service Archives - Page 2 of 6 - Import Car
Fiat Wheel Bearing Failure Analysis

This 2014 Fiat Abarth was brought in with the customer being concerned about a noise coming from the left rear. He was convinced that it was a tire. The noise was cyclical and it increased with speed. During inspection, the bearing had no detectable play, the tires were evenly worn, and no ABS wheel speed sensor codes were present. On the lift, the left bearing was significantly noisier than the right bearing when turned by hand. But, no extra play could be detected.

Fiat Tech Tip: 1.4L Diagnostic And System Improvements

Customers may experience a check engine light and the codes listed in this Tech Tip. Using a scan tool, verify all engine systems are functioning as designed.

BMW Tech Tip: Windshield Washer Jets Spray Little To No Fluid

If the window washer fluid jets spray a very low volume of fluid or no fluid at all, there are three possible causes.

Determining Engine Oil Life: How Do The OEMs Calculate Oil Life Percentages?

Maintenance reminders for oil changes have been around since the early 1980s. Early systems from European and Asian vehicle manufacturers looked at mileage and maybe revolutions of the engine. Today, it is difficult to find a vehicle without a light, warning messages or percent of oil life indicator to get the driver to change the oil.

Porsche TPMS: The First Carmaker To The Game

Porsche was the first manufacturer to use a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on a vehicle in 1986 for the 959 supercar. The 959 was another first because it was equipped with world’s first self-supporting run-flat tires made by Bridgestone. This TPMS setup was again used on the 928 for model years 1990 to 1994.

Mercedes-Benz Tech Tip: Clunking Noises Heard During Acceleration And Throttle Lift Off

Owners of Mercedes-Benz cars with front-wheel drive and 4×4 vehicles, may complain of a single throttle lift-off clunking noise from the side shaft when first taking off (audible at the outboard end). Also, the clunk is heard once when changing from forward to reverse.

BMW Tech Tip: Malfunctioning Steering Wheel Buttons

The customer may report a sporadic or continuous malfunction of the multifunction steering wheel buttons, and a message saying “Cruise control without function.”

Land Rover Tech Tip: 2013-’17 Range Rover With Dynamic Response Suspension

A squeak, creak and/or a knocking noise from the front of the vehicle may be evident when driving over rough terrain. This may be caused by debris that’s contaminating the contact face between the Dynamic Response front stabilizer bar and bushings.

BMW M-Series Tech Tip: Crack Noise From Front Axle At Low Speeds

Customers may complain of cracking noises heard from the area of the front axle when rotating the steering while stationary or at low speed. The cause could be a loose connection securing the front axle and front end components. To correct the problem, tighten the loose components or lubricate the bearing surfaces.

Kia/Hyundai Engine Timing System Guide

In the past 20 years, Hyundai and Kia have adopted the Greek alphabet letters to name their engines. To date, they have covered 11 letters of the alphabet. These engines range from 1.4L four cylinders to 5.0L V8s. Some of these engines overlap model years on a single model with multiple options for customers.

Lexus Air Ride Review

Lexus models, including the LS sedan, RX crossover and GX SUV, are some of the least problematic air ride vehicles on the road. In fact, most Lexus customers do not realize that their vehicle is equipped with an air suspension until something breaks. Like all air ride systems, if you are not familiar with the system operation, you can throw a lot of parts at it without achieving any results. Taking some time to look at the theory and operation sections of the service information can save you a lot of lost time speculating on the source of the problem.

Toyota Avalon Brake Job: 2005-2012 Applications

In 2005, Toyota’s Avalon underwent a redesign of its third-generation model, which was larger than previous versions and much sleeker. The Avalon came in four trim levels: the standard XL, Touring, XLS and Limited. The XL included 16″ alloy wheels, while other trims came with larger 17″ wheels.