Service Advisor: Charging Ahead with Battery Service
The actual service life of a battery depends upon its design and construction, and the operating conditions to which it might be exposed.
Undercover: Taking Control of the Ride
Ride control is important with today’s high-tech anti-lock brake and stability control systems, as well as electronic suspensions and self-leveling suspensions.
Undercover: Managing Emissions — Diagnosing Catalytic Converter Concerns
Before a technician replaces a converter, they need to address the possible reasons for it failing in the first place.
Service Advisor: Steered by Intelligence — Understanding Steering Sensors
The sensor’s basic function is to monitor the
driver’s steering inputs. This includes the angle of the steering wheel and/or the rate at which the driver is turning the wheel.
Under the Hood: Counting Carbs
Dissecting Old School Performance Fuel Systems
Undercover: Stopping Power — Servicing Ford’s Hybrid Braking System
In traditional vehicles, the energy used to decelerate the car is lost as heat when the driver applies the brakes. Hybrids, on the other hand, can recover a substantial portion of what would otherwise be “lost energy” and store it in the battery for later use. This is known as regenerative braking.
Under the Hood: Hybrid Engine Technology Interchange
Toyota’s Synergy Drive System Under a Nissan Hood
Undercover: Lost Air Time — Servicing Air Springs and ERC Systems
Understanding the operating logic of an air ride suspension system is important when trying to make a diagnosis because all of these systems are different. If you don’t understand the logic, you can’t always tell if the system is functioning correctly or not.
Service Advisor: Reducing Problem Gases: Examining Ford’s EGR System
Typically, the Ford EGR system doesn’t require regular maintenance, but a valve that is clogged or sticks could result in the check engine light turning on, a decrease in gas mileage, a vehicle that idles roughly or fails the next emissions test. Then what?
Undercover: Handling All-Wheel-Drive Diagnostics
Today, technicians have to be more proficient in diagnosing AWD system failures. He or she has to be familiar with more that one manufacturer and be able to understand their methods of diagnosis verses the dealership technician who deals with one manufacturer.
Performance Primer: Induction Production — Bolt-On Horsepower Tactics
There are a lot of induction system options to consider. Which setup you choose to use will depend on the application (street performance, circle track, drag race, off-road or marine), any rules that may restrict the kinds of parts that can be used, and your customer’s budget.
Undercover: Linked On — Servicing Steering Linkages
Although most technicians take steering linkages for granted, it pays to review the basics.