Import Insights: Porsche (December 2014)
Porsche celebrated three world premieres in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2014. The sports car manufacturer presented two new GTS models, the 911 Carrera GTS and the Cayenne GTS, at the Porsche press conference. Porsche also revealed the Panamera Turbo S Executive Exclusive Series, a special edition limited to 100 units worldwide. The
Import Automatic Transmission Diagnostics
Don’t be alarmed if you pull an automatic transmission trouble code when diagnosing a “check engine” warning light! Since the automatic transmission operation has a major effect on grams-per-mile exhaust emissions, you’re going to see the occasional “global” P0700 to P0900-series diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). The fact is, if you understand basic transmission operating principles,
Timing Chain Failures on 2.0L, 2.5L Import Engines
Last month, we looked at the timing chain setup on the Audi 3.2L engine and saw how a lack of oil changes can adversely affect the tensioners and cause engine failure. We’ve also seen similar issues with the timing chain setups on the 2.5L 5-cylinder BGP engine that came out in 2005, and the 2.0L
Modern Charging Systems: Cover All The Bases During the Diagnostic Process
To quote a familiar situation: “My customer’s car is now on its third alternator in six months and my jobber store refuses to warranty a fourth.” In other words, the parts supplier believes that an underlying problem is causing these alternators to fail and, therefore, won’t warranty more alternators. While we occasionally experience a sequence
Audi Engine Timing Chain Failure Due to Lack of Maintenance
If you’ve been working on cars as long as me, you’ll remember the first timing belt you did and thought, “what was wrong with timing chains?” It was only a year ago, when I was working on a 2005 Audi A6 Quattro with a 3.2L engine with a broken timing chain tensioner and bent valves,
Inside Import Car Collision Warning, Automatic Braking Systems
Anything that moves under its own power also has to stop, so brakes have been a safety feature on cars since day one. Over the years, technical innovations such as antilock brakes (ABS) have improved the ability to stop with minimal skidding on wet or slick surfaces. The addition of stability control allowed each wheel
Import Insights: Kia (November 2014)
Kia Motors America Announces Best-Ever Third Quarter Sales After posting the best first-half performance in company history, Kia Motors America’s momentum continued with record third quarter sales, including 40,628 units in September, up 6.9% over the same period last year. As Kia celebrates its 20th anniversary in the U.S., the fast-moving brand continues to grow
Import Insights: Nissan (October 2014)
Nissan Sales Increasing Across the Country Nissan Group reported 134,388 total U.S. vehicle sales for August 2014, an increase of 11.5% over the prior year and an August record. Sales of Nissan Rogue were the best of any month in the history of the nameplate at 21,419, an increase of 24% over the previous August.
Intermittent Engine Misfire Analysis
Even for an experienced diagnostic technician, attempting to diagnose an intermittent misfire condition that occurs only under specific driving conditions can be a frustrating exercise. Let’s begin by getting the basics out of the way. As we know, the general causes of a misfire fall under the general headings of 1.) ignition, 2.) fuel density,
Honda: Easy Fix for Engine Noise
We often encounter engines that have a cold-start knock or ticking noise. In this case, the 3.5-L V6 engines installed in various Honda models can make a knocking or ticking noise at idle and only when warm. The cause of the problem is that the rocker shaft bridge has excessive clearance from the factory, which
Import Insights: BMW (September 2014)
BMW Partners with Samsung for Battery Cells The BMW Group and Samsung SDI plan to expand their supply relationship for battery cells for electro-mobility. The two companies recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect in Seoul. Samsung SDI will supply the BMW Group with battery cells for the BMW i3, BMW i8
Lexus LS430 Fuel Pump Replacement
We will use a third-generation 2006 Lexus LS430 as our case study for this fuel pump assembly replacement. First, discharge the fuel system pressure, disconnect the negative battery terminal and drain the fuel. Be sure to remove the rear seat cushion assembly. Consult the owner’s manual for the above tasks. 1. Remove the rear floor
