Troubleshooting today’s technology can be challenging for even the most experienced technician. Making an accurate diagnosis, rather than throwing a lot of expensive parts and labor at the symptom can be a challenge. How would your shop handle the following customer complaints? a) Crank but no-start b) Hard starts c) Long crank time d) Misfire […]
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Failure to provide timely maintenance on a turbo-charged diesel engine can result in some expensive repairs, especially if it involves replacing a turbocharger or engine. The inexperienced may not realize how important some of the basic services are when servicing these applications. The turbo-diesel engines require a greater volume of air compared to a normal […]
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Neglecting maintenance intervals can result in performance issues and internal engine damage due to sludge deposits restricting the flow of lubricant to vital engine components. Evidence of lack of maintenance will normally show up in the oil filter and related housing. The filter media will be impacted with sludge deposits. Where applicable, the filter cap […]
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A major part of the diagnostic process is identifying an issue from a normal characteristic. Following are some examples of customer complaints that could be mistaken as a problem when they may be a normal occurrence for the application. DIESEL ENGINES AND NOISE-RELATED SYMPTOMS Customer complaints of ticking, clicking, or cycling noises on 2017–2022 GM […]
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Customer complaints of rough idle, misfires, crank but no start or long crank time symptoms can be a challenge with today’s technology. Random or multiple misfire codes may be stored in memory. Symptoms that seem like an ignition related issue may actually be fuel related, carbon induced, or in some cases a normal characteristic. Fuel […]
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Low voltage conditions or the integrity of an electrical connection can pose some challenging events for the technician attempting to make an accurate diagnosis. In the world of automotive diagnostics, electrical problems have proven to be the most challenging, especially intermittent problems. Intermittent performance problems can be affected by connection-relate conditions and the presence of […]
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LOW FLUID LEVEL CAUSES POWER TRANSFER UNIT FAILURE Are you accurately checking those fluid levels and recommending fluid flushes or exchanges, where applicable? Unfortunately, many service technicians fall into a pattern of just performing lubrication services requested by the customer, which is usually triggered by a service reminder light indicating that it is time for […]
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New technology poses new challenges. Many of these challenges require more than the information provided in repair manuals or diagnostic code charts. Much is learned once the vehicle is put into service and into real world vehicle operating conditions. Following are some conditions that can promote difficult to diagnose symptoms.
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Vehicle modifications can create some interesting challenges for a technician. The first step in the diagnostic process is a discussion with the vehicle owner, and if possible, have them accompany you on a road test. Always perform the basic diagnostic steps first. Determine if any modifications have been made to the vehicle. With today’s technology […]
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Often we are faced with customer complaints that are seemingly impossible to resolve. We methodically make our best diagnostic efforts and implement the necessary repairs to alleviate the customer’s complaint. Sometimes, our best efforts fail to provide a solution and when this happens, it looks bad on the technician and the parts supplier.
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GM has identified a defect in certain 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles whereby the front brake calipers on these vehicles can leak brake fluid. The condition is caused by tiny air pockets in the caliper castings that occurred during the casting process. If the casting contains a continuous string of air pockets that penetrate […]
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