Import Motor Oil Specifications Explained
Oil is the lifeblood of every engine, so it’s important to always use a high-quality motor oil that meets the vehicle manufacturers’ viscosity recommendations and performance specifications when servicing your customers’ vehicles. Just use a name-brand motor oil that meets the recommended SAE viscosity and current American Petroleum Institute (API) quality standards and you should
Eight Keys To Selling Auto Service
You’ll need to know your customers’ buying habits as well as their service histories. You should always request your first-time customers’ service records, and should ask them about their service histories verbally as well. This information can be extremely helpful during any sales process, especially when it comes to selling maintenance.
Intake Manifold Gaskets: A Service Rundown
Back in the days when most
Pinning Down Intermittent Malfunctions On OBD II Vehicles
Although post-1996 OBD II powertrain control modules (PCMs) are generally very reliable, we’re beginning to see more failures because the average age of our national vehicle fleet has now increased to about 11.5 years. Technically speaking, the PCM should store a DTC indicating some type of internal malfunction. But, in the real world, if your scan tool indicates “no communication” and asks if the ignition switch has been turned on, you obviously have a communications problem.
Honda Tech Tip: Brake Pedal Feels Hard In The Mornings Or In Cold Weather
The brake pedal can feel hard during the first couple of brake applications, usually in the morning when the ambient temperature is cold. To correct, replace the brake booster and the master cylinder rod seal, and update the PGM-FI software using the reflash capable scan tool.
Tech Tip: Steering System Flush Procedure
Fine particles can enter a hydraulic system because of mechanical stress on the steering components. As a consequence, it is recommended to flush the entire hydraulic system when replacing the power steering pump. A few vehicle manufacturers have installed a drain bolt in the area of the steering gear. The disadvantage is that it is not possible to drain all the fluid here. A residual quantity always remains in the system.
Toyota Tech Tip: Rough Idle, Surging Between 500 To 800 RPM
The owner of 2005 Toyota Avalon complains check engine light is on, rough idle and engine idle surging between 500 and 800 rpm. The technician retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0171 and P0174 (System too lean banks 1 and 2). The technician replaced the air fuel sensors on both banks and cleared DTCs. After driving vehicle for approximately one mile, all symptoms returned.
Tooling Up For The Diagnostic Process
Automotive trainer John Forro advocates knowing your tooling needs and developing a strong relationship with those tools. Knowing a tool’s capabilities and limitations will help you advance your diagnostic process.
Honda Tech Tip: Rattle From The Rear Shelf
Honda Accord owners may complain about a rattle that can be heard from the rear shelf area. Do not confuse this with worn upper strut mounts. The probable cause is the dynamic damper does not fit tightly against the rear shelf. To correct this, install washers between the dynamic damper and the rear shelf.
Toyota Tech Tip: Front Brake Rattle Noise
Some Corolla and Matrix owners may experience a front brake rattle type of noise when the car is traveling over bumps. Updated front disc brake cylinder (caliper) mountings and disc brake pad support plates are available to eliminate this condition. Conduct a road test to verify the noise condition. Front brake rattle noise will occur when the front tire runs over a depression in the road.
Volkswagen Tech Tip: Clutch Pedal Not Returning To Position
This tech tip provides some things to consider before unnecessarily replacing hydraulic components on Volkswagen Jetta sedans when diagnosing a customer report that the clutch pedal won’t return to its position.
GM Tech Tip: Intermittent No Crank/No Start With MIL On And DTCs Set
This repair can be applied to any electrical connection including, but not limited to: lighting, body electrical, in-line connections, powertrain control sensors, etc. Do not over apply lubricant to the point where it prevents the full engagement of sealed connectors. A light coating on the terminal surfaces is sufficient to correct the condition.