Identifix Direct-Hit Reaches Milestone of 50,000 Vehicle Searches in One Week
Identifix, a source of online and hotline vehicle diagnostic and repair information, recently announced that subscribers to the company’s Direct-Hit product looked up information on more than 50,000 vehicles in a single week. The number of vehicles looked up by Direct-Hit subscribers per week has doubled in the last 12 months.
ShopStream Networked Software from Snap-on Boosts Productivity and Improves Repair Experiences
Automotive shop owners and technicians can supercharge productivity and customer satisfaction with software featuring ShopStream connectivity from Snap-on Diagnostics. ShopStream integrates shop management, scanner, component testing and repair information systems for the first time to make every aspect of service and repair software-based and PC-driven.
OTC Announces New Software Update Kits for the Tire Pressure Monitor
OTC, a business unit of SPX Corporation, recently announced the availability of new software update kits for the popular OTC Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM). The new TPM update kits feature the latest software functionality for 170+ previously covered models as well as information on 100+ new 2007 models.
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: Diagnosing a Lit Diamante Traction Control Lamp
Darrel’s wife has a 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante that she uses for shuttling around her real estate clients. Recently, the Diamante’s TCL (Traction Control Lamp) came on. Concerned for his wife’s safety, Darrel brought the car by for an inspection. We retrieved a code 72, but could not come up with a cause for the code. I talked to a friend who works for a Mitsubishi dealer and he turned me on to the solution.
Tech Tip: Resetting Service Lights on BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Honda and Toyota
For all BMWs you must have the driver-side door shut to reset the service lights. On E60 and later models, it may also be necessary to buckle the driver-side seat belt in order to reset the service light.
OTC LeakTamer Plus Offers Industry Best Practices for EVAP System Testing
The LeakTamer Plus EVAP Smoke Machine (P/N 6521) by OTC, a business unit of SPX Corporation, is a versatile, diagnostic, one-button tester built from the ground up to specifically test and repair OBD-II EVAP system leaks while operating in accordance with major automakers’ EVAP testing specifications and needs.
Redesigned SOLUS PRO Scanner Gets the Job Done Right the First Time
The new SOLUS PRO Scanner from Snap-on Diagnostics gives its users a competitive edge in the always evolving automotive repair industry. SOLUS PRO delivers VIN-specific coverage for a wide range of models from more than 30 vehicle makes. SOLUS PRO provides a depth of trouble codes, data parameters, bi-directional tests and legendary Fast-Track Troubleshooter repair strategies.
Tech Tip: Diagnose and Repair ABS on Ford Trucks
As you are all very well aware, occasionally anti-lock brake system (ABS) malfunctions can be very complicated and hard to diagnose. In the case of some late-model Ford truck anti-lock brake systems, however, several malfunctions may have a very simple solution.
Tech Tip: Electronic Basics
Sophisticated automotive electrical systems can cause increasing amounts of dead batteries, intermittent warning lights and general electrical complaints. When addressing these issues, staying focused on the basics can save you time, money and nerves. Automotive electrical basics are: connection condition; battery condition; and alternator condition.