Restoring Engine-Computer Communications
For this month’s Real World case, we will attempt to provide a plan of attack for communication issues on General Motors products with the Class 2 Protocol. Our diagnostic journey begins with a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. This vehicle was tested at the EPA test facility in our area and it was determined that there is
Latest EcoCAR3 Challenge Redesigns Chevrolet Camaro into a Hybrid
The U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors Co. recently announced the official launch of the EcoCAR 3 competition, introducing the 16 participating universities and revealing the Chevrolet Camaro as the vehicle selected as the platform for the competition. (Read about the finalists in the EcoCAR2 Challenge as The Ohio State University “raced” to a
Venturing Into Duramax Territory
Back in the 1990s, GM wasn’t making too many waves in the diesel truck market. The 6.2L and 6.5L engines had been around for sometime, but they were no match for the release of the Cummins 6BT in the Dodge truck in 1989 and the Ford Powerstroke in 1994. GM never really had a strong
AAIA is Now the Auto Care Association
Aftermarket. It’s a term of familiarity for those who have worked or taught in this industry for some time. But what does it really mean to you, the next-generation of vehicle repairers? You may have read about “the aftermarket industry” in textbooks, or seen those words in advertisements for parts. This was the thesis
Life On The Road: WIX Filters’ Mobile Marketing Program
Extreme driving conditions are part of the job at the helm of the WIX Filters dually pulling the famed WIX H2.
Tool Rules: Putting a Dyno to the ‘Test’
Because of the many assumptions of what a dyno can do for you, perhaps it is timely to look more closely at how you should think about dynos as a potential part of being an engine builder.
Tool Rules: Scanning the Market for Diagnostic Equipment
One thing you can always count on in the automotive repair business is that diagnostic equipment is constantly changing. It must to keep pace with changing automotive technology. So the latest crop of scan tools and code readers have more features, more capabilities and give you more bang for your buck than ever before.
Tool Rules: Breathing New Life into Pneumatic Tools
Air tools save technicians time, but require their own maintenance to ensure they’ll provide support. People who have made a professional career out of using air tools, such as Rich Evans of Huntington Beach Bodyworks, will tell you that there are two enemies of pneumatic equipment — Dirty Air and Moisture.
Tool Rules: Sniffing Out Engine Problems
WEB EXCLUSIVE ARTICLE FOR FEBRUARY:
Many technicians think an emissions analyzer is only useful for troubleshooting emission faults or for verifying a vehicle is in emissions compliance (not polluting). Truth is, an emissions analyzer is a great tool for diagnosing a wide variety of engine performance problems, even coolant leaks due to a blown head gasket.
Tool Rules: Passing of the Torch – Part II: Using Oxyacetylene Torches in the Shop
Note: For Part I of this article, which focuses on heating and cutting, see the Back Issues link under the MAGAZINES header on the homepage.
TOOL RULES: The Service Advisor – Ball-Style Hone – An Edge-Cutting Automotive Tool
From prepping combustion cylinders to deglazing brake drums, many automotive applications benefit from the de-burring, edge-blending and other finishing capabilities of the fast, economical and performance-enhancing ball-style hone.
Tool Rules: Welding on the Spot
Due to the misconceptions and lack of knowledge regarding squeeze-type resistance spot welding and its equipment, we conducted a welding machine challenge — a test that would simulate working on a vehicle and help school instructors, shop owners and collision techs make better decisions when purchasing a machine.