Codes & Converters
It is a moral dilemma that many shops encounter on a regular basis. It starts when a good customer comes in with the engine light a blaze. Running your usual diagnostics, you encounter a catalytic converter efficiency code, slow to responded oxygen sensor or some proprietary fuel trim code. Other than the light, the customer
News Update: Heritage Equity Group Names Executive Council Members
Art Lottes, Leon Viars and Joe Bagwell have been named members of the Heritage Equity Group Executive Council, the company recently announced. The cornerstone of Heritage Equity Group is Beck/Arnley, a full-line foreign nameplate replacement parts company, that it acquired in 2005. Together with Heritage Equity Group owners Max Dull, Patrick Greene and Richard Crawford,
Top Five Tools
Ron Promisson, owner Promisson Automotive Service Center Bushnell, IL Power Probe II — This is an indispensable tool for all kinds of diagnostic problems. Probably the one tool I couldn’t do without. Raytek AutoPro ST25 Infrared Thermometer — This is another favorite that can be used for many different applications. Snap-on Vantage — The diagnostic
RTI Offers Tips to Keep Your Refrigerant Recycling Machine in Tip-Top Condition
Yes indeed, the air-conditioning season has arrived. Customers need them serviced. There’s nothing worse than having customers wanting service and your refrigerant recycling machine is not operating. The following are suggestions to keep your recycling machine in tip-top condition and ready to make money for your shop.
The Future Of Climate Control
What Role Will Alternative Refrigerants Play? There has been a lot of discussion lately about the future of automotive refrigerants and their impact on the environment. Ozone depletion is no longer the main concern. Now it’s global warming. Last year was the warmest year on record. Average temperatures all across the globe are on the
AC Update: Finding and Fixing Leaks
Finding refrigerant leaks is a major aspect of A/C service. It makes no sense to recharge a leaky system with refrigerant if it will soon leak back out. Ultraviolet dyes can make even the smallest leaks clearly visible. But not all OEMs approve of their use. The domestic OEMs (Ford, GM and Chrysler) all use
Tech Tip: PCMs – The World of Vehicle Computers
When a vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) starts acting up, almost anything can happen. The engine might not start, or if it does, it might not idle properly or run smoothly. PCM failures may involve one of the driver circuits for the fuel injectors or the ignition coils.
Leak Detection: Becoming Your Shop’s Leak Detective
When a customer’s A/C system isn’t cooling well and the refrigerant charge is low, you know the system is leaking. The question is where? Finding refrigerant leaks on today’s vehicles can be a challenge. For one thing, many of the A/C system parts are buried and difficult to reach. Also, most systems today hold much
Four Seasons Redesigns Line of Blower Motors
Four Seasons, an automotive aftermarket temperature control parts supplier, has redesigned its line of blower motors for easier installation and longer use, in addition to making specific changes to meet the needs of two singular models.
Tech Update: Good Vibrations
Suspension Vibrations Could Have Your Customers Singing The Blues The song “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys may have been a big hit in its day, but there’s no such thing as good vibrations or noise when it comes to a customer’s vehicle. Vibrations are annoying and may be a warning signal that something’s amiss.