TDI Driveability: Carbon Plugging of the Intake System
Volkwagen has been selling diesel-powered cars in the U.S. for almost 30 years. Turbocharged versions have been available for 25. That is a lot of experience and a testament to the development of a reliable, efficient and durable powerplant. The introduction and development of the TDI (turbocharged direct injection) brought the VW diesel into the
Directions: Gunning for Your Customers
OE Dealerships Are Putting More Emphasis on Service Over Sales It’s no secret that new car sales have slowed in recent months. In fact, new car and light truck predictions for 2007 estimate a flat market over the next year. So be prepared. Dealerships will be using their parts and service departments as a means
Mitch’s World: ‘But, Daddy… I Swear I Wasn’t Speeding’
It must have been quite a sight — me sitting behind the counter staring at the computer screen, looking at the digital images, shaking my head in disbelief. After all, it isn’t every day you see a fairly late-model vehicle with the entire bottom of the undercarriage torn away. But, then again, I knew it
Shaken, Not Steered
Wouldn’t it be great if various vibrations in the car were something that we could measure, sort through, select one and assign numbers to it that can be used to find its source? Wouldn’t be even better if we could determine by the numbers whether the vibration was a balance issue or excessive runout with
Vortec V6 and V8 1998-2000 Software Released for AutoTap OBDII Diagnostic Scanner
B&B Electronics is pleased to announce the release of support for the 1998-2000 Vortec V6 and V8 engine range. FlashScan V2 was designed by EFILive as the premier tool for scanning, logging and tuning your LS1/LS6 based PCM, Duramax LB7/LLY ECM, Allison transmission, TCM or Inline 6PCM (Trailblazer/Envoy).
LUBEGARD Products Receive More Automaker Endorsements
The maker’s of LUBEGARD products, International Lubricants Inc. (ILI), recently announced that they have received yet another product endorsement from an automaker.
Gear Clash: Courting Trouble
Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” “Yes.” “Be seated.” This was the second time I had been summoned to court to tell the side of our repair shop in a civil case of a customer against my employer; the same employer each time. This was also
The Rip Off: Do you Love the Aftermarket?
A few weeks ago, I invited an old friend and former co-worker to lunch. I have to admit, my motives were not entirely focused on “catching up,” as he now works for a local company I have been eyeing as a potential customer for quite some time. Of course, I casually worked his company’s fleet
News Update: Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Provides Membership in CCPN
Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper announced that in 2007, every certified service center is now officially a member of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s (AAIA) new Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN). The CCPN was created to represent, support and improve automotive service centers and provide them with a national platform to promote communication and
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Getting In-Sync with a Couple Wranglers
It’s axiomatic in the diagnostic trade that, as soon as one thinks he has command of a particular system, the gods of technology pitch a curve ball that unerringly slips under the swing of the diagnostic bat. Not that I’ve never seen a 4.0L Jeep engine before; I’ve serviced dozens, perhaps hundreds of them. The