Feature Articles

The red CHECK ENGINE light on the dash can be a blessing, a curse, or both at the same time.

There have been many changes in vehicle battery technology and we’ve seen the emergence of vehicle electronics. These changes have taken some of the value out of the hydrometer test.

About two days after the “Craftmanship” article appeared in February’s Import Service, an acquaintance told me that his ’87 Camry was stuck in his company’s parking lot because it refused to move out of its parking space.

In today’s world of electronic ignition and computer controlled fuel delivery systems, the idea of a tune-up may seem outdated.

Rodney Gets The Shaft; Gnashing Teeth; Rotor Thickness Gauge; One Ringy-Dingy; No Check Engine Light; Is It Tight?; Turn Me Loose; Armstrong Steering

Automotive A/C has spent the last few years gradually turning into a very hot topic.

Under Pressure; Unheated Mixture; Gasping For Air; Crossed Wires; False Alarm; Crank Bolt Removal; Keeping The R-12 On The Inside; Stopping More Leaks

Magnetic sensors are AC signal generating devices that are used to indicate the rotational speed of a wheel or shaft (RPM).

The 200SX is spewing black smoke. The engine bogs badly. Then, just as quickly, the condition corrects itself and the car decides to let us work once more in a smoke-free environment.

Let It Run; Breathe Deep; Clogged Arteries; Tighten Up; Exhaust Leak Sleuth; Camry Coolant Conundrum; Rock And Roll; Head Rush

Sprocket Alignment; Parts Magnet; Torque To-Yield Technique; Dwell Specs; What About The Pressure Regulator?; Speak Of The Devil!; Groundless Accusations; Just Don’t Back Up

These sensors use analog voltages to inform the PCM about the volume of air entering the engine. At the end of that article, we also began our investigation of mass air flow sensors (MAF).

Smooth engagement of a new clutch eliminates return engagements to correct problems which should have been fixed during the initial performance.

Have you ever wondered why wheel alignments usually cost less than $100, while the equipment necessary to do alignments costs tens of thousands of dollars?

It must be because my brain has made an independent decision to remember only what it wants to remember of the past, instead of accepting the impossible task of remembering everything.

If a car is running right, chances are you won’t see its owner. That’s why it’s so hard to train customers to voluntarily bring their cars in for service at regular intervals, especially if there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the car.

Cars are getting more complicated with each new model year. Difficult problems are getting even more difficult.