StarTuned February 2012
In this issue: One of the Star Points: Ignition; Sealing the Deal; As Good As New; Floating on Air
Floating on Air
Although Mercedes-Benz offers a hydraulic suspension system (Active Body Control, or ABC), there’s an alternative. AIRmatic suspension doesn’t need hydraulic fluid, or a belt-driven high-pressure pump to maintain a level stance. Vehicles so equipped float on a cushion of air, so how do we keep them afloat?
As Good As New
Chemical bonding is increasingly the preferred joining technology.
From the Earliest Days of Hot Rodding
Robert Petersen built an automotive publishing empire before his passing in 2007. In addition to his publishing enterprise, his passion for cars in general, and hot rod-type cars in particular, led to establish the Petersen Museum on the famed Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. The four-story building, featuring more than 300,000 square feet, offers four different experiences for visitors.
Sealing the Deal
Evaporative emissions have been tested and monitored by the ME since the beginning of OBD II regs in 1996. This system has been one of the more difficult air pollution-reduction systems to diagnose and verify. SDS software has made the job easier.
One of the Star Points: Ignition
To run properly, any gasoline-burning engine requires three elements to work together in perfect harmony: compression, fuel, and, our subject here, spark. Maintaining this harmony insures the legendary power and performance of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
MasterTechnician Magazine: January 2012
In this issue: Ticking Away, Tackling Maintenance Reminder Systems, Sleeping Giant, Scan Tools Revisited
Ticking Away
Increasing fuel efficiency and horsepower while reducing harmful emissions is a tough job for any automotive engineer. “Variable Displacement” is one way General Motors chose to achieve this. Of course, with every new system comes greater complexity and more testing to diagnose any problems.
Scan Tools Revisited: What’s the PCM Seeing and Doing?
These wonderful diagnostic devices have been around since the early ’80s. The best pro-level versions are incredibly powerful now, but there are much less expensive specimens that are very practical, too
Sleeping Giant
The old engine would run great when first fired up cold and had plenty of power, but as it warmed up it started to hesitate and run erratically.
Tackling Maintenance Reminder Systems
This article explores why properly handling the maintenance required light is the finishing touch on any professional service. Avoid unnecessary come-backs for trifling things and retain customers who expect your shop to provide a high caliber of service.
Nissan Tire Pressure Monitor Systems (TPMS) Updates
Tire Pressure Monitor Systems (TPMS) can be a confusing issue for technicians. Here are some recent updates and clarifications from Nissan to help you better understand and service Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.
StarTuned November/December 2011
In this issue: Straight Talk; Power Plant; Cat Got Your Tongue?
Nissan Continuously Variable Technologies – CVT Service, Diagnostics and Repair
Let’s take a look at Nissan’s Continuously Variable Transmission, including a basic overview of its design, and focus on the independent repair shop’s role in servicing, diagnosing, and repairing this different means of applying twisting power.
Understanding Nissan Intelligent Key Systems: Nissan I-Key
Understanding Nissan’s I-Key can be the “Key to Success” in servicing and repairing the Intelligent Key System.
Nissan TechNews Fall 2011
IN this issue:Super Steels; SRS Diagnosis & Repair; Intelligent Key Systems; TPMS Updates; Continuously Variable Technologies
Cat Got Your Tongue?
With very few exceptions, the catalytic converter has been on every gasoline-burning car sold in the U.S. since 1975. Over those 36 years, we’ve sometimes seen them clog and lower engine performance, or lose their efficiency, setting codes and/or preventing a vehicle from passing an emissions test. Here’s how to make sure that cat’s really dead before replacing it.
Power Plant
With all the modern conveniences found in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, it’s no wonder they also have a technologically-advanced power distribution system. The Dual Battery system helps manage this symphony of electronics.
Nissan Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Diagnosis and Repair
With a CONSULT, a Techinfo subscription, and good reading comprehension, SRS diagnosis and repair can be a profitable addition to your shop’s repertoire.
Straight Talk (Mercedes-Benz)
Frame Realignment and Suspension Alignment Pose Unique Challenges
Paradigm Shift: Coming to Grips with Super Steels
New steels, alloys and materials are forcing a collision repair reboot.