Service Advisor: Diagnostic Tests for Catalytic Converters, O2 Sensors
The X1 ASE Certification Test has a section (eight questions) focused on emissions system diagnosis.
Undercover: Hybrid Brakes
A hybrid vehicle is a different animal than many of us are used to seeing. After all, if the engine of a typical vehicle stalled out at a traffic light, the driver of that vehicle would know something was wrong with it. If that same vehicle still drove with the engine off, then that would
Engine Series: Rebuilding Liberty
Notes on Jeep’s 2.4L I4 Engine
Clean That Spray Booth!
Cleaning and maintaining your spraybooth is essential to avoiding costly redos and keeping a tidy shop.
Hyundai Fuel System & Emissions Diagnostics
Take a look at the fuel Âinjection system and driveability issues on Hyundai’s line of Âvehicles.
Chevy’s Strokers Stay on Track
Popularity of 348 and 409 W Motors Continues
Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems – Making a Comeback
Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are the systems that don’t have air pressure sensors inside the tires. Rather, they detect a low tire by comparing relative wheel speeds via the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) wheel speed sensors. When a tire loses air, its diameter decreases slightly. Older indirect TPMS are not as sensitive to
Front and Rear Spring Replacement
Springs and struts are prone to a few suspension issues, especially in harsher northern Âclimates. The front strut bearings can start creaking, and then bind up, and we’ve seen more than a few front and rear coil springs break due to corrosion. So, let’s discuss what you can look for when you encounter one of
10 Toughest Cabin Air Filter Jobs
Cabin air filters prevent leaves, dirt, bugs and other debris from entering the HVAC system. This prevents the fan and control doors from jamming with debris that could cause fan noise or affect the operation of the heater, air conditioner and defroster. Keeping the HVAC system clean also helps reduce the growth of odor-causing mold
Tech Tip: Slow Death of An Air Ride System
When an air ride system fails, it can fail in a big way. It’s a rarity when just one component fails. More than likely, it will be a cascade of failures that can lead to a huge repair bill. So make it a point to inspect the system before a health check turns into an
Tech Tip: BMW TPMS Systems
BMW has offered Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) on most of its vehicles since 2002. Some 2002 and 2003 models have an indirect system called Flat Tire Monitor (FTM) that compares the inputs of the wheel speed sensors to detect a flat tire. These early indirect and direct systems were implemented not to meet the
The Inner Workings of Variable Valve Timing Technology
Variable valve timing (VVT) is a way to advance/retard valve timing, and change duration, overlap and even lift in some applications while the engine is running. VVT is computer-controlled and typically uses oil pressure to change the position of a phaser mechanism on the end of the camshaft to advance or retard cam timing. VVT
