Amanda Wingerter, Author at Import Car
Hyundai Feature: Drivetrain Noises And Wheel Bearing Replacement

Don’t let customers lead you down the wrong diagnostic path. While wheel-bearing noise is one of the toughest problems for customers to describe, says Import Specialist Contributor Bob Dowie, it’s not unusual for it to come on so gradually that the customer may not even notice it until you mention it after an unrelated road test.

Tech Feature: Mazda6 and Mazda3 Driveability Diagnostics and Electronic Throttle Control

Drive-by-wire throttle control systems are pretty much trouble-free but have to be taken into consideration as you perform routine service and diagnose problems, and it changes the way you service these cars when it comes to cleaning the throttle plates, advises Bob Dowie, import specialist contributor, who also covers electronic throttle control’s tie in with ABS and VSC systems.

Tech Tip: Hyundai Check Engine Light Diagnostics

There are a couple of ways a Hyundai will find its way into your bay with a check engine light complaint. If a misfire is obvious, you may be tempted to get to work and start switching coils, checking wires or whatever, looking to diagnose the problem. But before you do, check the codes to see if more information is available.

Tech Feature: Diagnosing and Repairing Cooling System Leaks on Hyundai Models

Cooling system problems will present themselves in a variety of ways, and it’s important that your service writer has the skills to ask the correct questions that will help your techs make efficient repairs.

Tech Feature: Nissan Brake and Suspension Repairs; Solving Noise Complaints

At first, you may not think brake and suspension systems are closely related. But when it comes to noise and vibration complaints, you don’t want to be looking at one without considering the other.

Nissan: Head Gasket Replacement Procedures

With the reliability that late-model cars and especially their engines enjoy, we don’t find ourselves doing too much heavy engine work anymore. Many of us miss the feeling of accomplishment we’d get when completing an in-house engine rebuild. I know I always enjoyed the moment when the fresh engine would light right off and run

Engine Maintenance: Head Gasket Failure Symptoms and Diagnosis

Over the last decade, the engines that have been used in the Honda and Acura line of cars and SUVs not only deliver many miles of service, but their performance level sets a standard that few car makers in their class have been able to match. Additional proof of both the reliability and potential of