Nothing is more frustrating for the vehicle owner than a puddle of oil on their carport floor or the stench of oil on a hot engine or exhaust system following a lube service. It is equally frustrating for the lube shop as they must correct the problem, losing billable labor time. We have seen customers […]
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Vehicles today incorporate a maze of electronic components that must be considered when troubleshooting a performance related symptom. A vast arsenal of test equipment is necessary to communicate with the electronic systems and components. Systems are so connected that it is difficult for the technician to distinguish between a mechanical, electrical, fuel or emission related […]
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Turbocharged engines are becoming commonplace as the vehicle manufacturers are utilizing smaller displacement engines fitted with turbochargers. Turbochargers and direct fuel injection can make a smaller displacement engine behave like a larger displacement engine, while accomplishing better fuel economy. With this technology comes some challenges, especially in the area of required maintenance. Failure to provide […]
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GM TRANSFER CASE NOISES Customer complaints involving howling, whining, shudder or grinding noises during parking lot maneuvers in Auto Mode or highway speeds in 4HI or Auto may occur on four wheel drive GM trucks and SUV vehicles. Vehicles affected range from 2014–2023 year models. Specific applications can be identified in GM Service Bulletin 19-NA-136. […]
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Troubleshooting today’s technology can be challenging for even the most experienced technician. Making an accurate diagnosis, rather than throwing a lot of expensive parts and labor at the symptom can be a challenge. How would your shop handle the following customer complaints? a) Crank but no-start b) Hard starts c) Long crank time d) Misfire […]
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Failure to provide timely maintenance on a turbo-charged diesel engine can result in some expensive repairs, especially if it involves replacing a turbocharger or engine. The inexperienced may not realize how important some of the basic services are when servicing these applications. The turbo-diesel engines require a greater volume of air compared to a normal […]
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Neglecting maintenance intervals can result in performance issues and internal engine damage due to sludge deposits restricting the flow of lubricant to vital engine components. Evidence of lack of maintenance will normally show up in the oil filter and related housing. The filter media will be impacted with sludge deposits. Where applicable, the filter cap […]
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Low voltage conditions or the integrity of an electrical connection can pose some challenging events for the technician attempting to make an accurate diagnosis. In the world of automotive diagnostics, electrical problems have proven to be the most challenging, especially intermittent problems. Intermittent performance problems can be affected by connection-relate conditions and the presence of […]
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LOW FLUID LEVEL CAUSES POWER TRANSFER UNIT FAILURE Are you accurately checking those fluid levels and recommending fluid flushes or exchanges, where applicable? Unfortunately, many service technicians fall into a pattern of just performing lubrication services requested by the customer, which is usually triggered by a service reminder light indicating that it is time for […]
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DODGE AND JEEP OIL FILTER IDENTIFICATION Precaution must be taken when selecting the correct oil filter for the 3.0L Turbo Diesel engines used in the following applications to prevent engine damage. The vehicle manufacturer cautions about the design differences in the GEN-2 and GEN-3 oil filter cartridges used in 3.0L diesel engines and the importance […]
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The shop had performed a service on the customer’s 2015 Silverado equipped with a 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel, which included a fuel filter replacement. Weeks later the customer contacts the shop owner requesting re- imbursement in the amount of $14,000 to cover the repair cost of the fuel injection system due to an alleged defective […]
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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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The owner of the 2013 Ford F150 encountered a brake performance issue, which involved a pulling condition during brake application. The vehicle was a recent purchase with little maintenance history from the previous owner, other than an invoice in the glove compartment that reflected a recent disc pad replacement…
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