November 2017 Archives - Import Car
Air Ride Diagnostics: 2003-2010 VW Touareg Applications

The Volkswagen Touareg was the first VW SUV and the first to get an air-ride suspension system. The luxury SUV shares the same platform as the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. This is a full-feature air ride system designed to improve comfort, stability, and off-road capabilities. Some vehicles with the 4XMotion option will also have

Harder Rotor Surfaces Increase Customer Satisfaction With Brake Jobs

On most vehicles, the primary component of brake dust is material from the rotor – not the pads. When rotors become worn, drivers may experience pedal pulsation. What is the solution? Make harder rotor surfaces. That is what GM, and now Porsche, have done on some of their vehicles.

CAN/Bus Issues: Following The Learning Curve

Several times last summer, I was confronted with a lack of product familiarity when diagnosing CAN/bus circuits on several late-model import platforms. The most frustrating part came when I had to spend hours educating myself on how a specific body control system worked by looking at wiring diagrams and going through trial-and-error diagnostics.

Second-Hand Information: When Critical Details Get Lost In Translation

Do you remember when you played the game of “telephone” as a child, and the original information being conveyed was often totally different by the time the last kid commented? The same thing can happen with a vehicle problem when more than one person is involved in getting the information to the person at the end of the line. And who’s usually at the end of the line? The tech.

MINI Undercar Service Opportunities Are Only An Inspection Away

With more than a million MINIs on the roads, a lot of opportunity exists for shops to service brakes and chassis.

TPMS Intel On VW Applications

Before any relearn or reset procedure is performed on a direct or indirect system, set the tires to the correct pressure. When the system is reset, it uses this pressure as the reference pressure. If it is not correct, the system might assume an incorrect pressure is the correct pressure.

Getting Lean To Get The Job Done

Lean is derived from a manufacturing concept. At its essence, lean is about finding ways to do things in a more streamlined and efficient manner to make more money and increase productivity. For many technicians, the application of the traditional lean “Seven Deadly Wastes” can lay the foundation for a little self-diagnosis.

Eliminating Brake Noise: A Product Of The Entire Brake System

The process by which your ears work is amazing. Moving air hits a diaphragm in your ear and tiny bones activate nerves that transmit signals to the brain. How the air, diaphragm and nerves interact can mean the difference between conversation or annoying brake noise.

Trust Bridges The Gap Between Quality Repairs & Repeat Business

Quality is the name of the game today. Your customers expect expert repairs that are done right the first time, restore vehicle performance, and ensure many miles of worry-free driving. But, you won’t get a second chance to showcase your quality work unless you’ve earned your customers’ trust.