A/C Update: The Logic Behind Automatic Temperature Controls
Many new cars and trucks now have automatic temperature control (ATC) systems that not only regulate cooling but also heating for year-round passenger comfort. Most of these systems have their own computer that may be built into the control panel head, located elsewhere or integrated into the body control module. One thing’s for sure: the
Getting Tanked: Flex Fuel Engine Modifications Allow for Alcohol-Based Fuel
In case you haven’t heard, Flex Fuel technology is really starting to take off in the U.S., becoming more popular in late-model vehicles than technicians may realize. If you haven’t had any training on these vehicles, you may find some of the technical changes OEMs have made to the engines will alter the way you
ArvinMeritor Unveils its New Medium-Duty Hydraulic Brake Parts Family
ArvinMeritor, Inc. Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket business recently unveiled its expanded medium-duty, all-makes hydraulic brake product line. The new part number offering covers hydraulically-braked highway commercial vehicles, class 2 through 7, domestic and imports through 2005.
Goodyear Bends Rule for Auto Heater Hose
Goodyear Engineered Products is breaking the automotive heater hose mold. It has introduced a universal heater hose system to help auto parts retailers and installers eliminate thousands of inventoried parts, while improving service, according to Todd Hechler, marketing manager for Goodyear automotive replacement products.
SKF Drive-By-Wire Technology Showcased In Novanta Concept Car
The bright orange Novanta concept car has a futuristic yet contemporary look that is more evolutionary than revolutionary. The car is built on a SAAB 95 chassis with a 3.0L V6 engine and automatic transmission. It’s fully driveable (unlike many concept cars) but lacks basic amenities that would be on a real production car such as air conditioning, windshield wipers, external mirrors and cup holders.
Tech Tip: Motor Mounts – An Opportunity for an Add-On
Often-overlooked engine components that may need to be replaced when installing a remanufactured engine are motor mounts. These rubber mounts can deteriorate, collapse and/or separate with age. Fluid-filled "hydraulic" type mounts can often leak, allowing annoying engine vibrations to be transmitted to the chassis.
Tech Tip: Volkswagen Coolant Pump Leakage
Coolant pump seals are designed to use coolant as a lubricant. This design intentionally uses a small amount of coolant to coat the seals during pump operation. Any excess coolant that accumulates will exit the weep hole when the engine cools down.
Honda Brake Service: Successful Jobs Are in the Details
You can’t argue that Hondas aren’t popular cars that have earned customer loyalty by giving many miles of trouble-free service to their owners. It’s safe to say that Honda has changed the way the world builds cars. And to think they’ve done it in 30 years is truly remarkable. All machines, even the good ones,
Weldcraft and Miller Electric Mfg. Co. Team Up to Provide Total TIG Welding Packages
Weldcraft and Miller Electric Mfg. Co. have joined efforts to provide total TIG welding packages to meet the needs of both low and high amperage applications. To date, the two companies have released three integrated TIG torch/power source packages throughout the United States.
Tech Tip: Thermostat Technology
Although the humble thermostat isn’t generally considered to be a "high-tech" component, it continues to serve a number of very critical functions in the modern, computer-controlled import vehicle. To better understand these functions, let’s first consider that carbon and water are two major by-products of internal combustion that accumulate in an engine’s motor oil.