Tech Tip: Putting The ‘Brakes’ on a Common Customer Complaint
Warped rotors are probably one of the most common complaints made to shop owners and technicians who repair and service brake systems. The less confident or sophisticated driver may complain that when he hits the brakes, "my pedal pulses," "the vehicle chucks during a stop" or "it shakes my teeth during braking." Generally, a quick turn of the rotors and some fresh pads cures the pulsation complaint and down the road goes another satisfied customer.
Tech Update: Warped Rotor Syndrome
Putting The ‘Brakes’ on A Common Customer Complaint Warped rotors are probably one of the most common complaints made to shop owners and technicians who repair and service brake systems. The less confident or sophisticated driver may complain that when he hits the brakes, “my pedal pulses,” “the vehicle chucks during a stop” or “it
Tech Tip: BMW Ignition Lock Spins Freely
The ignition lock cylinder of E31, E36, E38 and E39 models was designed with an actuating tab that breaks off if someone forces the lock with the wrong key or some form of tool as part of a vehicle theft effort.
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.
Tech Tip: BMW Fuel Gauge Reads Empty After Refueling
If a customer complains that after refueling the fuel gauge stays on empty, or the operation of the fuel gauge is erratic, it’s caused by the formation of a non-conducting deposit on the conductor surface of the fuel level sensor.
‘My Rotors are Warped!’
Warped rotors are probably one of the most common complaints from a drive upon entering any shop that does brakes. The less confident or sophisticated driver may complain that when he hits the brakes, “my pedal pulses,” “the vehicle chucks during a stop” or “it shakes my teeth during braking.” Generally a quick turn of
Predicting Failures
spect that at one time or another, we’ve all had a customer return with a check engine light on with a new fault code that wasn’t there last time they were in. The events probably went something like this: Customer: “You couldn’t see that when you looked at it last time?” Shop: “No ma’am, there’s
Mercedes-Benz Tech Tip: A/C Compressor Clutch Won’t Engage
Some owners of 1997 Mercedes-Benz E320 3.2L vehicles may complain that the EC light on the climate control push-button panel is continuously lit. This light is on because the A/C compressor clutch won’t engage. To correct this problem, refer to the following service procedure.
40-Year-Old Volvo
Starring at an auto show near you, it’s “The 40-Year-Old Volvo,” a tale of a 1966 1800 that just keeps running, and running, and running. . . By Debbie Briggs, Contributing Writer When Irvin Gordon bought his sporty red 1966 Volvo 1800, or P1800 as it’s known in Europe, on June 30, 1966, he had
Tech Tip: Import Diesel Service Represents an Emerging Service Opportunity
The introduction of more and more new diesels in the coming years means technicians will have to keep up-to-date with the latest technology. That means more training, investing in the latest scan tools and software, and buying the special tools that may be required to service these engines. But for import specialists who are up on diesel technology, it’s good news because it means more service opportunities and more potential business.