Feature Articles

Chill Out

Chill Out

R-134a is the refrigerant that will replace R-12 in all new automotive air conditioning systems by the year 1995.

Air Conditioning Leak Tests

Air Conditioning Leak Tests

So a so-called “slow” leak in an air conditioning system is no longer the insignificant matter it was when refrigerant cost a buck a can, and you weren’t afraid to get a suntan.

Tech Tips

Tech Tips

Invest In Your Future; Subaru Axle Installation; Nissan Valve Adjustments; Candle Wax Remedy; Smoke Gets In Your Eyes; Volvo Distributor Seals

Double Clutch

Double Clutch

In our never-ending search for an excuse to escape from the office and get our fingers dirty with the greasy fun stuff over at the shop, Karl and I decided to tear our own cars apart for an article on clutch replacements.

Driveability Clinic: Charcoal Canisters

Driveability Clinic: Charcoal Canisters

We’ll discuss what the evaporative emission control system does and how it works. A better understanding of this system’s operation should make diagnosis easier when the system it stops doing its job.

Porsche 944

Porsche 944

Common repair items on Porsche 944 vehicles is a case in point, so we want to offer a few cautions before we start.

Legendary Acuracy

Legendary Acuracy

All that it usually takes to bring memories of those experiences flooding back is to remember the name of the car you were driving.

Carside Manner

Carside Manner

The lessons he taught best way, by example, not by words. The impression left by those lessons has stayed with me to a degree he himself will surely find surprising when he reads this.

Tech Tips

Tech Tips

Isuzu Parts Substitutions; Bouncing Subaru Tach Needle; Toyota Horn Contacts; Radio Interference; Corroded VW Connectors; Honda Headlight

Trans Mission

Trans Mission

Each time you repair an automatic transmission, it’s no exaggeration to say that you are embarking on a potentially perilous mission.

Tech Tips

Tech Tips

Toyota Tech Tip Treasure Trove; Nissan Transmission Pan Bolts; Hyundai Excel Transmissions; Acura Water Pumps; Volkswagen Knocking Noises; Visual Aid

Still Answering The Bell

Still Answering The Bell

My boss’s BMW 535iS has returned to its corner for some sorely needed attention. I’ve heard of long term test vehicles before, but this is ridiculous.

Pick Up Game

Pick Up Game

Isuzu recently announced that it would leave our small car market altogether, to concentrate on utility vehicles.

No Spark

No Spark

Suppose an engine won’t start and we need to find out why. More than a short glance is required to make the correct diagnosis.

Electrical Gremlins

Electrical Gremlins

If you remember our overview article on Alliance/Encore models in last November’s issue, you know we promised a follow up article highlighting common electrical problems with a French flavor.

Carside Manner

Carside Manner

What I’d like to know is whether or not the owners of automobiles in this country go to some type of ownership seminar to teach them what to say when their cars break.

Eye in the Sky

Eye in the Sky

Voltage drop testing has always been an important diagnostic tool for technicians. If anything, voltage drop tests have grown in importance as more and more vehicle functions have become electrically controlled.