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Auto Repair Articles
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See also the Alphabetical Index of Articles and Topics
Automotive Glossary
Automotive Glossary of Terms A
to E
Automotive Glossary of Terms F
to P
Automotive Glossary of Terms R
to Z
Automotive Acronyms
ASE
English-Spanish Glossary of Technical Terms (PDF file - requires Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view).
Automotive
Training Resources
OEM Service Information & Technical
Websites
List of OEM Service
Websites & Access Fees
OEM Service Matrix (Listing all
OEM sources for service literature) (PDF file - requires Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view).
. .

Auto Repair Safety Tips
(READ THIS FIRST!)
Air Conditioning Articles
A/C Cooling Problem: Blows Warm Air Only No Cool Air
Troubleshooting Air Conditioning Problems
How To Recharge Your
Car's Air Conditioner
Alternative Refrigerants
New Refrigerants & A/C
Systems
Information about Retrofitting
older vehicles with R-12 A/C systems to R-134a
MACS
Recommended A/C Service Procedures (December 2005) (PDF file - requires Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view).
Automatic Climate Control
A/C Compressor
Failures
A/C Condenser
Flushing
Alignment
Articles
Wheel Alignment:
Camber, Caster & Toe
Fixing Common Alignment
Problems
Correcting Steering
Pulls
Getting The Right Attitude:
Restoring Ride Height
How To Align The
Unalignable
Aligning Light Trucks &
SUVs
Brake
Articles
Doing A Complete Brake
Job
Fixes For Common Brake
Problems
Silencing Brake Squeal
Eliminating Brake Noise
More on Brake
Noise
Preventing Disc Brake
Dust
About Ceramic Brake
Pads
More on Ceramic Brake
Pads
Application Specific Brake
Friction Materials
Update On Application Specific
Brake Linings
Choosing Brake Friction
Materials
Finding the Right Friction Material for Your Vehicle
Rating Aftermarket Brake
Linings: D3EA Testing
Brake Rotors
Cautions on Composite Disc
Brake Rotors
Drum Brake Service
Drum Brake Wheel Cylinder
Inspection & Service
Brake Lubricant
Brake Fluid: A Hot Topic
Bleeding Brakes
Bleeding ABS Brake
Systems
Asbestos still a hazard
Servicing Brake
Hydraulics
Loaded Brake
Calipers
Troubleshooting Power
Brakes
Parking Brake
Service
Big 3 Brake Symposium Notes -
Oct 2002
Big 3 Brake Symposium Notes -
May 2001
All About Antilock Brake Systems
(ABS)
Antilock Braking Systems (1998
model year)
ABS Systems Come Under
Fire
New ABS Diagnostic
Testers
Pulling ABS Diagnostic
Codes
Chrysler Dodge Plymouth
Minivan Bendix 10 Antilock Brakes
GM Delphi DBC-7 ABS
Antilock Brakes
Jeep Bendix 9 Antilock
Brakes
Kelsey-Hayes 4WAL
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Electronic Stability
Control
Brake-By-Wire
Cooling System
Articles
Finding & Fixing Coolant
Leaks
Servicing Your Cooling
System
Cooling System
Parts
Radiator Repair & Replacement
Coolant Checks & Changes More
Complicated These Days
Clearing up Cooling System
Confusion: The New Coolants & Service
Your Temperature
Warning Lamp Is On. What Should You Do?
Overheating: Causes &
Cures
Coolant Sensors
Troubleshoot
Electric Cooling Fan
Troubleshoot Cooling
Fan Clutch
Water Pump Diagnosis &
Replacement
Belt & hose service
Heater Service

Driveability, Diagnostics & Emissions
Articles
Car Won't Start
(Possible Causes & Quick Checks)
Check Engine Light OnBoard
Diagnostics
More on Check Engine
Lights & Fault Code Diagnostics
Ford P0171 & P0174 Lean
Codes
Other Warning Lights
(TEMP, OIL, ALT/GEN, BRAKES, ABS, AIR BAGS, etc.)
Scan Tool
Diagnostics
Keeping Scan Tools
Up-To-Date
Controller Area Network
(CAN) Diagnostics
Mode 06
Diagnostics
Flash Reprogramming
PCMs
Flash Reprogramming PCMs (more)
Powertrain Control Modules
(PCMs)
Understanding Engine
Management Systems
Making Sense of Engine Sensors
Coolant Sensors
Crankshaft Position CKP Sensors
Understanding Oxygen (O2)
Sensors
Wide Ratio Air Fuel (WRAF)
Sensors
Sensing Emission Problems
(O2 Sensors)
MAP sensors
Mass Airflow MAF Sensors
Vane Airflow VAF Sensors
Throttle Position Sensors
Decoding Onboard
Diagnostics
TROUBLE CODES (list of generic OBD2 trouble
codes and definitions)
All About Onboard Diagnostics
II (OBD II)
Understanding OBD II
Driveability & Emissions Problems
Zeroing in on OBD II
Diagnostics
Emissions testing
update
Evolution of I/M 240
The Environmental Challenge Now Is
CO2
Fixing Emission Failures
Basic Emission Control Systems
Overview
Catalytic Converters
Troubleshooting a P0420
Catalyst Code
Exhaust Gas Recirculation
(EGR)
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
Spark Knock
(Detonation)
Troubleshooting Fuel
Injectors
Troubleshooting
Electronic Fuel Injection Problems
Fuel System Diagnostics:
Finding the Best Approach
Fuel Pump
Diagnosis Tips from Carter (PDF file - requires Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view).
How To Diagnose & Repair
Carburetor Problems
Bad Gasoline Causes Performance
Problems
Bad Gas Update 2006
1998 Saturn SC2 intermittent
cranks no start problem
The Scoop On Scopes (Diagnostic
Storage Oscilloscopes)
Distributorless Ignition
Systems
Coil-Over-Plug Ignition
Systems
Driveability Diagnosis:
Misfires
Idle Surge (cause & cure)
Ignition Coil Diagnosis & Testing
Diagnosing Dead On Arrival
Vehicles
Troubleshooting with
Temperature
Troubleshooting electrical
problems
Finding & Fixing Vacuum
Leaks
What's a Tune-Up Today?
Don't Neglect the Spark
Plugs
Why Spark Plugs Still Need To Be
Replaced
Bosch Platinum Plus 4 "Forever"
Spark Plugs
Light-Duty Diesel
Diagnosis
Electrical, Battery, Starting & Charging System Articles
Battery Safety (Read
First!!!)
Hybrid Safety
Hazards
Troubleshooting electrical
problems
Voltage Drop
Testing
Power Centers: Relays &
Fuses
Diagnosing A Battery That Runs Down
Battery Science
Battery Testing
Starting & Charging System
Troubleshooting
Charging System Checks
(alternator testing)
High Output
Alternators (Why You May Need One)
More on Starters
What You Should Know About
Rebuilt Alternators & Starters
Lights (headlights &
bulbs)
High Intensity Discharge
(HID) Headlights
Engine Mechanical
Articles
Chevy Aveo 1.6L Timing
Belt Replacement
Chrysler 3.5L V6 Engine
Service
Chrysler/Mitsubishi 3.0L
V6 Engine Service
Chrysler Neon 2.0L Engine
Service
GM Timing Belt
Replacement
Ford Timing Belts &
Chains
Toyota & Honda Timing
Belts
Cadillac Northstar V8
Engine Service
Light Duty Truck Diesel
Engine Service
Engine Replacement Issues
Engine Repair
Options
Motor Mounts
OHC Cylinder Head
Repairs
Engine Rebuilding Tips
Replacing Internal Engine
Parts
Engine Balancing
Cylinder Bore Honing
Techniques
More on Cylinder
Honing
Cylinder Boring
Cylinder Bore Surface
Finishes (by the numbers)
Timing Chains & Belts
Aftermarket Timing Belt
Warranty Warning
Timing Belts: Is Your Engine and Interference Engine?
About Camshafts & How To
Choose a Camshaft
New Gasket Sealing & Resurfacing
Requirements for Today's Engines
Cast Iron Cylinder Head and
Block Crack Repairs
Valve Guide Repairs
Valve Seat Repairs
Performance Valve
Seats
Causes of Valve Failures
Cylinder Head Resurfacing
Engine Resurfacing
Equipment
Crankshaft Polishing
Tracking Down Causes of Engine
Failure
Preventing Repeat Head Gasket
Failures
Why Head Gaskets Fail
Head Gasket Failure:
Common Causes
All About Cylinder Head
Bolts
Troubleshooting Low Oil
Pressure
Oil Pump
Diagnosis
What Every Technician Should Know
About Engine Bearings
Engine Bearings: Stock &
Performance
Performance
Pistons
Evolution of Piston
Design
Piston Rings: Stock &
Performance
Rings of Steel: Update On Piston
Ring Technology
Piston Rings: Stock &
Performance
Piston Rings &
Sealing
Piston Ring End Gap
Recommendations
Engine Compression
Testing
Engine Leakdown
Testing
Measuring Blowby
Causes of High Oil
Consumption"
Diagnosing Engine
Noise
Exhaust Articles
Troubleshooting Exhaust
Problems
Troubleshooting a P0420
Catalytic Converter Code
Catalytic Converter
Testing
High Performance Mufflers
& Exhaust Systems
Front-Wheel Drive Articles
CV Joints & FWD shafts, part
1: Basics
CV Joints, part 2: Service &
Repair
More About CV Joint and
Halfshaft Service
Torque Steer in FWD Cars
Fuel Related
Articles
Gas Pains -- High Fuel Prices
and What You Can and Can't Do About It
Fuel Saving Tips from
the Car Care Council
My Advice On Gas-Saving
Gadgets
About Alternative
Fuels
E85 Ethanol Alcohol Alternative
Fuel
Biodiesel: Boom or
Bust?
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
How To Diagnose & Repair
Carburetor Problems
Mechanical Fuel
Pumps
Electric Fuel Pumps
Fuel Pump
Diagnosis
How To Replace an
In-Tank Electric Fuel Pump
Troubleshooting Fuel
Injectors
Troubleshooting
Electronic Fuel Injection Problems
Fuel System Diagnostics:
Finding the Best Approach
Diagnosing Returnless
Electronic Fuel Injection Systems
Troubleshooting & Cleaning
Fuel Injectors
Fuel Filters
Understanding Today's
Fuel Systems
Bad Gasoline Can Cause
Performance Problems
Bad Gas Update 2006
Fuel Octane Ratings &
Recommendations
Turbocharger Diagnosis &
Repair
Basics of
Supercharging
Diagnosing An Engine that Won't
Crank or Start
Finding & Fixing Engine Vacuum
Leaks
Fuel Pump
Diagnosis Tips from Carter (PDF file - requires Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view).
Gasoline
Quality Guide for Technicians (PDF file - requires Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view).
Ignition & Spark
Plugs Articles
Spark Plug Technology
Don't Neglect the Spark
Plugs
Why Spark Plugs Still Need To Be
Replaced
Spark Plug
Wires
Analyzing Ignition
Misfires
Engine Won't Start, No Spark
Spark Plugs & Ignition
Performance
Chevy Firing
Orders
Chrysler Firing Orders
Ford Firing
Orders
Distributor Ignition
Systems
Distributorless Ignition
Systems
Coil-Over-Plug Ignition
Systems
Multi-Coil Ignition
Systems
Ignition Coil Diagnosis & Testing
Diagnosing Dead On Arrival
Vehicles
Lubrication & Maintenance
articles
What Every Motorist Needs To Know About Motor Oil
Motor Oils & Lubricants
How Often Should
You Change Your Oil?
How To Change Your Oil
Certified Master
Technicians Speak Out On Oil Change Intervals - June 2006
API Motor
Oil Classifications
API Oil Rating Guide
2004 (PDF file - requires Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view).
Watch Out for Obsolete "SA"
Motor Oils (PDF file - requires Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view).
Motor Oil
Additives
Motor Oil
Viscosity
Synthetic Motor
Oil
Troubleshooting Low Oil
Pressure
Oil Pump
Diagnosis
Oil Filters
Car Maintenance: Changing FLuids, Filters, Belts & Hoses
Preventive Maintenance
Winterizing
Tips
Summerize Tips for Hot
Weather Driving
Recommended
Service Intervals from the Car Care Council
Servicing Transmission,
Oil & Air Filters
Automatic Transmission Fluid (types
and applications)
Regular Fluid Flushes
Good for Transmissions
Underhood Maintenance:
Fluids, Filters, Belts & Hoses
Automotive Chemicals,
Lubricants & Fluids
Check Your Air Filter
Cabin Air
Filters
Windshield
Wipers
Misc. Articles
Common Car problems (by
symptom)
How To Avoid Auto Repair Fraud, Scams and Rip-offs
TV News Catches Auto Repair Scam
Update on the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP)
New Car Lemon Laws
How Much Should It Cost To Fix Your Car?
Auto Repair Facts for Consumers Provided By the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Got Car Trouble?
Where To Buy Auto
Parts?
Serviceability Issues
Confronting Today's Technicians
Getting a Trailer Hitch How To Choose & Install one that is Right for You)
Repairing & Maintaining Trailer Brakes (mechanical & electric)
How To Buy A Good Used Car (and NOT a Lemon!)
My Advice for Selling, Trading or Getting Rid of Your Old Car or Truck
Insurance (Money Saving Tips on Auto Insurance)
Speeding is NOT a Crime!!
Ending Our Dependence on Foreign Oil
Study Finds Toxic Chemicals in Car Interiors
Driving Green
Yes, Auto Repair Is Rocket Science!
No Time For Training? Think Again.
Automotive Technician Training Resources
Crappy Cars I Have Owned
My Favorite Cars
See Carley's BLOG for more
topics
New Vehicles & Technology
Articles
25 Most Fuel Efficient Cars for 2008
Which is Better? a Diesel Engine or a Gasoline/Electric Hybrid?
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
MAMA Spring Collection 2007
Highlights 2007 Chicago Auto Show
2007 Saturn New Car & Truck Preview
Who Killed GM's EV1 Electric Car?
SKF-Bertone Novanta
Drive-By-Wire Concept Car
2005 Ford Mustang Driving Impression
Scion Rolls Out Its New
Models
MAMA 2003 Spring Event
2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10
2003 Jaguar S-Type
Electric Hybrid Vehicles:
Toyota Prius - April 2000
Hybrid Safety
Hazards
Hybrid Vehicle Service Tips
Ford Wants To Crush Their
Think Urban Electric Cars
Safety Articles
Common Sense Auto
Repair Safety Tips
Service Bay Safety
Tips
Battery Safety (Read
This Before Jumping Starting, Charging or Replacing a Battery!)
Hybrid Safety
Hazards
Hybrid Safety Information
on Toyota Prius & other Toyota Vehicles
Milestones in Automotive
Safety
Air Bags & Crash
Sensors
NHTSA
Official Air Bag Resource Page
NHTSA vehicle safety recalls
Study Finds Toxic Chemicals
in Car Interiors
Electronic Stability
Control
2008 Vehicle Crash Test Safety Ratings (Best and Worst)
Steering, Suspension & Tire
Articles
Variable-Assist Power Steering Systems
Troubleshooting Rack & Pinion Steering
Rack & Pinion Steering Inner Tie Rod Sockets
Correcting Steering Pulls
Torque Steer in FWD Cars
Watch Out For Old
Tires
Why Tires Fail
Preventing Tire Failures
New Tire Monitoring
Systems
Blame It On The Tires
Tire Wear (What to look for,
how to reduce it)
Tire Rotation: When & How To Rotate Your Tires
Light Truck & SUV
Tires
Tire Inflation tips
Tire Valve Stems
Curing wheel & tire
vibrations
Wheel Balancing
Tire Changers & Wheel
Balancers
Diagnosing Causes of
Suspension Vibrations
Wheel Alignment:
Camber, Caster & Toe
Diagnosing ride control
complaints
Suspension & Driveline Parts
Ball Joints: Inspection &
Replacement Tips
Ball Joint
Specifications (PDF file - requires Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view).
Tire Inflation
Tips from Firestone (PDF file - requires Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view).
Tire Rotation
Tips from Bridgestone (PDF file - requires Adobe Acrobat
Reader to view).
Sealed Wheel Bearing Hub
Units
Wheel Bearing & Seal
Service
Transmission, Clutch and Driveline
Articles
Automatic Transmission
Fluid & Filter Service
Automatic Transmission Fluid (types
and applications)
Diagnosing Automatic
Transmission Complaints
About Electronic
Automatiuc Transmissions
Ford AX4S
Automatic Transmission (Windstar & Taurus)
Torque Converters (basic operation & diagnosis)
High Performance Torque Converters
Common Clutch
Problems
Clutch Service
Diagnosing & Replacing a
Faulty Clutch
Import Manual Transmission
& clutch Service
Flywheel
Resurfacing
Wheel Bearing & Seal
Service
Sealed Wheel Bearing & Hub
Units
4WD Locking Hub Service
More on Servicing 4WD Locking Hubs
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