Customer complaints of clicking, ticking, grinding or ratcheting noises from the front hubs during 2WD mode may be due to a mechanical or a vacuum related issue. The front hubs on the following applications are equipped with actuators referred to as Integrated Wheel Ends (IWE). These actuators function via engine vacuum and spring tension. Vehicles […]
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New technology poses new challenges as smaller displacement turbocharged engines create some major challenges for the vehicle manufacturers and the technicians servicing the vehicles.
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Turbocharged engines are becoming common, as the vehicle manufacturers utilize smaller displacement engines. Turbochargers and direct injection can make a small displacement engine behave like a larger displacement engine, plus achieve better fuel economy, and that is the reason for their popularity. Engines that operate at higher altitudes benefit greatly from the turbocharged arrangement.
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Having been involved in the automotive field for the past 54 years, I have experienced firsthand how minor negligence can lead to a catastrophic event. Many technicians fall into a pattern that results in the technician taking some steps that could result in personal injury or damage to the customer’s vehicle. It is human nature […]
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Two ladies in like Nissan Muranos were chatting in a shopping center parking lot. After loading their groceries, both encountered a no-start condition. What are the chances of this occurring with two like vehicles parked next to each other? It is all about the strength of the signal and it is not uncommon to encounter […]
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The location was at a hydroelectric dam that was popular for fishing and water sports. Turbulent doesn’t describe the water conditions created by six generators producing electric power and seventeen flood gates open and spilling excess water from the lake side of the dam. The currents were treacherous and would concern the most experienced boater. […]
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When the customer complaint is poor or no acceleration, or the engine has lost power, where would you start with the diagnosis? Most would assume something major and expensive to repair. Following are some basic checks to consider before getting too deep into the diagnostics.
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Two lungs filled to capacity with air contaminated with rotting bugs, molded leaves, dust, pollens, mold spores, mildew, and other pollutants doesn’t sound healthy. With a contaminated cabin air filter that is exactly what the customer is breathing.
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The transition from a key to an electronic code (Keyless Push Button Start) comes with a new set of challenges and safety measures that must be considered to prevent injury to the vehicle operator or the technician. Most view the fob as a key and that is not the case. It allows keyless entry to […]
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Gasoline Direct Injection comes with a new set of challenges and service opportunities that the technician must be familiar with. Many of today’s vehicles are fitted with a relatively new fuel system technology for the automobile, referred to as Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). While this technology has been around for 100 years, it has just […]
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