There’s No Escaping Hybrid Service
high as 40 mph (64 kph). Plus, when conditions are right, the engine may shut off at stops and not restart until after 25 mph. As a result, the advertised fuel economy of a full hybrid vehicle is typically much higher for the city driving conditions than the highway driving conditions. In theory, assuming the
Tech Tip: Diagnosing and Servicing Manual Transmissions
Manual gearboxes are relatively trouble-free and long-lived, provided they are not abused too severely. The clutch, however, is a wear component. With every shift the clutch must be disengaged and engaged. Stop-and-go driving in heavy traffic is especially hard on a clutch because the driver is always riding the clutch pedal. After millions of such cycles, the clutch eventually wears out. It may start to slip, chatter or make noise.
Tech Tip: Installing OBD II Universal Converters
When installing universal OBD II converters, the most important consideration is mounting the converter so that the rear of the replacement converter catalyst brick is the correct distance from the rear, post-cat O2 sensor, which remains in its original location. First, clean cut the exhaust pipe immediately in front of the original converter, and immediately to the rear of the converter, leaving the post-cat O2 sensor intact.
Steck Manufacturing Introduces EZ Pull Pliers
Steck Manufacturing Company has released another winning tool – the EZ Pull Pliers (P/N 20085) – which allows body shop technicians quick access to grip and pull multiple pull pins (studs) as well as vertical and horizontal flanges.
Tech Tip: Selling Performance Modifications
The sport compact car market is hotter than ever. The market has moved beyond the simple bolt-ons such as wheels, tires, brake rotors and spoilers. It’s not unusual today to see sport compact engines producing upward of 400 horsepower on the street. With so much power under the hood, the challenge is getting the horsepower to the tires and maintaining reasonable traction and handling.
S & G TOOL AID Introduces Hose Removal Tool
New from S & G TOOL AID CORP. is the #13860 Hose Removal Tool. It quickly removes rubber hoses from inlets, outlets and clamps. The tool has a large, comfortable handle and has a specially designed end to make hose removal easy. The overall length is 8-1/2" with a 4" exposed shaft.
Brake Tools: Brake Service Tools & Equipment
Brake work is one of the cornerstones of the automotive repair business, so it’s important to make sure you have the right tools and equipment to service the brakes on today’s vehicles. Most shops that do brake work have some type of brake fluid flushing and bleeding equipment (a power bleeder, vacuum bleeder or injector
Tech Tip: Putting The ‘Brakes’ on a Common Customer Complaint
Warped rotors are probably one of the most common complaints made to shop owners and technicians who repair and service brake systems. The less confident or sophisticated driver may complain that when he hits the brakes, "my pedal pulses," "the vehicle chucks during a stop" or "it shakes my teeth during braking." Generally, a quick turn of the rotors and some fresh pads cures the pulsation complaint and down the road goes another satisfied customer.
Subaru Tech Tip: Curing Power Steering Groan/Vibration
A customer with a 2000-’02 Legacy sedan, wagon or Outback with a 2.5L engine may complain of an abnormal noise (groan) coming from the power steering pump and/or slight vibration in the steering wheel when turning at very low speeds.
Ford Tech Tip: Diagnosing 6.0L Engine Misfire, Lack of Power or No Start
Some 6.0L vehicles may exhibit a misfire, lack of power, buck/jerk, excessive smoke or crank/no start. There are several potential causes for these symptoms. If normal diagnostics lead to an injector concern, use the following diagnostics to confirm the cause of injector failure and/or to rule out other conditions which may cause the same symptoms as a failed injector.