Tech Feature: Don’t Be Restrained from Servicing Airbag Systems
Airbags, along with other components of safety restraint systems, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and misinformation can spread like wildfire. Here’s what you need to know to restore them to OEM standards.
Comprehensive USA European 2010 Software Coverage Now Available for OTC Pegisys
OTC, an SPX brand, recently released the latest Pegisys software subscription (Version 3.1) to its on-tool repair and diagnostic information suite, which specifically focuses on Special Tests like Tire Pressure Sensor Registration for servicing European 2010 and earlier model vehicles.
Bosch ESI[tronic] 2011/2 Update Greatly Expands General Motors Coverage
Bosch has issued a major update to its industry leading ESI[tronic] automotive database software. The 2011/2 update, which is available now, dramatically increases the repair shop’s capabilities servicing General Motors vehicles, and the update has added thousands of new codes and data parameters in the program’s Snaplist, including more function tests, more OBD controls and more diagnostic trouble code information than ever before.
Airbag Service and Diagnostics: What You Need to Know
Since 1998, all new cars have been required to have Supplemental Restraint Systems as standard equipment. A study done in December 2001 found that a record was set with 7,585 confirmed prevented deaths by proper airbag/seatbelt usage. If that isn’t enough to make you appreciate the airbag systems in today’s cars, I don’t know what will.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2001-2009 Toyota Prius
The 2000-2009 Toyota Prius requires alignment and suspension service just like any other car on the road. With more than 800,000 Prii (official term for more than one Prius) on of them is bound to end up in your alignment bay.
Diagnostic Solutions: Diagnosing Misfires
Although diagnosing misfires can be a tough assignment for any driveability technician, the diagnosis can be made much simpler if he understands the basics of misfire diagnosis. For example, when the first OBD II misfire monitor was first introduced in 1996, technicians were puzzled by problems with false misfire diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Case in point, vehicles being driven on washboard dirt roads began recording false misfires.
TPMS Update: Toyota Tire Pressure Monitor Systems
The direct TPMS system for Toyota vehicles uses a button labeled “SET” below the steering column or in the glove box to reset the system. When you press the button, the system is looking for the sensor IDs that are already stored in the memory.
Solving Common Honda Driveability Problems
One of the common check engine light problems you’ll encounter on Hondas is a misfire code with no apparent misfire. Many times, this problem will be traced back to tight valve lash. Obviously, a tight valve will pass the audible test every time. But, it’s the tight valves that will set the check engine light in the best case, and if it’s ignored long enough you’ll be looking at a low-compression situation caused by a burnt valve.
Delphi Announces ‘Win the Delphi Dream Shop’ Giveaway
Delphi said it wants to create a dream come true for one lucky technician this year with its “Win the Delphi Dream Shop” giveaway. The giveaway, to be announced at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in November, will provide one technician with Delphi parts, tools, equipment and training to help them upgrade their current shop or build their own dream shop. The prize is part of Delphi’s third-annual “Destination: Victory Lane” promotion.
Snap-on Awards Winners of ‘More Answers, Faster’ Contest and Sweepstakes
Snap-on announces Tim McGuire of Economy Automotive Services in Pittsburgh, PA, is the grand prize winner of the “More Answers, Faster” contest and sweepstakes. McGuire is the recipient of $1,000 for sharing his story about how his Snap-on SOLUS PRO diagnostic tool solved a recurring EVAP issue in a customer’s Chrysler ’02 Caravan.