Handling the Load
It takes a lot of amps to power the lights, electric defrosters, wipers, power windows, power seats, power liftgates, the ignition system, fuel injectors, fuel pump, cooling fan, A/C compressor, heater fan, heated seats, audio system and navigation systems on today’s late-model vehicles. Since alternators can generate only so many amps, their output may depend
MACS Adds Engine Cooling Track to EXPRESS TRAIN 2006 Convention
EXPESS TRAIN, the 2006 MACS annual convention and trade show, will offer special training sessions dedicated to the engine cooling and heat exchange segment of the repair market. The extra training track was added in direct response to requests from engine cooling professionals who asked the MACS board for a quality training program and a dedicated engine cooling products section at the trade show.
Rotating Electrical Parts Back to the Seller
Fighting the Urge To Return Electrica Components
Internal Engine Repairs: Begin with Diagnosing Engine Failure Culprits
Saab engine technology has evolved through the years, but the same basic design of the original B202 engine is still used in today’s Saabs. When the 16-valve 2.0L engine (B202) was developed in 1984, I was one of 10 people chosen from the East Coast area by Saab in the United States to attend a
Compressors, Condensers & Refrigerant
Hot weather is just a few weeks away in many areas of the country, and that means plenty of air conditioning service opportunities. Years ago, A/C was considered a luxury. Now it’s a necessity. Automatic climate control systems use A/C year-round for defrost and dehumidification as well as cooling. Even so, it’s hot weather that
The Top 5 Favorite Tools of the Country’s Top Technicians
Dan & Kris Cesena Honda Hospital, Inc. San Mateo and Milpitas, CA Our top five favorite tools (and why) are: The Snap-on MicroVAT Battery/Starter/Alternator Tester. Why? Well it makes it much easier to test batteries, alternators and starters; it has an infrared port, which sends the data to an optional thermal printer; and with these
The Ins and Outs of Diagnosing Battery, Charging and Starter Problems
You answer the phone and the voice on the other end says, “My car won’t start.” When temperatures drop, the no-start calls start pouring in. Cold weather increases the strain on the battery, starting and charging system and tends to bring out any weaknesses in these components. Cold weather thickens the oil and makes the
When it’s Time for a Rebuilt Engine Installation
I noticed the Toyota 4WD truck as soon as I turned into the parking lot on Monday morning. I knew the owner because we’d been servicing his vehicles for a number of years, and I was always impressed by how clean and straight the truck was for its age. It was parked kind of crooked,
2004 Underhood Service Repair Market Industry Profile
Welcome to the 2004 Underhood Service Repair Market Industry Profile, our in-depth report of the independent automotive repair market. Our profile below highlights many elements that are a part of doing business in today’s repair shops. The information presented is a good indicator to make short-term predictions about these independent automotive repair shops. It’s also
MACS Show: Technical Session Coverage
Once a year, the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) hosts a trade show for A/C shop owners and technicians. This year’s event in Orlando, FL, provided a wealth of service information to those who attended the technical sessions. For those who couldn’t be there, we pass along some of the highlights from the technical sessions.