With the advent of electronic engine management systems, "reading" spark plugs has become something of a lost art. In the days of mechanical carburetors and distributors, the color and texture of the spark plug's insulator could provide important information about the air/fuel ratio, spark timing and cylinder condition.
Don't let customers lead you down the wrong diagnostic path. While wheel-bearing noise is one of the toughest problems for customers to describe, says Import Specialist Contributor Bob Dowie, it's not unusual for it to come on so gradually that the customer may not even notice it until you mention...
Some customers with 2004-'05 model year RX 330 vehicles may complain of a "ticking" noise from the engine compartment when the engine is idling. Updated fuel main tube and fuel tube clamps are now available.
A Mercedes-Benz owner may complain that the vehicle's battery/alternator "visit workshop" light on dash display is illuminated. Use a scan tool to perform guided tests. This alternator is internally regulated and is connected by a LIN bus to the PCM so that the regulation control can be intervened.
If you get a 2005-2011 Toyota RAV4 in your shop for an alignment of a complaint of either rear tire wear or a knocking noise, you need to be aware of a recall and inspection campaign Toyota is performing. Toyota Safety Recall C0J involved inspecting the right and left Rear...
A dual-clutch transmission is more than just two clutch plates where there was just one. The two clutches are not connected. The clutches power shafts with one nested inside the other. These input shafts connect to what could be called counter shafts that run parallel to each other.
Most vehicles require some type of "stationary" relearn procedure to reset the TPMS system. This requires a TPMS tool to activate each of the tire pressure sensors in a specified sequence so the TPMS control module can relearn their new locations.
If the caliper is not free to move, the culprit might be bent or binding mounting pins. Even if guide pins are not damaged, swollen or hardened guide seals or lack of lubrication may cause the caliper to bind resulting uneven pad wear. Always inspect all mounting surfaces and hardware...
While it may appear to be easier to use an impact wrench, it is not recommended. OEM and bearing manufacturers always recommend using a torque wrench for installation. During removal, an impact wrench can damage the axle nut threads and shock the CV joints. It can also create a false...
The concept of using a torque converter, oil pump, planetary gear sets, clutches, bands and a computer-controlled hydraulic valve body to transmit torque and to change gear ratios is relatively simple. To illustrate, the torque converter allows the engine to idle in gear with the vehicle stopped and multiplies engine...
