Interview with Scot A. Holloway, General Manager, Bartec USA, LLC
Certainly by now you have heard about Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). This increasingly hot topic is very controversial yet compelling. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems are and have been a required feature on U.S. Passenger vehicles since 2008. Introducing this technology to the way we maintain our vehicles has improved safety and vehicle performance, increased fuel efficiency and tire life. It also has forever changed the way autos and tires are serviced.
Tech Tip: Take Care of Your Alternator as Winter Approaches
The alternator, which powers the vehicle’s entire electrical system, not only provides current to operate all of your car’s electrical accessories and the engine – it keeps the vehicle’s battery charged, and its importance is amplified as the weather turns colder and the vehicle uses more power-robbing accessories.
New Wells Vehicle Electronics Catalogs Feature More Than 5,500 Pages and 37,000 Parts
An all-new four-volume series of application catalogs and illustrated parts guide covering more than 37,000 advanced engine management, ignition, emissions, fuel system and other vehicle electronics solutions is now available through the Wells Vehicle Electronics brand.
Can do CAN: A Simple Look at a Complex System
Ever wonder how your cable TV comes into your home on that single coaxial cable? In simple terms… it’s like a CAN system. A good definition of a CAN system would be: High speed communication sent via data lines to and from components.
Tech Tip: Chevy Malibu Starts and Stalls
With some Chevrolet Malibus (1997-1999 2.4L, 1997-2003 3.1L and 2004 2.2L and 3.5L engines), the vehicle will start and then stall. A scan tool should indicate a DTC P1626, P1630 or P1631 stored in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The flow chart for each code will direct a scan tool to be used to access BCM codes. This is the best way to perform diagnostics on this problem.
New Wells Training Video Covers the Operation, Diagnosis and Replacement of Starter Solenoids
The new video provides detailed information regarding the operation of modern starter solenoids commonly used in domestic and foreign-nameplate applications, then leads viewers through a variety of proven solenoid troubleshooting procedures. The program also includes information regarding intermittent and continuous duty solenoids used in non-automotive applications.
Tech Tip: GM’s A/T is Stuck in 2nd/3rd Gear
Some customers may comment on one or more of the following conditions: the MIL is on; the transmission is defaulted to second gear (4L80/85-E); the transmission is defaulted to third gear (4L60/65-E); the instrument cluster is inoperative.
Tech Feature: Troubleshooting BMW’s Condition Based Service System
BMW’s “Condition Based Service” (CBS) system monitors various maintenance items on the vehicle, and alerts the motorist when service is needed. But even this maintenance alert system can require maintenance itself.
Mitch Schneider: Picture If You Will…
There are mornings here at the shop when the only thing missing would be Rod Serling standing in the corner of the office waiting to utter those famous words that started so many of the early Twilight Zone episodes.
Advance Auto Parts Offers Car Battery Care Tips
Car batteries can go bad as a result of undercharging, overcharging, or from corrosion due to the vapor that is produced while the battery is charging during driving.
Tech Tip: Cranky Honda Civic Starter is a Grind
A Honda Civic owner may complain that the starter motor intermittently grinds while cranking the engine. The cause may be that the female terminal at the starter solenoid may have spread apart, causing a loss of current to the solenoid.
Tech Tip: Volkswagen Diagnosis for Excessive Static Current Draw
On any VW model, one or more of the following symptoms may be possible: Discharged battery; Engine does not start because of low battery voltage; Voltage display in the combination instrument displays too low; or “Low battery” fault codes in various control modules.