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.
Bodyworks: Working on Hybrids: a Body Shop Primer
WEB EXCLUSIVE ARTICLE FOR FEBRUARY:
Hybrids account for only 1% of all U.S. light-vehicle sales, which actually presents a dilemma for shops: Because hybrids aren’t all that common (yet), shops aren’t as familiar with the potential hazards as they should be.
Special Report: Alternative Fuel – Johnson Controls-Saft Named as Battery Supplier for Ford Test Fleet of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
The 20-vehicle fleet will be tested first in California by SCE and later by other utilities in the New York/ New Jersey area, to help determine regional differences in vehicle usage and performance, as well as how PHEVs will affect the electric grid system and associated infrastructure requirements
ACDelco Offers Future Tech Training Program to Automotive Instructors
For the first time ever, a portion of ACDelco’s award-winning technical, Web-based training that its professional customers use is available FREE to high school level students at NATEF-certified schools nationwide.
Engine Tech: A Look Into the Future of Engines and Transmissions
GM – Powertrain Europe’s comprehensive Tech Show provides answers about how cars will be propelled in the future
Component Connection: A Little Homework Goes a Long Way
A Study in Starter Failures – In the early days of the automobile, starting an engine consisted of first retarding the spark and adjusting the hand choke to optimum fuel mixture. The next step was to pull a cylinder onto compression stroke and “snap” the piston past top dead center with the hand crank. Modern starters, of course, use an electric solenoid to close the circuit between the battery and starter motor and to keep the drive pinion engaged with the flywheel until the engine achieves idle speed.
Service Advisor: No Escaping Hybrid Service
The hybrid Escape and Mariner vehicles are full hybrid vehicles, meaning that, at times, the vehicle will run 100% on electric power only. In fact, it is capable of traveling up to 25 mph (40 kph) without ever starting the engine.
SPECIAL REPORT: Future Shock – Toyota to Start Sales of Lithium-ion Plug-in Hybrids by 2010
The Toyota PHEV prototypes are powered by oversized packs of nickel-metal hydride batteries that effectively simulate the level of performance Toyota expects to achieve when it eventually develops its own more advanced, compact and powerful battery systems.
The Real World – California Students Tops in Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills
Father-Son Team Wins Competition for the First Time
Getting a Charge out of Electrical Diagnostics
Adapted from Glen Beanard’s article in Underhood Service