Tech Tip: Understanding Why Alternators and Starters Fail
One reason why alternators have a high failure rate is because they’re always working under a load. Generating electricity to recharge the battery, run the fuel pump, injectors and ignition system, and power all of the vehicle’s lights and other electrical accessories places a substantial load on the alternator that generates a lot of internal heat.
Volkswagen Tech Tip: A Sluggish Bug
A customer recently noticed that his 2002 VW Beetle turbo diesel had lost its pep. After he scheduled an appointment, I went to work researching the symptom he described. Perform repair steps 1 through 9. If any of these steps reveals a problem, repair or adjust as necessary and perform a road test prior to continuing on to step 10.
Alternators & Starters: How and Why These Hard-Working Components Fail
One reason why alternators have a high failure rate is because they’re always working under a load. Generating electricity to recharge the battery, run the fuel pump, injectors and ignition system, and power all of the vehicle’s lights and other electrical accessories places a substantial load on the alternator that generates a lot of internal
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Ingenuity Welcome At Johnson Controls
Tech Feature: Diesel Service… VW Glow Plugs
Diesels are up to 30% more efficient than gasoline engines because they use high compression to ignite the fuel rather than spark plugs. High-pressure fuel injectors spray fuel directly into the combustion chambers when the pistons near top dead center. The heat of compression, combined with residual heat in the piston and cylinder head from
Training Program Updates
State-of-the-art automotive technology doesn’t do anybody much good if technicians can’t get the training they need to fix and maintain today’s systems. Unfortunately, in recent years there has been an industry-wide trend to axe training programs. Parts suppliers are under tremendous price pressure these days, and most are looking for ways to cut costs where
Carley’s Corner: New Stuff from the AAPEX & SEMA Shows
Having just wrapped up a week in Las Vegas at the AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo) and SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) shows, I have some interesting news to report. A company called Green Earth Technologies introduced a new high-quality synthetic motor oil made from dead cows. The oil is made from animal fat (beef
MODIS and VANTAGE PRO Users Benefit from New Software Bundle 7.4
With Snap-on’s new Software Bundle 7.4, MODIS and Vantage PRO users will find vital new tests and procedural support when using the component-test meter mode that will help them diagnose more cars faster than ever.
Diesel Dialog: Dr. Performance Diesel
Drag Truck Sets New Record The Dr. Performance Nitro Series Dodge Dakota drag truck set new Diesel Hot Rod Association (DHRA) Pro Diesel class records in July during the 2007 ATS Diesels on the Mountain/Truck Fest: 8.48 seconds at 164.23 mph. This elapsed time and top speed, set at Denver’s Bandimere Speedway, are both records.
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