Toyota Tech Feature: Diagnosing Today’s Complex Electronics Systems
Find out the latest innovations in scan tool technology, and what your scan tool should be doing for you.
Tech Feature: Valve Seat Selection and Machining
The type of seat material that’s “best” for a particular cylinder head will depend on the application, fuel used, how much power, type of valves, and longevity and durability the engine is expected to deliver.
Carley’s Corner: Modules Are Taking Over
The average new car today has up to 80 or more modules that control more than 1,000 different functions – everything from powertrain management, anti-lock brakes, stability control, electronic suspension and airbag deployment to power windows, power seats, climate control, infotainment and navigation.
Tech Feature: Special Tools for Steering and Suspension Work
Steering and suspension work, like engine repair or electrical diagnosis, often requires special tools for certain jobs.
NVH Strategies for Disc Brakes
Nobody likes noisy brakes. Vehicle manufacturers go to great lengths to minimize brake noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) because potential car buyers won’t tolerate it.
Hybrid Service: Nissan Altima
While the Toyota Prius dominates most of the hybrid discussion, the Nissan Altima Hybrid warrants some attention too.
Power Assist: Servicing Saturn VUE Hybrids
The hybrid version of the Saturn VUE was initially referred to as the “Green Line” model because of its improved fuel economy: 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway versus 22/27 for the regular version of the VUE. The Green Line moniker has since been dropped for the 2009 model year.
Carley’s Corner: Cash for Clunkers: A Good Deal or Bad for Business?
As part of the ongoing economic stimulus effort, Congress authorized a Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), which is commonly referred to as the Cash for Clunkers program.
ABS Diagnostic Equipment
Antilock brake systems run self-diagnostic tests when the vehicle is driven to check for faults. If a fault is detected, it will usually set a code and turn on the ABS warning light to alert the driver.
Internal Engine Repairs: Uncovering the Culprits That Cause Head Gaskets To Fail
The first symptoms of a failing head gasket are usually a slow loss of coolant with no visible leaks, engine overheating and/or a check engine light with cylinder misfire codes. Uncover the culprits and prevent comebacks by following repair procedures to the letter.
Installation Errors Increase Risk of Power Steering Pump Returns
Replacing a power steering pump is a fairly simple job on most vehicles. But if the installation is not done correctly, it may result in noisy operation, reduced power assist or no power assist at all, according to Mike Simon of Ixetic, a manufacturer of power steering pumps.
Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems: The TPMS System That Knows The Road.
Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are ones 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. When a tire loses air, its diameter decreases slightly.