By: Larry Hammer | Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 at 10:07 am in On The Line The 2013 Ford F150 equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine was running perfectly. With the exception of a drop in fuel economy, there was no indication of a problem until the Check Engine light in the dash illuminated. A system […]
Diagnostic Challenges That Can Elude an Experienced Technician
By: Larry Hammer | Tuesday, January 9th, 2024 at 11:49 am in On The Line 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 […]
Oil Consumption: It May Be a Normal Characteristic
By: Larry Hammer | Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 at 11:53 am in On The Line When dealing with oil consumption complaints, how much should be considered as too excessive? Is the engine consuming an excessive amount of oil or should the amount consumed be considered a normal characteristic? This is especially a concern with the […]
TURBOCHARGED ENGINES: Are You Recommending the Required Services?
By: Elvia Vega | Thursday, July 20th, 2023 at 12:35 pm in Tech Tips 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 […]
TROUBLESHOOTING DRIVELINE NOISES: Identifying Factory Solutions
The post TROUBLESHOOTING DRIVELINE NOISES: Identifying Factory Solutions appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts. 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 […]
ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE: Diagnosing Radio Frequency Interference Symptoms
Laptop computers Electronic accessories/devices Fluorescent lighting Electronic advertising signs High RFI traffic areas/gas station speed passes Electronic interference from a nearby vehicle/accessory devices Keyless access transmitters from nearby vehicles Vehicle immobilizer keys from other vehicles Charging devices/cell phone chargers Gate/door entrance devices Building access transponder/entrance devices Toll bridge/highway passes Parking access cards attached to key […]
SERVICING DIESELS: Identifying Normal Characteristics
By: Larry Hammer | Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 at 12:57 pm in Tech Tips A major part of the diagnostic process is identifying an issue from a normal characteristic. Following are some examples of customer complaints that could be mistaken as a problem when they may be a normal occurrence for the application. Customer complaints […]
Servicing Diesels Lack of Maintenance Promotes Costly Repairs
By: Larry Hammer | Friday, December 30th, 2022 at 10:15 am in On The Line 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 […]
DIAGNOSING PERFORMANCE COMPLAINTS: The Process Can Be a Challenging Event
By: Larry Hammer | Thursday, February 16th, 2023 at 12:26 pm in Tech Tips 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 […]