Auto Repair Articles

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Last Update: November 18, 2009

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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
Troubleshoot Air Conditioning Problems
How To Recharge Your Car's Air Conditioner
Alternative Refrigerants for R-12
Future Alternative Refrigerants That May Replace R-134a
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).
Troubleshoot Automatic Climate Control System
A/C Compressor Failures
A/C Condenser Flushing

wheel alignment problems

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
Preventing Disc Brake Dust
About Ceramic Brake Pads
More on Ceramic Brake Pads
Update On Application Specific Brake Linings
Choosing Brake Friction Materials
Rating Aftermarket Brake Linings: D3EA Testing
Brake Rotors
Cautions on Composite Disc Brake Rotors
Drum Brake Service
Drum Brake Wheel Cylinder Inspection & Service
Brake Fluid: A Hot Topic
Bleeding Brakes
Bleeding ABS Brake Systems
Asbestos still a hazard
Servicing Brake Hydraulics
Brake Master Cylinder
Loaded Brake Calipers
Troubleshoot 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

emissions failure

Cooling System Articles
Finding & Fixing Coolant Leaks
Servicing Your Cooling System
Radiator Repair & Replacement
Coolant Checks & Changes More Complicated These Days
Antifreeze (Universal Coolant)
Your Temperature Warning Lamp Is On. What Should You Do?
Overheating: Causes & Cures
Coolant Sensors
Troubleshoot Electric Cooling Fan
Electric Cooling Fan Relay Problems
Troubleshoot Cooling Fan Clutch
Water Pump Diagnosis & Replacement
Belt & hose service
Serpentine Belts
Automatic Belt Tensioners
Heater Service

Driveability, Diagnostics & Emissions Articles
Car Won't Start (Possible Causes & Quick Checks)
Troubleshoot Anti-Theft System
Troubleshoot Intermittent Engine Problems
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
Air Temperature 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
Emissions Testing: Exhaust Analysis
Evolution of I/M 240
The Environmental Challenge Now Is CO2
Fixing Emission Failures
Basic Emission Control Systems Overview
Catalytic Converters
Troubleshoot a P0420 Catalyst Code
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV)
EVAP Evaporative Emission Control System
Spark Knock (Detonation)
Troubleshoot Fuel Injectors
Troubleshoot 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
Honda Keihin Carburetor Repair
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
Troubleshoot Idle Speed Control System
Driveability Diagnosis: Misfires
Idle Surge (cause & cure)
Ignition Coil Diagnosis & Testing
Diagnosing Dead On Arrival Vehicles
Troubleshooting with Temperature
Troubleshoot 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
Original Equipment Spark Plugs, Are They Best?
Bosch Platinum Plus 4 "Forever" Spark Plugs
Light-Duty Diesel Diagnosis

battery, starter, alternator problems

Electrical, Battery, Starting & Charging System Articles
Battery Safety (Read First!!!)
Hybrid Safety Hazards
Battery Disconnect Problems (Read This BEFORE Disconnecting or Replacing Your Battery)
Troubleshoot electrical problems
Voltage Drop Testing
Power Centers: Relays & Fuses
Diagnosing A Battery That Runs Down
Battery Testing
Starting & Charging System Troubleshooting
Troubleshoot Anti-Theft System
Charging System Checks (alternator testing)
High Output Alternators (Why You May Need One)
More on Starters
What You Should Know About Rebuilt Alternators & Starters
Troubleshoot Electronic Instrument Cluster
Troubleshoot Power Windows
Troubleshoot Headlights
Lights (headlights & bulbs)
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights

engine problems

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
Engine Replacement Issues
Engine Repair Options
Motor Mounts
Engine Rebuilding Tips
Replacing Internal Engine Parts
Engine Balancing
Cylinder Bore Honing Techniques
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
Causes of Valve Failures
OHC Head Repairs
Cylinder Head Resurfacing
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
Head Bolts (Torque-to-yield TTY head bolt installation & removal tips)
Troubleshoot Low Oil Pressure
Oil Pump Diagnosis
What Every Technician Should Know About Engine Bearings
Performance Pistons
Evolution of Piston Design
Piston Rings: Stock & Performance
Rings of Steel: Update On Piston Ring Technology
Piston Rings: Stock & Performance
Piston Ring End Gap Recommendations
Engine Compression Testing
Engine Leakdown Testing
Measuring Blowby
Causes of High Oil Consumption"
Engine Oil Leaks
Diagnosing Engine Noise

Exhaust Articles
Troubleshoot Exhaust Problems
How to Check Exhaust Backpressure
Troubleshoot a P0420 Catalytic Converter Code
Catalytic Converter Testing
Performance Mufflers

Front-Wheel Drive Articles
CV Joints & FWD shafts, part 1: Basics
CV Joints, part 2: Service & Repair
More About CV Joint and Halfshaft Service
How CV Joints are Remachined
Torque Steer in FWD Cars

fuel injection problems

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
Don't Use Ordinary Spark Plugs with Waste Spark DIS Ignition Systems
Coil-Over-Plug Ignition Systems
Multi-Coil Ignition Systems
Ignition Coil Diagnosis & Testing
Diagnosing Dead On Arrival Vehicles

Lubrication & Maintenance articles
Preventive Maintenance Chart
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
Troubleshoot 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
Automatic Transmission Fluid (types and applications)
Regular Fluid Flushes Good for Transmissions
Underhood Maintenance: Fluids, Filters, Belts & Hoses
Check Your Air Filter
Cabin Air Filters

Misc. Articles
Common Car problems (by symptom)
What Goes Wrong With Cars (and When)
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?
Don't Get Overcharged for Auto Repairs
Auto Repair Facts for Consumers Provided By the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
How to Pay for Auto Repairs
New Car Warranty Coverage: What Is Covered, What Is Not
Got Car Trouble?
Where To Buy Auto Parts?
Troubleshoot Odors Inside Your Car
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)
Safe Travel Tips
Why I'd Rather Drive than Fly
How To Buy A Good Used Car (and NOT a Lemon!)
Used Car Inspection Checklist
My Advice for Selling, Trading or Getting Rid of Your Old Car or Truck
Used Car Information
New Car Information
Insurance (Money Saving Tips on Auto Insurance)
Insurance Resources
Speeding is NOT a Crime!!
Ending Our Dependence on Foreign Oil
Study Finds Toxic Chemicals in Car Interiors
Defensive Driving Tips
Automotive Technician Training Resources
Crappy Cars I Have Owned
My Favorite Cars
See Carley's BLOG for more topics

New Vehicles & Technology Articles
Hummer Goes Green with 100-mpg Plug-In Electric H3
Cash for Clunkers Voucher Program Information
Most Fuel Efficient Cars for 2009 Model Year
25 Most Fuel Efficient Cars for 2008
Which is Better? a Diesel Engine or a Gasoline/Electric Hybrid?
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
Toyota Prius Diagnostics
Ford Wants To Crush Their Think Urban Electric Cars

Safety Articles
Common Sense Auto Repair Safety Tips
Distracted Driving Poses Safety Risk
Auto Accidents: Mechanical Problems That Increase Your Risk
Toyota Unintended Acceleration: Possible Causes
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
Electric Power Steering
Variable-Assist Power Steering Systems
Troubleshoot 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
What To Do If You Have A Flat Tire
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
Ford F150 Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Blame It On The Tires
Tire Wear (What to look for, how to reduce it)
Tire Rotation: When & How To Rotate Your Tires
Tire Inflation tips
Tire Valve Stems
Curing wheel & tire vibrations
Wheel Balancing
Diagnosing Causes of Suspension Vibrations
Wheel Alignment: Camber, Caster & Toe
Diagnosing ride control complaints
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
Chrysler 45RFE Automatic Transmission Shift Problems
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
Flywheel Resurfacing
Import Manual Transmission & clutch Service
Wheel Bearing & Seal Service
Sealed Wheel Bearing & Hub Units
4WD Locking Hub Service
More on Servicing 4WD Locking Hubs

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