service Archives - Page 3 of 6 - Import Car
Acura: Brake Master Cylinder Leaking

A cup seal in the master cylinder is sensitive to the type of brake fluid used in the brake system. If the brake fluid is replaced with anything other than Acura (or Honda) Genuine DOT 3 Brake Fluid, and the brakes are manually bled, the cup seal may twist in its retention groove and create a small leak. The brake fluid can then leak into the brake booster, and the brake system indicator will eventually come on because the brake fluid level is low.

Mazda Tech Tip: Key Code Retrieval Process

In the event that all vehicle keys are lost and the vehicle key code is not available on the Vehicle Retail Data Inquiry system, replacement keys may be acquired only by obtaining the key code using this repair procedure.

Top Hyundai Tech Tips

Hyundai has been selling cars in the U.S. for more than 30 years. When the carmaker started operations, it had only one model, the Excel. Today, it has more than 10 models and a luxury car line called Genesis. As the cars have evolved, so have the service information and opportunities for independent import repair shops. Here are some of the top tips.

Acura Tech Tip: Chirping From High-Pressure Fuel Pump

With the hood open, listen for a chirping noise with the engine warmed up. If the noise is coming from the high-pressure fuel pump, follow the Repair Procedure in this Tech Tip.

Mercedes-Benz Tech Tip: Refrigerant Compressor Noise Complaints

If you receive customer reports of noises at the refrigerant compressor with the A/C either activated or deactivated, the cause could be a defective belt pulley or belt pulley bearing. The pulley and pulley bearing can be diagnosed and replaced with the compressor still installed in the vehicle by following the procedures in this article.

VW DSG Transmission: Fluid Maintenance & Service

Most of the drivers who will own a Volkswagen car or truck with a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) will not know they have a dual-clutch transmission connected to the engine. Most of them will think they have an automatic that gets excellent gas mileage. It is not until a transmission component fails or a service interval elapses that they learn about DSG.

VANOS BMW: Variable Valve Timing Diagnostics

Diagnosing a VANOS system does not require that you speak German. What it does demand, however, is knowledge of how the actuator adjusts the camshaft, how the solenoid controls the actuator and when the engine control module changes camshaft timing. As for tools, you will need the appropriate tool set to lock the crank and camshaft. You will also need a scan tool and a scope to observe the crankshaft and camshaft signals to accomplish more advanced diagnostics.

Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC Suspension: Diagnostic Tips for Repairs

The Mercedes-Benz AIRMATIC suspension system was introduced in 1999 on the S-Class and has subsequently been used on the E-Class and most of the automaker’s SUVs. Keep reading for some key tips for common ailments to help you effectively get the system on these popular models in top-running condition.

Getting The Big Squeeze: How Mazda’s New Spark-Controlled Compression Ignition Engine Runs Long On Fuel, Short On Emissions

Until Mazda recently introduced its new Spark-Controlled Compression Ignition (SpCCI) gasoline engine, internal combustion engines (ICEs) were classified as either spark or compression ignition. The historical differences between the two were obvious: spark-ignition engines were quiet and smooth and compression-ignition engines were not.

CAN/Bus Issues: Following The Learning Curve

Several times last summer, I was confronted with a lack of product familiarity when diagnosing CAN/bus circuits on several late-model import platforms. The most frustrating part came when I had to spend hours educating myself on how a specific body control system worked by looking at wiring diagrams and going through trial-and-error diagnostics.

VW 2.5L Secondary Air Injection Sensor Codes Due To Contamination

On 2005-2012 Jetta, Golf, Beetle, Passat and Rabbit models with the 2.5 CBTA-CBUA engine, the hose for the secondary air injection system can be contaminated by foreign particles.

No-Start Condition Dilemmas? We Share A Few Lessons Learned

Do you have a Mercedes-Benz in your bay with a no-start condition? Don’t feel alone, we’ve been there, and would like to share a few lessons we have learned over the years that can also help you expedite the diagnostic process.