Diagnostic Dilemmas: Temperature Tantrums
Solving temperature-related, no-code intermittent failures can be a frustrating experience for the diagnostic technician because the exact level of heat or cold needed to trigger the failure is often hard to duplicate. It’s also important to keep in mind that all electronic vehicle components are exposed to temperature extremes and thus are vulnerable to temperature-related
Who’s at Fault?…Top 10 Domestic Diagnostic Codes & Fixes
A Check Engine Light that’s illuminated is always a sign that something is wrong. But what? You usually can’t tell until you plug in a code reader or scan tool and read out the code(s) that have turned on the light. At least then you have a starting point for further diagnosis. Some people think
Foreign Affairs: VW P Codes — … Putting Out The MIL
After 10-plus years of dealing with OBD II, it should be apparent that we are on a learning curve that probably has no end. Almost daily we have a Volkswagen model come into the shop with a check engine light on, or a “state OBD II failure” form. Although we have the latest scanner software
Carley’s Corner: No Time for Training? Read This
I may not fix cars for a living anymore, but I do make my living writing about auto repair. For me, training is absolutely essential to keep my knowledge up-to-date. So I can’t imagine how anybody who spends the better part of his or her day hunched over a fender can get by without it.
Scan Tools: Scan Tools Offer a Window Into a Vehicle’s Inner Workings
Scan Tools Offer a Window Into a Vehicle’s Inner Workings Larry Carley, Technical Editor [email protected] Technicians who attempt to make driveability or emissions repairs today without a scan tool are troubleshooting in the dark. A scan tool is absolutely essential because it provides a window into the inner workings of the engine management and onboard
Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Jeff Hume, John Partipilo, Terry Kirschbaum and Jesse Hernandez CMJ Automotive Addison, IL We went through an extensive study of the tools we use most often and the ones we just like a lot. Our list is in no particular order. Snap-on MODIS Scanner — Helps us diagnose vehicles faster and more efficiently. Huth Pipe
Tech Tip: Do 2WD, 4WD and AWD Vehicles Need Different Tire Solutions?
I live in the snow belt, so I am well used to those days when a simple 45-minute drive to, say, take the kids to the circus can become a frightening eight-hour return trip. Around here, two hours of clowns and elephants is long enough for Mother Nature to hammer us with two feet of "partly cloudy." And, living in Ohio means road-clearing crews are usually hours behind the bell. But, that’s another story.
Mitchell 1 Names Bruce Amacker 2007 Educator of the Year
Bruce Amacker, owner and instructor of TurboTraining, has been named Educator of the Year at the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) 2007 Conference held recently in Long Beach, CA. Each year Mitchell 1 recognizes one of the nation’s top teachers for excellence in automotive repair instruction.
JohnDow Industries Introduces New Catalog
JohnDow Industries is excited to present a new Fluid Handling and General Shop Equipment catalog. The new catalog includes detailed application and specification information for each product, including weights for shipping estimations. Features and benefits of many key products are highlighted with photo "call outs."
Tech Feature: Modern Engines Make Oil and Additive Services More Complicated
For me, sourcing automotive chemicals and motor oils goes all the way back to 1957 when I worked at my corner service station. Since we were in a small town without a local parts jobber, we bought our oil additives and chemicals from an out-of-town distributor. Our gasoline and motor oil came from our local-branded petroleum products distributor.