Often, we are confronted with an electrical or performance issue that may not have reference to a diagnostic chart to assist in the diagnosis. When these conditions occur, a lot of diagnostic time can be invested without producing a solution. Many of these problem-solving solutions are resolved through information sharing from fellow technicians and that […]

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The C6 Corvette was just removed from winter storage and was about to receive a complete service. The engine roared to life and the instrument panel reflected a systems check. Bulbs were illuminated and would time out, indicating that systems or components were functioning as normal. Moments later, a warning lamp resembling an occupant holding […]

The post Air Bag Lamp Illumination: Electrical Connection or Accessory Interference? appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

Oil leaks are not a normal characteristic and if you are servicing a vehicle and leakage is present, it should be brought to the attention of the vehicle owner and documented on the repair order for future reference. Keep a copy just in case of engine damage that may occur later, especially if the repairs […]

The post Oil Cooler Leakage: The Oil Filter Is Often Blamed appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

The vehicle received a full service including an oil and filter change. The system was leak checked and the engine had good oil pressure. Two days later, the customer calls reporting a loss of oil pressure symptom. Mechanic A says…a defective oil filter is the cause of the loss of oil pressure. Mechanic B says…a stuck […]

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Nothing is more frustrating for the vehicle owner than a puddle of oil on their carport floor or the stench of oil on a hot engine or exhaust system following a lube service. It is equally frustrating for the lube shop as they must correct the problem, losing billable labor time. We have seen customers […]

The post TROUBLESHOOTING OIL LEAKS: The Filter Often Gets the Blame appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

When diagnosing engine performance complaints such as misfire symptoms, be advised that several systems and components can contribute to those symptoms. When considering single or multiple misfire codes, some checks may seem farfetched but trust me if not all are considered the symptoms can elude the most experienced technician, resulting in a misdiagnosis. When this […]

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Vehicles today incorporate a maze of electronic components that must be considered when troubleshooting a performance related symptom. A vast arsenal of test equipment is necessary to communicate with the electronic systems and components. Systems are so connected that it is difficult for the technician to distinguish between a mechanical, electrical, fuel or emission related […]

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When dealing with oil consumption complaints, how much should be considered as too excessive? Is the engine consuming an excessive amount of oil or should the amount consumed be considered a normal characteristic? This is especially a concern with the extended service intervals, which may result in the vehicle being driven twice the mileage when […]

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Turbocharged engines are becoming commonplace as the vehicle manufacturers are utilizing smaller displacement engines fitted with turbochargers. Turbochargers and direct fuel injection can make a smaller displacement engine behave like a larger displacement engine, while accomplishing better fuel economy. With this technology comes some challenges, especially in the area of required maintenance. Failure to provide […]

The post TURBOCHARGED ENGINES: Are You Recommending the Required Services? appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

GM TRANSFER CASE NOISES Customer complaints involving howling, whining, shudder or grinding noises during parking lot maneuvers in Auto Mode or highway speeds in 4HI or Auto may occur on four wheel drive GM trucks and SUV vehicles. Vehicles affected range from 2014–2023 year models. Specific applications can be identified in GM Service Bulletin 19-NA-136. […]

The post TROUBLESHOOTING DRIVELINE NOISES: Identifying Factory Solutions appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

Troubleshooting today’s technology can be challenging for even the most experienced technician. Making an accurate diagnosis, rather than throwing a lot of expensive parts and labor at the symptom can be a challenge. How would your shop handle the following customer complaints? a) Crank but no-start b) Hard starts c) Long crank time d) Misfire […]

The post DIAGNOSING PERFORMANCE COMPLAINTS: The Process Can Be a Challenging Event appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

Failure to provide timely maintenance on a turbo-charged diesel engine can result in some expensive repairs, especially if it involves replacing a turbocharger or engine. The inexperienced may not realize how important some of the basic services are when servicing these applications. The turbo-diesel engines require a greater volume of air compared to a normal […]

The post Servicing Diesels Lack of Maintenance Promotes Costly Repairs appeared first on Mighty Auto Parts.

A major part of the diagnostic process is identifying an issue from a normal characteristic. Following are some examples of customer complaints that could be mistaken as a problem when they may be a normal occurrence for the application. DIESEL ENGINES AND NOISE-RELATED SYMPTOMS Customer complaints of ticking, clicking, or cycling noises on 2017–2022 GM […]

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