Tech Feature: Family Ties – Servicing Chrysler’s Versatile 3.3L and 3.8L Engines
First introduced as a family back in 1990, these engines have been upgraded and improved to provide good torque for the necessary applications, reasonable fuel economy and a reputation for durability and appropriate performance.
Diagnostic Solutions: Diagnosing Misfires
Although diagnosing misfires can be a tough assignment for any driveability technician, the diagnosis can be made much simpler if he understands the basics of misfire diagnosis. For example, when the first OBD II misfire monitor was first introduced in 1996, technicians were puzzled by problems with false misfire diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Case in point, vehicles being driven on washboard dirt roads began recording false misfires.
Diagnostic Solutions: Conducting Non-Intrusive Cooling System Inspections
Perhaps the best way to begin when we get a cooling system overheating complaint in our service bay is by using a series of quick, non-intrusive cooling system tests that establish the basics without removing major parts.
Mitch Schneider: How to Pass the ‘Reasonable Man’ Test
We’ve been doing a fair amount of restoration work lately. Certainly, more than we’ve done in a very long time: a 1962 red Corvette convertible (Like there is another color…), a number of vintage ’50s and ’60s Cadillac Coupes and Sedan De Villes, a few early ’50s Roadmasters, a couple of classic ’60s Mustangs, a 1931 Oldsmobile (I know…How did that one sneak in there?) and more.
MACS Releases Updated A/C & Cooling Systems Specifications Manual
MACS has updated the A/C & Cooling System Specification Reference manual to include service and repair information on vehicles 1996-2010.
Tech Tip: Loss of Power Assist to the Chrysler Minivan
During high humidity climate conditions, some Chrysler, Dodge or Plymouth vehicles may experience a momentary loss of power assist for the steering when turning corners with the A/C or defroster on or recently on. This Tech Tip describes two repair procedures depending on the diagnosis.
Management: A Shop’s Opinion on Reman Aftermarket Automotive Parts
Remanufactured auto parts have become a major portion of today’s multi-billion dollar automotive replacement parts industry. Today, just about every type of rebuildable component from windshield wiper motors to computers to complete engines and transmissions are offered through a local warehouse, jobber or retail parts outlet.
Top 5 Tools: Lawrence Dillon, Ogs Auto Repair
Lawrence Dillon Ogs Auto Repair Bellmore, NY Mac Tools 1/4” Air Ratchet — Easy to switch. Snap-on Serpentine Belt Tensioner Tool — Everything you need. Snap-on Flashlight Swivel — Light where you need it. Snap-on MODIS — Points you in the right direction. Redline Detection Smoke Pro Smoke Machine — Finds leaks fast.
Power Assist: Servicing Saturn VUE Hybrids
The hybrid version of the Saturn VUE was initially referred to as the “Green Line” model because of its improved fuel economy: 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway versus 22/27 for the regular version of the VUE. The Green Line moniker has since been dropped for the 2009 model year.
Tech Feature: Servicing Ford’s 3.0L Engine
The 3.0L Duratec V6 was introduced in 1996 to replace the aging 3.8L V6 in the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. Unlike its conventional pushrod predecessor, the 3.0L V6 has dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder liners.