There’s No Escaping Hybrid Service
high as 40 mph (64 kph). Plus, when conditions are right, the engine may shut off at stops and not restart until after 25 mph. As a result, the advertised fuel economy of a full hybrid vehicle is typically much higher for the city driving conditions than the highway driving conditions. In theory, assuming the
Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Ken Peavy, owner Peavy’s Garage Katy, TX www.peavys-garage.com Peavy’s Garage is a family-owned and operated shop, AAA approved since 1970. We also have Peavy’s Tire & Automotive in Houston. About five years ago, we discovered BG products and equipment, which increased our business by 30% and profits greatly. General service techs operate the equipment, which
Volvo Tech Tip: Updated Routing of O2 Sensor Wiring
New routing has been developed for oxygen sensor wiring on 1997-1998 Volvo 850 models, S70/V70/C70, to prevent contamination from reaching the probe’s reference air. If one oxygen sensor is replaced, the new adapter wiring must be installed for both sensors.
Foreign Affairs: Probing Around Subaru Electrical Systems
With station wagons, small multi-purpose trucks and high-powered sports models in its product mix, Subaru has become an obvious choice for multi-use purchasers. And, by building one basic platform with all of the right stuff, Subaru has been able to concentrate on quality. That brings us to the topic of this article, Subaru electrical systems.
LOCK-N-STITCH Introduces Spark Plug Thread Repair Insert Kit
LOCK-N-STITCH Inc. (LNS) has received approval from Ford Motor Co. for their hard anodized aluminum spark plug thread repair insert kit for Triton engines. The insert kits are marketed under their Full-Torque thread repair insert product line. LNS worked for more than three years with Ford engineers to develop and test the three types of tooling required to install the inserts to the proper depth.
Tech Tip: Pontiac Sunfire Loses Fire
The Instrument Panel Cluster may have failed to recognize the Ignition Lock Cylinder. Your scan tool should indicate that a DTC P1629 is stored. The flow chart for P1629 will direct a scan tool to be used to access Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) codes. This is the best way to perform diagnostics on this problem. However, if you’re using a scan tool that isn’t capable of retrieving IPC codes or viewing data, try the following procedure.
Tech Tip: Top 10 Domestic Diagnostic Codes and Fixes
A Check Engine Light that’s illuminated is always a sign that something is wrong. But what? You usually can’t tell until you plug in a code reader or scan tool and read out the code(s) that have turned on the light. At least then you have a starting point for further diagnosis. Some people think a code is all you need to fix a fault and turn off the Check Engine Light. A diagnostic trouble code certainly helps, but it only tells you that some kind of fault has occurred, and maybe the circuit or component associated with the fault.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Temperature Tantrums
Solving temperature-related, no-code intermittent failures can be a frustrating experience for the diagnostic technician because the exact level of heat or cold needed to trigger the failure is often hard to duplicate. It’s also important to keep in mind that all electronic vehicle components are exposed to temperature extremes and thus are vulnerable to temperature-related
Who’s at Fault?…Top 10 Domestic Diagnostic Codes & Fixes
A Check Engine Light that’s illuminated is always a sign that something is wrong. But what? You usually can’t tell until you plug in a code reader or scan tool and read out the code(s) that have turned on the light. At least then you have a starting point for further diagnosis. Some people think
Foreign Affairs: VW P Codes — … Putting Out The MIL
After 10-plus years of dealing with OBD II, it should be apparent that we are on a learning curve that probably has no end. Almost daily we have a Volkswagen model come into the shop with a check engine light on, or a “state OBD II failure” form. Although we have the latest scanner software