Why so much to fix my Heat?

Well, actually that question didn't pop up in this particular case because the Vehicle owner had an aftermarket Warranty. But that made it worse because this particular Warranty company will pay for ONLY what's needed NOW. More on this later.

Subject Vehicle is a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Pick-up Truck.
The Customer concern was that the Heat did not work right.
Upon inspection we found that the Airflow was way out of kilter.
When checking we found that there was only a very small of air coming out of the Defrost Duct and Floor Duct, all the time, even with the Blower on High! It didn't even try to change when any of the other Modes were selected.
And the air was barely luke-warm.

When troubleshooting this fully Electronically Controlled HVAC Systems' Controls, it was determined that the Defrost/Floor Mode Door was unresponsive, probably a broken Door as this is a Common Problem on this Year/Make/Model (Y/M/M) . In fact, ALL of the Mode Doors on this Y/M/M have a history of breakage but the Def/Floor Door is the most common and Dodge has upgraded the Door and Lower case.

Further testing revealed that the Heater Core was also internally restricted.

OK, so far these findings explain the Def/Floor not changing and the air not being heated enough but we still didn't know why the airflow was so weak and farther testing was getting us nowhere.

We filed a claim with the Warranty Company and asked them to leave the Claim "open" because we would need to perform more inspection and testing when we got the HVAC Case out and dis-assembled.


This is not the correct illustration for this Y/M/M but's the only one I could find on short notice. It does give a good idea about the airflow through a typical HVAC Case thugh.










This is why it's so expensive to fix the HVAC when the Case needs to be removed.
The entire Dash, instrument Panel and Steering column need to removed to gain access to the Case.
After that we still had work to remove the Case.










Here is a view of the Dash, Instrument Panel and Steering Column laying on the floor next to the work bench.













The HAVC Case is then disassembled for farther inspection and testing and later repair.
















Yikes! We found not just one but TWO broken mode Doors! Pictured here is one of the Mode Doors.
If you look at the top-right you'll be able to see the plastic simply snapped at the upper hinge.

And what about that pesky low airflow condition? Well, the other broken Door was the Fresh air/Recirculation Door. When broke, it fell down onto the Blower Motor inlet effectively sealing out nearly any air intake at all. Sorry I didn't get a pic of that one, had to get back to work...




Here is larger view of one of five Electric Actuators that drive the Mode Doors in both directions and stop at whatever position the Computer decides.











Oh yeah, why did I mention that this particular Warranty Company just makes things worse?
Because these Y/M/M has known problems with this issue *and* this Vehicle obviously will break the other Doors in the future it would be just plain SMART to replce ALL of the Doors now while it is apart and save any future costs of the high labor bill to do this again.
They denied the claim for the other doors "because they are not broken"

And the Customer did not want to pony-up the bucks either because it would be covered again by the Warranty Company.

SHEESH!!! What a waste of money when the others fail...

Enjoy,

Mike.







Michael E. Nixon All rights reserved

Do you ever think about your tires?

Pat Goss ask the question "do you ever think about your tires?" he also tells us about how to do a proper patch on a tire along with some other ramblings. Is the information all up and up? Listen in by clicking on the link below.

New- MICHELIN® Smart Jumper Cables

MICHELIN Smart Jumper Cables automatically adjust polarity which means you can connect the clamps to either positive or negative connections. Conventional jumper cables require that the clamps are specifically connected to the positive and negative battery terminals. Failure to properly attach conventional jumper cables can result in sparking, shorting, exploding batteries, engine fires, and expensive electrical system damage.

Tell me more about the automatic polarity adjustment feature:

The circuitry takes the residual power of the battery and identifies its polarity. Once the polarity is determined, the circuitry adjusts the polarity and switches the cables (if needed) and correctly routes the power.
The auto polarity adjustment is performed by five circuits – two voltage polarity recognition circuits (one for the battery to be rescued; the other for the battery providing the power supply) a logic recognition circuit, a driving circuit and a relay switching circuit.
• The voltage polarity recognition circuits recognize polarity then send a signal to the logic recognition circuit.
• The logic recognition circuit receives the polarity information then sends a control signal to the driving circuit.
• The driving circuit receives the logic recognition signal and in turn drives the relay switching circuit.
• The relay switching circuit enables the two batteries to be accurately coupled. In the event the system detects a connection problem, this circuit switches off the current conductors for safety.

. Built in surge protector which reduces the chance of a spike when removing cables

I like to see the product, is there a video? Click below.

http://www.pylonhq.com/Video/SmartCables.swf

How to plug a leaking car tire

This week we have Dave Rock once again explaining how to plug a leaking tire. What he didn't say is that a plug is supposed to be a temporary repair and the tire should be repaired with a plug/patch which is done from the inside of the tire. For the most part I didn't see anything wrong with this video, but if you do, let us know on the mailing list!

Paintless Dent Removal Scam

This week we have Pat Goss explaining that there is a new scam going around dealing with Paintless Dent Removal or PDR. Listen to the audio clip as he explains.

Tom Torbjornsen- Engine Rebuilding Facility

Tom Torbjornsen , host of "America's Car show" visits an engine rebuilding facility in his hometown. He shows us a few tidbits on what goes on there!

A "safe" sealer for your A/C?

This is the first I have heard of a "safe" sealer for A/C systems. If anyone has any experience with it let us know on the mailing list!

Motor oil- difference between house brands and major brands

The question often comes up is there a difference between the cheaper house brand of motor oil and the major brand which are more expensive? Also apply the above question to gasolines? Are non major brands of gasoline ok to use?

Pat Goss gives us his views on this as the very same question is asked by a caller on his show.

2003 Kia Rio clutch replacement lesson from Dave Rock

Another car repair video from Dave Rock. This one is rather long about 15 min. Remember Dave is the "King of Bubba fixes" and he is very good at finding short cuts or what he refers to "redneck repairs" so don't take the information as being what's in the book or repair manual. I think he did a great job on this one which is not your average car repair.

As always, comments are welcomed on the mailing list!

What exactly is Hypermiling?

What exactly is Hypermiling? It is all about making adjustments to increase your gas mileage. Listed below are some Hypermiling Techniques that would do just this - no matter what car you are driving.

These tips were handed over by an auto expert Pat Goss, owner of Goss’ Garage in Seabrook, commentator for PBS’s ‘Motorweek’.

DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT Goss says: Going slow can save gas. Goss says that once you go above 38 mph, you lose mileage. For every 5 mph above 55, he tend to lose 10 percent of your fuel economy.

DRIVING WITHOUT BRAKES: Maintain a steady speed if traffic is heavy. Goss says: Do it when possible — but be careful especially in the Beltway.

TURN OFF YOUR CAR AND COAST: To save even more fuel when decelerating, shift to neutral and turn off the engine while coasting to a stop.Goss says: Highly dangerous. You don’t have your car under control, says Goss.

OPTIMIZE YOUR ROUTE : To avoid traffic, try different routes. It so happens that a longer but smoother route saves a whole lot more gas. Goss says: “Basic driving techniques. I teach this the first day,” Goss says.

WATCH YOUR TIRE PRESSURE: Some hypermilers recommend over-inflating tires as flat ones require more energy. Goss says: It works but is very risky. “When you over-inflate a tire, you can compromise its traction and . . . make the tire wear out more rapidly. He adds that it is “very negligent to recommend that someone do that.”

STAY ON TOP OF OIL CHANGES: Use thinner oil.Goss says: Goss reasons: It can have a significant effect on fuel economy, especially as the oil ages.The viscosity of engine oil is always increasing. . . . The thicker the oil is the harder it is to push through the engine.

Chrysler Wi-Fi Hotspot Announced

In what the company claims is an industry first, Chrysler announced Uconnect web, a system that brings wireless Internet connectivity to any Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep. It turns the car into a WiFi hotspot that provides secure, real-time entertainment and information to all vehicle passengers. The hotspot range will extend approximately 50 feet from the vehicle in all directions, and will combine both WiFi and 3G cellular connectivity. Since this is ultimately a cellular service, despite its emphasis on WiFi, the pricing will be complex.







The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the router module is $449. Autonet Mobile offers wireless Internet account service at $29 a month, available in 12-, 24- and 36-month service plans. There is a one-time $35 service activation fee. Uconnect web will be powered by Autonet Mobile, and will be available in August as a dealer-installed Mopar accessory.

Testing for Parasitic Drain

Hi all! 10/23/09

I checked-in to the list today at lunch time and saw a few replies about my suggestion
to use an ammeter instead of a test light when testing for a parasitic drain on a battery.

I learned this lesson the hard way almost thirty years ago.

You see, I was trying to diagnose why a certain Oldsmobile was having the Battery
run-down every 3 or 4 days.
Following the conventional wisdom of the era, I had a test-light installed in series between
the battery and a disconnected cable.

The Lamp glowed brightly!

I proceeded to follow conventional wisdom (again) by pulling one fuse at a time until the
test-light went out.
Eureka! That fuse was for the Rear Suspension Load Leveling feature, really nothing
more than Air Shocks, a Compressor, Height Sensor and Module.
OK, now what?
I re-installed the fuse and the light was brightly lit again.
Thinking the most logical failure would be the Module itself, I disconnected it.
Lo and Behold! The light went out! Yay!!!

After replacing an expensive Module I retested again with the Test-Light.
To my horror it was brightly lit!
Disconnecting the new Module made the light go out again!

After my steaming bright red face explained this to the shop owner, he handed me
the phone number to a brand-new (to me) service. A technical hot-line for Auto
repair mechanics.
Now remember this was almost thirty years ago, electronics were just beginning to
to become "the force" that they are today.

The consultant politely listened to my dilemma and then asked one solitary question.
"Why are you using a test light"?
He explained that this particular Module needs to have FULL voltage and current in order
to settle the rear suspension to the proper height before it will shut-down and go to sleep.
With a test-light in series this could never happen. He suggested I retest using an Ammeter
and wait for five minute to see what would happen.
Well, needless to say, the system leveled and shut-off.
No more drain!!!

I've used an Ammeter ever since for this test!

After seeing today's replies I decided to put together a quick blog showing this phenomenon
on a typical car we had in the bay.
It is a 1999 Chevy Malibu, 3.1L engine, Auto Trans.
It was not in for any sort of Battery problem so I knew it would be a perfect candidate.
I was able to do these tests and take the pics in-between jobs and waiting for parts.

In the first pic you'll see I have test-light in series with the Battery.
You'll also observe that the Light is lit brightly even though the flash of camera almost
drowned it out.
After 15 minutes IT WAS STILL BRIGHTLY LIT!!!

(remember to click on the image for a larger view)

















Hmm....
Now that's interesting!

Now let's see what happens when I use the Ammeter in my Fluke 88 DMM

















The drain started out high, about 300 mA (0.3 Amps) then within about a minute fell
to what you see, 62 mA (0.062 Amps).

I now know for sure that this car DOES NOT have an issue with parasitic drain on the
battery.

If I had *trusted* the test-light method I would have wasted a great deal of time and
parts money and maybe even risked the trust of a customer.

Michael was asking about using an inductive Amp Clamp to get a quick idea about the
possibility of too much parasitic drain.
First you would not be able to trust an Amp Clamp that measures anything over about
10A.
The one I use is this:
















It is a *Low Current* probe capable of measuring very low Amperage's.
I use it primarily for use with an oscilloscope to measure Fuel Injector, Fuel Pump, Ignition
Primary events.
It is fast enough and accurate enough to give me good results.
To use it you connect it's leads to your DMM or Oscilloscope and convert it's output to Amps.
The problem with using it for parasitic drain testing is it's "nose size".
I can't fit it around most battery cables...

If you would like to peruse this tool more you can go to http://aeswave.com/Products
/Product.asp?i=59 for more info.

All in all there are many myths that can get you trapped in a diagnostic boondoggle that
does nothing but cost you time and money.

Hopefully I've been able to clear up at least one of them with this post...

Master Nimrod,

Mike.

SuperBumper!

This week we have Pat Goss from Motorweek talking about a really good product called Superbumper. Watch the video below to learn more.

Technical info on oil burning and head gaskets( "Sleuth" affair)

In this video Dave Rock gives us some information about oil burning and head gaskets. However some of the information is just not completely correct. Watch the video and then go to the mailing list and post what you think is wrong. If your not on our mailing list and would like to participate then go to http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/carfix_online/
and sign up. We are always taking in new members!


Most of the information he gives is true, but he tries to over simplify one specific test. Can you identify it?

A 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air crashes into a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety (IIHS), a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air was crashed into a
2009 Chevrolet Malibu—in a head-on frontal-offset test, at 40 mph.


Watching the modern Malibu, the hood area deforms
significantly but the passenger area looks almost entirely intact. Shift your eyes over to the 1959 Chevy and it’s the stuff of old highway-safety and shock-and-scare films, just melodrama and implied gore. There’s plenty of car gore though, with the Bel Air’s steering column slammed forward into the driver, the A-pillar completely mangled, and the dash pushed back to finish the punch. Trim pieces fly, shards of non-safety-glass fly forward, and…well, that’s probably enough of a spoiler.


In case there’s any doubt based on the description above, according to safety engineers at the scene, the driver of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu would likely have suffered slight knee injury. The driver of the 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air would have died instantly.

Belt wear Gauge for Serpentine belts

According to the Car Care Council, one out of five vehicles needs a new belt. That’s an astounding fact when you consider that there are over 240 million vehicles on the road today, according to R.L. Polk & Co.


Since the late 1990s, auto manufacturers have phased out Neoprene belts and begun installing EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) belts on new models.


EPDM is a superior technology with better performance characteristics but, like any wear part, these belts don’t last forever. It can be harder to detect when these new belts are worn, because as EPDM belts age, they don’t show wear the same way as Neoprene.


To help you accurately diagnose belt wear in EPDM belts, Gates has developed a Belt Wear Gauge so you can determine the appropriate time for belt replacement. Order one free at





http://www.gatesprograms.com/beltwear/beltwear_gauge_thank_you





See the video on how to use this belt gauge at..





http://www.brentonftp.com/video/twoguys/flv/player.php?movie=Gates_Belts_807

How to remove clearcoat paint scratches from your automobile

Once again we have Dave Rock giving us some information about How to remove clearcoat paint scratches from your vehicle. Is it another "Bubba fix"? You be the judge!

Tire Pressure Monitoring systems with Goss & Davis

This week we have Pat Goss and John Davis from Motorweek taking about TPMS, and adding air to your tires and some of the problems associated with these systems, along with why it is a good idea to use nitrogen fill in tires.

RE: Bad fuel filters causing check engine light to come on

A few weeks ago many of you disagreed with Pat goss on what he said about many check engine lights being on do to clogged fuel filters. I recently asked Pat to confirm and explain why he feels this is so. Here is his response. I thought it was a very good explanation. What do you think?

We see a lot more fuel filter problems. For one thing the ethanol attracts and absorbs water to the fuel system which in turn causes corrosion on metal parts. Ethanol can also strip minuscule particles of plastic from the surface of plastic fuel tanks and parts. Both problems are especially bad if the driver does not use Isopropyl alcohol dry gas to control moisture.

But the larger issue is that ethanol is hygroscopic so there is more water in most fuel tanks. Some water can be absorbed into the gasoline but some will settle to the bottom of the tank. When water is present there will usually be growth of micro organisms such as water bottom blooms, mold, fungus, bacteria and algae that live in a mostly anaerobic state in petroleum products. They are water or airborne and enter through vents, condensation or with fuel from underground storage tanks.

These life-forms mostly live in the water at the fuel-water junction layer and feed on hydrocarbons in the fuel or starch-like substances in the ethanol. Some create hair-like mats on tank bottoms, others are slimy and are suspended from the fuel at the fuel-water interface. Like all living things they produce waste which causes sludge, acids, and other nasty stuff that can damage fuel system parts.

These organisms reproduce at an astounding pace but as individuals are short lived and quickly die. Because they are microscopic they and their excrement can pass through the sock on the end of the fuel pickup tube but are trapped in the fuel filter's much finer pores. This is what makes the average fuel filter look muddy. Again, ethanol comes from a starch and offers a potentially better food source for a wider variety of micro life-forms. More critters means more dead carcasses and more poo which means shorter fuel filter life.

Also when too much moisture accumulates in the tank it can lead to phase separation of the ethanol causing damage to both metal and plastic. The residue from this reaction clogs filters as does the rust from the moisture reacting with metal parts.

In the past we had much less of this. Although MTBE was hazardous to us it didn't cause nearly the problems to the cars that we see with ethanol.

What is this?

Can you identify this device and what is it used for?

Scroll down for the answer!

The answer!
A Vibrating Reed Tachometer: Which is a tachometer consisting of a group of reeds of different lengths, each having a specific natural frequency of vibration; observation of the vibrating reed when in contact with a moving mechanical device indicates the frequency of vibration for the device.

In other words it is an older type of Tachometer, again consisting of a group of reeds of different lengths, each having a specific natural frequency of vibration; observation of the vibrating reed when in contact with a moving mechanical device indicates the frequency of vibration for the device.

The repair of the week with Ron Ananian

Ever have one of those weeks were the simplest of repairs goes wrong? Well here is a clip where Ron Ananian known as the Car Doctor™ tells us an interesting story on what happened to him one week with his 1989 Volvo!

Ron Ananian has a shop "R\A Automotive" in Waldwick, New Jersey and is heard on the radio weekends on 710 WOR in New York city.

Taking care of your car's paint

Pat Goss explains what you need to do to keep the paint on your car looking good. Do I need to wax it, because but the salesman said ... what is acid rain? But wax causes droplets of water to form which act as magnifiers in the sun and will that damage the paint?

Cash for Clunkers- "The Clunker Bomb"

Tom Torbjornsen heard on "Americas car show" talks to the company(Castle Products, Inc.) that invented the "clunker bomb" which is used to destroy an engine mandated by the government, under the "Cash For clunkers" program.
The Castle® Clunker Bomb™ automobile engine grenade permanently disables “clunker” vehicles, as part of the U.S. Government’s new “Cash for Clunkers Rule” (Appendix B to Part 599 - Engine Disablement Procedures for the CARS Program) Listen below for the interview.

Lubing your window tracks & doors

This week I have Dale Donovan in a video explaining why and how to lubricate window tracks. Something that does not get done much, but should if you want that window motor regulator to last. Dale shows us the best product for doing this, which is made by 3M which costs about $18.00 at most part houses. Enjoy!

Great Car Story: Rachel and her 1964 Mercury Comet

No need to say anymore, just Watch!

Fuel Line hose clamps

Did you know that fuel injection hose clamps are designed differently then regular worm type hose clamps? That worm type clamps as shown in the picture towards the right should not be used on fuel line hoses, and the clamp on the left is the proper one to use on a fuel line?


Listen to the clip of Pat Goss talking about why you can't use a regular worm clamp on a fuel line, as he explains this to caller on his weekly radio show.

Very useful information on small engine repair!

Here is another repair series with Dave Rock talking and showing us about some useful tips on small engine repair. Learn and enjoy!

Consumers reports on auto repair

This week we have Pat Goss again talking about a recent issue in Consumers Reports Magazine on auto repair. Listen as he describes and explains why this report was just not right and unjustified and they need to do a bit more research to get the facts correct!

Click on image below then open to listen.

Air bags, not to be taken lightly!

Here again we have Dave Rock of Davidsfarm, demonstrating just what might happen if an airbag goes off. The first part is not too impressive, but watch what happens on a larger one from a bigger car. Respect air bags!

The reason I posted this one was not so much for fun , but to let everyone know just how powerful those air bags are, please be careful if you choose to work on a car that has one.

Can A bad fuel filter cause an illuminated check engine light?

Here is another clip of Pat Goss talking about what you should do if your read the codes from your computer on your vehicle and the code was a lean fuel mixture code, which referred to an oxygen sensor ?

Also, What happens if a fuel filter gets clogged? Symptoms?

What is a Curbstoner?

Do you know what a Curbstoner is? If you plan on buying a used car you should! Pat Goss answers this one this week in the audio clip below.

Repair costs- What is grid pricing?

If you take your car in for repair you might want to know about a term called Grid pricing. Pat Goss answers this question this week in the following audio clip below.

Neat set of ramps!

What would it be like if you had a great set of secure ramps that also worked as your tailgate so you would never be without your ramps? Check out http://www.handigateramps.com/
Best set of ramps I have seen. Little pricey but worth it! Check out the video, below.

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS)

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) wants to have a dramatic impact on our countries transportation challenges and opportunities. ITS cars will be equipped with advanced sensors, computer processors, onboard displays and communications systems. Cars of the future will become part of an integrated network of connected vehicles and roadways and will warn drivers about unsafe conditions, imminent collisions and excessive curve speeds. This technology is being developed and tested across the country, in places like California, Florida, New York, Michigan, and a number of other states. Some advanced I TS applications, such as navigation systems. Lane departure warnings and backup cameras, are already deployed on higher and automobiles. Within the next decade, some of the technologies listed below will be installed in most vehicles:

Dashboard screens with preloaded debit cards to pay tolls electronically, order meals at the next restaurant or download a movie for the kids to watch in the backseat.

Vibrating seeds alerting you that you're veering into the shoulder or falling asleep.

Warnings if someone is about to run a red light ahead of you. Alerting you about an accident up ahead and providing alternate routes.

*Reference: Motorwatch Journal

How to tell if you or someone you know is a car nut

This week’s blog comes from The Car Doctor, Ron Ananian’s blog. I thought it was pretty good, see for yourself!



These all start with "You might be a car nut if..."

---

1. Buying gas for the car is something similar to a religious event. It has to be purchased not only from the same brand but the SAME station. Higher initiates to the order always use the same pump as well. Deviations can occur but not without separation anxiety.

2. You have given your car a name. Perhaps "Minty" if its green or "Bosco" if you consider it a childhood friend. People that do this are known to pace the waiting room of repair shops as the car is serviced hoping that it pulls through the operation.

3. When you park your vehicle you point it nose out so you can have the quick release of the open road sensation when you start out in the morning. Starting your car in this manner is similar to the Batmobile as the checklist is either verbally or mentally gone through prior to launch. "Power to the batteries, turbines to speed" and all that stuff...

4. Your car is cleaner than your house. And shines brighter than the sun from the wax and polish. You refuse to take it to a car wash except on the coldest days and even then you need to hand dry and talk nice to her since you feel bad for getting "the baby" wet and cold.

5. When you park your car you always take that last spot at the mall WAY over at the FAR side. It takes you 20 minutes to get to the front door of the mall. Higher initiates don't even take their car to the mall, they have a beater (if you're a car nut you know what a beater is) for that. And if you do park your car at the mall it takes you at least 3 attempts to leave her because you have OCD and check the door locks several times. (or is this just me???)

6. You own at least 2 cars that you use yourself. One is the "good" car, the other is the "beater". (see #5 for a better explanation and deeper understanding) that you keep handy to drive just in case it rains OR you have to go to the mall to park.

7. When family and friends talk about storage cases and cabinets for their collectibles (dolls, stamps, etc) you dream of the day you can build a multi level climate controlled parking garage. (attached to the house). When you were a kid collecting Matchbox cars was a passion that you carry with you today but only in full scale.

8. You refuse to remove the paper floor mats from the car after it has been detailed and cleaned until they are almost worn through. You also have purchased 2 sets of floor mats; one for good weather and the other for bad. In either case you may also lay a small rug sample from the local carpet store over the mats to keep them clean forever. Allowing your shoes to actually touch the floor mats is sacrilege and something akin to your parents letting you sit on the plastic covered couch in the living room. You remember being told "Go sit in the family room, the living room is for company only. " (Although you have a hard time remembering company using that room either.)

9. Your idea of a great family vacation is a road trip from any part of the world to Detroit to visit GM, Ford or Chrysler corporate headquarters for the guided tour. If you're lucky you squeeze in a tour of an automobile assembly plant too as a side trip en route. Your family however wants to go somewhere silly like Hawaii or Bermuda.

10. Your #1 mission in life is to keep the memory of the muscle car era alive by petitioning the EPA to do away with CAFE and other fuel economy ratings. You want them to rate cars strictly by horse power and cubic inches (not liters, by the way).

11. Your trunk contains enough emergency equipment to operate a small country or command an armored division. Everything from blankets, food, CB radios, flares and spare batteries are just a sample of what can be found in your trunk. (all neatly stacked and organized by the way). Snow shovels in early spring or late summer are not uncommon just in case you take a trip to the North country and are caught short by an unexpected snow storm or your significant other has to fight off the bears to keep the car safe.

And last, you ARE a car nut if at least 3 or more of the previous 11 statements are applicable to you and yours. You most likely have a few old license plates nailed to the garage at home.

Extended warranties-What does Pat Goss say?

This week Pat Goss talks about an extended warranty service that he likes in the following audio clip. Perhaps you have heard about it. The site is

http://www.carchex.com/

Pat Goss- 94 years of mistakes!

This week I have a clip of Pat Goss talking about automobiles and advice excerpted from the preface of Audels Automobile Guide copyrighted 1915. It was proper in 1915 and it still is in 2009. To me that is amazing!

How to set cam timing and fix bent valves- Unconventional!

If you liked the video shown awhile back on repairing a small gasoline engine, you might be interested in this one. Let me just say it is unconventional, but you be the judge if it is something you might try sometime! The author of the video really seems to know his stuff. Tell us what you think about this one on our mailing list!

BMW Studies Car-to-Car Communication

On a frosty morning, imagine if the car 100 feet ahead of you could somehow alert you to black ice on an off-ramp. You'd slow down, and your car's electronic stability system could even take preliminary steps to anticipate the situation.

Car-to-car communication, the next step in safety technology. The Center for Automotive Research have discusses this for years. There is even a federal program called Intelligent Transportation Systems. According to VP of engineering Tom Baloga, BMW's progress toward car-to-car communication is moving forward very well. U.S. automakers have agreed upon a standardized frequency 5.9 GHz regardless of the car. 5.9 GHz is the same frequency European cars use. The car is going to act like a data-collection probe. The car's location will be transmitted to other cars and to an infrastructure. This data will be used to identify traffic flow, slippery conditions, and bottlenecks.

Maintenance crews could find pothole-ridden areas based on suspension kinematics data, while salt crews could deduce which streets were especially icy using data from antilock braking or electronic stability systems.
Naturally, there's another side to this: How much do you want on the public record about your car and, by extension, your driving habits?

Care to comment on this, tell us on the mailing list by making a posting!

Could you pass a Chinese driving test?

These are unedited questions and answers from China's "Road Traffic Safety Rules and Regulations, Exam Reference Manual (2004 edition)," English-language version.

Professional Shop of the week award

This weekend one of our list member technicians, namely Mike Nixon’s shop that he works at was nominated for the “Professional shop of the week award” given out every week on nationally syndicated car talk show, “Bobby Likis CarClinic”.

Lo and behold, his shop Won this week! Listen to the clip as Bobby Likis describes the shop, technicians and the history of the shop on his weekly radio show.

Congratulations to everyone at Caton Auto Clinic Mall!

Fixing ignition on old Briggs Stratton engines

I know there are lots of pre 1982 Briggs & Stratton lawn mowers out there that have conventional ignition points and condensor setup, and all they might need is a simple fix to the ignition, because there is no spark. Take a look at this video from "DavidsFarm" as I thought he did a pretty good job of explaining all this. I especially like the part where the camera chases down the flywheel as Dave puts it on the ground (edge up)and it starts to roll down the driveway! If you like it let us know on the mailing list and I will put up some others by Dave! The guy really knows those small engine repairs, plus amazingly a whole lot more!.

Pat Goss- repair scams you need to watch out for!

Here Pat Goss talk about why need to go beyond manufacturers service recommendations and look for aftermarket service intervals. He also gives an example of why you need to beware of services that need to be performed and shops that try to steer you away from the more expensive service to one that costs less, because that is the service they want to sell you.



The example he gives“My owner’s manual requires a valve adjustment every fifteen thousand miles, but my mechanic says that unless they’re noisy I shouldn’t waste my money. Should I, or shouldn’t I?”


Listen by clicking on the image below , then open

Adding Acetone to your gasoline

I have heard that adding Acetone to your gas tank can improve your Gas Mileage? Is this so and can it hurt anything?

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Listen as automotive host Bobby Likis explains this to a caller on his weekly car show "CarClinic". Here Bobby describes what acetone in fuel does , why you should not use it and alternatives to keep your vehicle in top running condition with its greatest MPG.

Profiles in the Automotive Industry-Woman Inventors(windshield wipers)

Prior to the manufacture of Henry Ford's Model A, Mary Anderson was granted her first patent for a window cleaning device in November of 1903. Her invention could clean snow, rain, or sleet from a windshield by using a handle inside the car. Her goal was to improve driver vision during stormy weather - Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper.




During a trip to New York City, Mary Anderson noticed that streetcar drivers had to open the windows of their cars when it rained in order to see, as a solution she invented a swinging arm device with a rubber blade that was operated by the driver from within the vehicle via a lever. The windshield wipers became standard equipment on all American cars by 1916.



The first automatic windshield wiper was invented by a woman named Charlotte Bridgwood. Charlotte Bridgwood, president of the Bridgwood Manufacturing Company of New York, patented her electric roller-based windshield wiper called the "Storm Windshield Cleaner" in 1917. However, her product was not a commercial success.

More on why Transmission flush's, with Pat Goss

This is another series of Pat Goss talking about the importance of a transmission flush. He discusses why the temperature of the fluid determines the life of the fluid and the life expectancy of the transmission, and why the service we used to perform of just dropping the pan and a filter change can be detrimental to modern transmissions.The audio is much better in these two clips then the one done back in January 2009!

Click on the image below and then click open to hear the clip!

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What's bad about using a Lock deicer ?

Lock deicer comes in a small spray dispenser and quickly thaws frozen locks. But did you know there is a problem that occurs after you use it!

See lock deicer contains alcohol which will wash away the lubricant in your locks, so you must have a graphite lock lubricant which replenishes lubricating oils the lock deicer destroys. Using graphite lock lubricant several times each year will make locks last the life of the car and help keep locks ice free. Lock lubricant prevents water intrusion, and if no water enters the locks there’s nothing to freeze!

Profiles in the Automotive Industry-Earl Scheib

His slogan,,

I'll paint any car, any color for $29.95!

Born in San Francisco on February 28, 1908, Earl moved to Southern California with his family when he was 10. A graduate of Los Angeles High School, Earl never went to college. Instead, he got a job as a gas station attendant changing oil and tires for General Petroleum Co. in the late 1920s.

Not long after, he went into business with his own gas station on the corner of Whitworth and Fairfax. His neighbors soon began asking if he knew anyone who could paint their cars. So, each night, after closing time, Earl would paint cars in the station's lube garage. It didn't take long for word of Earl's painting service to spread, and soon there was more paint business than the station could handle.

As a result, he sold his station, rented a "shack" on the corner of Pico and La Brea (Los Angeles), and in 1937 opened the first Earl Scheib Paint and Body. His philosophy was "work hard, be on time, and don't worry about how much you make." It was a belief that underscored the way he ran his business. He still has many locations around the country today.

What's this?

Something different for a change on the blog! The device on the left is some type of security device. Do you know what it is?

Note:

(This is the first question out of the Monthly questions for Feb. 2009. Check back later this upcoming weekend on this blog for the answer!)

RE:What's this

It's a catalytic converter anti theft device! CatClamp encases the entire converter with a cage made from aircraft wire rope to prevent catalytic converter theft. Theives armed with battery powered reciprocating saws cut off converters in 30 seconds of time. CatClamp has two split collars with a security bolt, and key designed to lock tight to the exhaust pipe on either side of the converter. This allows it to be removed for adjustment, converter service, or other mechanical work. The wire ropes are permanently attached to the collar halves and two stainless steel springs prevent the wire ropes from rattling against the converter. Wire ropes are placed over and under the catalytic converters, and the two coller halves are bolted together and tightened securely to the exhaust pipe, creating a cage around the entire converter. The cage is locked into the vehicle frame or cross member with wire rope. It has "Security Device" in very large words with the VIN stamped on it. Made from stainless steel. $270 to $320 CatClamp.com

More cell phone use banned!

Cell phones that are hand held while driving are now prohibited in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Washington, and the District of Columbia, according to a newly released survey by the Institute for Highway safety. In addition, Utah has a secondary law, meaning that drivers can be charged with a cell phone offense only when violating another law. In six other states, state laws permit jurisdictions to prohibit cell phone use while driving: Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Eight states prohibit localities from banning cell phone use: Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon and Utah.





The survey also found laws in 17 states that prohibit use of all cell phones by school bus drivers, as well as limitations on use by novice drivers in 17 states. Text messaging while driving is banned for all drivers in Alaska, California, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Washington, and the District of Columbia. In nine states, novice drivers are prohibited from tax messaging, while four states specifically bans school bus drivers from text messaging.



* Resources: Motorwatch Journal

Car Care Guide

The Car Care Guide is now available electronically or send for your free copy today. The guide now contains two new sections on fuel economy and environmental awareness. Makes a great gift for someone you might have forgotton about during the holidays.

http://www.carcare.org/car-care-guide

A good way to determine the age of brake fluid

BrakeStrip is the best way to determine the age of brake fluid and whether it needs to be changed. When it comes to brake service. BrakeStrip is worth its weight in gold. Corrosion dissolves the copper which is used to weld the brake tubing seems. BrakeStrip detects the amount of corrosion in the brake system by measuring the amount of copper suspended in the fluid.

This test is the new best practice for determining when to recommend a brake fluid exchange. Because of its efficacy, demand is on the rise for this revolutionary brake fluid test. It has become a gold mine for brake service providers. BrakeStrip, with patented FASCAR technology, can quickly and accurately test brake fluid. Over 15 million test strips have been sold as it is the only risk-free test that meets MAP guidelines for Checking Brake Fluid. 866. 760.5845 or www.brakestrips.net

Profiles in the Automotive Industry- Ralph Teeter

Ralph Teeter, president of Perfect Circle Corp.(which makes piston rings) was riding in a the car with his attorney, Harry Lindsey. The year was 1935. Lindsey was the kind of driver that would floor the engine for instant, and then take his foot off the gas and coast along. The erratic jerky, driving annoyed Teeter so much, that he got the inspiration to invent a speed control device.



After working on the idea in his basement for 10 years, he applied for a Patent for the device, which he called "Speedostat", a safety mechanism that would also help conserve gas. Another 13 years past, before Chrysler became the first auto manufacturer to offer cruise control. On the 1958 Chrysler Imperial , New Yorker, and Windsor. But Teeter's life wasn't easy. Teeter was, blinded at the age of five as a result of a shop accident. But by the age of 12, teeter and his cousin built their own automobile using scrap parts. Teeter and his cousin built their own automobile using scrap parts.



Teeter not only went on to invent a speed control, but his numerous contributions to the automotive industry inspired his daughter to write a book about his remarkable life, "One Man's Vision." The life of Automotive Pioneer Ralph R. Teeter.