Training Program Updates
State-of-the-art automotive technology doesn’t do anybody much good if technicians can’t get the training they need to fix and maintain today’s systems. Unfortunately, in recent years there has been an industry-wide trend to axe training programs. Parts suppliers are under tremendous price pressure these days, and most are looking for ways to cut costs where
Tech Tip: What To Do When An Engine Won’t Start
In today’s world of high-tech electronics, onboard diagnostics and scan tools, you would think engine diagnostics would be easier than ever. Yet some technicians struggle when confronted with an engine that cranks, but refuses to start. Most no-starts do not generate any fault codes, so how do you proceed to find out what’s causing the problem?
Tech Feature: Engine Diagnostics…What to do When an Engine Won’t Start
In today’s world of high-tech electronics, onboard diagnostics and scan tools, you would think engine diagnostics would be easier than ever. Yet some technicians struggle when confronted with an engine that cranks but refuses to start. Most no-starts do not generate any fault codes, so how do you proceed to find out what’s causing the
Tech Tip: Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive Lacks Power
When Jeff called to discuss the lack of power in his 2002 Toyota Prius, I have to admit I was a little confused. The Prius was designed to be economical, not to compete in the stoplight grand prix. He said it felt sluggish, and recently some lights in the instrument panel had come on. Jeff was lucky; Toyota had already identified the problem and it is covered by the 96-month/100,000-mile Toyota Hybrid Vehicle System Component Warranty.
Hybrid Engine Diagnosis & Service
The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrids have been around since 2001; the Honda Accord, Ford Escape and Lexus RX 400h hybrids since 2005; the Honda Civic, Toyota Highlander, Mercury Mariner, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra hybrids since 2006; and the Lexus GS 450h, Saturn VUE Green Line, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima hybrids since
Mitchell 1 Names Bruce Amacker 2007 Educator of the Year
Bruce Amacker, owner and instructor of TurboTraining, has been named Educator of the Year at the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) 2007 Conference held recently in Long Beach, CA. Each year Mitchell 1 recognizes one of the nation’s top teachers for excellence in automotive repair instruction.
Management: The Future of Brakes
I hear all of the moaning and groaning out there about how new cars are better made, require less maintenance and break down less often. But, they still need to stop and this means they will always need brakes. Brake pads and rotors are here to stay, and the market is predicted to get even better in the future.
Toyota Racing Development Puts Inefficient Storage in Rear View Thanks to Lista International
A finely tuned engine is what the people at Toyota Racing Development (TRD) strive for. It’s also how they’d like their entire operation to run – smoothly and efficiently with maximum performance and no wasted energy or time. Today, TRD is operating on all cylinders, but this was not always the case – particularly in regards to their workspace and storage equipment.
Viewpoint: The Future of Brakes
How stability and traction control systems will change the industry as we know it. I hear all of the moaning and groaning out there about how new cars are better made, require less maintenance and break down less often. But, they still need to stop and this means they will always need brakes. Brake pads
Maintenance Essentials…, OBD II & Chassis Checks
All cars need maintenance. The fact is mechanical devices wear and fail in normal use, and deteriorate over time, so being able to diagnose a future failure has become a part of the automotive repair and service industry. Customers always ask how long it will be before a component will fail, and are usually not