Tech Feature: Mazda6 and Mazda3 Driveability Diagnostics and Electronic Throttle Control
Drive-by-wire throttle control systems are pretty much trouble-free but have to be taken into consideration as you perform routine service and diagnose problems, and it changes the way you service these cars when it comes to cleaning the throttle plates, advises Bob Dowie, import specialist contributor, who also covers electronic throttle control’s tie in with ABS and VSC systems.
Tech Tip: Toyota Corolla and Matrix Front Brake Rattling Noises
Some customers may experience a front brake rattling noise when their Corolla or Matrix traveling over bumps. Updated front disc brake cylinder (caliper) mountings and disc brake pad support plates are available to eliminate this condition.
Tech Tip: Honda CR-V Rear Brake Grinding, Thumping or Groaning Noises
A customer may complain of a grinding, thumping or groaning noise coming from the rear brakes. This occurs during the first several stops after the vehicle has been parked overnight. Under normal braking, corrosion from the disc surface is not quickly removed, allowing for a temporary grinding or thumping noise. A new brake pad is now available, which has improved corrosion-removal characteristics.
Wells Vehicle Electronics Video Library Surpasses 500,000 Views on YouTube
The growing library of practical, hands-on technical training videos produced by Wells Vehicle Electronics surpassed 500,000 views recently on the global YouTube.com social media network. More than 400,000 of these views have been registered in 2010, reflecting the company’s aggressive new technical and brand marketing activities.
Tech Tip: Audi ABS Activates Upon Light Braking
ABS activates when braking lightly or control noises are heard from the ABS unit at low speed without brake application. This may be caused if an ABS control takes place without the flashing of the ESP lamp and, therefore, without ESP operation.
Tech Tip: BMW Brake Pad Warning Light On After Brake Pad Replacement
You may get a customer complaint that the brake pad warning light comes on after the rear brake pads have been replaced. After replacing the pads and wear sensor, turn the ignition on and wait for at least 30 seconds, then start the engine. If the pad wear circuit is good, the light should go out with no further procedures.
BRAKE JOB: Bob on Brakes
Bob Dowie knows brakes. Dowie has been in the automotive service business for more than 30 years, and his shop, Village Auto Works in Chester, NY, specializes in Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan repair. Dowie owns and runs a Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra SER in SCCA GT5 racing, and gets his technicians involved in various aspects of the sport. In this installment of BRAKE JOB, Bob shares some of his best tips for doing as complete brake job.
Wheel Speed Sensors: ABS and TCS Signal Use
The signals from the Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS) are the most important sensor input to the Brake Control Module (BCM) for ABS activation.
Tech Feature: Brake Job on Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is an SUV based on a the CD3 platform. The brakes on these vehicles are straightforward and do not break any new ground. The brake systems on all variants have disc brakes at all corners. There are no major changes to the brakes system from 2007 to 2009. For the 2008 model year, ABS became a standard feature, as did a direct tire pressure monitoring system. The worst brake component to service is the master cylinder. Getting to the unit requires removal of the trunking for the air intake, battery tray and other components.
Tech Tip: Volvo Brake Goes Too Low on First Application
If a customer complains of Volvo brakes going too low on first application, it may be because of improperly installed brakes or aerated fluid.
Tech Tip: Mazda ABS Warning Light On and Grinding Noise from Front Wheels
If a customer brings in a Mazda with an ABS warning light and a grinding noise from the front wheels, it could be due to problems with the sensor rotor or with the front brake disc, depending on the model.
Tech Feature: Brake Job on 2004-2008 Toyota Corolla
The 2004-2008 Toyota Corolla was one of the best selling vehicles in North America. The front brakes for all models are, for the most part, the same. The only changes came in the configuration of the brake pad shims. The Corolla was not subject to the unintended acceleration recalls for floor mats or gas pedal.