31 minute read
Fixing diffcult and perplexing problems
from Auto Service Professional - February 2016
by EndeavorBusinessMedia-VehicleRepairGroup
Some diagnostics hurt your brain...
Fixing diffcult and perplexing problems
By Jeff Taylor
Jeff Taylor boasts a 31-year career in the automotive industry with Eccles Auto Service in Dundas, Ontario, as a fully licensed professional lead technician. While continuing to be “on the bench” every day, he is also heavily involved in government focus groups, serves as an accomplished technical writer and has competed in international diagnostic competitions as well as providing his expertise as an automotive technical instructor for a major aftermarket parts retailer.
Ienjoy working through diagnostics, with my favorite being driveability concerns. The most common diagnostics that I perform relate to check engine lights, and lately some of those have been very challenging. I still get pattern failures that are for the most part easy to solve and diagnose, but I don’t shy away from the more demanding problems that other shops or techs claim can’t be fxed. I have never been afraid to take on these tasks, maybe because I have a different attitude toward these repairs. I want to be the guy who can say, “I fxed it.”
I have had many of these issues come into my bay for diagnostics over the last 12 months. A couple really stood out as diffcult and perplexing, and both had had lots of time spent on them by other shops or other techs.
2007 VW Beetle
The frst vehicle was a 2007 VW Beetle 2.5 (BPS engine code). The problem: The check engine light (CEL) is on, and the car is due for its emission test. This car had been at
fuel (I also noted that the code set at a low rpm). I wrote down the MAF sensor’s part number to have our dealer verify that it was the correct model for this engine combination (Bosch made a number of MAF’s that look the same and ft just fne, but have different calibrations). After a quick call, I confrmed it was the correct MAF sensor, so I needed to look elsewhere. I traditionally check for CEL codes using OBD-II: it’s the system that turns on the CEL light, so I trust what it tells me. But I wasn’t getting anywhere quickly with the data OBD-II was giving me, so I installed my VAG COM scanner to see if there were any specifc VW codes that would help me in any way. There were two VW-specifc codes, 16555 and 17559. The 16555 is the VW equivalent of an OBD-II P0171 and the 17559 translates to an OBD-II P1151. Both these codes pointed to the fact that this engine was experiencing a lean condition, but the There were many new parts, such as this MAF second VW code 17559 also told me that the sensor and it had the correct part number. lean condition was only at idle. Most European cars express fuel trim another local shop and the customer tells a values in two terms: additive or Idle O2 story of many dollars being spent, the CEL Adapt (the additive value is the fuel trim still being on, but also adds that the vehicle variation at idle either adding or removing runs and drives just fne. He just wants the fuel) and multiplicative or Run O2 Adapt CEL light off so that it will pass its emission test.
The frst thing I did was look over the invoices from the previous repairs to gain some insight into what’s been done; in this case the vehicle kept setting a P0171 lean code. The other shop had replaced the MAF sensor, changed the fuel pump, fuel flter, plenum gasket, air intake snorkel and the A/F sensor. But after all these repairs the P0171 would return within a day with the CEL on.
After a thorough visual inspection that didn’t expose anything obvious, I plugged in my scanner to see what codes were set, and it was a P0171. I looked quickly at the freeze frame data and it defnitely showed that the vehicle was adding These VWs have robust EVAP fttings and connectors.
Again, these VWs don’t typically have EVAP leak issues from the lines or connectors. (the multiplicative value is the fuel trim variation at all other engine speeds but idle either adding or removing fuel).
So using the scanner I went to the VW measuring block that would show me the additive and multiplicative (fuel trims): group 32 in this case.
With the car at idle the additive number was high at +7.9%, and the multiplicative was OK at 0%. Everything was pointing to a vacuum leak, but these engines have very few vacuum lines, and the ones it did have were connected and made of hard plastic with good connectors that don’t often fail. I was starting to think an injector O-ring or the lower intake gasket could be the concern, so I attached my smoke machine to the intake snorkel. To my surprise there was no smoke at all under the hood. The engine was tight and sealed.
The only spot that revealed any smoke was the tailpipe and the right rear wheel area. Yes, the right wheel well had smoke coming out of it! This didn’t make a lot of
The scanner showed that the VW was running lean at idle and adding fuel.
sense, but after putting the car up on the hoist and removing the wheel and inner fender the actual issue was revealed. The plastic vacuum supply pipe to operate the EVAP leak detection pump was damaged, it was chewed through by something. The car did have a vacuum leak… it just wasn’t in the engine compartment.
After repairing the chewed line and clearing the codes, both the additive and multiplicative were good at 0% and 0%, and after an extended city road test (lots of stop and go) with no CEL light the issue was fxed and the vehicle returned to the customer.
2009 Ford F-150
Another memorable diagnostic was on a 2009 Ford F-150 with 176,000 miles and a 5.4 V8 Triton engine. The complaint: CEL is on, sometimes the CEL will fash and it had lacked power under load and when driving hard at highway speeds. These issues had been ongoing for almost nine months and it always had the same code: P0302.
Ignition coils, plugs, and even an injector had been changed over a nine-month period, but the problem always came back and with the same P0302 code. The original tech was convinced that the truck needed a timing chain or cam phaser because of the mileage and the fact the engine was noisy. I was asked to get involved and help solve the problem.
I wasn’t so sure about a cam timing or phaser concern that was expressed by the previous tech. It had never set a cam code or had any other misfre codes on the same bank, something I would expect if there was a cam timing or phasing issue.
I took the truck for a road test to verify the complaint and it defnitely had a power concern, the CEL did fash and you could feel the truck missing. If you continued accelerating hard, the truck actually started to slow down.
went to the power balance display during the road test. It verifed that it was only cylinder Number 2 that was causing the misfre. I went through all the basics, testing cylinder compression both running and static, a cylinder leak down and all with normal results. We all know that a Ford misfre can be a bit of a bear to diagnose, due to the fact that the misfre monitor may initiate failure mode effects management (FMEM) to prevent catalyst damage. When a Ford enters FMEM, it will shut off the fuel injector to prevent raw fuel in the misfring cylinder form entering the catalytic convertor and overheating it. The FMEM will keep that injector shut off for 30 seconds on a 2009 model, and after those 30 seconds it looks to see if the misfre is still occurring. If it is, it repeats this A misfre on a Ford is usually a pretty simple repair of either a cycle until the misfre spark plug or the more common ignition coil issue. stops. Knowing this I hooked
My initial road test feeling was that this up my small two-channel scope to the truck had a partially plugged exhaust. I Number 2 injector and Number 5 injector returned to the shop, scanned it and, yes, on the opposite engine bank as a reference. it had a P0302. I looked at the freeze frame Performing a road test quickly verifed that data and fuel trims. Fuel pressure and the engine was going into FMEM and shuttemps were all in the normal range. ting off the control circuit to the Number 2
My initial suspicion was still a plugged fuel injector. The next step was to scope the exhaust, so I checked the back pressure by cam and crank sensors to see if there were removing the pre-cat O2 sensors and it had any anomalies that could cause a miss, and a reading of less than 1/4 of a psi on both the patterns showed me nothing out of the the left and right. That value for back presordinary (I was grasping but didn’t want sure is well within spec, so that blew up my to miss anything). I knew that the injectheory of a plugged exhaust. tor was OK; it was new and had even been
Next I hooked up my Ford scan tool and moved to another cylinder just to verify it
The road test showed that it was the Number 2 cylinder that was causing the fashing check engine light. was OK. The PCM was only detecting a misfre on the Number 2 cylinder; at this point
I was confdant in saying that the issue wasn’t mechanical or a fueling issue: it had to be ignition.
But how could it be ignition? All the parts of the cylinder Number 2’s ignition system had been changed and were now new genuine Ford parts. But the same problem persisted. In town this truck never misfred, only during hard acceleration or under heavy load did it act up.
I went back to something that I hadn’t looked at for a while. I visited the Motorcraft website and started to look for the
OBD-II information that Ford provides there.
Remember that it is the OBD-II system that is turning on the CEL light. I found the information that I was looking for under the header “OBD-II Theory & Operation” (Ford and most manufactures provide this information free on their diagnostic websites). Looking through the document I found the section on misfre monitor, and after reading it carefully, I saw something that I had missed: that an ignition coil’s primary circuit failure can also cause fuel injector deactivation (FMEM).
The primary ignition circuit is in the PCM, so I hooked up my current probe to the Number 2 ignition coil and went for a road test and fnally saw the problem, it was a bad driver circuit in the PCM. The PCM was not able to supply the ignition
The culprit in this case turned out to be a bad coil driver in the PCM. Don’t forget that you will need both ignition keys to reprogram the new or good used PCM.
coil’s primary side the 5.5 amps of current required to properly fre the coil after the rpms got above about 2,500. The result was the PCM activated FMEM and shut off the injector.
I checked all the powers and grounds one
Here is an example of an ignition coil ramp on a properly operating coil with a good PCM, able to deliver the required 5.5 amps. more time before installing a new PCM. The next road test provided a great feeling as the truck smoothly accelerated with lots of power, no misfres and no CEL. It was fxed.
Not all repairs are easy or straight forward. We are at a point in our industry of great change, in the way that things are repaired and diagnosed. There are occasional silver bullets on the Internet, and there are repair information databases devoted to collecting common repairs and fxes.
But these things are just tools; you have to understand how to use them and when. You need to have a vast understanding of how systems work, or how they were designed to work, but even then you need to have never-ending persistence to overcome all the road blocks that can prevent you from unravelling the most diffcult repairs. ●
Tech tips
From brake service to crank pulley bolts
SUBARU BRAKE CLICK
If you experience a one-time tap or click noise from under car after a cold start, the cause could be a metal brake line contacting the underbody. The ABS performs a self-test on start-up about 10 to 15 seconds after the engine start and speed sensor input is detected. The actuation of the internal ABS valving during the selftest sends a pulse of brake fuid pressure throughout the brake system. The tap or click noise may be caused by brake line contacting the underside of the foor when this pulse occurs. Insulating or slightly repositioning the brake line to gain added clearance will eliminate the noise.
SQUEAKY SAAB
If the owner of a 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X complains about a squeaking brake pedal, Saab says that the problem may be contaminated brake fuid, which can swell the master cylinder’s piston seals. Raise the hood and place an ear near the master cylinder while someone applies and releases the brake slowly. If you hear the squeak, fush and refll with fresh DOT 3 brake fuid. Then apply the brake a number of times slowly while listening for the squeak. If the squeak is still present, replace the master cylinder.
FORD’S A DRAG
If you experience a 2007 Ford Edge or Lincoln MKX with dragging brakes and premature pad wear, raise the car on a hoist with the engine running and the transmission in park. Try to spin all four wheels. If all four wheels are dragging, the brake switch could be the culprit. Try removing the switch by turning it clockwise. If the brake pedal rises and the brakes suddenly release, replace the brake switch with an updated part number 8T4Z-13480-A. When installing the new switch, make sure that the brake pedal is in its normal rest position. The problem can be verifed with a scan tool and monitoring brake switch input while turning the wheels. The IVD light on the dash may be on due to pressure in the hydraulics with no actual switch output. If only the rear brakes are dragging, the problem lies with the parking brakes. With the brake pedal fully released, adjust the equalizer until both rear wheels turn freely. There should be no slack in the parking brake cable. Also, since the rear parking brake shoes are located inside the rotor hat, yank the rotor and check for debris that could be causing the pads to drag.
MAKING LIFE EASIER
If, for whatever reason, you need to remove and reinstall the crank pulley on a GM LS engine, you must replace the pulley bolt, as the original is torque to yield and should not be re-used. However, the OE bolt spec requires a tedious torque-plus-angle tightening procedure. Instead of dealing with this, use a new ARP crank bolt. The bolt is reusable and ARP specs a straight torque value with no angle tightening required. Granted, the spec is high (around 240 ft.-lbs.) but it will last and avoid the headache of tightening in tedious stages. ●
You’re mere seconds away from receiving free product information. Just go to the website(s) listed to the right of each advertiser below and you’re there! Instant product information at your fngertips.
Of course, you can always use the Reader Service Card to the right and send it to us, and we’ll connect you to the advertiser.
Advertiser 31 Incorporated 31 Incorporated ACDelco
Advance Auto Parts
ADVICS North America Inc.
Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc.
Blackburn OEM Wheel Solutions
Centric Parts
Clore Automotive
CRP Automotive
Dealer Strategic Planning Inc. Drew Technologies Federated Auto Parts
Ford Parts
Jiffy-tite Company Lang Tools Mahle Service Solutions Page R.S # 7 103
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IFC 117
OBC
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O’Reilly Auto Parts OTC Tools 37
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Philips Automotive Lighting 6
Rotary Lift 29
STEELMAN Select TPMS, by JS Products 41 TechSmart by SMP VDO TPMS Replacement Parts 17
IBC 112
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The Dutch-made Sonic Tools’ CV boot clamp tensioner tool, P/N 805018, provides a grip handle for a secure hold during clamp tightening.
Sonic CV
The grip handle is easily removed where clamp access is tight.
boot clamp tool
Not just another clamp tool
By Mike Mavrigian
Sonic Tools is a manufacturer based in the Netherlands, with a U.S. headquarters in Alabama. I admit that I only recently became aware of the frm. The width and breadth of their line rivals any of the major tool providers that you may have dealt with. From screwdrivers to pneumatics to tool storage and everything in-between, they make it. Their catalog is absolutely mind-blowing.
Total control
Choosing only one tool from their extensive line seemed insurmountable, but I decided to initially try a seemingly simple tool to start off, their CV boot clamp tensioner tool (P/N 805018). How can a band clamp tool seem interesting enough to review? That’s what I thought at the beginning.
This specialty tool is superbly designed for the task. Instead of relying on grip power to compress and cinch the clamp, no squeezing is needed. The design features a ratchet tension winding mechanism. Simply place the jaw tips onto the clamp and insert a 3/8-inch drive ratchet. Turn the ratchet clockwise (tightening mode) to easily and accurately squeeze the clamp tight to proper tension.
It’s obvious that someone invested a bit of time in the design of this little guy. The tool provides total control, with no handnumbing stress. Once you begin to tighten, the jaws remain in place and tension is created as you tighten with the ratchet. It’s that simple. The futed grip is easily unthreaded and removed if it’s in the way,
Clamp installation was easy due to the use of a ratchet. The futed grip handle provides a steady hold, but where access is limited, the grip handle can be removed. depending on the access to the boot clamp, eliminating the need to, say, remove a brake caliper in order to gain access to the clamp.
I tried this out on a 2013 Kia Soul. The tool made the job so easy (and fun) that I was a bit bummed out that I didn’t have a reason to install more clamps on additional vehicles. The tool is designed to accommodate 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch clamp widths, and features a handy built-in cutter to cut a band to the appropriate length. Materials and construction are defnitely rated for severe duty in a pro shop environment.
We’ll defnitely take a look at a few of Sonic’s other tools in the future. By the way, they offer a way-cool and very extensive line of high quality tool chests and cabinets. While you may already have a favorite tool supplier, do yourself a favor and check out Sonic’s lineup. You’ll be amazed at the incredible variety. ● Sonic Tools (North American Headquarters) 480 N. Dean Rd., Suite H7 Auburn, AL 36830 844-40SONIC (407-6642) www.sonictoolsusa.com
Hunter’s new Auto34S tire changer The new Auto34S tire changer from Hunter Engineering features a spacesaving, functional design and an air powered, push-button control that operates all diameter functions from a single point. The ergonomic Auto34S has a memory button that saves the tire diameter setting and returns the mount head to the same spot until reset. Hunter says an improved press head allows for better grip on all tires, especially extreme low profle tires. An integrated wheel lift eases the service of large assemblies, reducing operator fatigue and risk of damage. HUNTER ENGINEERING CO. Circle 160 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11160 In-vehicle systems tester OTC, a Bosch Automotive Service Solutions brand, has released the Multi-media Interface Tester (MIT) to help diagnose vehicle communication issues on Ford, GM and Hyundai vehicles. The MIT sends a clean signal to a vehicle’s Bluetooth or auxiliary connection to confrm whether or not the vehicle is communicating properly. It is updatable though a USB connection, and more OEs will be added as coverage becomes available. BOSCH AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE SOLUTIONS Circle 161 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11161 New MultiFit wheel balance weight Wegmann automotive USA’s Perfect Equipment brand has released Perfect MultiFit, a line of zinc clip-on wheel balance weights that can downsize inventories to two clip styles: one weight for most steel rims and one weight for most alloy rims. The company says the Perfect MultiFit allows businesses to signifcantly reduce stock while keeping SKU complexity to a minimum, making installation, logistics and storage quicker and more effcient. The Perfect MultiFit features 22 part numbers with just two weight series: Type 84U uncoated zinc weight for most steel rims and Type 63 coated zinc weight for most alloy rims. WEGMANN AUTOMOTIVE USA INC. Circle 162 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11162
Dolly makes tire displays safer The TruStack Tire Dolly from Chariot Concepts allows retailers to build stable, secure and portable tire displays. Workers can easily load the 18-pound round platform dolly, roll it to the installation area, and move it between bays as needed. The dolly features a unique center anchor for cinching tires into permanent position with a lashing strap. It has side guides for strapping down boxes. The dolly can be steered with one hand. CHARIOT CONCEPTS LLC Circle 163 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11163
ACDelco offers GM OE transfer cases Nine General Motors original equipment (OE) new transfer cases for GM full-size pickup trucks are now available through ACDelco. The transfer cases cover Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks from model years 2007-1999. ACDelco says one of many benefts of the new transfer cases is a simpler “plug and play” installation system that saves time and money. There is no programming required during installation, no specifc tooling requirements and no extra work, according to the company. ACDELCO
Bendix brake program is revamped Mat Holdings Inc. has refreshed the Bendix brake program. The company says the Stop by Bendix brand is a premium offering of brake pads, discs and drums that covers 99% of vehicles in North America. Bendix Fleet MetLok is the severe duty line of brake pads and discs designed for applications like towing, heavy hauling and frequent stopping. The Bendix Premium line uses 100% copper-free friction formulations with comprehensive coverage for late model vehicles. Bendix Premium Brake Discs will be sold in pairs. Packaging in pairs will be available where weight doesn’t exceed 35 pounds. MAT HOLDINGS INC. Circle 164 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11164
Remanufactured diesel particulate flters Cardone Industries Inc. has introduced A1 Cardone Remanufactured Diesel Particulate Filters. The company says the remanufactured flters provide an alternative for light- to medium-duty trucks and passenger cars at a signifcant cost savings over new flters. Each unit is fow tested to on-car exhaust levels to verify it meets OE performance specs for performance and reliability. CARDONE INDUSTRIES INC. Circle 165 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11165 New diesel injector-seat cleaning kit Innovative Products of America Inc. (IPA) has introduced a 17-piece cleaning kit specially designed to clean diesel injector seats and bores on most light-, medium- and heavy-duty diesel motors. The #8090B-8090S Professional Diesel Injector-Seat Cleaning Kit features helix brushes with a specially engineered tip for deep seat cleaning, two-stage brushes for seat and inner seat-hole cleaning, and bore brushes for all bore and tube wall cleaning. INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS OF AMERICA INC. Circle 166 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11166
Clore unveils portable battery charger Clore Automotive Inc. has added Pro-Logix PL2410, a 10/6/2 amp 12/24 volt portable battery charger, to its Solar product line. The new battery charger is fully automatic and has the ability to properly charge all lead acid battery types. Clore says the Pro-Logix PL2410 uses advanced microprocessor-controlled logic to precisely deliver a fully automatic charging routine designed to optimally charge and maintain each battery serviced. CLORE AUTOMOTIVE INC. Circle 167 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11167
Air compressor for GMC and Ford vans The Underhood Lite air compressor system from the VMAC (Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors) division of Mangonel Investments Corp. is now available for the GMC Savana Vortec 4.8L V8, Vortec 6.0L V8 VVT, and Vortec 5.3L V8 FFV. The Underhood Lite air compressor is also available for the Ford Transit 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 Van. The company says it is a fraction of the weight of most air compressors. VMAC Circle 168 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11168
New wiper blade program Robert Bosch LLC has introduced the Clear Advantage Wiper Blade program. The new program reduces the SKU count from 19 in the previous program to 12 part numbers, while increasing the vehicle coverage to more than 98%. Blade lengths range from 13 to 28 inches. In addition, the new Clear Advantage program features the Click-On adapter system, which covers all popular hook and pin connections as well as the increasing range of OE connections. ROBERT BOSCH LLC Circle 169 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11169 Dodge Ram exhaust system Kooks Custom Headers has added 2009-2015 Dodge Ram applications to its V8 1500 series truck exhaust line. The company says the new exhaust system’s features include 3/8-inch thick flanges; handground exhaust ports; scavenging spikes in the collectors; and true merge in the y-pipe for optimal power output. All Kooks’ Dodge Ram exhaust systems come standard with the zero-failure technology of Stage 8 Locking Fasteners’ ball-and-socket style connections. KOOKS CUSTOM HEADERS Circle 170 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11170
ACDelco Li-ion 18V impact wrench ACDelco Tools has added a Li-ion 18V impact wrench featuring patented electronic torque clutch technology to its line of ACDelco-licensed power tools. The company says at 3.63 lbs., it is the most compact and powerful wrench available for underbody or wheel applications. The new impact wrench, part number ARI2064B, features 1/2-inch anvil, six pre-set torque settings, and a four-pole motor with super torque 625 ft.-lbs. breakaway; 480 ft.-lbs. reverse; and 300 ft.-lbs. forward tightening. ACDELCO TOOLS Circle 171 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11171
5-piece T-bit tool set Ken-Tool’s latest fastener socket driver set is designed for use on MorTorq fasteners. The KenTool 30260 5-piece MorTorq driver set includes a 3/8-inch driver and M0, M1, M2, M3 and M4 drive heads and a steel storage rail. The company says the fastener’s design allows for uniform torque delivery, which combats tool slippage and “rounding out” of the fastener head and the drive tool. The higher surface contact area also makes fastener removal easier, including improved removal of corroded or seized fasteners. KEN-TOOL CORP. Circle 172 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11172
Kafko adds 275-gallon tote Kafko International Ltd. has introduced a 275-gallon tote to its Oil Eater Original cleaner-degreaser line for high-volume users. The company says the powerful, eco-friendly, water-based cleaner features a unique formula that eliminates the need for multiple cleaning solutions. It quickly and safely dissolves grease, oil and grime from machinery, motors, tools, concrete foors and much more. It also can be used in parts cleaning and pressure washing machines, says the company. KAFKO INTERNATIONAL LTD. Circle 173 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11173
Hydraulic engine mounts for Audi Wulf Gaertner Autoparts supplies the third generation of made-in-Germany Meyle brand hydraulic engine mounts for Audi platforms MLB/MLP/PL48 A4 B8/A5/A6/A7/Q5 from 2007 model year onward, enabling independent workshops to offer electrically switchable engine mount repair on all applications of this popular model series. The company says damping and insulating characteristics are geared to match each specifc vehicle model. WULF GAERTNER AUTOPARTS AG Circle 174 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11174 Premium infator gauge 31 Inc.’s X-tra Seal TRD2000 Premium Infator Gauge comes with a certifcate of calibration from the factory. The pressure range is 0 psi to 138 psi. The clear analog gauge display shows both psi and kpa readings. The built-in defator ensures precise infation. The company says the dual foot angled lock on chuck with rubber grip makes it quick and easy to use. 31 INC. Circle 175 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11175
Master Pry tools have LED lights General Technician Equipment’s (GTE) Master Pry LED kit includes two tools with precision edges for scraping and light panel separating, an angled wedge-profle tip, and a hand-friendly textured grip surface to prevent the tool from slipping. The kit number is P/N GTEDP1. One tool features a straight edge tip for prying behind panel edges, while the other tool features a slotted “fork” tip for digging under clip heads. GENERAL TECHNICIAN EQUIPMENT Circle 176 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11176 Tracer kit fnds A/C leaks Tracer Products says its Tracerline Opti-Pro EZ-Shot A/C Kit (Part No. TP8616) makes it easy for technicians to fnd all air conditioning leaks the frst time and every time, quickly and easily. At the heart of the A/C kit is the Opti-Pro, a cordless, true UV (violet light) LED leak detection fashlight that provides optimal fuorescent dye response and contrast so all leaks glow brilliantly, according to Tracer Products, a division of Spectronics Corp. TRACER PRODUCTS Circle 177 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11177 New Clamp-in VDO Redi-Sensor Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket’s new Clamp-in VDO Redi-Sensor TPMS Sensor expands application coverage by 3 million vehicles. The new sensor, Part No. SE10002A, d e l i v e r s t h e same coverage as the popular VDO Redi-Sensor SE10002, plus provides new coverage for over 3 million additional vehicles through model year 2016, with even more coverage pre-stored for future model years. As with all VDO Redi-Sensors, SE10002A is ready to use, right out of the box. CONTINENTAL COMMERCIAL VEHICLES & AFTERMARKET Circle 178 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11178
Remote-controlled work light Hella Inc.’s remote-controlled Optilux RC360 LED work light delivers powerful lighting while using only 90W of power. The light can be rotated a full 360 degrees, both vertically and horizontally, via remote control. The company says the work light features nine high performance LEDs that deliver a clear, cool white light at 6,500K color temperature. Highly effcient refectors create an even beam pattern and excellent long-range illumination. HELLA INC. Circle 179 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11179 Permatex brake cleaning wipes The Permatex division of Illinois Tool Wo r k s I n c . h a s introduced Permatex Brake Cleaning Wipes for use in brake service repair and maintenance applications. The wipes also can be used for cleaning brake drums, abutment clips, slide pins, calipers, and brake hardware as well as other parts and tools. The water-based cleansing wipe is designed to remove oil residue and contaminants from the rotor surface. The company says the formula helps to promote proper pad wear-in, and contains no VOCs. The wipe also leaves a corrosion protection coating that prolongs rotor life and helps prevent brake squeal. PERMATEX Circle 180 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11180 CP87120 1.2-ton wheel dolly from Chicago Pneumatic Chicago Pneumatic Tool’s new CP87120 1.2 ton dolly has two handles for fast and easy maneuvering, and its width is adjustable to accept wheel diameters from 39.4-78.78 in. (1,000-2,200 mm). It has a fast turnable wheel attachment to ensure the wheels are balanced safely, and eight large rollers with automatically adjustable angles to ease the handling of tires with deep treads. The dolly can be moved into position easily, whether in or outside the workshop, thanks to four large swivel wheels with brakes. The dolly has a high-quality steel frame for intensive use. CHICAGO PNEUMATIC TOOL CO. Circle 181 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11181 Rein Automotive stretch bolts for BMW CRP Automotive has added Rein Automotive brand aluminum stretch bolts for BMW engine applications. The company says the stretch bolts are designed as replacements for the one-time-use-only fasteners used by BMW to mount components such as transmissions, oil pans, water pumps, power steering pumps and alternators to their engine assemblies. CRP AUTOMOTIVE Circle 182 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11182 New premium diesel engine motor oil GoldenWest Lubricants has added a premium diesel engine oil to its Prolong Super Lubricants brand. The new Prolong 15W-40 Diesel Motor Oil features the company’s proprietary Anti-Friction Metal Treatment (AFMT). The company says AFMT technology bonds to metal surfaces and creates a protective layer that reduces friction, provides excellent wear protection and increases fuel effciency. GOLDENWEST LUBRICANTS INC. Circle 183 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11183
Muck Daddy hand cleaners Amyris has introduced Muck Daddy brand hand cleaners. Instead of standard petroleum-based ingredients, Muck Daddy hand cleaners contain two ingredients bioengineered by Amyris from sugarcane. The company says Myralene 10 quickly and safely dissolves grease, oil, grime, adhesive, ink and scuffs. Squalane is a high-end skin care ingredient to keep hands hydrated. The hand cleaners are available as a lotion cleaner with pumice and a textured scrubbing wipe (pictured). AMYRIS INC. Circle 184 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11184
Monroe releases next-generation OESpectrum shocks and struts Tenneco’s Monroe OESpectrum shocks and struts use an advanced active control system that doubles the number of internal ride tuning points available in many conventional shocks and struts. Tenneco says its next-generation, OE-inspired impact control valve, located at the base of each OESpectrum unit, isolates road impacts for exceptional control and helps deliver a better “on-center” feel versus original equipment units. A second tuning input flters out unwanted noise, vibration and harshness commonly transmitted to the passenger compartment in many driving situations. TENNECO INC. Circle 185 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11185 Hennessy’s Coats 1150-2D balancer has easy-to-use features Hennessy Industries Inc.’s Coats 1150-2D wheel balancer combines the accuracy and durability of Coats’ Direct Drive system with an exclusive set of easy-to-use balancing features. The company says 1150-2D offers a redesigned user interface that makes even the most complex balancing applications fast and simple. Features include direct balancing mode selection, Direct Tape-A-Weight measurements, behind-the-spoke balancing, auto start hood, dual operator mode, and match balance. HENNESSY INDUSTRIES INC. Circle 186 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11186
Lisle heavy-duty pickup tool Lisle Corp.’s heavy-duty pickup tool extends from 7-1/2 inches to 26 inches and will lift up to 5 lbs. The company says the 1/2-inch diameter nickelplated neodymium magnet is fush mounted in a 3/4-inch diameter housing for extra strength and reduced radial attraction, making it easier to work around ferrous metal obstructions. The head swivels more than 180 degrees for hardto-reach spots. LISLE CORP. Circle 187 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11187
Rotary Lift offers AR18 four-post alignment lift Rotary Lift’s AR18 four-post alignment lift has a lifting capacity up to 18,000 lbs. and an adjustable runway to lift cars, Class 5 trucks and everything in between. The company says modular spacers enable it to hoist vehicles with wheel bases from 63 inches up to 177 inches (162 inches for four-wheel alignment). Opt for the extended-length model to increase wheelbase to 198 inches. The AR18 is compatible with the newest alignment systems and has long free-foating slip plates and stainless steel radius gauges to make alignment jobs easy to manage. ROTARY LIFT Circle 188 on Reader Service Card www.aspquiklink.com/11188