December 2018 Archives - Import Car
Nissan Tech Tip: Permanent DTC (P-DTC) Information

Starting with 2010 Model Year, Nissan vehicles have been gradually incorporating a new type of DTC known as “Permanent DTC or P-DTC.” If a vehicle is equipped with P-DTCs, all emission-related DTCs will also set a P-DTC if the MIL is turned on.

Mercedes-Benz Tech Tip: Howling Noise From Rear At 50-70 MPH

Vehicle owners may complain of a howling noise in the drivetrain in the area of the rear axle between 80 km/h and 110 km/h (50 mph to 70 mph). The cause could be resonance in the drivetrain stimulated by the meshing of the gear set in the rear axle differential (drive pinion/ring gear).

Getting The TPMS Light Out On The First Try

Whether the customer brings in the vehicle with a TPMS light triggered, or one triggers as a result of performing some tire service, not being able to turn off the MIL can sometimes cause headaches for shops. Here are a few commonly overlooked issues that could be triggering a warning light.

Advanced Import Ride Control Diagnostics And Replacement

Inside any active, hydraulic or air ride shock or strut, there is a piston that travels up and down a tube. Wear can occur between the piston and tube, and, over a period of time, oil will pass between the piston and tube. If the suspension bottoms out, contact between the piston and the bottom of the tube could occur, damaging the piston and the valving.

Finding Hidden Suspension Damage

If a vehicle has been in a collision, diagnosing a bent part may require only a visual inspection to see that a component is broken or in need of repair. But what about when it’s not so obvious? A visual inspection is not always enough. A bent, broken or misaligned steering or suspension can cause a vehicle to handle poorly, as well as create excessive tire wear and poor fuel economy.

Hyundai Turbocharged Theta And Gamma Engines

Hyundai has two four-cylinder engines that use a turbocharger. The Gamma and Theta turbocharged engines were introduced in 2010 for many Hyundai cars and trucks. These engines also have direct injection, which makes them even more efficient.

Top EVAP Tips When Replacing Fuel Pumps

Nothing is worse than an EVAP code after a fuel pump has been replaced. Discovering that the tank needs to be dropped again to address a problem can kill shop productivity and profitability. The following tips can help you avoid comebacks and having to drop the fuel tank for a second time.

Diagnostic Solutions: How Electric Power Steering Systems Are Changing Undercar Service

Electric power steering contains a steering wheel position sensor and a steering input torque sensor. The data from these two sensors report to an EPS module, which translates the steering input torque into an appropriate level of steering assist via a pulse-modulated, bi-directional electric motor that’s connected to the steer gear input shaft or integrated into the steering rack assembly. The steering position sensor should read “zero” when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead.

Emerging Technologies: Are You Ready For ADAS?

While the term “ADAS” might not be familiar to you, you may better know the technology as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Familiarize yourself with the ADAS features that are specific to the vehicles on which you’re working. Industry experts say that the complexity of these systems is only going to increase, so make sure you are ready to service and repair them, says Mary DellaValle, editor of ImportCar magazine.