underhood service Archives - Page 2 of 86 - TechShop Magazine
Part I: The Ins And Outs of the SAE J2534 Vehicle Communication Interface

For many of us, J2534 is a nebulous term or one that brings fears of “bricked” modules and hours of frustration to perform what should be a simple firmware update on a vehicle’s module.

Using Fuel and Ignition Waveforms Together

Fuel injector and secondary ignition waveforms can show the condition of the fuel and ignition system, and combined they can give you new insights on misfires and if they are related to the fuel or ignition system.

The Ins and Outs of SAE J2534 Vehicle Communication Interface

For many of us, J2534 is a nebulous term or one that brings fears of “bricked” modules and hours of frustration to perform what should be a simple firmware update on a vehicle’s module.

The Best of The Best: Tales From the 2014 Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo

I try to attend the Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo every year, take some classes, browse the Expo, and meet up with some old friends. Classes range from hybrid service, scope and scanner reading, diesel and gas engine driveability, to shop management. Some of the top ­instructors gather at this convention and put ­together some of the best classes I’ve ever attended.

Air Conditioning System Advances Change Service Opportunities

The attention-grabbing headline in the world of air conditioning is usually the switching of refrigerants as the industry and regulators continue to search for the next level of environmental friendliness. But the underrated A/C story that’s slowly developed during the same time period is the overall improvement of A/C systems.

Intake Manifold Gaskets: A Service Rundown

Back in the days when most

Three AGM, Gel Cell Battery Myths

Chances are if the battery is not under the hood, it is an absorbent glass mat (AGM) or gel cell battery. These batteries pack a lot of power for their size and weight, which allows manufacturers to shave off a few pounds from the vehicle. That’s a big ­reason why they are being found more and more on late-model vehicles. Here are three AGM/gel cell myths.

10 Toughest Cabin Air Filter Jobs

There are still many late model vehicles that are not easy to service, and they require a significant amount of disassembly to gain access to the filter. For your shop, this is billable labor. Here are the 10 toughest jobs according to the editors of Underhood Service.

Timing Belt Replacement On 2.2- And 2.3-Liter Honda Accord Engines

These tips outline the belt replacement for the popular 2.2- and 2.3-liter Accord engines. The other Honda engines are similar, but don’t require the balance belt. They shouldn’t present any challenge to the experienced tech, but there are some things to keep in mind as you tackle these jobs.

Hybrid Fluid Service 101

Does the phrase ­”hybrid fluid maintenance” scare you? It shouldn’t. With more than 3 million hybrids on the road, and many of your customers ­considering purchasing one, servicing hybrid ­vehicles is in your future. Some special procedures must be followed when working on a hybrid.

Fuel System FAQ

How do I test the wiring for the fuel pump on a vehicle? What are the symptoms of a clogged fuel filter? What are the signs of E85 contamination? What should I do when I install the new pump and it doesn’t work? Get the answers to these questions and more in this Fuel System FAQ.

Perform Transmission Fluid Service By ‘Severe Duty’ Change Interval

Improved lubricants have allowed service intervals to extend for many vehicles with automatic transmissions, utilizing “lifetime fluids.” Lifetime fluid recommendations are now 5-10 years or the life of the vehicle (100,000 miles) unless the vehicle is subjected to “severe duty.”