Feature Articles

Manual Labor

Manual Labor

The first time you encounter a balky VW shift mechanism in a Golf or Jetta, you’ll probably end up wishing the owner had opted for the automatic trany.

Tech Tips

Tech Tips

4-Runner Fuel Pumps; Honda Head Gaskets; Windshield Installation; Porsche Distributor Problems; Audi 5000 Running Problems; Double-Dip Nissan Tips; Loose Spark Plug Leads

UnnECCeSary Roughness

UnnECCeSary Roughness

It seems like only a short time ago when we saw the first “computers” that were capable of controlling the operational functions of the automobiles we served and repaired.

Tech Tips

Tech Tips

Save Those Hoses; Cooling System Bleeding; Torn Intake Boots; Off-Idle Miss; PCV Valves; Sticking IAC Valve; Dart Practice; Inductive AMP Testing

Volvo 240 Wiring Harness

Volvo 240 Wiring Harness

Volvo ownership-especially ownership of old Volvo 240s-might provide an interesting topic for a Psychology major preparing his doctoral thesis.

Voltage Drops Again!

Voltage Drops Again!

When you get under the hood, do you find yourself going back to doing things the same way you always have? If so, chances are you will never really get the benefit from what you have learned.

Go With The Flow

Go With The Flow

When the productivity of the sample shop increased from 60 percent to 100 percent, the two technicians earned over $8,000 more per year, and the shop’s annual gross sales increased by more than $85,000.

BMW Timing Belt

BMW Timing Belt

BMW timing belt replacements are one of those nice little money makers that don’t require the brain strain involved with driveability or electrical problems.

Tech Tips

Tech Tips

Toyota Hard Starts; Mystery Coolant Loss; Assorted Shop Tips; Knock Sensor Testing; Overheating Legacy

Toasted!

Toasted!

Modern automobiles are either electronic marvels or frustrating contraptions, depending on how you feel about automotive electronics.

A Tale of Two Carbs

A Tale of Two Carbs

When the topic of Japanese carburetors comes up, you usually get one of those responses, and very few which fall in the middle ground between the two extremes.

We Won’t Be Fueled Again

We Won’t Be Fueled Again

There are times when hunches need a little extra time to prove themselves, and rushing through a basic test of a component or system can leave you with a lot of false information which leads to an equally false conclusion.

Frictional Characters

Frictional Characters

The automotive repair business can be filled with tough breaks, as well as some pretty tough brakes. If you want to keep the latter from turning into the former, it’s important to know when to put your foot down.