Diagnosing HID Headlight Failure – Let There Be (More) Light
Diagnosing HID headlight failure requires more than just the part number of the bulb. We’ll cover the advanced systems involved in HID headlight operation and beam control, as well as some logical diagnostic strategies that may help in catching intermittent or difficult problems.
Driver’s Seat Diagnostics
Our man John stays clean and comfortable while doing a successful diagnosis. A 2006 Lincoln Navigator (Figure #1) 5.4L with a complaint of a rough-running engine.
Vintage Sports Cars -Racing in the “Past” Lane
Most of us “car guys” (and girls…) had at least sme interest or involvement in some kind of auto racing “back in the day.”
Out of Juice: Dealing with Discharged HV Battery Packs
A reasonable solution to a Prius Hybrid Catch-22.
Prepare to Pass (the ASE Test)
Taking an ASE Test is easy. Passing one, not so much. So how do you maximize your chances for success? It’s all in the preparation.
The Missing Mini
No, this is not a mystery about a Mini that has gone missing. This car had been off the road for a year’s storage in a body shop. When it came time to return the vehicle to the customer, it had an illuminated MIL and a misfiring cylinder.
Diagnosing Networks
My goal in this article is to see if I can pass along some confidence to others trying to learn how to solve a problem of “No Communications,” “no bus.” or no-start/no-crank issues related to network problems.
No Clutch Command
When our man John encounters conflicting pin and wire color information, he does the twist – A complaint of no A/C compressor engagement on a 2008 Nissan Altima with a 2.5L engine.
iShop 3.0
What is it? And, why should it matter to you?
MasterTechnician October, 2010
MasterTechnician October, 2010 -Download complete issue
StarTuned September/October 2010
In this issue: Habitable Zone; Just Add Water; Monitoring the Situation
Monitoring the Situation
Tank pollutants and OBD II regulations
Just Add Water
Managing VOC emissions
Habitable Zone
In control of compressor clutch engagement
The Cadillac Story
These days, when we see a wheel speed sensor code can we really afford to just throw a new sensor at it? For most GM vehicles, that means a whole wheel bearing assembly. With parts and labor being what they are, we’d better make sure.
Speeding Bullet
John Anello, Auto Tech on Wheels, is called to a shop to perform a program update on a 2006 Ford E250 van with a 6.0L engine. There are many precautions that must be observed while programming a vehicle…
Auction Action Part 2
By Glen Quagmire Last time we discussed the basics of collector car auctions -- the companies that run them, the nature of the people who most often show up to buy or sell, and what you can expect if you decide to drop into an auction for an enjoyable day or two’s...
MasterTechnician August, 2010
MasterTechnician August, 2010 -Download complete issue
Auction Action Part 1
The basics of collector car auctions — the companies that run them, the nature of the people who most often show up to buy or sell, and what you can expect if you decide to drop into an auction for an enjoyable day or two’s worth of entertainment and enlightenment.
How “U” Doin’? Diagnostics
John Anello, Auto Tech on Wheels, was called to a shop on a 2004 Chevy Corvette with a no-start condition. There was no communication with the PCM and the security light was on.
Smog Checks, the EPA, and the Future of Vintage Vehicles
Tuning a vintage carbureted engine to be less polluting does not necessarily mean that the engine will lose power and driveability. In fact, proper tuning of the ignition system and carburetor should actually improve how the engine performs.