Rotating Electric Update
Question: There is a lot of talk in the industry regarding returns on non-defective parts. So, how can repair shops and technicians reduce the number of warranty returns on rotating electrical parts? Answer: Misdiagnosis of starting and charging problems is the main reason many starters and alternators are returned. The issue isn’t the quality of
News Update: Universal Underwriters Group (UUG) Held its 4th Annual Aftermarket Industry Conference
Held Nov. 2 at Mandalay Bay during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas. Each year, the conference brings together leaders from the automotive aftermarket and offers attendees the opportunity to learn from each other and address key industry issues. “Attracting and maintaining a strong employee base continues to be one of the aftermarket industry’s
Cordless Tools: Is it Time to Cut the Cord?
Power tools have certainly changed over the last 40 years. You’ve seen the ads — cordless tools changing the world, one battery, more power, durability, etc. I can remember when the world consisted of two professional air tool manufacturers (who shall remain nameless). Now, there are at least 12 that come quickly to mind, with
Management: Simple Ways to Make Sure Your Shop is ‘Top of Mind’ with Your Customers
You’ve just finished your customer’s vehicle, but don’t let a simple, cost-effective advertising opportunity slip away. We’ve used a three-step in-house advertising plan for years, and we’ve always had a favorable response from our customers. Here are the nuts and bolts of the plan.
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
Nissan Tech Tip: ECM Replacement Service Procedure
If you confirm that the Electronic Control Module (ECM) needs to be replaced on a 2000 MY or later Nissan vehicle, or a 1999 MY vehicle Frontier (D22), Quest (V41) or Pathfinder (R50) from VIN JN8AR07**XW350101, complete the following actions.
Mitch Schneider: High Noon at the Schneider Corral
I pushed the office door open and walked out into the middle of the driveway. I turned to my left and looked out toward the arroyo. That’s when I first saw the dark outline of a man walking up the hill toward me. The sun was in my eyes and I had to squint in order to try and make out who or what was coming my way. I took a deep breath and made the choice to meet my destiny, whatever it might be, head on.
Getting Started
It’s no secret that the first automobiles were started by hand cranking. It’s also pretty obvious that, somewhere along the way, someone replaced the hand crank with an electric motor. In 1911, a friend of Henry Leland, founder of Cadillac, died from injuries sustained while restarting a car for a lady. The need for a
2006 Underhood Service Repair Market Industry Profile
Welcome to the 2006 Underhood Service Repair Market Industry Profile, our in-depth report of the independent automotive repair market. This profile highlights many of the elements of doing business in today’s repair shops. The information presented is a good indicator to make short-term predictions about these shops. It’s also a fair yardstick to see how
Wheel Balancing: Making a Smart Investment in a Wheel Balancer
When you consider that only 1/4-ounce of wheel imbalance can produce a noticeable vibration on a vehicle, it’s easy to understand why it’s so important to have a wheel balancer that is both accurate and easy to use. Many balancers in today’s marketplace are capable of balancing a wheel to within a few hundredths of