Acura Driveability Issues
Import Specialist Bob Dowie looks at a 2006 Acura MDX that belongs to one of his shop’s long-time customers. This well-maintained, high-mileage vehicle has treated its owner well over the years, but it was getting older and with 150,000 miles on the odometer, it was causing some concern.
Revved Up: Why The Import Engine Market Is On The Rise
It’s no big secret that crate engines are the enemy of engine builders everywhere. However, it seems that as the focus of OEMs continue to turn toward technological advances, better fuel economy and efficiency over a focus on mechanical advances, crate engines have become something of a commodity, and they are often susceptible to issues. That is where engine builders come into play.
Honda Engine Rattles At Start-Up
At cold start-up, the engines of some 2008-’12 Honda Accord L4s and 2007-’12 Honda CRVs rattle loudly for about two seconds. This can be caused by a defective variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator.
Nissan: Solving Performance & Check Engine Light Issues
Learn how to diagnose various Nissan engine performance issues, including those that involve no crank, no spark; various DTCs like P0507, P0335 and P0755; crank and crank sensor issues; and fuel delivery concerns.
Coolant Condition: More Than Just A Wallet Flush
Overheating is a rare occurrence, as coolant can last more than 100,000 miles. But over time, it can lose its ability to protect the engine against damage.
ECU Diagnostics
Gary Goms covers the basics of diagnosing a common cranking, no-start problem, be it on the venerable 280Z, or the latest generation of electronic fuel-injection sports cars. Understanding how to use wiring schematics and the full capabilities of a modern digital volt-ohm meter are essential first steps to snuffing out ECU issues.
New Cars are Burning More Motor Oil Than Normal
Some newer cars still under their powertrain warranties are suffering excessive oil consumption between oil changes.
Audi Engine Chief to Leave Company
Audi’s engine development chief will be stepping down from his position at the company, according to a new report.
Audi Engine Timing Chain Failure Due to Lack of Maintenance
If you’ve been working on cars as long as me, you’ll remember the first timing belt you did and thought, “what was wrong with timing chains?” It was only a year ago, when I was working on a 2005 Audi A6 Quattro with a 3.2L engine with a broken timing chain tensioner and bent valves,
Honda: Easy Fix for Engine Noise
We often encounter engines that have a cold-start knock or ticking noise. In this case, the 3.5-L V6 engines installed in various Honda models can make a knocking or ticking noise at idle and only when warm. The cause of the problem is that the rocker shaft bridge has excessive clearance from the factory, which
Volkswagen: Engine Does Not Start
Vehicle: 2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX, 2.8L Complaint: The customer says the vehicle will not start. Cause: Confirmed the customer’s complaint and found the vehicle did not start. Connected a scan tool and found the following codes: • 17978 – Engine Start Blocked by Immobilizer; • 18034 – Powertrain Data Bus: Missing Message from TCU; •
Import Insights: Volkswagen Golf GTI (June 2014)
Spotlight on Seventh-Generation Golf GTI The Seventh-generation Golf GTI is bigger, lighter, faster and more fuel-efficient than the previous generation, with increases in horsepower and torque as well as an improvement in fuel economy. Engine The Golf GTI features an EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct- injection TSI engine that creates 210 hp and 258 lb.-ft.
