Audi/VW Direct-Injection Issues And Carbon Deposits
Through the years, injection systems have incorporated more sensors like air temperature, EGR temperature or exhaust gas temperature, and the emissions systems monitor how efficiently everything is working. But the systems didn’t change a whole lot until about 2006.
Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz Noises, Vibration At Steering Wheel With A/C Switched On
If you receive customer reports on Model 209.372/472 vehicles of a groaning noise and vibration felt in the steering wheel at engine speeds between 800 and 2,000 rpm and with the A/C on, the cause may be the transfer of vibration from the A/C compressor through the high-pressure power steering hose to the steering wheel.
PCM Diagnostics Case Study: No-Code Misfire Diagnosis On A 1998 Toyota 4Runner
When doing mobile diagnostic work for other shops, contributing writer Gary Goms usually sees more than his share of random no-code engine performance complaints. In the following case study, the customer of a client shop complained about an intermittent rough idle on his well-maintained 1998 Toyota 4Runner, but only when it was driven in hot weather. The client shop couldn’t duplicate the complaint, no matter how long the engine ran. Of course, the lack of DTCs didn’t help the diagnostic process.
Digital Edition Of September ImportCar Magazine Is Now Available
Featured articles include Judging Brake Pads, PCM Diagnostics (a case study on a Toyota 4Runner with an intermittent rough-idle condition), VW and Audi Direct Injection issues, Air Ride Compressors, Active Wheel Speed Sensor Diagnostics, a host of tech tips on import nameplates, and more!
Building Oil Change Profits One Job At A Time
Gary Goms defends the oil and filter change, but suggests introducing the term, “recommended maintenance interval,” and explains how shops can capitalize on profitable lubrication, drivetrain, filter, lighting, battery and tooling services in the process.
A Thorough Chassis Evaluation Must Precede A Proper Alignment
Thanks to all the potholes caused by our harsh winter weather, we tend to do a lot of alignments here in Northeast Ohio. But wherever you live, it’s a good idea to check the alignment whenever you put on a new set of tires or replace a worn suspension component. And, sometimes you might encounter a problem due to a unique chassis setup. Take the Volvo 850, S70 and V70, for example, which from 1993 to 2000 had a slightly different split rear axle setup that was adjustable.
Tech Tip: Toyota Knock/Pop Noise When Steering Wheel Is Turned
Some owners of select Toyota models may hear a clunk pop or knock-type noise when turning the steering wheel left or right. Use this procedure to lubricate the intermediate shaft and address customer concerns.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Duct Tape … The Often-Used, Sometimes Abused Wonder Adhesive
When people list the myriad of uses for duct tape, they never seem to include the various ways I’ve seen it used on the family car. I’m a big fan of duct tape, and my son has even made himself a handy little wallet, a tie, book binders and whole bunch of other cool things with it. While I’m no pro at conjuring up different uses for this stuff, I’ve seen what some creative people can do with a roll of it. Recently, I was out to dinner with the family, and, low and behold, we spotted in the parking lot a minivan with the front bumper strapped on with layers upon layers of duct tape.
How Software Is Changing Braking: Electronics Are Driving Technological Advancements
There was a time when advancements in import brake technology were entirely hardware based. The change from drum brakes to disc brakes, the introduction of semi-metallic and ceramic brake pads and the addition of power brakes as standard equipment were all changes achieved by redesigned and improved brake system components. Today, electronics is driving most of the advancements in braking technology.
Alignment Service On A 1998-2006 BMW 3 Series
The BMW E46 was the best selling generation of the 3 Series. And while the rear-wheel-drive sports sedan is one of the more complicated cars to align, it offers many service and repair opportunities. The front suspension is a strut design with the familiar sickle-shaped control arm that was introduced on this platform in 1983. The rear suspension carried over from the E36, but it has a unique rear trailing arm design.
Tech Tip: Volkswagen Electro-Mechanical Power Steering Warning Light Illuminated
The vehicle owner may be concerned because the battery was disconnected and now the Electro-Mechanical Power Steering Warning light is lit on the dash on a 2009 Volkswagen Eos Komfort 2.0L. This may be caused by an unprogrammed steering angle sensor (G85).
Tech Tip: How To Approach A Rattling Noise In The Area Of The Steering Shaft And Driver’s Footwell In A Porsche
A rattling noise may occur in the vicinity of the steering shaft and the driver’s footwell when driving a Porsche Cayenne/Cayenne S/Cayenne Turbo, as of model year 2003.