TechTalk: A Chevy Tahoe with Shifting Issues
A customer with a 1996 Chevy Tahoe brought the vehicle in, stating that it was shifting erratically, the cruise control would surge from 50 mph to 60 mph and then cut out completely and the speedometer, at times, was drifting. (This Tahoe had a 5.7L vin R engine with a 4L60E transmission coupled to a
Tech Tip: Knocking Noise Coming From Isuzu’s A/C System
A knocking noise coming from the A/C system of a 1992 Rodeo (UC) model (produced before 12/16/91, equipped with factory- or port-installed air conditioning), when the A/C is running may indicate that the A/C system is overcharged.
Getting Tanked: Flex Fuel Engine Modifications Allow for Alcohol-Based Fuel
In case you haven’t heard, Flex Fuel technology is really starting to take off in the U.S., becoming more popular in late-model vehicles than technicians may realize. If you haven’t had any training on these vehicles, you may find some of the technical changes OEMs have made to the engines will alter the way you
Tech Tip: ASC Reminds Technicians that Mazda Water Pump Twins are not Identical
When referring to a catalog, whether OEM or aftermarket, a technician will find two different part numbers for a water pump for the Mazda MPV V6 3.0 liter: one for model years 1989 to 1995 (Pump A) and one for model years 1996 to 1998 (Pump B). No problem, right? Where the problem lies is the transition between 1995 and 1996 models where the vehicle could be equipped with either pump. If the wrong pump is installed, it can lead to a big headache.
Tech Tip: Curing Isuzu Rear Brake Squeal/Shudder Experienced While Backing Up
Customers with a 1995.5-1997 Rodeo (UC) equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes may complain of the rear brakes squealing or shuddering as they back up the vehicle. This condition occurs without applying the brakes and may be caused by misadjustment of the parking brake assembly.
Tech Tip: Clutch Replacements – Don’t Turn Them Away
Clutch replacement does not have the prestige of driveability diagnostics, but at times, it pays better. Some shops turn away clutch replacements in fear of comebacks and lost productivity. But, clutch replacement offers the shop opportunities to sell additional services that might slip past the bottom line.
Publisher’s Perspective, Competition for Tomorrow’s Technician Intensifies
Here’s the headline in my local paper, “Construction skills in high demand. Industry intensifies recruiting of high schoolers.” The article goes on to say that many trade groups and employers are actively recruiting high school students to fill the growing need for plumbers, bricklayers, drywallers and other traditional trades. But it should be no surprise
Honda Brake Service: Successful Jobs Are in the Details
You can’t argue that Hondas aren’t popular cars that have earned customer loyalty by giving many miles of trouble-free service to their owners. It’s safe to say that Honda has changed the way the world builds cars. And to think they’ve done it in 30 years is truly remarkable. All machines, even the good ones,
Alternator Diagnosis: High-Draw Accessories Merit Changes in Test Procedures
As the saying goes, “Old habits die hard.” Among the old habits that die hard is the way we test alternators. In the past, the job of the alternator or generator was simply to recharge the battery after start-up and carry minor accessory loads such as ignition, lighting, radio, heating or air conditioning clutch, and
Bad Gas Update
How bad can it get? When the price of gasoline soared to over $3 a gallon after hurricane Katrina, people were shocked. They actually began to change their driving habits to conserve fuel by eliminating unnecessary trips, sharing rides to work, staying home in the evening instead of going out and doing what little they
Diagnostic Solutions: Identifying Ignition Switch Failure Symptoms
Although the basic ignition switch has remained unchanged for many years, the way it supplies electrical current to modern on-board electronics has made it a key factor when diagnosing intermittent failures in various electronic operating systems. Going back into automotive history, the ignition switch’s sole purpose on early imports was to energize the primary ignition
Battery Breadkown
A battery breakdown is bad news. If the battery can’t supply enough amps to crank and start the engine, your customer’s vehicle isn’t going anywhere (except maybe downhill powered by gravity). A good battery is absolutely essential for reliable starting and for powering the vehicle’s onboard electronics and electrical systems when demand exceeds the charging