Audi: Rattle Noise From Engine Area
Customers complain of a rattle noise from the air conditioning compressor. The noise is particularly audible in ECON operation. When the compressor operates under load, the noise is hardly audible. This condition is exhibited only in vehicles equipped with a DENSO air conditioning compressor with a plastic pulley.
Ford Focus: Engine Vibration at Idle
Some Ford Focus vehicles may exhibit an excessive engine vibration when idle. The vibration is most noticeable when the transmission is engaged in reverse. This condition may be caused by small stones, road debris, ice or snow packed/lodged in the rear engine roll restrictor. Models: 2000-’11 Focus
Jeep: Tapping Sound After Engine Warm Up
Some customers may experience a tapping sound from the engine compartment after engine warm up. This bulletin involves the installation of a serpentine drive belt and a new design idler pulley using a revised belt routing. MODELS: 2007–’08 (KA) Nitro
Seven Spark Plug Myths Busted
If it fits, it will work. Spark plugs can be changed when the engine is hot. The thicker the wire means more of the fire! … False, all false. These are all spark plug myths. We bust these and a few others in this month’s look at spark plugs.
Brutal Winter Can Mean Profitable Spring During National Car Care Month
I’m tired of hearing about winter, talking about winter and experiencing winter, and I bet you are, too. However, what has been the worst winter in a generation may in fact be a blessing in disguise for independent repair shops across the country. The harsh elements will leave many vehicles in need of service and National Car Care Month in April is the ideal time to capture your share of these service and repair opportunities. It is also a chance to improve relationships with customers and attract new ones, leading to more long-term business.
The Cracked Plate Coincidence: Uncovering An Uncommon Flex Plate Issue Twice In One Week
It never ceases to amaze me when I see certain types of problems in rapid succession of one another and then not see them again for months or even years. This column is dedicated to one such occurrence. Within a week of each other, two different vehicles came into my shop with cracked flex plates. While I have seen flex plates crack throughout my career, it is not a common scenario.
Stocking, Selling And Installing TPMS Sensor Service Kits
Every time a stem-mounted TPMS sensor is removed from a rim, it must be serviced – no ifs, ands or buts. This goes for sensors that are six months old to six years old. Always use a new kit. The typical kit includes a nut, valve core, grommets and valve cap. Each component has a specific function and lifespan that is not only determined by time, but what happens when it is installed.
Tech Tip: Steering System Flush Procedure
Fine particles can enter a hydraulic system because of mechanical stress on the steering components. As a consequence, it is recommended to flush the entire hydraulic system when replacing the power steering pump. A few vehicle manufacturers have installed a drain bolt in the area of the steering gear. The disadvantage is that it is not possible to drain all the fluid here. A residual quantity always remains in the system.
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.
Why F1 Matters This Year: New Technology Makes For A Better Show
Love it or hate it, Formula One is the top dog in motorsports. With an improving economy, F1 is changing up its rules to include some technologies that are already in your bays, or coming very soon. For 2014, the cars are, for a lack of a better term, hybrids.
Don’t Judge A Job By Its Cover
It was a picture perfect day at the auto repair shop until two new jobs showed up at the same time. A nice, clean 2007 Ford F-350 4WD diesel with an ABS light on, and a really dilapidated 1997 KIA with charging system problems and no light on. You’ll never guess how these two stories end.
ASE G1 Test Prep: Understand Engine Cooling Systems
Passing the ASE Auto Maintenance and Light Repair (G1) Test requires in-depth knowledge of an engine’s cooling system and how each component affects the overall performance of an engine over time. The emphasis is on inspection. Here is a refresher.