February’s Featured Course: Evolving Fuel Systems Technology
January 29, 2021
Fuel Systems THE FILLING STATION What do we really need to think about when filling our tanks? – First and foremost, it is typically not a good idea to fill our tank when there is a fuel truck filling the underground tanks at our favorite gas station. The primary reason is that when the fuel […]
January’s Featured Course: High Voltage – Hands On with Electric Vehicles
January 4, 2021
Electrical THIS MONTH’S FEATURED COURSE IS ELECTRICAL This month’s featured course is electricity. This is a very unique course in it’s construction where we started off with basic 12-volt electrical systems and continued on all the way to the High voltage vehicles such as hybrids and full electric vehicles! We even made a dedicated generation […]
Are You Smarter Than A ‘Smart’ Charging System?
December 9, 2020
By Dave Hobbs. No matter how complex ‘smart’ charging systems appear at first glance, it still comes down to a battery, an alternator and some modules monitoring and controlling voltage regulation. We’re sure you’ve got the smarts to handle that. Nearly every time I look at an alternator it conjures up fond memories of growing up […]
How to Program Ford Keys
November 8, 2019
How to Program Ford Keys To start reprogramming Ford Keys the technician needs to Initiate Prox Learning procedures through FDRS. Once you launch FDRS, the program needs to identify the programmer device. In this case study , AVI is using an EZ-Flasher 3. The EZ-Flasher – A device that programs ECU’s & Immobilizer ICU’s for […]
What is an ADAS ?
October 24, 2019
What is an ADA System? Want to play a game? Between a Boeing 777, Mercedes S-Class, or a B-2 bomber. Which one has the least lines of code? The answer, the Mercedes S-Class has 100,000,000 lines of code while the Boeing 777 uses over four million lines of code. Meanwhile, the B-2 Bomber has […]
Protect Your Email and Avoiding Phishing Scams
October 22, 2019
Protect Your Email and Avoiding Phishing Scams “I don’t know this person, and I can’t identify this person.” Common sense dictates to ignore them or scrutinize this unidentified entity. However, Cyber Criminals still communicate personalized attacked through e-mail. Over 150 billion e-mails were sent in 2018, thus making e-mail one of the most effective ways […]
Climate Control Diagnostic Process
September 18, 2019
Climate Control Diagnostic Process By John Forro Every Technician needs to have a diagnostic plan. The primary goal of the diagnostic plan is to prepare the Technician to solve the problem at hand. The plan may not work on the first try, but it will create very useful road map. To start, review the customer […]
Compressor Clutch Control Circuit
September 13, 2019
Compressor Clutch Control Circuit From Bob Pattengale Looking at the graph the compressor clutch has a unique relay, it has a compressor control relay that operates in a variety of ways depending upon the application. From the two fuses, one is controlling the coil in the relay (using a 10 amp fuse) that feeds from […]
The Pitfalls of Power Sources During Module Flashing
January 28, 2019
So you have made the decision to get into module flashing as a profit center of your business. You have purchased the tools, software licenses and have completed a myriad of training on the subject. All of this is great and you are well on your way but have you considered purchasing a stable power […]
To Flash or not to Flash
Can Module Reprogramming Become a Profit Center for your Shop? The decision to enter into the Reflashing “Business” should not be taken lightly. The tools, software, subscriptions and training can become quite expensive not to mention the potential costs related to mistakes during the reflash process. Taking all of this into consideration, you may be […]
Controller Area Network System
July 18, 2018
When Bosch designed the Controller Area Network (CAN system) the idea was to make an electronic protocol system that would allow electronic control units and various other components to communicate with each other in an automotive setting without a main computer functioning as a communication terminal.
GM TPMS: The Setup And Relearn Procedures
July 15, 2018
View All Our Tire and Wheel Courses GM TPMS systems on Buick, Pontiac, Chevy, GMC, Cadillac and Hummer models are some of the easiest to service if you have the right tools and knowledge. Starting in 2007, most vehicles use a TRW-, Schrader- or VDO-manufactured system that all share the same relearn […]
Bosch Releases Virtual Garage
March 19, 2016
Robert Bosch, LLC is officially launching the 2D version of the Bosch Virtual Garage. The Bosch Virtual Garage was initially launched as a 3D version during the 2015 BoschXperience tour, using Oculus Rift DK2 goggles. The feedback from participants was very positive and many asked if they would be able to participate in the program again. […]
The Future of Brake Technology
March 12, 2016
The Future of Brake Technology German OEM supplier Siemens is developing new braking technology called electronic wedge brake. This can dramatically reduce stopping distances of vehicles compared to hydraulic brake systems. Foundations originate from German Aviation and Aerospace Center applications. We have seen increased technology of braking through the use of carbon compounds and electronic […]
Antilock Braking Systems Technology
Antilock Braking Systems Technology We all know today’s automobiles are “super smart,” hence the need for “super smart” technicians. These days, electronic devices control 85 percent of all vehicle functions, including fuel management, ignition, electric shift transmissions, ABS brakes and climate control. Shop Owners, Service Writers, and Technicians need to take advantage of training to […]
2016 AVI Conference @ AAPEX
2016 AVI Conference @ AAPEX Save The Dates: October 31-November 1st @ the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas AVI conferences attract some of the top technicians in the country and the top instructors in their field. All technicians, service writers, shop owners and managers are invited to benefit from some of this […]
Get it Out the Door!
March 4, 2016
Get it Out the Door! It’s coming….Friday is coming! Friday brings a slight drop in the work load, anticipation of a weekend with time all to yourself (unless you own the place) and time to relax! But to get through Friday, one thing has to happen, you have to get it out the door. […]
High Times At Ford
What is all this talk about clean diesel? Is it the fuel? Is it the engine technology? Is it the aftertreatment technology? Is it the push for cleaner emissions? Yes, it’s all of the above. Clean diesel is a collaborative effort set forth by the EPA, carried out by OEMs, state and local governments, environmental and community organizations and the Federal government.
Gates Giveaway at AAPEX
March 30, 2015
GATES GIVEAWAY With the AAPEX show right around the corner, the excitement builds for vendors, buyers, and those planning to attend as fans. Thousands of products that will be on display, and there are always the “bonus” things that go on at AAPEX, including many companies promoting giveaways and challenges to leave Vegas with […]
Bosch at AAPEX 2015
March 24, 2015
Bosch at the 2015 AAPEX Show The world’s largest supplier of automotive components had some things lined up that provided those in attendance with a fantastic experience. Bosch has been around for over 125 years, and the company has delivered several milestone moments at trade shows and beyond. As the AAPEX show went on, […]
The 2015 SEMA Show
THE 2015 SEMA SHOW The automotive industry had its eyes locked in on the big annual conventions set for the scene of Las Vegas. SEMA was once again at the forefront as the biggest show going. Did you know SEMA puts on the largest annual show of small businesses in the country? More facts about […]
Collision Shop Diplomacy
March 23, 2015
Recently I was reviewing an article in AutoInc, involving a “picky customer” case history at a collision repair facility. The question was what would you do if you had a customer you simply could not satisfy? No matter what you offered to do or had done to achieve a near perfect repair, this customer would […]
Start-Stop Technology Growth
March 5, 2015
Start-Stop Technology growth worldwide prompts the increase in AGM battery production to meet rising automaker demand. In the next 5 years it will be difficult to buy a new vehicle does not feature Start Stop technology. Start-Stop technology continues to gain in popularity as tightening government fuel economy and carbon emission reduction targets put additional […]
Big News for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
BIG NEWS FOR HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES Major players in the heavy-duty vehicle industry announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on September 15, 2015 regarding access to heavy-duty vehicle service information. Model year 2010 and later trucks, as well as buses over 10,000 lbs sold in the United States and Canada will be the […]
Clean Diesel–What It Is
December 23, 2014
What is all this talk about clean diesel? Is it the fuel? Is it the engine technology? Is it the aftertreatment technology? Is it the push for cleaner emissions? Yes, it’s all of the above. Clean diesel is a collaborative effort set forth by the EPA, carried out by OEMs, state and local governments, environmental and community organizations and the Federal government.
Advanced Tips For Changing Fuel Pressure On EFI Systems
October 23, 2014
Changing the fuel pressure on an EFI System is an effective method of affecting engine performance and making more power. However, there are many do’s and don’ts, and rules of thumb that can be frustrating to learn the hard way. Below are many small, but key points, tips and insights all engine tuners should to […]
Why You Can’t Ignore Reflash Repairs
by Andrew Markel Reflashing has been around for more than 20 years. In the past, updates were rare and typically addressed drivability and emissions issues. Recently, I’ve noticed that reflashing is being used to solve more problems that, previously, only parts used to solve. I was looking for technical service bulletins (TSBs) to include in the […]
Fuel Trim Diagnosis And O2 Sensor Performance
September 10, 2014
To better understand how fuel trim numbers are generated, the ECM/PCM uses the oxygen sensor or air/fuel sensor input signal to adjust fuel injector pulse-width values. If a longer-than-normal injector pulse width is required to maintain the desired oxygen sensor signal, the ECM/PCM displays an increased fuel trim value in its datastream. Of course, accurate […]
Can ‘Add-ons’ Affect The CAN System?
August 27, 2014
Shortly after a male teen gets his first car, the first thing he wants to do is modify it with new wheels, upgraded exhaust, seat covers and, the most important and popular modification — the stereo. The mindset is, when you drive to school with all your buddies in the car, you need good-sounding tunes. […]
Diagnostic Solutions: Diagnosing Misfires
August 13, 2014
Air/fuel ratios caused by leaking fuel pressure regulators and other fuel control issues can also cause general misfires on other vehicles. Freeze-frame data obtained by a scan tool can be used to determine the conditions under which a general misfire has occurred. In these cases, short- and long-term fuel trim numbers can be used to […]
ASE A5 Test Prep: Brake Pulsation And Runout
Being able to diagnose and solve brake rotor pulsation problems is critical to passing the ASE A5 exam for brakes. Pulsation and brake performance problems may not seem to be the most difficult, but they often cause the most headaches for technicians. Below are sample questions based on the A5 task list, written by the […]
Quick Management Tips from Automotive Management Network
July 30, 2014
All new management tips on being prepared, customer service and etiquette. Check out the latest Auto Shop Monthly Management Tips from the Automotive Management Network to get inside secrets on managing your shop and increasing your bottom line. Tip # 181 – You need to change your attitude, son! When sizing someone up, how important […]
Tips: Using The Oscilloscope: Ignition Coils
Current Ramping – Ignition Coil Regardless of design configuration, the role of the ignition coil is to multiply battery voltage into high voltage, which will provide the necessary spark. Following Ohm’s law for the conversion of volts to amperes, oil-filled coils generally require from 3 to 5 amperes of primary current to produce 20,000-30,000 volts […]
OBD II Misfire And Diagnosis
When diagnosing misfires, it’s important to use tools that allow you to go beyond a simple code reader that displays a P03XX. Even an OEM-level scan tool can’t tell you what the firing voltage is or what the ignition pattern looks like. Nor can it tell you if the serial data is accurate or correct. […]
Tackling Ford TPMS
July 15, 2014
TPMS was standard for the 2007 model year. 2007-’09 models have banded sensors, while most 2010-’11 models have sensors mounted behind the valve stem. If the vehicle has been stationary for more than 30 minutes, the sensors will go into a “sleep mode” to conserve battery power. It will be necessary to wake them up […]
