Tech Tips Archives - Page 11 of 61 - Import Car
Import Motor Oil Specifications Explained

Oil is the lifeblood of every engine, so it’s important to ­always use a high-quality motor oil that meets the vehicle manufacturers’ viscosity recommendations and performance specifications when servicing your customers’ vehicles. Just use a name-brand motor oil that meets the recommended SAE viscosity and current American Petroleum Institute (API) quality standards and you should

Honda Tech Tip: Brake Pedal Feels Hard In The Mornings Or In Cold Weather

The brake pedal can feel hard during the first couple of brake applications, usually in the morning when the ambient temperature is cold. To correct, replace the brake booster and the master cylinder rod seal, and update the PGM-FI software using the reflash capable scan tool.

Toyota Tech Tip: Rough Idle, Surging Between 500 To 800 RPM

The owner of 2005 Toyota Avalon complains check engine light is on, rough idle and engine idle surging between 500 and 800 rpm. The technician retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0171 and P0174 (System too lean banks 1 and 2). The technician replaced the air fuel sensors on both banks and cleared DTCs. After driving vehicle for approximately one mile, all symptoms returned.

Honda Tech Tip: Rattle From The Rear Shelf

Honda Accord owners may complain about a rattle that can be heard from the rear shelf area. Do not confuse this with worn upper strut mounts. The probable cause is the dynamic damper does not fit tightly against the rear shelf. To correct this, install washers between the dynamic damper and the rear shelf.

Toyota Tech Tip: Front Brake Rattle Noise

Some Corolla and Matrix owners may experience a front brake rattle type of noise when the car is traveling over bumps. Updated front disc brake cylinder (caliper) mountings and disc brake pad support plates are available to eliminate this condition. Conduct a road test to verify the noise condition. Front brake rattle noise will occur when the front tire runs over a depression in the road.

Volkswagen Tech Tip: Clutch Pedal Not Returning To Position

This tech tip provides some things to consider before unnecessarily replacing hydraulic components on Volkswagen Jetta sedans when diagnosing a customer report that the clutch pedal won’t return to its position.

VW Tech Tip: No Start/No Crank On Jetta’s Keyless Start System

The customer may state that the engine cranks intermittently or will not crank. This condition may be more evident when the engine is hot. This may be caused internally when the steering column electronic systems control module – J527- fails, causing Terminal 50 to not energize high, which results in a no-crank condition. Models affected: 2005-’07 Jetta (A5) and 2006-’07 Rabbit and GTI (A5).

Infiniti Tech Tip: Groan Noise Heard From Front Brakes Of QX56

If you confirm a “groan” or “growl” noise coming from the front brakes, replace the front brake pads with the new ones noted in this bulletin. This noise may occur after the vehicle has been stopped several times using moderate-to-hard braking effort. The noise might then be heard during the last few feet of braking when coming to a stop.

Saab Tech Tip: Snap Or Pop Noise On Turns From The Front Suspension

A customer may complain of a snapping or popping noise on turns from the front suspension. This typically occurs on sharp turns such as a parking lot maneuver. Duplicate the concern to verify the noise is coming from the front suspension. Read on for recommendations and instructions.

Explorer/Mountaineer Fuel Pump Tech Tip

Some 2004-’07 Explorer four door/Mountaineer vehicles may exhibit the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0463 or an erratic fuel gauge concern. This could be from sulphur contamination in the fuel, causing an open or high resistance on the fuel sender card.

Honda Pilot Suspension And Alignment Inspection

The Pilot employs a strut-type front suspension that provides a generous 7.3 inches of wheel travel. Separate load paths to the unit body are provided for the coil spring and the shock absorber to reduce road noise. A solid 0.9-inch stabilizer bar is linked directly to the strut via ball-joint connections to reduce body roll during cornering maneuvers.

Saab Tech Tip: Snap Or Pop From The Front Suspension

A customer may complain of a snapping or popping noise on turns from the front suspension. This typically occurs on sharp turns such as a parking lot maneuver. Have the technician duplicate the concern to verify the noise is coming from the front suspension.