Hybrid Maintenance: Fluid Service Considerations
Does the phrase “hybrid fluid maintenance” scare you? It shouldn’t. With more than 4 million hybrids on the road, and many of your customers considering purchasing one, servicing hybrid vehicles is in your future.
Steering It Straight In 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles
AWD vs. 4WD: In contrast to an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle, a four-wheel drive vehicle is typically equipped with a two-speed transfer case capable of driving in two or four-wheel drive and a Hotchkiss or “solid” rear drive axle for main propulsion. A four-wheel drive might incorporate either a solid front axle as with older Toyotas and Nissans or an independent front suspension as found in more modern configurations.
Curing Honda Misfire Codes
While Honda engines have a great reputation for reliability, as the miles accumulate and maintenance is neglected, codes P0300-P0304 can be set for misfires. But a misfire code just indicates that the crank angle sensor didn’t detect the correct change in the speed of the crankshaft. If the engine still has compression, the most likely cause of the misfire could be a fuel injector or ignition coil.
Overcoming Identity Crisis Means Equal Parts Art And Science
The automotive industry has suffered with an identity crisis for a number of years. Some of it is self-inflicted and some of it is due to public stigma which comes from a lack of understanding about what it takes to successfully move along with a large dose of commoditization in a race to the bottom.
Vehicle Inspection Impact
Inspection programs got their start in the 1930s, when fatalities on the road increased to almost epidemic levels. During this period, drivers were three times more likely to die in an accident than today.
$25 Billion Bounty Puts Hollywood Heists To Shame
The Auto Care Association and IMR Inc. report that in a recent survey, more than 100,000 American households (driving more than 170,000 vehicles) revealed they know that repairs or maintenance need to be performed on their car but have chosen to delay the work.
Import Insights 1988: Covering The Entire Vehicle Spectrum
Maserati’s Biturbo 425i pictured on the cover of our August 1988 issue was being replaced by the even more exciting Maserati 430.
Mazda Tech Tip: Air Conditioning Musty / Mildew Odor
A musty odor may come from the vents when the A/C system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned on.
Fuel Filters And Frequency Cycles
On most import vehicles, the three components with the highest manufacturing tolerances are ABS brake modulators, direct injection high-pressure fuel pumps and fuel injectors.
Making A Living With A Scope
Even for a lot of great technicians, an oscilloscope, lab scope or just “scope” can an intimidating piece of equipment.
Aluminum Suspension Service: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
From Audi to Toyota, import nameplate manufacturers are using more aluminum for suspension components. An aluminum component is as strong or stronger than steel or cast iron but what sets aluminum apart is how it fails.
Understanding Today’s Performance Brake Components
The first question to ask yourself and the customer is what does brake performance mean and how does it apply to their vehicle? A driver’s expectations can vary depending on their experience and how much propaganda they have absorbed.
