Tech Tip: Ringing Sound Coming from Jeep’s Propeller Shaft When Shifting from ‘D’ to ‘R’
A ringing, snapping or popping sound may be heard coming from the driveline when the transmission is shifted from Forward to Reverse or Reverse to Forward. The sound may also occur when the brakes are released after shifting into or out of Drive or Reverse.
A/C Update: Rising Temperatures Create an Increase in A/C-Related Audi Service
As we move through spring and into summer, temperatures begin to heat up in most of the country. This is a time many drivers begin using the cool settings on their vehicle’s climate control system – only to find the air conditioning unit not functioning properly. As the temperatures outside rise, so too, will the number of customers in your shop with A/C-related problems.
TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring Service for All Shops
Recently, an owner of a 2008 Lincoln Navigator brought their vehicle in for a tire rotation. The tires were rotated front to rear. The customer drove away not knowing he was in great peril. A few days later, the right rear picked up a small leak. The TPMS system turned on the dashlight and indicated
Downloading Repairs
Have you looked at technical service bulletins lately? Especially ones for vehicles built since 2004? The fixes have changed drastically. I remember a time, not too long ago when the fix in a typical TSB was to install an updated part. From where I stand now in a Ford dealership, it seems like the hardware
Tech Feature: Air Springs and Suspensions
Passenger car air helper springs have been around since the early fifties. Fifty years ago (1958 model year), GM introduced air suspension as an option for all of its passenger cars. It featured a single cylinder belt driven compressor from Bendix Westinghouse. Goodyear supplied its rolling lobe and sleeve type Super-Cushion air springs. The option lasted for two model years. In the late 1960s, Mercedes Benz applied air suspension to their SL sedans and limousines. Air springs returned in ….
Air Springs and Suspensions
ed air suspension to their SL sedans and limousines. Air springs returned in 1974 for the rear suspension of the new GMC Motor Home RV26. This time the springs came from Firestone and the compressor was driven by an electric motor. The mid 1980s saw a revival of air suspension at all four corners for
Tech Feature: Update on CAN Diagnostics
Whether you like it or not, Controller Area Networks (CAN) have taken over. CAN technology has been steadily creeping into more and more new vehicles since it first appeared in 1992 on certain Mercedes-Benz models. Thanks to federal emissions rules, it is now required on all 2008 model year vehicles, and will be forevermore. What exactly is CAN? It’s basically a ….
Update On CAN Diagnostics
Whether you like it or not, Controller Area Networks (CAN) have taken over. CAN technology has been steadily creeping into more and more new vehicles since it first appeared in 1992 on certain Mercedes-Benz models. Thanks to federal emissions rules, it is now required on all 2008 model year vehicles, and will be forevermore. What
Electric Power Steering
When a technology like hydraulic power steering has been around for so long, it is difficult for technicians and even the training establishment to deal with a new system like electric power steering. These systems abandon fluid logic for electronic logic. It is not a simple exchange of power steering fluid for magnetism. Wrapping one’s
Troubleshooting MIL Issues: OBD II & “CAN” Scan Tool Diagnostics
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is one of the most misunderstood warning lights on vehicles today. Most motorists have no idea what the light means or why it’s on. Some think the MIL light is an oil change reminder light. Others realize something must be amiss to cause the light to come on, but don’t
Buying an Import Scan Tool
Thinking about buying a new scan tool? Choosing a tool that provides the best coverage and the most diagnostic bang for your buck isn’t easy with so many different products to choose from today. There are simple code reader tools, entry-level “generic” scan tools, professional-grade tools with bi-directional communication and additional test capabilities, OEM scan
Diagnostics Through CAN Networks
Since model year 2003, a growing number of domestic and import vehicles have been built with a new onboard communications protocol called CAN (Controller Area Network). CAN is essentially an engineering standard for how computers and modules talk to one another via the serial data bus in a vehicle’s wiring system. It’s a high speed