Auto Repair Equipment and Diagnostic Scanner
2012 LuK RepSet Clutch Catalog Available in Print and Online

Schaeffler Group USA Inc. has announced the release of the 2012 LuK RepSet Clutch Catalog. The company says it has added more than 400 new part numbers in the latest edition of the catalog. The additional part numbers have grown LuK’s application coverage to greater than 95 percent of the U.S. vehicle population.

Schaeffler Group USA Receives Inaugural Lone Star Award at Alliance Group Shareholder’s Meeting

The Schaeffler Group USA Inc. was presented the inaugural Lone Star Award at the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Group Shareholder’s meeting held recently in Aventura, FL. The Schaeffler Group supplies LuK RepSet clutch kits, clutch hydraulics and flywheels to the more than 2,300 affiliated Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper parts stores across the U.S. and Canada.

VW/Audi Maintenance that Drives Profits

To say that Volkswagen and Audi Group (sometimes mistakenly referred to as VAG) is a large part of the automotive scene worldwide is a gross understatement. From basic transportation to record-setting performance cars, VAG is a recognized leader in innovation and cutting-edge technology. A broad spectrum of models has put a huge number (millions) of VAG models on the road in North America, and these cars will provide many years of potential repair and service opportunities. Getting to know the various models, repair techniques and a few shortcuts will help make repairs more routine and profitable.

Tech Tip: Toyota Can’t Shift From Park/Multiple Warnings On

Some customers may experience multiple warning lights illuminated, vehicle not shifting from park to drive and other accessories becoming inoperative after the vehicle has cold soaked in sub-freezing ambient air temperatures. A new relay has been made available to improve this condition. Use the following procedure to address this concern.

Tech Feature: Transmission Fluid and Filter Service

To prevent any service from being over sold or under sold, it is important to not only know that a particular service should be performed, but also why it should be performed. That knowledge can also help you spot when to recommend that service, and when not to. When speaking about transmission fluid, the short version of the explanation is that it gets dirty and wears out.

Tech Tip: Tacoma’s MIL Is On with DTC P0705 Set

Some 2005-’09 model year Toyota Tacoma vehicles may exhibit an MIL On condition with DTC P0705 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction [PRNDL Input]) stored.

Tech Feature: Care and Feeding of Differentials

The lubricants that are used in manual transmissions, transaxles, differentials and transfer cases include a variety of different oils. Many transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases use gear oil with viscosities ranging from 75W-90 up to 85W-140. Others use ATF (Dexron II/III, Mercon V, etc.) or even motor oil (10W-30 or 10W-40). Most differentials, by comparison, use hypoid gear oils that also contain extra amounts of “extreme pressure” (EP) additives.

Tech Tip: Check Those Fluid Levels in 5R55N/S/W Transmissions

Though the 5R55N, S and W are all similar in design, they each differ in specific areas based on the needs of the transmission’s intended application. However, a common feature is the lack of a dipstick to check fluid levels.

Transtar Releases Automatic Transmission Parts Catalog

Transtar Industries has announced the release of its 2011 Automatic Transmission Parts catalog. Featuring more than 150 automatic transmissions, this catalog is the most comprehensive, accurate, up-to-date and user-friendly catalog in the industry, according to Transtar.

Tech Tip: Whine, Growl or Vibration Type Noise from Buick Engine Compartment

There may be a whine and or growl noise from the engine compartment accompanied by a vibration during various driving conditions. This may include vehicle acceleration/deceleration, steering input and cornering left. It may be mistaken as a transmission noise or power steering pump concern.

JASPER Holds ESOP Shareholders Meeting, Zach Bawel Named President/COO

Jasper Engines & Transmissions held an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Shareholders meeting July 7th. It was the first such meeting held since the company announced its ESOP plan in March 2010. It was announced that the Jasper Engines & Transmissions Board of Directors has reorganized by naming Zach Bawel as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The DeLorean – Back From the Past Part II

This article explores performance modifications that have been developed for the DeLorean from the time of its release to the present day. Although anything is possible, performance modifications over the past 30 years have focused primarily on the areas of engine modification (or replacement), and suspension modifications. I won’t be getting into time travel modifications – those are beyond the scope of this article.