How the Volvo EVAP System Works and Diagnosing Problems
The EVAP System in different Volvo models, how it works and how to diagnose the system when a Check Engine light is present. The EVAP system (EVAPorative emission system) is an emission system that prevents hydrocarbons from entering the atmosphere. Fuel vapors are...
Putting Cranky Toyota Hybrids to Bed
Crank-no-start with a hybrid is a little different, but they're actually easier to diagnose than conventional cars. When you grab your repair order and read, “Vehicle towed in. Engine cranks but won’t start,” you’re probably pretty happy. And why not? It’s likely to...
Episode 5 – Talking ADAS with Scott Brown, Part 4
Scott Brown Scott Brown is the co-owner of Connie & Dick’s Auto Service Center in Claremont, California and a well-known trainer in the automotive service industry. He’s also the founder of Diagnostic Network. Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) are now found on...
Replacing the Blower Motor on a 2015 Volvo XC60
With the right tools and the right instructions, it just becomes time consuming. Remember the old 240s when you had to take half the dash apart to replace the blower motor? Well this job isn't quite the same, but the dash still has to come out. Let's look at one...
Volvo TechTips Fall 2021
In this issue: Replacing the Blower Motor on a 2015 XC60 • 2.0L Timing Belt Replacement • Start/Stop Systems and How they Work • Volvo READ; Volvo EVAP
Episode 4 – Talking ADAS with Scott Brown, Part 3
Scott Brown is the co-owner of Connie & Dick’s Auto Service Center in Claremont, California and a well-known trainer in the automotive service industry. He’s also the founder of Diagnostic Network. Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) are now found on most new...
Subaru Cross-Shrek-trek
Multiple faults for several different systems on Subaru Crosstrek requires prioritizing and working through one at a time. As Shrek cleverly stated in one of our beloved family movies, “Ogres are like onions. Onions have layers. Ogres have layers. You get it? We both...
StarTuned December 2021
In this issue: Sliding Roof Systems • Wheel Alignment • WIS for Collision Centers • XENTRY Dianosis vs. Aftermarket
Episode 3 – Talking ADAS with Scott Brown, Part 2
Scott continues lessons on what ADAS is and how it works – camera/sensor operation, radar, calibration, sensor, and more.
The Sad Saga of the 2007 Lexus ES350 and a P0051 AF Sensor Heater Circuit Code
Some months ago, I was called to a shop to assist in the diagnosis of a 2007 Lexus ES350 (Figure 1) with a code P0051, “A/F Sensor Heater Control Circuit Low (B2S1)” (Figure 2). We’ll call this shop “Shop B.” Another shop, let’s call them “Shop A,” had installed a...
15-Minute Toyota Diagnostics
This article will show how diagnostic clues can be linked together to create a complete vehicle picture, which will save time and make for quick diagnosis.
Techniques, Tips and Strategies for Getting Wheel Alignment Right
What has changed/evolved are the components related to wheel alignment, as well as machines that perform alignments.
XENTRY Diagnosis vs Aftermarket: Which is better for your shop?
If you think you already know the answer, you might be surprised. A XENTRY Diagnostic machine from Mercedes-Benz can pay for itself many times over, despite the higher initial cost. We’d be shocked if your shop didn’t have at least one aftermarket code scanner, and...
Understanding WIS for Collision Centers
Save time and effort. It’s easy to use. The well-known STAR TekInfo platform has become the ISP Portal. Here, you can sign up to access the Mercedes-Benz Workshop Information System and a wealth of other information. Mercedes-Benz Certified Collision Centers already...
Mercedes-Benz Sliding Roof Systems
What sliding roof systems are installed, how they work, and their maintenance needs A room with a view — that’s what everybody wants, right? Not just in our homes, but our vehicles as well. The popularity of feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face has...
Servicing the Audi Q3, Part 4: Parasite Testing
We discuss the correct sequence to measure a possible parasitic draw in the Audi Q3 and VW Tiguan.
Episode 2 – Building Quality Control Programs that Work!
How some of the self-improvement concepts often used by large corporations can be adapted to the independent repair shop environment, beginning with the Andon concept.
Infiniti Cold Case: File #FX35
Harry, a long time veteran of the force, was nearing the finish line of his career. His retirement was fast approaching and, as such, he had been relegated to mostly desk duties. A ‘house mouse’ was the term for an officer who did not leave the station anymore, and...
Diagnosing Toyota High Voltage Ground Isolation Faults
High voltage systems are never chassis grounded, and if a high voltage cable or component shorts to chassis ground, it’s a problem.
Volvo Suspension and Comfort Ride
We'll cover the suspension systems through the years, how they have changed, what problems occur and how to remedy those problems. Like all vehicles nowadays, the suspension has changed through the years and Volvo is no different. In this article, we will go over the...
Automotive Tech Info November 2021
In this issue: How Toyota Inverters Work and Diagnosing Failures • Tackling Pesky BMW Oil Leaks • Servicing Nissan CVT Transmissions • VW/Audi Immobilizer