabbit and GTI (A5).
Routine Maintenance Schedules Help You Capture Unperformed Service Work
The cold snap that hit most of the country in early January was the onset of one of the coldest winters most states have seen in years. And since cold weather can have adverse effects on vehicle systems, you probably experienced an influx of customers whose vehicles were towed in with dead batteries, or ones that were flooded due to ignition systems that could not fire the fuel. Let’s look at some VW and Audi maintenance schedules and see what we may have been missing that could help our customers avoid costly tows and generate some additional revenue for our efforts.
Michelin Debuts New EverGrip Tech At NAIAS
Michelin North America showcased its new Michelin Premier All-Season with EverGrip tire to media at the North American International Auto Show this morning. Michelin emphasized the tire’s ability to deliver safety and said unlike traditional tires, the Michelin Premier A/S maintains its wet traction even when worn.
Bridgestone Renames Expert Tire Stores, Closes 15
Bridgestone Americas is rebadging some of its company-owned retail tire and service centers and shuttering some others. By the end of the first quarter of 2014, Bridgestone will rename 63 Expert Tire locations as Firestone Complete Auto Care stores and another two as Hibdon Tires Plus.
How ‘New’ Tires Are Designed
There is more to designing tires then just shaping and cooking rubber. Tire designs contain many raw materials integrated into a complex structure of steel belts, textile plies and tread patterns. Lots of time, technology and consideration go into a tire before it rolls out onto the road.