Point of View: New Technologies Drive New Tool Needs
I recently returned from Carefree, AZ, where the Equipment & Tool Institute held its ToolTech 2008, a conference that brings together many premier U.S. tool manufacturers with car companies and other interested parties to discuss current and future tool needs for the automotive world. Representatives from Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Mazda, Honda, ISN, Medco, SPX,
Taking Deep Breaths
I had an interesting one the other day. This was a 2005 Ford F-150 4.6L that was setting fault codes for both banks lean, a P0171 and P0174. This vehicle was a trade-in to a used car lot and had only slightly more than 29,000 miles on it. Where to Begin? Of course, the first
Tech Tip: Collisions Lead to Toyota EVAP Issues
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is on in a 2004 Toyota Corolla, and codes P0441, P0442 and P0446 are set. It was determined that the vehicle was hit in the left front. Verify that the Vacuum Switching Valve (VSV) for the pressure sensor (located on the canister) operates correctly. This is a normally ….
Tech Feature: Performance Exhaust for Late-Model Vehicles
What’s hot in exhaust performance products? Bolt-on free-flowing exhaust systems for diesel trucks, big bore mufflers for sport compact cars, and low restriction street performance mufflers for cars like Mustangs, Pontiac G8s, Dodge Chargers and Chevy Corvettes. The diesel market has been really hot lately. Turbo diesel engines are a popular option in full-size Dodge, Ford and GM pickups because a ….
Performance Exhausts for Late-Model Vehicles
What’s hot in exhaust performance products? Bolt-on free-flowing exhaust systems for diesel trucks, big bore mufflers for sport compact cars, and low restriction street performance mufflers for cars like Mustangs, Pontiac G8s, Dodge Chargers and Chevy Corvettes. The diesel market has been really hot lately. Turbo diesel engines are a popular option in full-size Dodge,
News Update: ALLDATA Celebrates 70,000 Customers
Customer-Centric Focus Heightens Success ALLDATA held a media day event at its headquarters in Elk Grove, CA, on Apr. 3, to celebrate its latest accomplishment — 70,000 customers — and to spotlight how ALLDATA is helping automotive service professionals boost their business success. ALLDATA President Jeff Lagges and other company executives discussed how ALLDATA is
Diagnostic Solutions: Exhausting the Possibilities…Performance Upgrades
Depending upon the market to which an import shop might be catering, the term “performance exhaust” can have two different meanings. The first market actively seeks out the throaty rumble and chrome-plated look as part of the street-driving scene. The second market installs an exhaust system that produces the most horsepower for a performance application.
Tech Tip: Spark Plugs Work Hard the Entire Time the Engine is Running
Spark plugs are the business end of the ignition system. The electrodes at the tip of the plug are located inside the combustion chamber of each cylinder. When the ignition system sends a jolt of high voltage current to the plug, a spark jumps across the gap. This ignites the air/fuel mixture to produce power and keep the engine running. The spark plugs are working hard the entire time the engine is running. From the first moment the engine is cranked until it is ….
Tech Tip: Future Refrigerant Options Help Environment, Pose Unique Problems
There has been a lot of discussion lately about the future of automotive refrigerants and their impact on the environment. Ozone depletion is no longer the main concern; now it’s global warming. Last year was the warmest year on record. Average temperatures all across the globe are on the rise, as are ocean temperatures. Arctic and Antarctic areas that are normally covered with ice during winter months are becoming ice-free. The frequency and intensity of ….
Tech Tip: The PCM Relies on Good Information from the Oxygen Sensors
Do you know your oxygen sensors? Oxygen sensors have been used for more than a quarter of a century, dating back to 1980 when the first computerized engine control systems appeared. The oxygen (O2) sensor is part of the fuel management system. It monitors unburned oxygen in the exhaust. The powertrain control module (PCM) uses this information to determine if the fuel mixture is rich (too much fuel) or lean (not enough fuel) ….