Converter Codes: How Long Will the Light Stay Out?
Any time you’re troubleshooting an OBDII problem, use a scan tool that can tell you if all the monitor readiness flags have been set. If one or more monitors are not ready, the vehicle will have to be driven under varying speeds and loads until all the monitors are set. Then, and only then, will you get an accurate diagnosis from OBDII.
Wheel Bearing Adjustment Tools & Equipment
A wheel bearing that’s out of adjustment can reduce bearing life and can affect more than just the bearing. It’s important to adjust the wheel bearing endplay to the proper specifications. If the bearing set is adjusted too loose or too tight, it can cause the bearing to fail prematurely. There are a few types of assemblies, so using correct procedures and tools will ensure a comeback-free wheel bearing installation.
Domestic Vehicle TPMS Guide
This handy guide provides you with TPMS relearn procedures, sensor matching and troubleshooting for Chrysler, GM and Ford vehicles.
Using Recalls, TSBs as Brake Job Tools
You’re getting ready to perform a brake job, and while checking the vehicle’s torque specifications, you decide to hit the tab with TSBs and recalls. All of a sudden you’re staring at a screen of brake recall notices and TSBs for that make, model and year of vehicle. What should you do? Brake & Front End Editor Andrew Markel provides some insight on where to start and what to look for.
Pulling Codes: 7 Common Causes of Misfire Codes
A flashing check engine light and a P0301 to P0312 DTC is a surefire indication that one or more cylinders are misfiring. Occasional misfires may pass unnoticed, but a steady misfire is hard to miss.
Reflashing & Reprogramming Tools
Contributing Editor Andrew Markel warns “you cannot ignore reflashing any longer.” He provides seven tools you need for reflashing as well as eight problems that can be resolved by reflashing.
Compressor Logic: How Does The Water Get In The Lines?
Nothing is more frustrating than hitting the trigger on an air tool and a stream of water comes out the exhaust port. But, where did it come from? What can be done to prevent it from getting to your tools? Water is all around us. It is in the form of vapor mixed with collection
Winter, oil prices,
According to a recent Federal Reserve survey of conditions across the U.S., automotive repair shops were among the few businesses benefiting from the winter weather in the first quarter of 2014. Take advantage of this time by investing in your shop and your technicians.
Three AGM, Gel Cell Battery Myths
Chances are if the battery is not under the hood, it is an absorbent glass mat (AGM) or gel cell battery. These batteries pack a lot of power for their size and weight, which allows manufacturers to shave off a few pounds from the vehicle. That’s a big reason why they are being found more and more on late-model vehicles. Here are three AGM/gel cell myths.
10 Toughest Cabin Air Filter Jobs
There are still many late model vehicles that are not easy to service, and they require a significant amount of disassembly to gain access to the filter. For your shop, this is billable labor. Here are the 10 toughest jobs according to the editors of Underhood Service.
Hybrid Fluid Service 101
Does the phrase ”hybrid fluid maintenance” scare you? It shouldn’t. With more than 3 million hybrids on the road, and many of your customers considering purchasing one, servicing hybrid vehicles is in your future. Some special procedures must be followed when working on a hybrid.
Fuel System FAQ
How do I test the wiring for the fuel pump on a vehicle? What are the symptoms of a clogged fuel filter? What are the signs of E85 contamination? What should I do when I install the new pump and it doesn’t work? Get the answers to these questions and more in this Fuel System FAQ.