March 2017 Archives - Import Car
Import Insights: Honda Announces First Plant In United States (1980)

Thirty-seven years ago this month, American Honda Motor Company announced plans to build a manufacturing plant in the U.S. In 1982, it became the first Japanese automaker to assemble cars in the U.S. at its new facility in Marysville, OH.

IC Cover Mar.1980
Fiat: Unable To Add Engine Oil

The customer may experience a condition where they are unable to add oil to the vehicle. This condition could be caused by the oil fill extension being blocked. Replacing the oil fill housing will correct this condition.

Air Ride Q&A: Boost Your Air Ride System Knowledge

In an effort to increase your air ride system knowledge, here are the top questions (and answers) from a recent ImportCar webinar on air ride diagnostics.

air ride webinar questions
Brake Lubricants: Reduce Noise And Optimize Performance

Under extreme braking conditions, some lubricants can’t take the heat and melt off, evaporate, oxidize or burn. That’s why ordinary, general-purpose chassis grease should never be used for lubricating brake components. It simply won’t hold up.

brake lubricants
30 Habits Of Professional Mechanics

If you’re one of these people questioning whether you’re really meant for this profession, here are some unmistakable signs you’re a dyed-in-the-wool professional mechanic whether you like it or not.

Right To Repair In The Aftermarket: Whose Responsibility Is It?

Today, aftermarket associations, carmaker associations, parts manufacturers and suppliers are working together to solve a myriad of complex issues with the original core issue hanging over their head: money.

When Do Control Arms Need To Be Replaced?

There are many reasons to replace the front or rear control arm assembly, the most common of which are worn-out bushings or ball joints and rust. A typical stamped steel control arm will show signs of rust and corrosion. The life expectancy can be shortened due to exposure to water and road salt.

control arm replacement
Hyundai Elantra Fuel System Diagnostics

We recently had a 2011 Elantra in for a check engine light complaint motivated by the fact that it was due for a New York state inspection. This high-mileage car was owned by one of our good customers. It has served him well with no driveability complaints and, with only 175,000 miles on the odometer, he was hoping it would not be an expensive repair.

hyundai elantra featured
KIA Codes P0171, P0446, P0507 and P2187

Learn how to diagnose a too-lean emissions issue on a 2006 Kia Rio model.

Hyundai Sonata Fuel System Diagnostics

There is no doubt that the Hyundai line has come a long way in the last 10 years, and they are certainly gaining in popularity – the result of a good product being offered at a competitive price point. We work on a lot of Hyundais and we have many customers who commute 80 to 100 miles a day getting to work.

hyundai sonata featured
Ball Joint Friction And Wear

If you went to the doctor for a routine examination, and he pulled out some heavy-duty medical instruments right away, you might get a little scared that fixing your ailment might be worse than the ailment itself. The same is true for ball joints and tie rods.

bal joint friction wear featured
Hyundai TPMS Electromagnetic Interference

The TPMS malfunction indicator lamp may be illuminated and the RF channel failure code may be stored if the vehicle is operating around electric power supply cables or radio transmitters.