Why Go Digital? For Precision and Protection
These days, no matter what kind of automotive repair work you specialize in, virtually every system has a certain amount of electronics. Consequently, one diagnostic tool every technician needs is a digital multimeter. To figure out electrical and electronic problems, you have to “see” what’s going on inside the circuits and components. Trouble is, you
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
Detouring Comebacks
se, how you handle (or prevent) a comeback becomes even more important to the success of your shop. Go ahead ‹ ask yourself, “Am I allowing comebacks at my shop to get out of hand?” First, don’t be discouraged. There will always be some comebacks. According to one shop owner, you can expect about a
Checking into Mode $06
Mode 06 is the actual system test data that OBD II looks at when it decides to set a pending code or a current fault code. If the test data is within the limits established by the vehicle manufacturer, the item gets a PASS and no codes are set. But if a value is out of range, OBD II flags it with a FAIL and keeps an eye on the component until the system monitor has run at least twice. Then, if the problem is still there, a DTC is set and the MIL light comes on.
Selling Service for Low-Maintenance Ignition Systems
ition system maintenance as long as it feels like it’s “running good.” In reality, spark plugs eventually develop high electrical resistance because the electrodes wear away. When this happens, the secondary ignition voltage will increase until the ignition coil, ignition cable, spark plug boot or spark plug develops a high-voltage leak. When a high-voltage leak
Shops that Evolve are Shops that Succeed
There’s plenty to be said about not being complacent. After all, complacency breeds mediocrity. And in today’s competitive service environment, where the name of the game is standing out amidst your competition – being at the forefront in your line of work will bring increased visibility and more customers to your shop. In striving for
Flash! Reprogramming Vehicle Computers
Typically, when someone brings up the subject of “flashing” you get two reactions. The technologically informed service professionals think about added revenue and service, while rowdier folks think about doing something that could land them in front of a judge. I think we can all agree that the first group is far better off, and
Toyota Chassis & Suspension
Toyota builds some of the most durable cars and trucks on the market. And, there are models for every segment of the population, from eco models that only exhaust drinkable water into the atmosphere, to large luxury models in the Lexus line. With that said, the fact is, there will still be components that can
Selling Oxygen Sensors
As modern OBD II technology marches on, it’s clear that the zirconia-based oxygen sensor now is being sold more as a basic repair part than as a preventive maintenance part, and it changes the way we diagnose and sell oxygen sensors. To illustrate the difference, let’s remember that an oxygen sensor replacement used to be
A Tutorial in Hyundai Driveability
Diagnosing a driveability problem starts with the customer interview. When you are able to obtain the proper details about the vehicle’s symptoms, you will be able to diagnose the source of the problem more efficiently. Clues provided by the customer, such as “vehicle starts but runs rough until warm; worse when wet,” is invaluable information