2017 Editions Archives - Page 5 of 10 - Import Car
Active Shocks And Struts: What Are They And Why Are They Active?

For a shock or strut to be active, it must be able to react to three critical streams of information. First, it must act on information from the ABS and stability control system. Second, it must measure body movement. Third, it must detect the extent and rate of suspension movement.

Foreign Affairs Auto: Steadfast Focus On Its Upscale Clientele Provides Competitive Advantage

Founded in 1982 by owners Frank and Gloria Ortiz, the nine-bay shop services about 60 cars per week, namely Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other high-end European makes. Doing business for 35 years now, the shop has never wavered from its commitment to a laser-like focus on the customer, says General Manager Jonathan Ortiz.

Honda Accord With ABS Codes

This system will set codes when there is high resistance to the ground. Following the diagnostic tree in this case will have you replace the ABS modulator, when in most cases it can be repaired by cleaning the ground G203.

Sealing Modern Water Pumps

Over the past 20 years, we have seen water pumps and cooling systems evolve to improve start-up emissions. We have also seen a revolution in the material used for engine blocks, cylinder heads and cooling system components. Today, coolant may flow through an iron block, aluminum cylinder head and plastic thermostat housing.

Let Your Foot Be Your Guide In Helping Assess Brake System Integrity

Chances are your foot will know the condition of a vehicle’s brakes and the quality of the brake pads before your mind puts it all together. Consider this: Stopping a 4,000-lb. vehicle requires a driver to press on a pedal to generate friction at the wheels. What happens in between the pedal and pads can determine how much pressure the driver is required to apply to stop the vehicle in a safe distance.

15 Ride Control Service Tips To Help You Sell The Job And Do It Right

The customer will not be happy if he brought the car in for a knocking noise, was sold a couple hundred dollars worth of struts and/or ball joints, etc., and the noise is still there. If he then takes the car elsewhere and the knocking noise is fixed with a couple of $20 sway bar bushings, that guy is going to think he got beat. This underscores the importance of addressing the customer’s complaint before that vehicle leaves your shop.

Following The ‘Electronic Trail’ As A Means To Solve PCM-Related Problems

Leave your wrenches in your toolbox because in this month’s Diagnostic Solutions, we’re going to explore how to diagnose many common powertrain control module (PCM)-related driveability and electrical problems by following what I call The Electronic Trail.

Belt Tensioner Inspection & Replacement Tips

Most late-model engines have serpentine belt drives for the engine-driven accessories, and most people know that belts are a maintenance item that eventually has to be replaced. However, many people don’t know the spring-loaded automatic tensioner that keeps a serpentine belt tight is also a wear item. Consequently, the automatic tensioner may also have to be replaced when the time comes to change the belt.

Air Ride Repair Vs. Replacement: Weighing The Pros And Cons Of Air Ride Repair Options

When an air ride system fails, there can be up to four different options to return the vehicle to operating condition. Some involve repairing the existing air ride system, while others involve replacing the system with springs and passive shocks and struts. All options have their pros and cons.

Volkswagen Brake Job 2005-2011 Jetta Applications

The rear pads and rotors will typically wear out faster than the front brakes. The Volkswagens of this generation have electronic brake distribution, and under normal stopping conditions, the system will use the rear brakes more than the front.

Servicing Toyota TPMS Requires Dedicated Tools

Toyota TPMS might seem like one of the easiest systems to service because most models have a reset button under the dash, but trusting this button to cure all of your TPMS issues might get you in trouble.

Troubleshooting And Sorting Out Multiple DTCs At The Penny Arcade

It is late Thursday afternoon in mid-May and tourist season is just beginning in Colorado’s High Country. After finishing one mobile diagnosis, I was asked to look at another – a 2003 Honda Element with a no-cranking condition that had just been dropped off at my client shop’s busy parking lot by an owner who was now stranded 2,000 miles away from home.