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
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
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...
Mercedes-AMG Cylinder Management (A Look at Increased Efficiency)
A look at how Mercedes-AMG engineers increase efficiency in a large power plant, including CAMTRONIC While you may service a number of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in your shop, the most highly engineered models are from the Mercedes-AMG division. The AMG badge on certain...
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
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
In this issue: Engine Repair or Replace • Engine Rubber Replacement • M276 tour Tips and Tricks • StarParts • Rogue Electrons • Service Bulletins
The Mercedes-Benz Model 210 E-Class Central Locking System: How it Works, How To Diagnose and Troubleshooting Tips
How it works, diagnosis and troubleshooting tips Hidden in that yellow foam block is the PSE unit, home of the central locking pump and other functions. The Mercedes-Benz Model 210 E-Class is probably a typical visitor to your shop, with a zillion still on the road,...
Understanding Theory, Testing Procedures and Replacement of Volvo Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters have been all over the news lately, but not because of the fact that they are incredible devices that can literally change the molecules of the exhaust gases and convert toxins into less harmful byproducts, such as water vapor (steam) and carbon...
Mercedes-Benz Network Nightmares: Is There a Different Way?
How networks work, diagnosis and troubleshooting tips Let’s face it: Any technician, whether dealer or independent, faces challenges in accurately and efficiently addressing communication Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), especially when multiple networks on the...
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
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.
An Ailing Audi A6 – In Three Acts: Testing, Repair and Validation
We will focus on the complete diagnosis and repair of an ailing Audi A6 Quattro. This Audi was suffering from very low power under acceleration and the MIL was displayed. They say good things come in threes. An epic movie or book trilogy. A three-point conversion. A...
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
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...
A Study in Pink: Understanding Toyota’s Pink Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) and Cooling System Components
A study in Toyota’s pink coolant and some of the cooling system components that utilize this coolant including electric coolant pumps, EGR coolers and heat exchangers. In 2004, Toyota transitioned from red Long-Life Coolant (LLC) to the improved pink Super Long-Life...
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
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
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®...
Episode 17 – Diagnostic Strategies 6: How EVs Impact Diagnostics
What’s next and how Electric Vehicles (EVs) will impact how we work and diagnose this next step in automotive technology.
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...