Import Car Magazine » Tech Tips
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The magazine provides technical information and service resources to the import vehicle community. ImportCar has been informing and influencing import vehicle repair specialists since 1979, helping its readers accomplish both profitable and professional import vehicle repairs.
Import Car Magazine » Tech Tips
1M ago
Replacing the remote will not resolve the concern.
The post Audi Remote Key Inoperative appeared first on Import Car ..read more
Import Car Magazine » Tech Tips
5M ago
Models
2011-2016 A4
2011-2017 A5
2011-2017 Q5
2012-2018 A6
2012-2018 A7
2011-2018 A8
All have the 0BK transmission.
CONDITION
There is an oil leak from underneath the vehicle. The leak may appear to be from the transmission oil pan gasket or the transfer case seam.
CAUSE
Although the leak may appear to be from the transmission oil pan gasket, there are multiple possible sources for the leak. The leak must be diagnosed to determine the actual location before any repairs are attempted.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Clean and remove all oil residue from the transmission and allow the surface ..read more
Import Car Magazine » Tech Tips
10M ago
On certain 2021 to 2023 Ford Bronco SUVs, the original tie rods are similar to the diameter and design as those on much lighter passenger sedans, making them susceptible to snapping under steering stresses. Breaks can also occur on Broncos that are used off-road and/or lifted to accommodate larger tires, whether in factory trim or with aftermarket lift kits. The dealer offers a similar tie rod design as a replacement, inviting the same issue again. Our Dorman TA87445RDOE FIX kit is engineered to provide a more permanent solution. The kit features many upgrades, including larger outer and ..read more
Import Car Magazine » Tech Tips
10M ago
MODELS
2016–2020 MDX (except Hybrid)
2022–2023 MDX (except Type S)
2015–2020 TLX V6
CONDITION
The engine will not crank on the initial startup attempt after the vehicle has been exposed to precipitation and then freezing temperatures.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Water can enter the starter motor. In cold temperatures, the water can freeze, preventing the starter motor from cranking the engine.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the starter motor assembly, if needed.
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Confirm that the engine does not crank.
Inspect the starter motor for signs of icing. If icing is found, warm up the starte ..read more
Import Car Magazine » Tech Tips
10M ago
Ever since the fuel pump was moved to the fuel tank, fuel pressure replaced the float height as a measure of fuel system health and performance. Checking the height of the float might have required some disassembly or special tools to bend the arms of the float.
When the shift was made to port or throttle body fuel injection, all a technician needed to diagnose a fuel problem was a set of “noid lights,” a fuel pressure gauge and maybe a multi-meter. Measuring the fuel pressure typically required checking the pressure at idle and under load. Most of the these tools can’t be used on the high pre ..read more
Import Car Magazine » Tech Tips
1y ago
Millimeters Matter
When you set up a target or fixture for a camera or radar, the position and distance from the vehicle are critical to the performance and operation of the system. If the target or fixture is a few millimeters off when placed a few meters from the sensor, it can change the alignment of the sensor by meters when it is pointed down the road or the vehicle’s height is in the blind spot
Check Tire Pressure
Checking or setting the tire pressure is typically the second or third item on the procedures list for an ADAS calibration procedure. If a single tire is underinflated, it ..read more
Import Car Magazine » Tech Tips
1y ago
There are no secrets to selling shocks and struts. You do not have to inflict fear or panic on the customer to make the sale. Also, you should not have to use mind tricks or tell a story. It comes down to educating the customer about the benefits and asking for the sale.
Replacing worn or damaged ride control components on a vehicle can have the most significant impact on the performance of the safety systems. During a panic stop, ride control components can reduce ABS stopping distances. During a sudden lane change, the ride control can complement or hinder the stability control system ..read more
Import Car Magazine » Tech Tips
1y ago
How understanding the 80/20 Rule and creative mentoring can make the shortage less threatening.
Boomers will soon have left the workforce. There are not enough career-technical education schools, instructors or students available to meet demand. Unemployment is a super low 3.4%, which means most unemployed are not capable or interested in work.
This isn’t just happening to you – the worker shortage is a worldwide phenomenon.
Now, in 2023, the technician crisis continues to grow.
An amazing 74% of automotive businesses currently need at least one technician and are willing to fill the spo ..read more
Import Car Magazine » Tech Tips
1y ago
Here is a diagnostic puzzle: An owner comes to your shop complaining that it takes longer than expected to start his car’s engine in the morning. There are no codes for the crankshaft and camshaft sensors. And, the oil pressure is within specifications. If you are lucky, you might have a code for low fuel pressure on the high side of the direct injection system. What could be the source of the problem?
If the engine is direct-injected, the issue could be the high-pressure fuel pump. This pump is precision-machined to generate fuel pressure to the rail up to 2,500 psi. Some new systems generate ..read more
Import Car Magazine » Tech Tips
1y ago
All Nissan vehicles equipped with Intelligent Key or Nissan Anti-Theft System (NATS)
Nissan keys use radio frequencies (RF) similar to other everyday wireless devices. In the event another wireless device is transmitting at the same time as a key, it can interfere with the signals being received by the BCM.
If interference with Intelligent Key signals exists:
The engine will not start.
No response when the Stop/Start button is pressed.
“Incorrect Key ID” displayed in the instrument cluster.
“No I-Key Detected” displayed in the cluster.
Intermittent operation of the buttons on the fob.
I ..read more