Automotive security: From basic locks to advanced cybersecurity (link to article)

Automotice Security Vehicle Service Pros article.

Identifix Direct-Hit (Cool Tool)

 Direct-Hit does so much that it would be impossible to cover in a short article. Repair information to the infinity and beyond is a fairly close description. Once you get the vehicle information entered you have access to many related tools. I've entered a 2007 Honda CR-V. We have quick hits available to specs, fix data, repair info and iATN. 

 

We have top searches, with P2646 being the most searched.

The most common fix is the vvt oil pressure switch or the vvt solenoid. There is also a tsb related to the code (actually several). 

You can go into a deep dive with this software for sure.

Direct-Hit, great tool!

Kenny@ggauto.repair

Snap-on Shopkey Pro (Cool Tool)

 I rarely point out some of the capability available to me to do automobile repair. Scan tools, scopes, meters, testers I give more time to because they look impressive and do great things. But some things I don't give much thought to because they quietly help the business get done. It's like loosening a fastener with a 10mm wrench, I don't video or give it a highlight because it is just quietly doing the job, nothing flashy. 

Snap-on Shopkey Pro is a bit like that, just quietly doing the job so I sometimes ignore just how impressive it can be as a tool. Just enter a vin, a tag # or the vehicle data and let it take it from there. 

I'm going to use a 2010 Lexus RX350 for this. I only have to add the License Plate initially and the lookup will give me the VIN and choosing Use This Vehicle with give me the specifics of the application. From the next screen I get a list of most commonly replaced components for this car numbered 1 thru 10. It is based on 172,973 repairs. Having used this for several years now, I will say that Disc Brake Pads is pretty much always the #1 most commonly replaced component. 

If I was curious about just when the brake pads are needing replaced I can take a peek at that as well. Most pad replacement peaks at 75,000 miles. But 75,000 to 100,000 would cover a common range. 

I can even see that the most common complaint leading to brake pad replacement it Noise Heard From Brakes. 

I also have access to the most common trouble codes for this vehicle. #1 is P0057. 

You can also get the sense that O2 sensor problems are fairly common. The most common fix for the P0057 is replacing that sensor and the peak mileage for that replacement it 100,000 miles.

There is a lot of information available concerning the trouble code, testing and diagnosing the problem. 

Next list is common symptoms, where Engine Does Not Start has managed to top brake noise. But just barely. 

The most common cause of the Engine Does Not Start? A bad battery. 

There is even a list of the most common search look-ups for this application. Firing Order. 

We could go deeper into the software, but I think you get the idea. Great tool, gets little credit because it works so quietly. 

Thanks!

Kenny@ggauto.repair

Ford 10r Speed Sensor Issues (Transmission Digest link)

Ford 10r Speed Sensor tips 

Jim Mobley, Transmission Digest article.

February 5, 2024

Cooling System Service

 I had a 2012 Silverado in here with a plugged heater core. A plugged heater core is a direct result of cooling system neglect and a 2012 doesn't have a high bar to meet since the recommended service interval is 150,000 miles. At 312,000 miles this one had missed 2 service intervals and while I did gain decent temps by flushing the core, it needs a full replacement and more than one full system flush to remove as much of that contaminant as possible. Much better would have been to never let it get in that condition. 

Similar situation with the 1999 F150 this morning. I did gain 32 degrees of heat by flushing, now 132 vs 100 but it needs the core replaced and system cleaned. Coolant should be replaced at 30,000 mile intervals on this one. 

Know your oil!

 It is very important to your engine life to keep your oil changed regularly and to use the recommended oil for your vehicle. There are recommended oils for every automobile. For instance, the 1999 F150 w/5.4 vin L was originally suggested to use 5w20 oil but Ford later changed the recommended weight to 5w30. It was found to perform better in that application. The 2000 Ford Sport Trac w/4.0 vin K recommends 5w30 synthetic blend. Use the recommended weight. Use the recommend type or higher. If your recommend oil is standard you can go up to a blend or a full synthetic if you wish but if your recommended oil is a full synthetic you never step down. 

There are also specifications that should be met for your application. All of this gets most especially important when your car uses variable valve timing. These systems are prone to problems when maintenance is even a little bit neglected. I would recommend full synthetic on vvt system, early oil changes and meet the oem specifications as applicable. GM vvt systems need DEXOS specifications met. On vvt applications I recommend fewer miles between changes, full synthetic oil that meets specs. It will save you having expensive vvt problems. 

The next issue is about keeping oil level in the safe range. A lot people now neglect to check their oil level between changes. I have found many problems to be caused by low oil level. Vvt systems especially will cause poor performance issues when oil is low. Know that many cars now consume oil, even low mileage cars are guilty as it is part of the design of many and with extended oil change intervals a common occurrence. Check your oil level regularly, at least until you figure out the mileage it will need a quart added. On that note, don't add oil unless it is a quart low. Don't top it off as less than a quart low. 

Keep your oil clean, serviced and full. 

Kenny@ggauto.repair

GM 8L90 #7 Check-ball (Transmission Digest link)

Technical Article 

Use the link to reach the article. Transmission Digest Oct. 2023

GM 8L90 #7 Check-ball: The overheat that saved the day