BMW Climate Control Diagnostics: Resolving Any Cooling System Problems First Speeds Repairs
First Speeds Repairs There was a time when the heating and ventilation system on most cars was simple. A three-position switch, a couple of levers and maybe some separate vents that would allow outside air to enter the passenger compartment. Times have changed and today’s car buying public wants to dial in a desired temperature
Tech Tip: Regular Belt Inspections are Important to Thwart Breakdowns
Serpentine belts are much longer-lived than V-belts, but they don’t last forever. After 50,000 or 60,000 miles, they often become glazed, noisy or cracked. A belt failure is bad news because all of the engine’s accessories that are driven by the belt stop turning. The vehicle looses cooling, power steering and charging output, and the engine quickly ….
Tech Tip: Inspect the Spring-Loaded Automatic Belt Tensioner when Replacing Serpentine Belt
Most late-model engines have serpentine belt drives for the engine-driven accessories. And most people know that belts are a maintenance item and eventually have to be replaced. But many don’t know the spring-loaded automatic tensioner that keeps a serpentine belt tight is also a wear item. Consequently, the automatic tensioner may also have to be replaced when the time comes to change the belt.
New Robinair DiscovR Refrigerant Identifier Protects Against Refrigerant Contamination and Recovery Equipment Damage
Robinair, a business unit of SPX Corporation, recently announced the availability of its new DiscovR Refrigerant Identifier designed to identify unknown refrigerants and uncover hard to find air contamination prior to servicing A/C systems. The innovative, state-of-the-art 16009 was engineered specifically to take the guesswork out of identifying refrigerant condition in A/C systems prior to servicing in order to reduce a technician’s chances of re-contaminating the vehicle being serviced and spreading the contaminated refrigerant to other vehicles.
Tech Tip: Inspecting the Spring-Loaded Automatic Belt Tensioner
The automatic tensioner has a coil spring inside that applies just the right amount of force against the belt to keep it tight. The tensioner also provides a little "give" so it can absorb and cushion shock loads on the belt that occur when the A/C compressor clutch cycles on and off. What’s more, the tensioner automatically compensates for wear and keeps the belt under constant tension.
Mitch Schneider: How Could That Happen?
That’s the question we were asked…over and over and over again. "How could that happen? How could it be the wrong part? I bought it from the dealer and they were identical; I checked it myself!" Well, you’ve probably already figured out that they weren’t identical, because if they were, there wouldn’t be much to write about.
Mitch’s World: How Could that Happen?
That’s the question we were asked…over and over and over again. “How could that happen? How could it be the wrong part? I bought it from the dealer and they were identical; I checked it myself!” Well, you’ve probably already figured out that they weren’t identical, because if they were, there wouldn’t be much to
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
Tech Tip: Maintaining Belt Tension is Critical
Most late-model engines have serpentine belt drives for the engine-driven accessories. And most people know that belts are a maintenance item and eventually have to be replaced. But many don’t know the spring-loaded automatic tensioner that keeps a serpentine belt tight is also a wear item. Consequently, the automatic tensioner may also have to be replaced when the time comes to change the belt.
Mercedes: Deciphering Driveability Dilemmas
As the oldest surviving automotive manufacturer on the planet, Mercedes-Benz has developed a reputation for superior engineering and quality. Models with new features and mechanical developments have been consistently introduced for more than a century. For the automotive technician, this line of vehicles has been a source of never-ending education. Innovation after innovation has challenged