Brake Light Diagnostics
So many manufacturers are now running the brake lights through BCMs, Integrated Power Modules, bulb detection systems, or the anti-lock brakes. Along with just about every other system in today’s cars, computers are doing a lot of the work for us. Diagnosing a simple inoperative brake light problem takes on a whole new aspect than before. This article will cover some of the basic testing procedures that I use on a daily basis to determine the location and how to repair a brake light wiring problem.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Solving Repair Issues from the Inside-Out
A few weeks ago, Bo stopped by my shop for a visit and I mentioned a problem I was having with one of the vehicles in the bays. I already had it diagnosed and was waiting for an approval from the customer for the repairs. Bo thought it would be a pretty cool idea to test it on his scope, which he just so happened to have with him. I thought, sure, why not, two heads are better than one. Sounds like a perfect time to get a second opinion on the problem.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: ‘Check Engine’ Charlie
Charlie comes in every now and then. I guess you could say he’s a regular, but I think I would call him more of an opportunist when it comes to his car repairs. He’ll go to a quick lube for oil changes, a tire shop for tires, a transmission shop for transmission work, and so on. If there is an
Gonzo’s Toolbox: The Rare Professional Customer
When the weather is right, I like to ride my motorcycle to work. It’s a little bit of a commute for me, but it does allow me time to observe the world from a different perspective than from behind a windshield. I’m not surprised at how many people push past the speed limit, while maintaining a grip on their ever-present cell phone. Some of these morning pavement pounders always seem to be in a hurry to get somewhere.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Problem ‘On’ The ‘In’-Side
The tow truck came around the corner of my shop with a 2003 Focus strapped down on the bed. It’s Stacey’s daughter’s car. Stacey is the office manager at the body shop just down the street. Her daughter’s little Ford had given up at a stop sign. Now it was up to me to find out what’s going on with it.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Paper Dolls and Corralling Cows
Bob was a regular customer, a real charitable kind of guy. He did a lot of work for “Meals on Wheels,” churches and several other organizations. He was a real caring kind of guy, but when it came to cars … he knew nothing, nothing at all. One day he came into the shop with his early ’80s Porsche with a weird starting problem.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Earning Respect at the Parts Store
I started my shop like a lot of other guys in the automotive repair business without a lot of startup capital, and with only a hand-painted sign, a box of tools and a dream. That was a long time ago. I still have the tools, but the hand-painted sign is long gone. One thing I didn’t have was any track record of paying my bills with the parts stores. People knew of me, but not well enough to put a lot of trust into my business just yet. But, believe me, it was a struggle to just get things started.
A Day at the Dentist: There Are Some Things That Customers Can Not Fix Themselves
Some time ago, I had a root canal procedure at my buddy’s dental office. If you’ve never had one, you’re missing a whole lot of fun (I’m kidding; it isn’t fun at all.) It’s not cheap, that’s for sure. But like a lot of my customers will tell me, “Well, it needed to be done.”
Tech Update: Working on Wipers
It’s right after a major snowstorm, and there’s ice and snow on everyone’s windshield. You’re at the shop waiting for the phone to ring. The phone leaps off the receiver and it’s Captain Chaos; he’s managed to find a second use for his wiper blades. Apparently, Captain Chaos was in too much of a hurry to clean the ice off the wiper blades before turning them on. In his frantic attempt to go to work, the wiper blades have become completely useless. He can hear the wiper motor running, but the blades refuse to move.
Gonzo’s Tool Box: Some Much-Appreciated Fatherly Advice
Before my father passed away, we spent several years under the hoods of cars working together at my shop. He was an old-school repair guy who was always looking out for the customer, and wanting to do that little bit extra for them. You know, adjust that crooked license plate, grease the door hinges before they pulled away from the shop, that kind of thing.
Finding Electrical Shorts On Multiple Circuits
When I was a kid, I saw a movie called “Juggernaut” with Richard Harris as the main character. It was about a cruise liner that was about to blow up because a terrorist had planted 55-gallon drum bombs all over the ship. The premise of the story line is that Harris was going to save all the people on the ship by defusing the bombs. All through the movie, there were references to the different relays and electrical circuits.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: How ‘Bout Friday? What Happens When Customers Can’t Afford to Pick Up Their Vehicle
A rather slow week at the shop turned into a very interesting one. With the economy slowing things down to a crawl, it’s understandable that people can’t afford to have their cars in for repair like they should, and regular maintenance is usually not that high on the list of things to be concerned about.