Feature Articles

Volvo Lights: Beyond the Bulb

Volvo Lights: Beyond the Bulb

Advanced materials and technology play a leading role in Volvo lighting systems. Through the years Volvo’s lighting systems have changed significantly. From the basic bulb lights, front and rear, to halogen, xenon, and now LED. In this article we will go over the...

Mercedes-Benz Direct Fuel Injection

Mercedes-Benz Direct Fuel Injection

Unlocking the Mysteries Behind Gasoline and Diesel Piezoelectric Injectors I recently read David McCullough’s book The Wright Brothers about their work as pioneers of aviation. One interesting fact was that they built their own engines, and the very first engine...

Some Thoughts on Physical Testing for Volvo Diagnostics

Some Thoughts on Physical Testing for Volvo Diagnostics

No matter what vehicle system we technicians tangle with today when servicing Volvo vehicles, we can be sure that electrical circuits, electronic controls and communications networks will be an integral part of whatever it is we are trying to solve. Even during...

15-Minute Diagnostics on Toyota Vehicles, Part 2

15-Minute Diagnostics on Toyota Vehicles, Part 2

Vehicle studies that highlight key points to remember when working through the diagnostic repairs that come into the shop every day. Astronaut Garrett Reisman tells an incredible story of quick thinking and problem solving while he was on a spacewalk to install a new...

Two Vexing Volvos Violate Validated Valvetrain Viewpoints

Two Vexing Volvos Violate Validated Valvetrain Viewpoints

We can get lost very quickly if we are not savvy to the fact that the engine is the actual modulator for the computer controlling it. Wow. Sometimes in the world of diagnostics, we run into some extremely hard to solve technical problems. Most of the time these days,...

StarTuned Summer 2022

StarTuned Summer 2022

In this issue: Engine Repair or Replace • Engine Rubber Replacement • M276 tour Tips and Tricks • StarParts • Rogue Electrons • Service Bulletins

X Marks the Spot, Part 2: The X-Files

X Marks the Spot, Part 2: The X-Files

What to be aware of when servicing and repairing BMW’s Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes. This month, we will take a further look at BMW’s X-series of vehicles, but first a quick review. (If you missed part 1, click here.) BMW started the Sports Activity Vehicle...

Episode 18: Connecting the DOTs

Episode 18: Connecting the DOTs

What you need to know to make sure you’re using the correct brake fluid, and what it means if you don’t. It’s a matter of milliseconds that can make all the difference.

Resealing Volvo XC90 V8 Front Engine Cover

Resealing Volvo XC90 V8 Front Engine Cover

An oil leak or burning smell might indicate a leak from the front engine cover. Here's the procedure for resealing front engine covers. You might have a customer that comes in complaining about an oil leak or maybe a burning smell. On the Volvo XC90 V8, the front...

Mercedes-Benz M264/M260 1.5/2.0L Engine

Mercedes-Benz M264/M260 1.5/2.0L Engine

We’ve previously looked in depth at the M270/274 and M276 engines. What about their replacements? What’s new about this engine plus service tips and hints. Also an introduction to the M254 engine. Replacing the M27x-series engines, the M260/264 engines have...

P1 Volvo Oil Separator (Oil Filter Housing) Replacement

P1 Volvo Oil Separator (Oil Filter Housing) Replacement

Driving with the oil filter housing plugged causes the engine to break down oil seals. When this happens, the cam seal, rear main seal and valve cover can all start to leak. How will you know when to replace an oil filter separator or oil filter housing on a Volvo?...

Mercedes-Benz Parts the Easy Way

Mercedes-Benz Parts the Easy Way

Getting Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts has never been easier When you need parts, you have a lot of choices, but if you are like most shops you insist on Genuine Mercedes-Benz Parts. You know about their legendary quality, that there’s no monkeying around when it comes...

More on BlueTEC and AdBlue Technology

More on BlueTEC and AdBlue Technology

A look at servicing the system, problem areas including diesel particulate filters and countdown to zero Checking the AdBlue System? Using the XENTRY Diagnosis system will simplify your diagnosis. If you want to really get into the science behind BlueTEC and AdBlue®...

X Marks the Spot, Part 1

X Marks the Spot, Part 1

We examine several common repairs needed on BMW X3 and X5 models Amidst fears of Y2K and while trying to party like it was 1999, BMW was designing and building their first four wheel drive sport utility vehicle. The BMW X5 with chassis code E53 landed for the 2000...