Carburetor Repairs & Recalibrations
As a follow-up to “Dusting Off Fuel System Fossils” in April’s edition of Underhood Service, I will share many driveability concerns and emissions failures that I’ve repaired by rebuilding, and sometimes modifying, certain carb circuits. But before diving into a carburetor rebuild or recalibration, be certain that you understand the system you’re working on, including
Confronting the Complete Cooling System Service
By now, it’s obvious to most service shops that cooling system service is an absolute “must-do” on any nameplate. Once a cooling system suffers long-term neglect, it turns into an ongoing source of problems for the owner and his service technician because, when corrosion starts to take place, the effects can’t be reversed. For that
Preventive Maintenance Pays Multiple Dividends
Oftentimes, the difference between winning or losing and succeeding or failing is in the details. If you apply this principle to your shop, you’ll find that you won’t have to search far for ways to grow your business. Take preventive vehicle maintenance, for example. Every vehicle that enters your bays represents an opportunity to better
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Driving Forces Behind a Driveability Technician
He used to be known as the tune-up guy, the shop troubleshooter or the ace mechanic. Today, he’s known as a driveability tech. Tomorrow, when body control electronics come on full line, he’ll probably be known as an electronics diagnostics technician. Whatever his name might be, most of us know that driveability techs are smart,
Mercedes-Benz Engine Diagnostics
I’ve always loved the puzzle. Check Engine warning lights have become an everyday chore for me over the last five years. It’s a challenge that extends my interest and creativity in the auto service profession. Before I deal with some specific Mercedes-Benz faults that I’ve researched, I must say that the ability to really solve
MACS Show: Technical Session Coverage
Once a year, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) hosts a trade show for A/C shop owners and technicians. This year’s event in Orlando, FL, provided a wealth of service information to those who attended the technical sessions. For those who couldn’t be there, we pass along some of the highlights from the technical sessions.
OBD II Diagnostics:Tips And Tricks to Make the Process Easier
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) can be a golden light of opportunity for your shop. If the light comes on, it means the Onboard Diagnostics II system (OBD II) has detected an emissions-related problem. OBD II is designed to turn on the MIL if a problem occurs that may cause emissions to exceed federal limits
Mass Air Flow Operation Strategy
When diagnosing hot-wire air flow meters (A/F meters) on Subarus and similarly equipped Asian vehicles, technicians may find that, while the meter passes all recommended test procedures, the engine exhibits driveability conditions associated with lean air/fuel mixture ratios. In these cases, it’s best to form a diagnostic strategy based on the relatively simple operating principles
Component Connection: Wiper Motors
If there is one system that vehicle owners believe is inhabited by Gremlins, it’s the windshield wipers. Unfortunately, car owners don’t normally realize there is a problem with the wiper system until they need them most – when it’s raining. No matter what type of car you service, when it comes to wiper-related problems, the
Servicing Brake Hydraulic Components
Anyone who works on brakes should be familiar with basic hydraulics and the various components that make up the hydraulic portion of the brake system. So if you’re not as familiar with this subject as you should be, keep reading and we’ll refresh your memory. We’ll start at the heart of the system, which is