Andrew Markel Archives - Page 3 of 4 - AutoSuccessOnline
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.

Top 10 Alignment Tips

A simple test drive can reveal a lot of problems that might have been otherwise overlooked. Sure, test drives take time, but so do comebacks. Think of it as a final quality-control check.

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.

Idle and Throttle-By-Wire Systems

When carbon and other deposits build up around the throttle plate, the air needed for idle is restricted. The response from the ECM is to increase the angle of the throttle to compensate. But if the values exceed a specified range, it may set a code. Here’s what you need to know.

Embracing ADAS!

ADAS systems need a vehicle’s visibility, electrical/charging, brake, suspension and steering components to be in good-working order to work their magic.

Alternator Testing Tips — One Test Is Not Enough

All too often, the alternator is condemned by technicians due to a battery voltage test alone. However, there are many circumstances to consider before dooming the part to the recycling bin.

Air Ride FAQs

When you are diagnosing a problem, it is critical to ask a lot of questions about the operation of the system. Then, research the reason why the problem is occurring to point you in the right diagnostic direction.

HVAC Sensors: More Than Just Temperature

Some vehicles also use passive infrared sensors mounted in the dash or an overhead console to monitor the body temperature of the vehicle’s occupants. This allows the system to fine-tune heating and cooling so everybody stays comfortable.