Tech Tip: BMW ELV Won’t Release – No Start, No Crank
The customer complains of a no-crank, no-start situation. The condition may be intermittent. The ELV (Electric Steering Lock) warning is shown in the Instrument Cluster.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2003-2008 Honda Pilot
Aligning the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot is not difficult. The first-generation Pilot shares the same suspension design as the Odyssey and rear suspension design with the Accord. The Pilot is the largest vehicle Honda manufacturers. There are no TSBs issued for alignment or tire wear problems. Most TSBs for these vehicles focus on the steering column noise, but most of them are for a limited number of vehicles. The Pilot is based on Honda’s Global Light Truck Platform. It features a highly robust and rigid unit body design with isolated front and rear subframes.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2001-2009 Toyota Prius
The 2000-2009 Toyota Prius requires alignment and suspension service just like any other car on the road. With more than 800,000 Prii (official term for more than one Prius) on of them is bound to end up in your alignment bay.
TPMS Update: Toyota Tire Pressure Monitor Systems
The direct TPMS system for Toyota vehicles uses a button labeled “SET” below the steering column or in the glove box to reset the system. When you press the button, the system is looking for the sensor IDs that are already stored in the memory.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2005-’10 Ford Mustang (Plus Shelby)
In 2005, Ford introduced a new Mustang with an all-new platform and clean-sheet design. While the formula of a live axle rear and MacPherson strut front end were the same from the previous model, Ford refined the design. These changes make for a vehicle that is easier to align and diagnose compared to the previous generation.
Volts & Voltage: How will Hybrids Change?
This past month, the Chevrolet Volt has grabbed the headlines from not only the business pages, but the the headlines of all the automotive publications. Some say this is a “feel good” story of a company on the mend, but it is actually the next chapter of the “electrification” of the automobile that started with the introduction of the EV1 in 1996 and the Prius in 2002.
Toyota Underhood Maintenance
Our twin daughters just graduated from high school. For a graduation present, we allowed (and funded) them to accompany a group of other students on a 30-day trip through nine countries in Europe. They stayed in hostels, traveled by train and rental vans, and did a fair share of hiking. They took thousands of pictures, and gained experience and stories that will serve them for years.
Tech Tip: Brake Vibration Diagnostics on Subaru Models
Studies confirm that rarely is it necessary to resurface brake rotors and/or drums on all four wheels when a confirmed brake vibration exists. With proper diagnostics, front or rear brake vibrations can be isolated, eliminating the need to resurface all four rotors and/or rear brake drums.
Tech Tip: Solving Noise/Judder in Honda Pilot and Ridgeline Models
Honda Pilot or Ridgeline owners may complain about a noise and judder from the rear when turning. The cause and repair of the problem can be simple. The differential fluid may be contaminated by clutch wear, condensation or both. Contamination will cause the differential clutches to make noise and shake when turning.
Tech Tip: Honda Drivetrain Noise/Judder from Rear of Vehicle
If a customer with a 2003 and later Pilot or 2006 and later Ridgeline complains of a noise and judder from the rear of the vehicle when turning, the VTM-4 differential fluid could likely be contaminated by clutch wear, condensation or both. This causes the VTM-4 differential clutches to make noise and to judder when turning.