Episode 10 – Emission Control System Diagnosis – EGR Systems
The history of emission controls like Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valves and their importance in the proper operation of the vehicles using them. Ken Coleman is an ASE Master Technician at Great Falls Auto Repair in Great Falls, Montana who knows a lot about...
StarTuned March 2022
In this issue: Engine Repair or Replace • Engine Rubber Replacement • M276 tour Tips and Tricks • StarParts • Rogue Electrons • Service Bulletins
Mercedes-Benz Service Bulletins
A few service bulletins that might affect your customer’s vehicle Certain 2017 AMG GLE models (166, 292 chassis) with Code 494 (US Version): Check that the correct engine cover (A276 010 87 12) is installed. Any vehicle with the incorrect cover should visit an...
New (and Old) Nissan Frontiers
These rugged trucks have aged well, with old plastic parts and a few TSBs needing your attention. The phrase "Out with old and in with the new" doesn’t always apply to automobiles. Supply shortages, electronic chip shortages, and economic concerns have the automotive...
When Electrons Go Rogue – Case Study: Measurement and Signature Analysis of Mercedes-Benz 2011 E350
Understanding the fundamentals of electricity and electronics signal behavior can make or break your diagnosis. No matter how advanced we are in our knowledge in the 'theory' of things automotive. Diagnosing and repairing Mercedes-Benz vehicles successfully in the...
Mercedes-Benz StarParts
The perfect combination of quality and price Mercedes-Benz StarParts are genuine Mercedes-Benz maintenance parts designed for vehicles five years old and older. Developed as a lower-cost line of Mercedes-Benz parts, you are still offering your customers the superior...
Episode 9 – ADAS Create New Opportunities to Build Customer Trust
In the final episode of our ADAS series, Scott continues his lessons with important information on what you need to do to keep up with the changing automotive technology and why you need to keep your customers informed as well. Scott Brown is the co-owner of Connie...
Mercedes-Benz M276 Tour: Tips & Tricks
The features of the M276 six-cylinder engine, with maintenance needs and procedures Introduced to the United States in several models in the 2012 Model Year, the M276.9 6-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine was joined in Model Year 2015 by its dual-turbocharged...
Mercedes-Benz Engine Rubber Replacement
Why recommending a preventative replacement of engine rubber makes sense, and how to prepare the estimate Your customer is out for a nice drive in the country, or perhaps on a trip to see Aunt Edna or Cousin Eddy. Maybe just stuck in traffic on the 405 in LA. All of a...
How to Scan a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
This story begins at the local coffee shop. We noticed at the drive-through a modern Alfa Romeo. A chat with a close friend revealed that the vehicle owner was displeased with the local dealer and a contact was created. Displeased with the dealer was a mild term. The...
Mercedes-Benz Engine Repair or Replace?
A look at the remanufactured engines offered, some example prices and the warranty, helping you decide what’s best for your customer What do Wall Street, the economy, government administrations and the automobile market have in common? (Don't worry, this isn't a...
Volvo 2.0L Timing Belt Replacement
There is not a lot of aftermarket information out there yet about the procedure of replacing this timing belt. With VIDA, you can get complete, step-by-step instructions. Independent shops that work on Volvos are working on more and more newer Volvos that are equipped...
The Toyota Corolla: A 55-Year Retrospective
After 55 years the Corolla has not only survived, but thrived. Join us as we take a look at the history, common issues and technology of the world’s best selling car. Despite all the difficulties and unknowns of 2021, it was a good year for Toyota; in fact, it was a...
Episode 8 – New ADAS Create New Training Challenges
Research necessary to recognize vehicles equipped with ADAS and find the appropriate service information to identify necessary ADAS system calibration procedures for routine maintenance services such as wheel alignment. Scott Brown is the co-owner of Connie &...
Nissan ADAS: Solving the Puzzle (of How To Address This Technology In The Shop Environment)
Through specific examples, we'll discuss how to address this technology in the shop environment. There has already been a plethora of information written on Advanced Driver Assist Systems, or ADAS. This article looks to build on the wealth of information already...
How the Volvo Rear End Auxiliary Drive (READ) Works and How to Maintain It
In this article, we will go over the Volvo Rear End Auxiliary Drive (READ) assembly, how it works and how to maintain it. The READ assemblies on these six-cylinder engines are unique to Volvo. We go through inspecting the READ assembly, and how to deal with a...
Episode 7 – New ADAS Create New Service Challenges
Research necessary to recognize vehicles equipped with ADAS and find the appropriate service information to identify necessary ADAS calibration procedures for routine maintenance services such as wheel alignment. Scott Brown is the co-owner of Connie & Dick’s Auto...
2013 Porsche Cayenne Alarm Fault
We'll explain the information that can be acquired with Durametric™ Diagnostic Software, when diagnosing a 2013 Porsche Cayenne that seemingly has a mind of its own when it rains or is washed. The owner reported that another individual had “scanned” this model and...
2016 Porsche Cayenne No Communication LED Headlight
What to do when a Porsche Cayenne shows up winking at you with its LED headlights? derFix takes an inside look at the LED headlight assembly. A Porsche Cayenne presented with several warning lights indicating a malfunction with the headlights and cornering lights, and...
Nissan TSB Round-Up
Service Bulletins are a powerful tool to help diagnose today’s complex vehicles, but they have to be utilized at the correct time. Beep, Beep, Beep. The alarm sounds and you jump out of bed. A quick cup of coffee and you’re out the door. You get to work a few minutes...
Episode 6 – A Just-In-Time Parts Management System for your Shop!
Jordan Hill Jordan Hill is a diagnostic technician with ASE Master Tech and L1 credentials. With over 23 years of experience in the industry, Jordan has worked in several shops and has developed some interesting ideas about how independent repair shops can use some of...