How Software Is Changing Braking
There was a time when advancements in brake technology were entirely hardware based. The change from drum brakes to disc brakes, the introduction of semi-metallic and ceramic brake pads, and the addition of power brakes as standard equipment were all changes that were all achieved by redesigned and improved brake system components. Today, electronics is driving most of the advancements in braking technology.
Servicing The GM 3.1L V6 Engine
The General Motors 3.1L V6 engine enjoyed a long production run from 1988 through 2005. More than 10 million of these engines were built during this period. The engine itself went through continual evolution and improvement during its production life, including Gen II and Gen III versions, plus an “Enhanced 3100” version from 1999 to 2001.
‘Exploring’ Service Needs On The Ford 4.0L V6 Engine
Rated at a rather anemic 210 horsepower, the 4.0L SOHC V6 is not exactly a high output engine. It also has an unusual overhead cam drive setup. Unlike most other OHC V6 and V8 engines that drive both overhead cams directly from the crankshaft with a belt or chain, this engine has an intermediate jackshaft in the middle of the block where a pushrod cam would normally be located.
Scan Tool Diagnostics And Your Shop’s Needs
A scan tool is absolutely essential for diagnostics on today’s vehicles. You need a scan tool not only for diagnosing engine, emissions and transmission problems, but also for troubleshooting virtually any system that has electronic controls. You might acquire one or two factory scan tools for the makes you service most often, but you’ll also need some type of general-purpose aftermarket scan tool that can handle a broad range of vehicle makes.
TPMS Diagnostic Strategies For Solving Errors
The first step in any diagnostic strategy is to figure out whether or not your customer’s vehicle actually has a TPMS problem. Any number of things can cause the TPMS warning light to come on or flash. The light should illuminate when a tire is low, and should eventually go out after the low tire has been inflated to its recommended pressure. If the light remains on after checking/inflating the tires, or if it flashes and remains illuminated, it may signal a TPMS problem that will require further diagnosis.
CHASSIS & ALIGNMENT: SAI DIAGNOSTICS
The Steering Axis Inclination (SAI) angle has a direct effect on steering and handling because it causes the wheel spindle to angle downward slightly as the wheel is steered. Caster, which is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering axis as viewed from the side, does the same thing. The combination of SAI and
New Aftermarket Automotive Belts and Hoses Last Longer
The original equipment belts and hoses on today’s late-model vehicles are mostly made of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), a synthetic rubber that is far more durable, heat-resistant and wear-resistant than Neoprene.
Tech Talk – Engine Innovations to Reach Government Fuel Standards
In recent years, the primary driving force behind engine innovation has been the never-ending quest for better fuel economy with little or no sacrifice in performance. Government regulations and rising fuel prices are forcing automakers to develop new technologies and powertrains that squeeze more power out of every drop of fuel while producing less pollution and greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide) emissions.
A 360
Over the years, GM has saved a bundle on manufacturing the 3.1L engine by using the production line tooling it originally developed for the 2.8L V6. By simply changing the bore diameter, the displacement of the same engine block could now be increased for more power and torque.
Honda Civic Hybrid Service
Technical Editor Larry Carley discusses servicing the Honda Civic Hybrid, now in its third generation, with more than 200,000 cars sold to date since its introduction to the U.S. market in 2002 as a model year 2003, and highlights repair opportunities in diagnosing battery problems and various maintenance items.
Diagnosing Faulty Spark Plug Wires
Ignition systems have changed a great deal in recent years, with coil-on-plug (COP) ignition systems being the most common setup on many late-model engines. COP ignition systems have a single coil for each spark plug mounted on top of the plug. This setup eliminates the need for a spark plug wire and the troubles it can cause. Most other distributorless ignition systems (DIS) still have plug wires, as do older vehicles with distributors.
Suspension Tech: Monotube Shocks and Struts
When the monotube design was invented back in the 1950s, it was a revolutionary breakthrough in shock absorber technology. The floating piston and high pressure gas charge solved the foaming problem that had plagued conventional hydraulic shocks for a long time.