The technician was working on a Mercedes. A red battery symbol with the message “Visit Workshop” was displayed in the message center of the instrument cluster. The battery and the alternator have been replaced with no results. I asked if testing had been performed on the Battery Control Module (BCM) with a factory-compatible scan tool, and if the front battery had been tested with an electronic battery tester. The reply: “There’s a battery under the hood? Where is it??”

Tags: Batteries, Service bays, Technicians, Underhood service

Since the start of OBD-II diagnostics, Toyota has used different ways of testing the evaporative emissions system for leaks. The most recent system, starting with 2005 model year, is used on many Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles. This system tests for leaks using an evaporative leak detection pump module that is mounted on the charcoal canister under the vehicle. The leak detection pump module reduces the total number of parts.

Tags: Engine Diagnostics, Service bays, Technicians, Underhood service

Magneti Marelli SpA, one of Europe’s largest auto parts suppliers with 4.5 billion euros in annual sales, is poised to grab more business in the United States, says company CEO Dino Maggioni in this exclusive interview with www.moderntiredealer.com. The Milan, Italy-based company, which has operations in 18 countries, including the U.S., recently became a supplier to Chrysler dealerships, specifically via the auto manufacturer’s Mopar brand.

Tags: Auto Parts, Chrysler Mopar, Service bays

Air conditioning service and repair can be profitable, with few comebacks, or it can be your worst nightmare. Most technicians know that when a customer walks in and wants a tune-up, it’s time to ask a lot of questions. Customers assume their driveability issue will be solved by the magic of this service. It may be, but don’t count on it. The same issue occurs when they ask for “a shot” of refrigerant to fix their air conditioning.

Tags: Air conditioning, Service bays, Technicians, Underhood service

Do you remember taking your test for your driver’s license? I’ll bet you chose a car and left your truck at home. Good choice. Trucks do a lot of things well, but maneuvering easily has not always been one of them. In 2003, however, General Motors added 4-wheel steering as an option on several of its trucks. This “Quadrasteer” system dramatically reduces turning radius and improves overall handling. Here is what you need to know about it.

Tags: Service bays, Steering, Technicians, Under-car service, Underhood service

In 2009, I was working on a 2000 Silverado with a technician from northern Minnesota. The Silverado had an anti-lock brake light on with a code C0235 stored. The technician said that the chart indicated it was a rear speed sensor code, but the truck doesn’t have rear speed sensors. This is a good example of different systems sharing information.

Tags: Chevy Silverado, Diagnostic equipment, Service bays, Technicians, Underhood service

The technician was working on a 1995 S/T truck with a 4.3L V-6 CPI engine. The complaint was a surge on acceleration and at steady cruise speeds. The tech had determined that the surge was gone when the linear EGR valve was disconnected. Another sign of a possible EGR problem was a reoccurring code 1406, EGR pintle position error. He installed a new EGR valve, but to his dismay, the surge and EGR position problem were still present on the next road test.

Tags: Pickup trucks, Service bays, Underhood service

While I was working for a Saturn dealer, a new 2006 Saturn Ion was delivered from the factory with a problem in the electrical system. When the vehicle sat for more than a day or two, the battery would be dead. I checked for any lights or modules that were operating with the key off, and noted that the radio clock display was lit -- though there was no sound from the radio-when the key was not in the ignition. Turning on the ignition switch caused the radio to function normally.

Tags: Electrical Service, Saturn Ion, Service bays, Underhood service