Learn when it is necessary use Enhanced Data Modes on your scan tool in this clip from Jim Wilson’s Quick Check Diagnostics Class. He goes on to discuss some key terminology and details the steps needed to perform an Automated System Results test.

In this tip clip, ASA’s Bill Haas talks about the importance of email marketing. He goes on to talk about some helpful tips, how to effectively build a list of your customers emails and how to use that info to generate additional sales.

In this excerpt from the 2011 ATSG Seminar class, Instructor Wayne Colonna talks about 41TES and 42RLE VLP transmissions with a P1745 DTC. These codes are usually the result of a problem with a pressure control solenoid that should be reducing line pressure at idle.

By Tom Ham. How often do you check your email? Does your shop look busy enough? Are you still using the fax machine to receive parts diagrams? Check out the latest Auto Shop Monthly Management Tips from the Automotive Management Network to get inside secrets on managing your shop and increasing your bottom line.

Automotive Video brings you the Top 5 Most Watched Tip Clips for 2011! The most popular clips include everything from battery drains to ABS, misfire testing to intake restrictions, as well as O2 slow response codes. Check out what others are watching and share your favorite tip clips.

Check out this technical tip clip on CAN Data with Dave Hobbs. In this clip Dave talks about Class 2 layouts, specifically the ‘loop configuration’ systems. He breaks down the layout of theses systems in an easy to understand manner and talks about how the modules communicate on this type of system as well as how they are electrically wired.

In this tip clip excerpt from the complete Fuel System Testing Strategies class instructor Bill Fulton talks about the Ford Electronic Returnless Fuel systems and how to perform tests on this system using your DSO. He shows us the parameters to watch out for on your scope and how to interpret the info you see.

In this excerpt from Dave Scaler’s complete training program ‘Base Engine Analysis,’ Dave shares a quick case study on a Pontiac Grand Am with a Quad 4 that came in with misfire DTCs. He discusses the diagnostic procedures and details of the compression test on this vehicles Quad 4. He gives some best practices and helpful hints for dealing with valve timing issues like those exhibited in this case study.

In this excerpt from Dave Scaler’s complete training program ‘Top 10 OBD II Codes: How to Fix Them Fast,’ Dave discusses alternative tests for mass air flow sensors (MAF). He talks about how to use your scan tool in order to check several different things to determine the state of the MAF.

In this tech tip, instructor Bill Fulton gives you a quick modern day tech tip that you don’t see on their scan tool. It’s called Lambda. This is what we call the corrected air-fuel ratio. He discusses Lambda, how it differs from manufacturer to manufacture, and what numbers to look for.

In this tip clip, Bill Fulton discusses the theory and evolution of power-balance testing. Providing insight, techniques, and how it all applies to modern cars, Bill shows you how to better pinpoint fuel balance problems.

In this tip clip, Dave Hobbs talks about what to do if you have a vehicle with no PCM data. You plug in your brick, and you go to pull codes or look at PIDs in this late 90s, whatever, early 2000 Chrysler. It’s got CCD. You think you’re talking on the CCD. You’re actually talking on SCI, and scan tool just sits there and says no communications. What could the problem be? Is it a bad scan tool? Bad computer? Bad bus wires? Well, in this clip Dave gives some quick pointers on what to look for next.

In this case study with Dave Hobbs, we learn about the complexities and challenges of diagnostics of data bus systems. Dave talks about a Chevy Malibu he once worked on: it couldn’t start several modules. He talks about how, sometimes, bus issues can be things you would never suspect and how keeping up with learning about these systems and understanding their complexities is necessary if you want to work on cars with these problems.

By Kevin S. McCartney. Kevin McCartney has compiled this comprehensive list of information related to modern oil additive and supplements. This is sure to be an interesting read full of new information for anyone interested in the science behind modern automotive oils.

In this case study from the 6.4 Powerstroke Diesel class, trainer Wally Mouradain discusses a turbo problem on a truck with a 2008 6.4 Powerstroke and how technicians should never overlook the simple or mechanical related failures the scan tool may never pick up.

In this excerpt from the ‘Victory Over Voltage Drops’ training program, instructor Dave Hobbs discusses the tools and techniques you will need to perform proper voltage drop tests by showing us several tools in use on a 2011 Equinox.

By Kevin S. McCartney. Modern engines rely much more heavily on the lubrication system for cooling than ever before. Oil coolers and coolant heated PCV systems present some new opportunities. But, there is a great deal of overlooked technology in modern motor oils that should be understood before this opportunity is addressed.

What we’re focusing on here is, you just did an engine job, or maybe you replaced the transmission, cylinder head job. You’ve had a significant portion of the vehicle disconnected underneath the hood. And you want to know, does everything have integrity? So in this particular case study, we’re going to go look to see if there are any trouble codes. We’ve done some work on the engine. We’ve had some things taken apart underneath the hood, and we want to use the scan tool make sure that the basic component test portion has passed. So let’s take a look at that.

By Scott ‘Gonzo’ Weaver. Sometimes, I’ll find faults with the so called “experts” advice or information. Not that I think I’m smarter than the engineers… no, not that at all. But if something strikes me as not being completely correct I might want to question what is on that diagnostic tree. Mind you, my entire day is filled with meeting the expectations of my customers. I have to be dead on with my repairs and diagnostics. Not some of the time, no, ALL the time. And, I expect the same from the people that provide the information and parts. The way I look at it, you’re only as good as the information provided.

In this excerpt from the A8 ASE test prep program, Instructor Dave Hobbs discusses some tips and tricks regarding various ways to perform a back pressure test. He also talks about how to make your own tool for this purpose and tells you what to look out for on the ASE A8 exam regarding back pressure related questions.

By Scott ‘Gonzo’ Weaver. When I was a kid, I used to watch my dad, who started out as a diesel mechanic, tune up cars and trucks from time to time. He would turn the adjustment screws on the carburetor until the engine smoothed out and started to purr. Then, after listening closely to the rumbling of the motor, the adjustment screws would get one final tweak. He would always bend down and cup his hand around the belching tail pipe exhaust and take a big sniff of the fumes, and then go back to his adjustments. That was back in the 60s and 70s before PCMs, O2 sensors and catalytic converters.

By Dave Hobbs. A climate control system that automatically maintains a set interior climate while conditions outside constantly change might seem complicated. Cool-headed diagnostics involve breaking these systems into manageable parts.

Instructor Dave Hobbs talks about voltage drop testing issues where the circuit you’re testing doesn’t really have the current flow going through it like it should. It may not be due to the fact you have a big voltage drop from a large resistance source in the wiring or the connections. It could be a couple of problems. It could be the wiring and connections, in addition to a component that’s either inoperative or not drawing enough current as it normally would. In this tip clip we talk about these things and some alternative ‘MacGyver like’ load testing techniques you can try.

Section two of the ASE A8 task list is where you find ignition systems. In this video tip clip with instructor Dave Hobbs we’re going to do some cylinder balance testing, which will give us an idea if there is a misfire, and if so, which cylinder it is. And that oftentimes goes hand in hand with ignition diagnosis.

By Gary Goms. During the past nine months, I’ve had three instances of powertrain control module (PCM) failures on Jeep Wrangler vehicles that were evidently caused by an over-voltage condition. The first case involved an owner who requested that a local shop replace the fuel pump because his ’98 Wrangler was slow-starting in the morning.

By Scott ‘Gonzo’ Weaver. A customer comes into the shop the other day with a handful of papers about his car. Each page was full of information and diagrams pertaining to a repair. He was extremely proud of himself, and proceeded to tell me how he found this wealth of knowledge on the Internet.

By Tom Ham. Are the people at your front desk too technical? Does your shop have a good incentive pay plan? Do you have options available for your customers? Check out the latest Auto Shop Monthly Management Tips from the Automotive Management Network to get inside secrets on managing your shop and increasing your bottom line.

In this tip clip excerpt, trainer Dave Scaler talks about Nissan Infiniti electronic throttle control systems. When we talk about Nissan Infiniti vehicles, one of the most common repairs in debate today surrounds the Fly By Wire or Electronic Throttle Control. Electronic throttle control system on a Nissan Infiniti vehicle is problematic. What we’re going to do is take a look, not only to see how it works, but to see what breaks, and what we can do about fixing it.

In this tip clip, instructor Jim Wilson talks about P0300 codes and misfire testing using your scan tool. He talks about how you would look at certain things such as RPM, MAP, changes in load, and long term fuel trims. He goes on to mention some things technicians should be aware of on Ford and Chrysler vehicles.

By John Thornton. Last time (Fall 2010), we looked at two Nissan variable valve timing case studies, provided by John Thornton. There wasn’t enough room in that issue for John’s very informative third case study, so it’s included here. After we’ve finished with the third case study, we’ll move into an overview of the construction, operation and diagnosis of various crank sensor designs. Let’s get started.

Instructor Dave Hobbs gives some insight into something a lot of techs already know about and may just take for granted–two stage temperature sensors. He covers some specifics about the sensors, testing procedures, and how to avoid replacing parts that are good only to find you still have a problem. He also gives some details and insight into the differences in design and wiring of these sensors between the individual manufacturers.

Technicians, do you have to prepare a car in your shop for for inspection? If so I’d like to spend a minute on monitors and a few tips and tricks when it comes to running monitors in order to prepare the car for an OBD II inspection. Now keep in mind a couple of pieces of information. Even if you don’t do IM in your area, understanding what monitors do and how they run is important for a couple other reasons. I use monitors, for example, to help get the computer to run the tests on the car so I can help to verify my repair. You may also use monitors if you’re into mode 6 to do mode 6 work because you need to know how the monitors run in order for the mode 6 to be accurate. So I want to spend just a few minutes here on monitors discussing a couple of pieces that I think will help you if you indeed have to get the monitors to run and show you some of the advantages of getting the PCM to help you along the way.

By Scott ‘Gonzo’ Weaver. So, you’ve just finished up a Ford, and you’re about to try and start it up. However, it needs programmed. You’ve decided to use a J2534 tool, but there are certain things you’ll need to consider before purchasing that subscription at www.motorcraftservice.com.