Launching the Ford Evos Concept
Making its global debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Ford Evos Concept represents the ultimate expression of Ford’s new global design language, and explores key future powertrain and vehicle technologies. Created as a bespoke concept vehicle, the fastback introduces Ford’s first truly global design language as the momentum of the company’s One Ford product plan continues to build.
Chief Opens New Specification and Research Center
Chief Automotive Technologies has opened a new Specification and Research Center in Irvine, CA. Technicians at the center use the Chief Velocity computerized measuring system to develop specification data for 130 to 140 new passenger vehicles every year.
Tech Update: Can ‘Add-Ons’ Affect CAN Systems? Yes, They Can!
Get any teenager their first car and the first thing they want to do is modify it with new wheels, a different exhaust, seat covers or, the most important and popular upgrade, the stereo. You know, when they have to get to school with all their buddies in the car, they’ve got to have those tunes. They can’t be seen around town with a dull factory radio or wimpy stock wheels.
Tech Feature: Making the Transition to Non-Lead Wheel Weights
The days of lead wheel weights are numbered. While the federal Environmental Protection Agency has been slow to act, a number of state governments – California, Illinois, Washington, Maine, Vermont and New York – have banned the use of lead wheel weights. In addition, similar legislation is pending in Iowa, Wisconsin, Maryland and Rhode Island, with more states likely to follow.
Tech Feature: GM Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
GM TPMS systems on Buick, Pontiac, Chevy (Chevrolet), GMC Cadillac and Hummer models are some of the easiest to service if you have the right tools and knowledge. Starting in 2007, most vehicles use a Schrader- or VDO-manufactured system that shares the same relearn procedures and behaviors. There are exceptions, like the Pontiac Vibe.
Business Briefcase: ‘Socializing’ at the Shop
For those repair businesses that would like to start using social media for research, selling, education and reputation management, there are a number of things they can do to become social media literate that’s covered in this article.
Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz A/C Off Light Illuminated, A/C Not Functioning
If you receive customer reports in the above models that the A/C Off light is illuminated and cannot be switched off and the air conditioning is not functional, the Refrigerant Level Temperature Pressure Sensor coding in the AAC unit may need to be set to “INACTIVE.” Follow the below procedure to remedy a specification parameter in the refrigerant level logic circuit.
Tech Feature: The Variables of Valve Timing
Today’s cylinder deactivation designs are used to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of an internal combustion engine during light load operation.
Tech Feature: Detecting Misfires in OBD II Engines
With OBD II, there’s no missing misfires. Most engine control systems with OBD II monitor the speed of the crankshaft between cylinder firings to detect misfires. The powertrain control module (PCM) notes the relative position of the crankshaft via the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) each time a trigger pulse is sent to the ignition system.
Brake Safety Technology: Mercedes-Benz Brake Assist & Sensotronic Systems
One of the new safety technologies you’ll find in a growing number of European and Asian vehicles is Brake Assist (or BAS for Brake Assist System). The technology actually was invented more than a decade ago, and was first used back in 1996 on Mercedes S-Class and SL-Class cars. In 1998, Mercedes made Brake Assist standard on all of its models.