Direct Fuel Injection Diagnostics
Direct injection is becoming standard on more and more late-model vehicles, and while these systems can be a diagnostic challenge, with the right foundation, problems can be solved profitably.
Inspecting Modern Drive Belts — Look, Listen and Feel
A serpentine belt can look good to the naked eye. But, to the ear, odometer and measuring tools, it could be another story. When you are looking at the belt and the pulleys on which it rides, it is critical to use all of your senses.
Advanced Import Ride Control Diagnostics and Replacement
With more and more air-ride-equipped vehicles accumulating miles, you can expect to see a steady stream of these air-ride systems in your bays. You also have more options than ever before when it comes to replacement parts and conversion kits.
TPMS & Radio Waves: What You Can’t See Can Hold Up a Relearn
TPMS and keyless entry can be difficult to understand because these systems rely on transmitting, receiving and decoding radio waves. You can see wires connecting modules and components, but seeing radio signals takes a little faith in science.
Electric Power Steering: More Than Just an Assist
Electric power steering is quickly becoming a standard feature on new vehicles, but it’s not an emerging technology. It’s been in the field for the better part of two decades. Now, electric power steering has continued to advance by making autonomous safety features possible.
5 Spark Plug Tips
Here are 5 little-known tips about spark plug replacement that you probably didn’t learn in school.
Alignment Spec: Why Did the Angles Change?
An alignment angle doesn’t change randomly. There is a cause-and-effect relationship between external and internal forces that can alter the geometry of a vehicle’s suspension. Having the alignment reading for only one angle on one corner is just like knowing the temperature without knowing if there is a tornado outside.
9 Rules of Bearing Replacement
Asymmetrical hub bearings are allowing larger wheel and tire packages to be installed on vehicles with extra weight or rolling resistance
Suspension Bushing Logic
Even if you can get the camber, caster and toe dialed in on the alignment rack, a weak bushing may cause suspension geometry to change once the vehicle is in motion. These dynamic changes are the reason why bushing inspection is critical.
Alternator Testing: Diagnostics are Getting More Complicated
One test is not enough if you are diagnosing a charging system problem. All too often, the alternator is condemned as the source of the problem if only battery voltage is present with the engine running. If this is the case, it means that the alternator is not charging, but does not reveal why.
