Feature Articles

Down with the (Battery) Drain

Down with the (Battery) Drain

A dead battery caused by a battery drain has become one of the more difficult problems to diagnose these days. It could be a simple switch or relay staying stuck on. But what if it is computer related? What if one control unit is staying awake?

Monitoring the Problem

Monitoring the Problem

Every so often we run into the problem of not having a problem to solve. What do we do when we have a vehicle that is not setting codes, but it is also not running OBD II monitors. They need to run so the car can pass our state inspection program. Well, this Honda gave us plenty not to solve, so how did we do it?

Throttling Away

Throttling Away

Mercedes-Benz’s pursuit of safer vehicles incorporates individual systems working in concert to control speed, handling, and stopping. One critical part of this is the Electronic Accelerator. Here’s how it works and how to fix it.

Breathe Deep

Breathe Deep

Turbocharging is a way to produce more power when needed, but still get small-displacement fuel economy. With the best of both worlds it’s becoming popular again. Let’s learn how to keep up the boost!

Putting the Heat On ‘Em

Putting the Heat On ‘Em

Just because you put on a new part doesn’t mean it’s going to fix the problem. Such was the case with this Toyota Camry that had a fresh O2 sensor.

Nissan Wheel Bearing Diagnosis and Service

Nissan Wheel Bearing Diagnosis and Service

Here are the basics of wheel bearing diagnosis and service, as well as some old-time wisdom and techniques that used to be a little more commonplace prior to the information age. We’ll focus on the fixed-preload cartridge style wheel bearings that are most common in modern vehicles.

The Basics of Nissan’s VVEL System

The Basics of Nissan’s VVEL System

Here’s an overview of Nissan’s Variable Valve Event and Lift system.  We’ll look at which Nissan and Infiniti vehicles are equipped with VVEL, how the system functions, and maintenance considerations.
 

Nissan TechNews Spring 2012

Nissan TechNews Spring 2012

In this issue: Beyond the Belt; Advanced Driver ASsistance Systems (ADAS); Body Basics Premier Products; VVEL Systems; Wheel Bearing Diagnosis & Service

Lighting the Way

Lighting the Way

Safety is a top priority at BMW. One area the company always wants to enhance is the driver’s night-time vision. Here are some of the many ways BMW has improved its lighting systems to enhance safety on the  road for everyone.

Cushioning the Blow

Cushioning the Blow

Among the greatest safety advancements are BMW’s various types of supplemental restraint systems. Dual front air bags, side curtain safety bags and belt tensioning devices are only some of the life-saving features found on BMW vehicles. Here are some service procedures you should know about.

You May Now Be Seated

You May Now Be Seated

As far back as the early nineties, BMW offered memory seating, marking a new application for electronic control units. While these systems have become more complex, service procedures remain straightforward.

How BMW Power Distribution Systems Work

How BMW Power Distribution Systems Work

Getting all that awesome BMW power to the ground is no easy task. The 4WD BMW X5 has been around for a decade now, and a few years ago BMW introduced a 4WD 3 Series sedan. Let’s look at how these systems work.