Feature Articles

The Henry Ford, Part 1

The Henry Ford, Part 1

What do you think of when you hear “The Henry Ford?” If you’re like most, you probably think of the one and only creator of the Model T, the Model A, and the manufacturing innovator who made major contributions to the development of mass production techniques.

BlueTEC

BlueTEC

Mercedes-Benz introduced the very first diesel-powered passenger car an amazing 77 years ago. While the company’s diesels have always been durable and easy to live with, today they also offer startling acceleration, incredible mpg, and amazingly quiet, low-emissions operation.

Hold the Road: Maintaining Traction

Hold the Road: Maintaining Traction

Traction Control isn’t just a matter of using ABS to throw torque from one side to the other. It’s an integrated system including ASR, BAS, ESP, and electronic throttle control, which all share data over a CAN. So, you’ve got to look at the big picture during diagnosis.

Fuel Trim Diagnosis

Fuel Trim Diagnosis

“Self-adaptation” is how M-B refers to fuel trim, and that’s actually more descriptive. Regardless, understanding this electronic engine management feature will help you cure MIL-on complaints, failed emissions tests, etc.

Paradigm Shift

Paradigm Shift

Volkswagen has been working hard to make its automatic transmissions more efficient. They shift faster and more smoothly than ever before. Let’s see what we can do to keep it that way.

Keeping Gasoline Fresh

Keeping Gasoline Fresh

The life span of the gasoline you buy at your local station can range from several months to a couple years from the day it was refined depending on how it was stored.

EVAPorating Away

EVAPorating Away

Since 1996, OBD II regulations have required that the fuel supply system be checked for leaks as small as .020 in. As fuel is used, air must be allowed into the tank to prevent a vacuum from forming. But how do we help prevent fuel vapors from escaping.

Window Pain – BMW Power Window Diagnosis

Window Pain – BMW Power Window Diagnosis

BMW provides sophisticated climate control systems, but sometimes you just want to open the windows and breathe in the fresh air.Or, how about paying tolls? For whatever reason, do you know how to prevent window pain?

Earth Shocks – Diagnosing BMW Suspension System

Earth Shocks – Diagnosing BMW Suspension System

From early on, one of the main things that separated BMWs from other cars was the fun-to-drive quotient. A big part of that has always been due to great suspension designs that provide both agile handling and a compliant ride. Even in this age of computer controls, you can make sure your customers’ vehicles retain these valuable qualities

Mixing it Up

Mixing it Up

Now more than ever BMW owners are concerned about their fuel mileage as well as their impact on the environment. Part of BMW’s “Efficient Dynamics” movement is reducing emissions and still providing a vehicle that is a driver’s car. How are you going to keep your customers’ vehicles running efficiently?