Tech Tip: Poor Throttle Response on Volkswagen Vehicles
Some 1998-2003 Golf, Jetta, Jetta Wagon and new Beetle models with 1.9L TDI may exhibit poor throttle response. The following Tech Tip from ALLDATA will help diagnose and repair this condition.
Hybrids: Basic Service & Safety Procedures
Hybrids are hot. As the price of gasoline goes up, so does the demand for new vehicles that can squeeze more miles per gallon from every drop of gasoline. Hybrids do that by combining the best of both worlds: electric power for low-speed, stop-and-go driving, and gasoline power for highway cruising and long-range driving. Current
Tech Tip: Understanding Vehicle Electrical Systems Begins and Ends with the Alternator
The alternator’s job has definitely become more complex during the past decade. Years ago, the typical import vehicle could live very happily with 40 amps of electrical current, which was enough to power the ignition, fuel and lighting systems. Today, that threshold is rapidly advancing toward 100 amps of current.
RTI Offers Tips to Keep Your Refrigerant Recycling Machine in Tip-Top Condition
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.
Troubleshooting MIL Issues: OBD II & “CAN” Scan Tool Diagnostics
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is one of the most misunderstood warning lights on vehicles today. Most motorists have no idea what the light means or why it’s on. Some think the MIL light is an oil change reminder light. Others realize something must be amiss to cause the light to come on, but don’t
Power Options: Restoring a Vehicle to Like-New Performance
Replacing a worn or broken engine on a customer’s vehicle can be a very sensitive subject for many independent shop owners because it’s a time-intensive and possibly high-liability service. After a replacement is done, a shop’s greatest fear is that a minor ticking noise or oil leak may ruin the profitability of the engine replacement.
Volkswagen Tech Tip: Humming Noise During Cornering
A humming sound coming from the general area of the front end of an affected vehicle (see article for list) may be noticeable during slow speed turns with the steering wheel almost to full-turning position. The noise goes away when the steering wheel is returned to the center position.
Tech Tip: Top-Notch Design is Key When Selecting New Filters
Veteran auto mechanics will remember the days of oil-bath air filters, cartridge-type oil filters and sediment-bowl fuel filters. While these early-design filters would work well under a narrow range of circumstances, most were woefully inefficient and inadequate in the long term. All were subject to careless installation and dirt contamination during servicing.
Diagnostic Solutions, Servicing Filters: Top-Notch Design Is Key When Selecting New Filters
Veteran auto mechanics well remember the days of oil-bath air filters, cartridge-type oil filters, and sediment-bowl fuel filters. While these early-design filters would work well under a narrow range of circumstances, most were woefully inefficient and inadequate in the long term. All were subject to careless installation and dirt contamination during servicing. As disposable “paper”
Subaru Engine Repairs: Attention to Detail Critical in Head Gasket Replacement
To say the first Subaru brought to our shores in 1969 by Malcolm Bricklin was different would be an understatement. The Subaru 360 was a shrunken version of a VW bug, with a small two-cycle engine in the back. It fit into a market niche that probably didn’t exist at the time in the U.S.;