DENSO Enhances its 2009 Compressor Program
DENSO Sales California recently announced significant improvements to its 2009 First Time Fit compressor program. New compressors now account for 84 percent of DENSO’s compressor line-up, compared to 36 percent in 2008. The conversion from remanufactured to new involves 148 model 10PA and 10S compressors and include popular makes such as ….
Tech Tip: Subaru Error Code Displayed in Odometer
Even though 2005-2006 Legacy and Outback models are not equipped with TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), they still have the TPMS wiring harness and R211 connector. The wiring harness and connector are located on the driver’s side, under the floor mat. If the connector comes in contact with moisture and corrosion forms, the BIU (Body Integrated Unit) may judge a speed pulse malfunction and, in turn, display error code "Er SP." To correct this condition, refer to the repair procedure listed ….
Tech Tip: Subaru Power Steering Groan/Vibration
A customer with a 2000-’02 Legacy sedan, wagon or Outback with a 2.5L engine may complain of an abnormal noise (groan) coming from the power steering pump and/or slight vibration in the steering wheel when turning at very low speeds. The new style hose assembly was used in production starting in ….
Tech Tip: Brake Lathes Continue to be a Profit Center for Busy Shops
A brake lathe has long been an indispensable piece of equipment for shops that do brake work. A bench lathe is necessary to resurface rotors and drums. An on-car lathe is also a great tool for turning troublesome rotors on vehicles that are sensitive to rotor runout issues, and those with captured rotors. But with cheap offshore rotors flooding the aftermarket, and some new cars now being equipped with lightweight rotors that are too thin to turn, you may be questioning the need for a brake lathe ….
Tech Tip: Subaru Parasitic Battery Draw
This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure when checking for excessive battery draw for any Subaru model. Prior to beginning test, be certain the vehicle battery is fully charged and that the battery posts and cable ends are free of corrosion, dirt, sealer and in good condition ….
Tech Tip: Steering Position and Yaw
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) program uses the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) to maintain vehicle stability in a cornering maneuver. The ESC program requires the communication between the Engine Control Module (ECM) and ABS controller. This communication takes place on the Controlled Area Network (CAN) buss of the vehicle. The program uses input from the following sensors: steering wheel position, throttle pedal position, throttle position, engine speed, brake switch, wheel speed, yaw and ….
Steering Position and Yaw
Driving skills and Electronic Stability Control One of the first things a novice driver asks is: “Do I turn into the skid or away from it?” With Electronic Stability Control, this decision is made for us. When a vehicle begins to skid during a cornering maneuver, the skilled driver steers into the direction of the
Tech Tip: What’s New in TPMS?
The increasingly hot topic of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) is very controversial yet compelling. TPMS brings about confusion and aggravation, but more importantly, opportunity. Adding to the TPMS frenzy is loads of information. This article will discuss a couple of new issues within TPMS that you need to be aware of ….
Subaru Tech Tip: Rear Gate Stay Diagnosis
This bulletin provides information to properly diagnosis Subaru rear gate stays and also avoids unnecessary replacement of non-failed stays. Check the lower end of the rear gate stay for foreign material. If foreign material (i.e. sand particles) gets lodged at the end of the cylinder, it will cause the gas within the cylinder to leak ….
The Ins and Outs of Indirect and Direct TPMS
This is the year of the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor System). It’s been coming for some time. In response to a rash of highly publicized rollover accidents caused by tire failures on SUVs, Congress passed a law called the TREAD Act in 2000 which required all vehicle manufacturers to have TPMS on all their cars
Tech Update: Top 5 TPMS Questions
From professional and college football down to youth-league soccer, everyone (including TechShop!) has a “Top Something-or-other” list. Why should the tire industry be different? Over the last year or so, Tire Rack has been conducting an informal and unscientific survey of its customers regarding the reoccurrence of issues dealing with tire pressure monitoring systems. Thanks
ASA Hosts Service Information Workshops in New Mexico and Delaware
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) recently hosted three more Service Information Workshops in Arizona and one in Delaware. These workshops are being presented around the United States to educate shop owners and technicians about the availability of service information to ….