Servicing the Audi Q3 Part 3: Diagnosing Park Assist and Steer Assist
There are times when a concerned owner asks about rear bumper damage and/or observes that the Park/Steer Assist is not offering the values or warnings within the rear camera display. These experiments and tests are with the same Q3 in the service bay (from Part 1 and...
Charging System with Battery Monitoring System for Volvo
Using VIDA, we can limit time spent on diagnosing a Battery Monitoring Sensor (BMS) and ensure the vehicle is repaired correctly. Although charging systems seem pretty straightforward these days, these systems can become very technical and sometimes hard to diagnose....
Nissan Evaporative Emissions
With the advent of On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) systems, and even tighter restrictions on emissions standards, the Evaporative Emissions System will continue to challenge repair technicians. Since hydrocarbons were first identified as Volatile Organic...
Curing the BMW N54 30FF Fault Code
Concepts of how BMW twin turbocharged N54 engine operates: The control side of the turbos, possible failure points, methods to diagnose and isolate these failures, and how to repair/fix such findings.
Radar in the Trenches: How to get started with Toyota Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
An introduction to the tools and techniques necessary to perform ADAS calibration on Toyota vehicles for radar, cameras, and sonar. Do you repair Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)? Many independent shops don’t, but why not? Reasons may include complexity, cost...
Servicing the Audi Q3 Part 2: Q3 and Tiguan ventilation and oil separator systems
There is a simplified and inexpensive test identical to the Audi A6 ventilation system test discussed in an earlier article. The method is to test, photograph and maintain that research for models that do have these issues. Lean conditions also mean oil leaks as in...
Volvo TechTips Spring 2021
In this issue: All Wheel Drive Vehicles • Intake Air Leaks • Replacing Alternator on a Volvo XC90 V-8 • High Mileage Volvos
Alternative Mazda Diagnostic Connection
With the Mazda platform, the most common scan equipment on the market would be the IDS, Snap-On, MAC, Autel, Launch, etc. Most, if not all, can read the entire network(s) of the installed controllers and also include bi-directional control(s). What about ELM327...
Troubleshooting the Infiniti IQ X56
An Infiniti QX56 was driving when the engine stopped running with no warning or indication of a problem. After stalling out the engine would crank over, but not start.
How to Find Toyota Ignition System Faults Fast! Dotting the IGFs and Crossing the IGTs
Toyota’s Direct Ignition System (DIS) (also known as Coil On Plug (COP)) operation, best testing methods and typical failures.
Servicing the Audi Q3, Part 1
Part 1 of 4: Servicing Audi Q3 Oil Separator, Park/Steer Assist and Parasitic Draw. Setting the SRI (Service Reminder Indicator).
Volvo XC90 (2003-2013)/XC70 (2001-2007) Fuel Tank Removal and Replacement
This job is not a common repair, and it is somewhat complex. Only in a few cases will the fuel tank be replaced in order to fix an evaporative system issue. The need for fuel tank replacement can be caused by a variety of problems. This job is not a very common...
The Case for Using Volvo-Specified Engine Oil
Regular oil and filter changes are a way of life for any vehicle. The life of a Volvo engine depends on this simple routine service. But is it really so simple? Castrol SAE 0W-20 Well sure. You just use a genuine Volvo oil filter and engine oil meeting API service...
StarTuned June 2021
In this issue: CO2 as a Refrigerant • NASTF and the VSP Registry • MIL Code P0513 • Causes of DTCs P0170 and P0173 • Blind Spot Monitoring Systems
CO₂ as a Refrigerant is Happening
Under development for many years, R744 systems will be showing up soon. Are you ready? I know what many shop owners and technicians are thinking right now: When will it ever end, this constant changing of automotive air conditioning systems? Well the short answer is...
Diagnosing a Honda Accord Damaged Key Cylinder Failure
A co-worker had an ignition key problem and soon thereafter the entire key cylinder failed, disintegrating to the point of a total failure. The co-worker searched and found an entire lock set at the local scrap yard. The ignition assembly was removed and installed...
NASTF and the VSP Registry
Valuable resources for independent repair shops The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) was created to provide a technology solution to ensuring access to the information needed to diagnose and repair every make and model vehicle. But if information is king...
The Causes of DTCs P0170 and P0173 in Mercedes-Benz Vehicles: Air, Fuel or a Red Herring?
The OBDII Fuel Trim DTCs P0170 and P0173 are often the subject of robust online debate, some confusion as to their meaning, and further debate as to how to solve these faults in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. As most of us are aware, the generic OBDII DTC (Diagnostic Trouble...
Replacing Volvo Water Pumps
The water pump is a vital part of the coolant system and should be checked frequently during services. Coolant system diagnosis and repair can sometimes be a problem. A coolant leak can sometimes take time to find. The vehicle could leak when it's cold, or maybe you...
RepairLink(SM) Shop and CollisionLink® Shop
These programs represent the fastest, most accurate ways to source Volvo mechanical and collision repair parts.If you’ve ever received an incorrect automobile repair part, you weren’t using RepairLinkSM Shop or CollisionLink® Shop. But you could. They’re both free!...
MIL Code P0513: Unauthorized Key, KEYLESS GO Not Recognized, and Key Fob Malfunction
The KEYLESS GO feature makes the KEYLESS START even more attractive What is KEYLESS GO? The key fob transmitter for KEYLESS GO looks the same as KEYLESS START depending upon the model. With KEYLESS START, you can step on the brake and press the START/STOP button on...