Carley’s Corner: Will High Gas Prices Help or Hurt Your Business?
Summer is back and so are higher gasoline prices. Though the price of gasoline dipped as low as $2.00 a gallon in many areas of the U.S. over the winter, the price shot back up in late spring to more than $3.25 in many parts of the country. Where the prices will peak is anybody’s
Tech Tip: Crown Victoria Suspension Sits Low in Front
Some 2003 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis base vehicles with steel wheels or vehicles equipped with the handling package may appear to have a harsh ride in the front end of the vehicle. This may be caused by the front springs. To correct this, replace the existing springs with revised springs. The revised springs provide a higher ride height at curb and reduce the possibility of the front being too low.
Tech Tip: Understanding Vehicle Electrical Systems Begins and Ends with the Alternator
The alternator’s job has definitely become more complex during the past decade. Years ago, the typical import vehicle could live very happily with 40 amps of electrical current, which was enough to power the ignition, fuel and lighting systems. Today, that threshold is rapidly advancing toward 100 amps of current.
Chrysler Tech Tip: Diagnosing Delayed Transaxle Engagement at Start-Up
Some Chyrsler owners may complain of intermittent delayed transmission engagement at vehicle start-up in excess of three seconds. The transaxle may be cold or hot. Check the transaxle fluid level while the vehicle is on a level surface and the transaxle is at normal operating temperature using the following procedure.
Tech Tip: Chrysler Engine Mount Noise
I know the majority of you auto techs are extremely proficient at finding and repairing sources of strange and unusual noises. Although chasing these audible emissions can be time consuming and without a doubt aggravating, the customer’s concerns are usually valid and can often be of monumental importance to them.
ProTeam Acquires Unique 1965 Corvette Suisse Racer
Finding rare Corvettes is Terry Michaelis’ specialty, and ProTeam Classic Corvette Collection and Sales has lived up to its reputation by purchasing a 1965 Corvette Coupe known as the Suisse Racer. ProTeam recently acquired the export Corvette, which was purpose-built and delivered to General Motors Auto Koch in Luzern, Switzerland more than 40 years ago.
Volvo Tech Tip: A/T-Neutral Control Function
A function called "Neutral Control" is present on all 2001 V70 and S60 cars, as well as on 2002 non-turbo V70 and S60 cars built before January 2002. When the vehicle comes to a stop, the Transmission Control Module (TCM) activates Neutral Control. Even though the gear selector is in the Drive position, a Neutral condition is engaged hydraulically in the transmission.
Tech Tip: Volkswagen Instrument Cluster Malfunction
Instrument cluster malfunctioning on affected vehicles may be caused by a poor connection between the instrument cluster and the wiring harness due to poor wiring-to-terminal crimping or improper terminal tension.
JASPER Anniversary Rolling Showcase Hits the Road for 65th Anniversary Celebrations
In conjunction with its 65-year anniversary, JASPER Engines and Transmissions is holding celebrations at its 36 (and soon to be 38) branch locations across the country. The events literally reach the compass point extremes of the continental U.S.
Tire Tech: OEM Engineer Dispels (and Adds Fuel to) TPMS Myths
Myths are fine if you’re teaching mythology. However, they are a pain in the bay for the automotive aftermarket, especially when dealing with new components like tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). With every new technology, there are inherent learning, maintenance and problem-solving issues. Also, there are accompanying apprehensions and fears. Some concerns are valid; others would fall into the category of myths.