Volkswagen Tech Tip: Clutch Pedal Does Not Fully Return/Cruise Control Inoperative
On some VWs, the clutch pedal does not fully return to a stop and the cruise control (if equipped) will not function. The problem may be caused by the clutch pedal over the center spring dropping out of position.
News Update: ASE Board Announces Staff Changes
The Board of Directors of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) announced several staff changes within the organization. The board has named current COO/CFO Tim Zilke to succeed Ron Weiner, ASE’s president and CEO for 25 years, effective Jan. 1, 2008. Zilke is a 15-year veteran of ASE. “This transition period will ensure
Hybrids: Basic Service & Safety Procedures
Hybrids are hot. As the price of gasoline goes up, so does the demand for new vehicles that can squeeze more miles per gallon from every drop of gasoline. Hybrids do that by combining the best of both worlds: electric power for low-speed, stop-and-go driving, and gasoline power for highway cruising and long-range driving. Current
Servicing Solutions: In the Clutch…Servicing Dual-Mass Flywheels
A dual-mass flywheel is essentially two flywheels in one that provides some spring cushioning to dampen torsional crankshaft vibrations and shock loading when the clutch is engaged. Think of it as a flywheel with some “give.” The two-piece assembly has a front “primary” flywheel and a rear “secondary” flywheel. The primary flywheel bolts to the
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Symptom Diagnosis…The Journey Begins
When I first began my automotive career way back in 1957, the symptoms of an ailing engine were very apparent. A carburetor with a worn accelerator pump, for example, would characteristically stumble on acceleration and a closed-up set of distributor contact points would cause the engine to become very sluggish. Low fuel pressure caused by
Mitch’s World: A Total Eclipse of the Son
Not all that long ago, an entire generation learned about high performance and hot rods from Jan & Dean and The Beach Boys. Their lyrics romanticized surfing, cars and the California lifestyle. I knew kids who quoted those lyrics as they described either the car they were driving, or the one they desperately wanted to
Carley’s Corner: Will High Gas Prices Help or Hurt Your Business?
Summer is back and so are higher gasoline prices. Though the price of gasoline dipped as low as $2.00 a gallon in many areas of the U.S. over the winter, the price shot back up in late spring to more than $3.25 in many parts of the country. Where the prices will peak is anybody’s
Tech Tip: Crown Victoria Suspension Sits Low in Front
Some 2003 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis base vehicles with steel wheels or vehicles equipped with the handling package may appear to have a harsh ride in the front end of the vehicle. This may be caused by the front springs. To correct this, replace the existing springs with revised springs. The revised springs provide a higher ride height at curb and reduce the possibility of the front being too low.
Tech Tip: Understanding Vehicle Electrical Systems Begins and Ends with the Alternator
The alternator’s job has definitely become more complex during the past decade. Years ago, the typical import vehicle could live very happily with 40 amps of electrical current, which was enough to power the ignition, fuel and lighting systems. Today, that threshold is rapidly advancing toward 100 amps of current.
Chrysler Tech Tip: Diagnosing Delayed Transaxle Engagement at Start-Up
Some Chyrsler owners may complain of intermittent delayed transmission engagement at vehicle start-up in excess of three seconds. The transaxle may be cold or hot. Check the transaxle fluid level while the vehicle is on a level surface and the transaxle is at normal operating temperature using the following procedure.