Tech Tip: Find Poor Connections by Measuring for Voltage Drops
Checking for continuity with an ohmmeter lets you find simple opens and shorts easily, but measuring for voltage drops points you right to those elusive poor connections and bad switch or solenoid contacts that waste your time and make you want to pull your hair out. A voltage drop in either the power side or the ground side of a circuit means the ….
ReFlashing Control Modules
You don’t have to be Microsoft A+ certified to flash reprogram automotive PCMs, but the process requires a certain amount of know-how as well as special tools and access to the latest OEM software upgrades. What’s more, it’s not a risk-free endeavor. Certain precautions must be undertaken before you begin, and there are pitfalls that
Mazda: Timing Belt Replacement
A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way
Directions: Highlights to GM’s Historic Anniversary
General Motors, which celebrates its 100-year anniversary this month, has provided the country and the automotive industry a rich and diverse history. Many achievements and some growing pains have occurred during this industry giant’s life. Here are just a few of these many industry-changing accomplishments. The staff at Underhood Service wishes General Motors another 100
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Servicing Jeep and Ford Feedback Carburetors
Lately, it seems, more people are “going retro” by rehabilitating older cars and trucks. Perhaps it’s the longing for the simplicity of a bygone era or perhaps it’s the sentimental attachment to a particular vehicle that’s driving the retro movement. Although in the Rustbelt East, the survival rate of these vehicles is probably very low,
Management: More Smaller Imports on the Roads Means More Repairs
While sightings of gas prices under $4 a gallon may bring a (little) sigh of relief, consumers are still distraught over what it costs to fill their tank these days. Some are realizing the benefits of preventive maintenance in improving vehicle performance, increasing fuel efficiency and maximizing gas mileage, while others are looking for long-term relief by purchasing smaller vehicles ….
Tech Tip: Diagnosing a Faulty Fuel Pump
A simple check when an engine cranks but won’t start is to listen for pump noise when the ignition key is turned on. The pump should buzz for a second or two as it builds pressure in the system. If no noise is heard when the key is turned on, the pump is not running. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the pump has failed because the problem could be in the pump wiring circuit. Check the pump fuse and ….
Industry Review: Bosch Celebrates 30th Anniversary of the Pioneering Anti-Lock Brake System
Bosch is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the pioneering automotive anti-lock braking system (ABS), a landmark contribution to driving safety. Bosch first introduced its first system in 1978. Since Bosch introduced electronically controlled ABS to the automotive market, this groundbreaking technology has become the basis for all modern brake regulating systems. Today, nearly 75 percent
More Smaller Imports on the Roads = More Repairs & Profits For You!
ese days. Some are realizing the benefits of preventive maintenance in improving vehicle performance, increasing fuel efficiency and maximizing gas mileage, while others are looking for long-term relief by purchasing smaller vehicles. Either way, you win. Consumers want to stretch their vehicle’s mph potential and your repair and diagnostic expertise can boost those numbers by
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Taking Charge of Vehicle Voltage Testing
Although checking charging voltage at the battery terminals is the most popular method for testing an alternator, a charging voltage test seldom reveals less common problems like open or shorted alternator diodes, intermittent high or low charging rates, charging system wiring problems, intermittent cranking/no-start complaints or intermittent dead battery complaints. In addition, testing charging voltage