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Use the Little Radiator—and Have Customers Do the Same

Disclaimer: If a car is overheating and it is possible to safely exit the road and stop the car, that should always be the first course of action to avoid the risk of fire. The solution described in this article should only be used where that is not possible. If a car...

PSA: The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Handle Iridium Spark Plugs

For the vast majority of vehicles on the road, swapping out spark plugs is gravy work. Yoink the old plugs, make sure the replacements meet the necessary gap spec, install the new plugs, and button up the ignition system. You’re in and out of there in no time, right?...

Tool Review: Permatex 25240 Thread Locker

Disclaimer: This chemical was purchased at full retail price at the expense of the author, with no compensation from the retailer or manufacturer to write about the item.Be honest: do you always check the manual for the correct grade of factory-recommended sealant on...

Try Doing It the Wrong Way

Today’s article is composed of two quick tips that are distinct and different, but interrelated because they’re used on the same items: the humble fasteners we remove and install hundreds of times daily. These tips are both geared to newer techs since we all must find...

Modern Power Window Switches: Smarter than You’d Think

When was the last time you rolled down the power windows in an older car or truck? I’m talking at least pre-2000. The older, the better. As a passenger, you’ll find that every door has a mix of buttons, switches, locks, and handles to mess around with, plus maybe a...

It’s All About the Process

Man, it feels like just yesterday you graduated with that Associate’s in Automotive Tech, but nope, it's been three months already, and you've landed a solid job at ABC Auto Repair back in your hometown. The boss has been taking it easy on you, dishing out a bunch of...

Rookie Tip: LOF? Leave the Dipstick Sticking Out and the Oil Cap on the Hood Latch

The following video has a great lesson in it, but most salty shop vets will miss it.Other than the obvious blowby issue, one thing that jumps out is the dipstick waving like a flag in the breeze. For you newer mechanics and home gamers: take a lesson! No doubt this...

Dealing with “System Lean” DTCs

The Engine Control Module (ECM) is always keeping an eye on the amount of fuel it is adding to the cylinders, and it'll throw a code when it figures it can't keep the mixture right where it needs to be. You might see codes like "system rich" or "system lean," and they...

Dead Battery? (Video)

In The Bay

by Peter F Meier | Jul 1, 2025 | 0 comments

Description

With dozens of electronic control units on automobiles built in the last 25 years, incidents of battery drain caused by an ECU that will not turn off when it is supposed to are on the rise. Tracing the ultimate cause can be made easier, though, if you know a few tricks of the trade. In this Dorman Training Center Lunch and Learn course, Director of Training G. Jerry Truglia shares a few of those techniques.

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Interpreting Compression Tests–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Technician A completed a compression test, noting high readings suggest an exhaust restriction, while Technician B says the test checks volumetric efficiency.

Aug 26, 2025 0

When a Voltmeter Isn’t Enough (Video)

Many high-end scan tools come with a capable digital storage oscilloscope. Time to put that tool to work.

Aug 7, 2025 0

Troubleshooting Fuel Trim–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Technician A and Technician B are discussing ways to use fuel trim as a troubleshooting aid. Technician A says that fuel trims that are correcting for a lean condition at high RPM and load conditions indicates a problem in fuel delivery. Technician B says that this condition is caused by a vacuum leak.

Jul 29, 2025 0

Misfire Cause–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)

Technician A is diagnosing a misfire. He states that a misfire is caused by a fault in the ignition system and that new plugs and coils will repair the problem. Technician B says that a misfire is detected when the ECM detects a variation in crankshaft speed.

Jul 15, 2025 0

The Other Way to Use a File that Many Mechanics Don’t Know (VIDEO)

Need a smooth finish on a part you’re cleaning up with a file? Lemmy shows how draw filing can achieve a clean result with a totally different method of holding a traditional file.

Jun 10, 2025 0

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