Carley’s Corner: Fuel Pump Warranty Returns Still an Issue
About a year ago, I attended a meeting of the Fuel Pump Manufacturers Council (FPMC) in Chicago. The members of FPMC are the companies who manufacture and supply fuel pumps to the aftermarket (as well as the auto makers). The purpose of the meeting was to address a serious problem that has been plaguing the
Exterminating Electrical Parasites
Any electrical circuit that is wired “hot at all times” has the potential to become a parasite to the battery. There are some wanted parasites on the vehicle that are necessary to have, and some that are not. We’re going to find out how to “fingerprint” and track down the unwanted ones systematically. A parasitic
Dispelling TPMS Myths
In the October issue, we addressed lessons learned from Toyota dealerships and how they have come to handle TPMS issues. This month, a Ford Motor Co. engineer provides helpful information on myths that surround TPMS units and service. Myths are fine if you’re teaching mythology. However, they are a pain in the bay for the
AAMCO Unveils Eco-Green Initiative to Promote Cleaner Running Cars and Centers
AAMCO, the world’s largest chain of transmission service centers, recently introduced Eco-Green Auto Service Certification, a new program designed to protect the environment, reduce vehicle emissions, and promote alternative fuels among the thousands of motorists AAMCO serves annually.
There’s No Escaping Hybrid Service
high as 40 mph (64 kph). Plus, when conditions are right, the engine may shut off at stops and not restart until after 25 mph. As a result, the advertised fuel economy of a full hybrid vehicle is typically much higher for the city driving conditions than the highway driving conditions. In theory, assuming the
Tech Tip: What To Do When An Engine Won’t Start
In today’s world of high-tech electronics, onboard diagnostics and scan tools, you would think engine diagnostics would be easier than ever. Yet some technicians struggle when confronted with an engine that cranks, but refuses to start. Most no-starts do not generate any fault codes, so how do you proceed to find out what’s causing the problem?
Tech Feature: Engine Diagnostics…What to do When an Engine Won’t Start
In today’s world of high-tech electronics, onboard diagnostics and scan tools, you would think engine diagnostics would be easier than ever. Yet some technicians struggle when confronted with an engine that cranks but refuses to start. Most no-starts do not generate any fault codes, so how do you proceed to find out what’s causing the
Tech Tip: Understanding Electrical Basics Can Save Technicians Time and Money
Sophisticated automotive electrical systems can cause increasing amounts of dead batteries, intermittent warning lights and general electrical complaints. When addressing these issues, staying focused on the basics can save you time, money and nerves.
Hybrid Engine Diagnosis & Service
The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrids have been around since 2001; the Honda Accord, Ford Escape and Lexus RX 400h hybrids since 2005; the Honda Civic, Toyota Highlander, Mercury Mariner, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrids since 2006; and the Lexus GS 450h, Saturn VUE Green Line, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids since
Tech Tip: Don’t Scrap that Alternator without Reading this First
In some cases, technicians think they are getting poor-quality alternators because they don’t seem to last very long, and they seem to need replacement too often. What they fail to realize is that the health of the alternator is directly affected by the condition of the rest of the electrical system.