Bob Dowie, Author at Import Car
Honda: iVTEC And Timing Chains

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at a 2003 four-cylinder Accord that came in with a check engine light complaint, but no reports of driveability issues. It was due for a New York state inspection, so it had to be repaired. The code was persistent, setting itself consistently on the second startup.

Nissan And Infiniti ABS Service: Good Working Order Of The Basic Brake System Eases Diagnostics

On early models, wheel speed sensors send an AC voltage signal to the ABS control module. On later models, active wheel speed sensors change the voltage signal produced by the ABS control module. Active wheel speed sensors are more accurate and work at lower speeds. This is why they are found on most Nissan/Infiniti models after 2012.

Variable Valve Timing Diagnostics: 2009 Murano Case Study

It was a scenario to which we can all relate. A long-time customer passed away and his vehicle was being gifted to his granddaughter. The 2009 Murano was dropped off by the grandmother, who asked us to give the car a really good look over since she didn’t want the granddaughter to have any problems or expenses with the gift.

Timing Belt Replacement: Case Study Test Job Has Dual Benefit

This article will be a case study on a 2010 Kia Rio with a 1.6L engine that details the replacement of the timing belt as a maintenance item. Like most carmakers, Kia is moving away from timing belts and going with timing chains. Only the 1.6L used in the smaller Kia models continues to use a belt-type main drive with the camshafts tied together by a chain under the valve cover.

Diagnosing ABS And Vehicle Stability Control Issues

These driver aids are empowered by control unit monitor inputs from the wheel speed sensors, steering angle sensor and yaw sensor. Using these inputs, the control unit makes decisions and sends output commands to the ABS modulator and throttle body to help the car follow the course that is expected by the driver.

P0341 Code: Honda Accord Timing Chain

This month, we’ll be taking a look at a 2003 four-cylinder Accord that came in with a check engine light complaint, but no reports of driveability issues. It was due for a New York state inspection, so it had to be repaired. The code was persistent, setting itself consistently on the second startup.

honda accord timing belt featured
Hyundai Elantra Fuel System Diagnostics

We recently had a 2011 Elantra in for a check engine light complaint motivated by the fact that it was due for a New York state inspection. This high-mileage car was owned by one of our good customers. It has served him well with no driveability complaints and, with only 175,000 miles on the odometer, he was hoping it would not be an expensive repair.

hyundai elantra featured
Hyundai Sonata Fuel System Diagnostics

There is no doubt that the Hyundai line has come a long way in the last 10 years, and they are certainly gaining in popularity – the result of a good product being offered at a competitive price point. We work on a lot of Hyundais and we have many customers who commute 80 to 100 miles a day getting to work.

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Idler Pulley Failure

The majority of the Subarus towed into his shop with timing belt failure can often be traced to an idler pulley failure that resulted in the belt coming off, says Bob Dowie, who advises to replace the pulleys if you have any doubt about their condition, notice grease coming out of them, or if there is roughness or noise when they are spun.

Hyundai Power Steering Case Study

The majority of undercar complaints will usually be noise related and range from a knocking noise on rough roads, a scraping noise when braking or a clicking noise while turning. Some complaints will include vibrations in the steering wheel and from under the seat.

Brake Service Case Study: Nissan Frontier

Bob Dowie looks at some of the undercar issues he has faced with Nissan vehicles over the years and discusses how to deal with some common issues you may see with them.

Acura Driveability Issues

Import Specialist Bob Dowie looks at a 2006 Acura MDX that belongs to one of his shop’s long-time customers. This well-maintained, high-mileage vehicle has treated its owner well over the years, but it was getting older and with 150,000 miles on the odometer, it was causing some concern.

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