Tech Tip: Engine Knocking Noise Just Above Idle May Be Normal
Engine "knock" may be heard on an applied vehicle just above engine idle speed (800-1,100 rpm) with the engine under a slight load. The noise cannot be detected over 1,100 rpm. The cause may be a normal pulsating noise coming from the EVAP purge solenoid valve and piping (in the engine compartment) transferring into the passenger cabin. However, use the following procedure to reduce the noise ….
ACDelco Adds Advanced Technology Training, Expands Youth Outreach
ACDelco recognizes the importance of training both current and future technicians and shop owners so they can stay up to date with the rapid changes in the automotive aftermarket. To continue to meet or exceed these technicians’ and shop owners’ needs, ACDelco is enhancing its industry-leading training offerings. In addition, ACDelco has further expanded its outreach to future technicians by ….
Delmar Expands Course Offerings in Interactive Automotive Technician Training Series
Delmar recently announced two new courses as part of the Professional Technician Training Series. The brand new Parts Specialist and Service Consultant courses focus on ensuring that technicians know how to work with customers and that much needed repairs do not go ….
Ford-Wheeling!, Rear-wheel-drive 4×4 operation
Let’s discuss the 4×4 operation on Ford truck platform vehicles. We’ll cover the operation of the parts on the various rear-wheel-drive 4×4 systems. When it comes to Electronic Shift On the Fly (ESOF) and Manual Shift On the Fly (MSOF), much is the same except with MSOF, the driver has to manually push a gear
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Fuel Pumps and Injectors
One of the first questions that should always be answered when diagnosing a fuel-related complaint on a fuel-injected engine is, “What is the fuel pressure?” All too often, technicians assume fuel pressure is “good” without actually measuring it with a gauge. If the engine runs, they assume the injectors are getting adequate fuel pressure. If
GM Tech Tip: Inspect and Ensure the Integrity of Wiring Harness Connectors
The first step in any type of electrical diagnosis is a visual and physical inspection of the wiring harness connectors for integrity. Many times, the vehicle may be repaired just by disconnecting and reconnecting the connectors. As with all repairs to wiring harness connectors and terminals, a pull test of the terminals within the connector should be performed. A pull test is performed by ….
Tech Tip: Solving Intermittent MIL Illumination on Jeep Grand Cherokees
Some Jeep Grand Cherokee owners may complain of an intermittent MIL illumination. If you retrieve DTC P1499 – Hydraulic Fan Solenoid Circuit while diagnosing the problem, this Tech Tip describes how to complete the repair by replacing just the solenoid, not the complete cooling fan module ….
Tech Feature: Cooling System Antifreeze Requirements
When a customer brings you a vehicle that needs a coolant change, what kind of coolant should you use? The type of coolant specified by the vehicle manufacturer? A universal or "all makes, all models" type of coolant? Or should you run the old coolant through a recycling machine and put it back in the system? All are valid options for servicing today’s vehicles, but the options are not without controversy ….
Shop Owners and Technicians Offer Up Their ‘Top 5 Tools’
The readers of TechShop – Equipment, Tools & Supplies magazine were asked to submit a list of their top five favorite tools. Here is a sampling of some of the responses that were received ….
The 3rd (or 4th) Pedal
When was the last time you used your park brake? During a training seminar recently filled with brake people I got a lot of blank stares. Ok, rule number one don’t ask open ended questions right after lunch. Rephrasing, how many of you used your park brake when you parked the car today, one hand