TPMS Sensor Battery: Dead Sensors Cause Other Problems, Too
During the initial TPMS phase-in, many warned about what sounded like an impending crisis. It was the “tire guy’s apocalypse,” which sounds dramatic, but that’s the way I remember the situation being characterized. There was worry and paranoia from all sides. Some companies undoubtedly saw it as a marketing opportunity, and helped perpetuate some of the fear and anxiety. The gist I got from the marketing I saw was that changing tires would, as we knew it, never be the same.
Brake Rotor Finishing: Non-Directional For Maximum Smoothness
Back in the day, a non-directional rotor finish was the method used to solve a common problem that occurred on bench brake lathes. If the cross-feed speed on some lathes was too fast, the rotor became the record and the pads became the needle that followed the grooves in the record. This would cause a clicking noise as the pads moved in the caliper. Today, a non-directional or post-lathe surfacing process still serves the same purpose, but it also helps in the bedding of some friction formulations.
Vacuum Power Assist Service
Most late-model vehicles use a vacuum booster to help apply the brakes. The booster is usually located behind the master cylinder on the firewall. A leak in the vent valve can cause a reduction in the performance of the booster and increase pedal travel. A manifold vacuum of 20 inHg or greater can be achieved during deceleration. The booster chambers can be evacuated and retained at this pressure by a properly operating check valve.
BMW Tech Tip: DSC Module Aborted When Programming Vehicle
The DSC module may no longer communicate when connected to ISTA/D or ISTA/P. As a result, the DSC module cannot be reprogrammed.
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.
Ball Joints: Greasable And Sealed
One of the most frequent questions from customers is in regards to the availability of “greasable” chassis parts. Sealed-for-life components are very common at the OEM level, but many technicians have a definite preference for aftermarket greasable components. This poses the question: If greasable suspension joints are so popular, why don’t many modern suspensions have grease fittings anymore?
Servicing Saddle-Style Fuel Tanks
Automakers have installed saddle-style tanks on several car models for more than a decade. This style of tank uses two wells, one on either side of a driveshaft or exhaust system. This position optimizes luggage compartment capacity, fuel volume and crash safety. The behavior of the fuel wells, pumps and sending units are often misdiagnosed, leading to fuel pumps being replaced unnecessarily.
Subaru Cooling System Solutions
Since Subaru’s 2.5L engine is especially noted for cylinder head gasket failures, most of them in the over-100,000-mile service category will have had the head gaskets replaced or will need a future replacement. There are many reasons that radiators should be replaced, especially following a cylinder head gasket failure on a 2.5L Subaru.
Shop Business Strategies: Quality That Exceeds Expectations
With competition at every turn, especially from dealers who continually seek to get a piece of your service business, you also need a “lockdown defense” to safeguard your business strategy. A key component of your defense is to offer a value proposition that hinges on delivering quality services to your customers – each and every time.
Vehicles and Cyber-Security: The Secret Handshake
There are a few folks who are making the future instead of trying to predict it. I had an opportunity to talk with one of them. I hope his insights help us understand the complexity of rethinking an industry from the inside out.
Auto Show Excitement Is In The Air
Auto show excitement typically spurs thoughts of new vehicle purchases, helping increase overall U.S. light vehicle sales and contributing to total vehicles in operation (VIO). This vehicle pipeline translates into more vehicles on the road, and more vehicles for you to service.
Fuel Pump Pressure: What Can Affect Fuel Flow
All too often, technicians assume fuel pressure is “good” without actually measuring it with a gauge. If the engine runs, they assume the injectors are getting adequate fuel pressure. If the engine cranks but won’t start, and they depress the service valve on the fuel rail and some fuel squirts out, they assume the injectors have pressure. They do, but the question remains: how much pressure?
