2016 Editions Archives - Page 4 of 10 - Import Car
How To Choose The Right Motor Oil

Common sense tells us that, for each individual engine model, the best performing oil would be the one that has been specifically optimized and tested for that particular engine. This would drive product segregation with numerous — often self-conflicting ­— OEM requirements.

Mercedes-Benz Tech Tip: Convertible Top Inoperative

Found the convertible top hydraulic pump motor was running, but the top did not move. Connected a scan tool to check for codes and found no codes were displayed. Attempted to lower the top with a scan tool – got the same results.

Hybrid Service Training

With more than 4-million hybrid vehicles sold through April 2016, service opportunities exist if you welcome them and are prepared with training, education and resources. The hybrid vehicle owner is a sophisticated customer, and servicing these cars can help bring additional revenue into your service bays – plus you can benefit from repair opportunities afforded by the other cars in your customers’ driveways.

prius-engine
MINI Tech Tip: Multiple Components Losing Power

Customer says their MINI loses power between 30-40 mph for a couple of seconds. It also seems like other things “power down.” The A/C blower drops down, and once the engine picks back up, the CEL flashes once.

Kia Tech Tip: Grinding Noise When Applying Brakes

Some vehicles may experience a squeaking or grinding noise originating from the front or rear disc brakes when the brake is applied. The concern may be related to the brake pads sticking and not moving freely in the slides due to lack of lubrication and/or corrosion.

Wheel Bearing Diagnosis

A sealed hub assembly or bearing cartridge typically contains two sets of bearings: an inner set and an outer set. They may be ball bearings or tapered roller bearings. Tapered bearings have cylindrical rollers between the inner and outer race.

What DOT Really Means: Brake Hose Inspection And Replacement

Brake hoses are the most government-regulated components on a vehicle. Anyone making brake assemblies must be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). All aftermarket hose, fittings and complete hoses must conform to FMVSS 106 and SAE J1401. These tests are demanding and often exceed what a vehicle will see in the real world.

P1361, P1366 Codes For 2000 Honda Odyssey

Performed a visual inspection of the engine compartment and found traces of washer fluid on both of the top dead center sensor harness connectors. Traced the washer fluid leak and found a broken windshield washer hose. Upon further inspection, found the damaged windshield washer hose leaked washer fluid onto the top dead center sensor harness connectors.

2013 Ford: No Radio, No A/C, Airbag Light On

How many times have you been working on the computer when it suddenly locks up? Not one single key or command works, and the more you click, the less it responds. The only thing left to do is hold down those three magic keys, “Ctrl-Alt-Del,” or shut the whole thing off and restart the computer. Chances are you’ll have lost whatever it was you were working on.

Toyota Prius Tech Tip: DTC Code P0A2D/249

Some 2010 Prius vehicles may exhibit a Master Warning Light (MWL) “ON” condition with DTC P0A2D/249, Drive Motor “A” Temperature Sensor Open Circuit, detected. This condition may be caused by water exposure to the engine relay block if the relay block cover is not properly installed.

Honda Ignition Service Tips

Most Honda original equipment spark plugs have a life of more than 100,000 miles thanks to electrodes that contain precious metals like platinum and iridium. If the plugs fail sooner than the recommended interval, first solve any related problems before installing new plugs.

Shop Owner Introduces LinkedIn Group For Best Practices

Join the Shop Owner: Professional Automotive Repair Shop Owners Group now to obtain some business best practices you can immediately implement to attract customers, build trust and engage raving fans who will keep coming back for service.