Gearing Up for Timing Belt and Chain Work
Timing belts are a maintenance item on engines that have them, but what about timing chains? On most overhead cam engines that use a timing chain to turn the cams, there’s usually some type of chain tensioner or adjuster to keep the chain tight and to compensate for stretch as the chain ages. But on pushrod V6 and V8 engines, there is no chain tensioner to compensate for chain stretch. Consequently, after tens of thousand of miles, the chain loosens up, starts to make noise as it rattles against the front cover, and causes cam timing to retard. At this point the timing chain needs to be replaced.
14th Annual Federated Auto Parts 300 to be Held June 6 in Nashville
For the 14th-consecutive year, Federated Auto Parts will sponsor the Federated Auto Parts 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race. The 2009 race will be held June 6 at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, TN, and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 ….
Electrical System Testing Tools and Equipment
One day we are fat, dumb and happy using a piece of wire with a 12-volt bulb on the end of it to test things with. Now we are faced with deciding between using the 10 meg-ohm computer safe test light, the power injector or a logic probe complete with polarity protection, audible alarm, light and 20-foot memory cord. Geeesh! How did things get so confusing so fast? Progress my boy! That is the root of our problem here! As the cars and systems have gotten more and more complicated, so have the tools and equipment needed to work on those cars ….
Tech Tip: Toyota Prius Master/Hybrid MIL On/DTC P3125
Under certain driving conditions, some 2001-’02 Prius vehicles may exhibit a Master, Hybrid and MIL Warning Light "on" condition where only DTC P3125, information code 287, has set in the Hybrid Vehicle Control Unit (HV ECU). Use the following procedure to identify whether the HV ECU or inverter/converter assembly should be replaced ….
Tech Tip: Prius Brake Actuator Noise
Some 2004 – 2007 model year Prius vehicles may exhibit a squeak-type noise when pressing or releasing the brake pedal. This noise may only be audible when the vehicle is in "READY" mode and the vehicle is not moving. Brake system performance is not affected by this noise. Use the following procedure to address this concern ….
Tech Tip: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Safety Precautions
As vehicle manufacturers strive to meet or exceed fuel economy standards, alternative vehicle designs incorporating new materials and systems will be produced to accommodate consumer demand. One such vehicle that may roll into your repair facility is the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. Questions will arise when this vehicle arrives ….
Ross-Tech Releases Beta Version 812 for Evaluation and Testing
Ross-Tech, LLC, announces the release of a new Beta version of VCDS, Version 812. This test version adds support for measuring values from the UDS/ODX/ASAM Control Modules found in some 2008 and many more 2009 VW group vehicles. Since the modules using this new diagnostic protocol no longer support VW’s classic Measuring Block Group concept, VCDS presents this data exclusively in our innovative Advanced Measuring Value style where the user can ….
Electronic Brake Distribution: Emerging Technology Offers Service Opportunities
Say goodbye to mechanical brake proportioning valves, and say hello to Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). This new technology is yet another electronic enhancement that’s being added to many late-model vehicles. With conventional hydraulic brakes, a mechanical proportioning valve is used to reduce pressure to the rear wheels when the brakes are applied. Inside the proportioning
Electrical System Tools and Equipment
Neutrons, Electrons, Klingons? As today’s cars and systems have gotten more and more complicated, so have the tools and equipment needed to work on those cars. The professional technician is expected to be able to understand electrical theory, electronics, physics, as well as understand and interpret readings from complex electrical test equipment.
Car Care Council Launches Digital Version of Car Care Guide
The Car Care Council has launched a digital version of its popular Car Care Guide that can be easily accessed through the council’s website. The Car Care Guide was designed with two purposes in mind: one to promote and provide information to motorists through the consumer media and the website; two, to respond to requests from repair shop owners and parts store counterpersons for credible third-party vehicle maintenance information for use at the point-of-sale with customers ….