Tech Tip: Toyota: MIL ‘On’ DTC P1349; VVTI Actuator
Under certain conditions, customers with various 2002 Camry and Solara, and 2001-’02 Highlander and RAV4 vehicles may experience an MIL on condition with DTC P1349, indicating a variable valve timing (VVTi) malfunction. In some cases, the cause of this DTC may be the VVTi actuator. Use the procedures in this bulletin to verify the operation
Top 5 Tools: Stan Schwartz, The Outfit Auto Repair
Stan Schwartz The Outfit Auto Repair Sacramento, CA Actron Elite Auto Scanner Pro — Has saved me a lot of time. Actron Pocket Thermometer — Saves time. I always keep it in my pocket. Mac Long-Handle 3/8” Drive Ratchet — The first and only ratchet I use. Solar 500 Battery Charger
Toyota Tech Tip: A/C Inoperative, A/C Light Flashing
This bulletin provides information regarding countermeasures to the A/C magnetic clutch relay for A/C light flashing (inoperative A/C) issues on some vehicles equipped with a magnetic clutch compressor.
Toyota Tech Tip: Replacing the Rear Bearing O-Ring
When replacing the rear hub bearing assemblies on 1997-2001 Camrys, 2000-2002 Avalons produced before VIN 4T1BF28B#2U223623 and 1999-2002 Solaras produced before VIN 2T1##2#P#2C005335, it’s necessary to replace the O-ring.
Tech Tip: Saturn Freezes Up – The Car, Not the Planet
Some 1994 Saturn owners may experience an annoying air conditioning (A/C) problem – their A/C stops blowing cold air. And the strange thing is, when driving around town, the A/C works fine. The core of the problem is an A/C compressor suction set point that could be too low for some customers’ usage and driving patterns. This condition results in complete evaporator freeze-up after extended periods of highway driving.
TPMS: What are Dealers Doing?
Service shops aren’t the only ones concerned about TPMS these days. Auto dealers, also, are handling an increasing number of TPMS-equipped vehicles in their service bays. While there’s strong competition for vehicle service, TPMS is forcing both auto and tire dealers to cope with a new side dish on their service menus. The common thread,
A/C Update: Keeping the Black Death at Bay
Over time, moisture contamination in an A/C system will form corrosive acids that attack metal surfaces and break down the lubricating qualities of the compressor oil. The result is a dark-colored sludge called “Black Death” that can gum up the orifice tube or expansion valve and ruin the compressor. How does moisture get in the
Battery Charging: All Charged Up!
A battery charger is something every shop should own, and most do. But battery technology has changed in recent years. Battery chargers that were designed for older conventional lead acid batteries (called “flooded” cell batteries because the cells are filled with liquid electrolyte) may not be the best choice for newer batteries with absorbent glass
The Future Is a Gas
I’ve seen the future and it’s a gas – hydrogen gas, that is. At a recent General Motors press conference at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, Larry Burns, vice president of GM Research & Development, described the future of automotive technology. Today, there are about 750 million cars and trucks on the face of this