OBD II Diagnostics:Tips And Tricks to Make the Process Easier
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) can be a golden light of opportunity for your shop. If the light comes on, it means the Onboard Diagnostics II system (OBD II) has detected an emissions-related problem. OBD II is designed to turn on the MIL if a problem occurs that may cause emissions to exceed federal limits
Diagnosing and Fixing Compressor Failures
The compressor is the heart of the refrigeration circuit. It pumps and pressurizes the refrigerant to move it through the A/C system. Compressors work hard and run hot, up to several hundred degrees and several hundred pounds per square inch of internal pressure, yet they rely on only a few ounces of lubricant to keep
Mass Air Flow Operation Strategy
When diagnosing hot-wire air flow meters (A/F meters) on Subarus and similarly equipped Asian vehicles, technicians may find that, while the meter passes all recommended test procedures, the engine exhibits driveability conditions associated with lean air/fuel mixture ratios. In these cases, it’s best to form a diagnostic strategy based on the relatively simple operating principles
Filtering in New Opportunities
Your sniffling, sneezing customers could be just the sales opportunity your shop was itching for. That’s because consumers with severe allergies could benefit the most from a replacement of their vehicle’s cabin air filter (CAF). Allergy-affected customers may be the only ones you have who even know that their vehicle contains a cabin air filter.
Muscling in on Restoration & Performance Work: Part 1
As automotive technology continues to become more complex with each new model year, you may be longing for the “good ol’ days” when engines had carburetors and distributors but no sensors, fuel injectors or computers. Most driveability problems were fairly simple to diagnose and only required a trained ear and a few basic tools. Alas,
News: Babcox Memorial Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted
Bedford, TX — The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is calling for applications for the 2004 Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship. AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with Babcox Publications, established the $1,000 scholarship, which is awarded annually to an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Mechanical Division member who strives to be, or is presently, working
Volkswagen Brake, Suspension and Exhaust Repairs
The original Volkswagen Beetle changed a number of things for the maintenance technician. The muffler was part of the engine, the suspension consisted of front and rear torsion bars, and the brakes, though actually large for a car of the Bug’s weight, needed adjustment on a regular basis to make them safe. Things have changed
Hot Heads for Cool Cars
The numbers are not huge yet, but there is a growing demand for high-performance cylinder head work and other engine modifications on a variety of sport compact cars. The most popular nameplates are imports such as Honda, Acura and Mitsubishi, but coming on fast are Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru and Volkswagen – plus domestic models
News
Steve Louden Named CARS 2004 Chairman Bedford, TX – The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced that Steve Louden, AAM, will serve as chairman of the 2004 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS). Louden is the owner of Louden Motorcar Services in Dallas, and a longtime member of ASA. Held annually in Las Vegas
The Future of Cool
Ed Sunkin, Editor, also contributed to this report Nobody knows exactly how refrigeration systems will change in the future, but it appears likely that R-134a’s days are numbered. The Europeans are seriously considering phasing it out starting in 2009. If that happens, the North American OEMs may follow suit. Though R-134a poses no danger to