Auto Channel 41 by Via Media

ISSUE 41 NOVEMBER 2021

THE VOICE OF THE NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

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Billing for every drop of oil A FLUID-MANAGEMENT SYSTEM GIVES WORKSHOPS AN ACCURATE WAY TO MANAGE AND CONTROL A SIGNIFICANT — AND SLIPPERY — WORKSHOP EXPENSE

or generations, changing the oil in vehicles has involved getting under the bonnet and pouring oil from a can into the engine’s oil filler. Most of the time, billing for that oil has involved some degree of estimation. The potential for losses through lack of accurate measurement over time and through simple accounting errors is significant — and that is a drain on workshops. Now, oil-management systems, fluid-management systems, dispensing control systems — there are many different names for them — have revolutionised that process. Dispensing hoses or mobile carts with accurately metered nozzles capture all oil consumption, and that data can even be seamlessly input into the billing process. While the benefits to high-volume workshops are obvious, gaining full control over expensive lubricants and eliminating a possibly unknown loss or cost will benefit every workshop over time. One of the leaders in designing and implementing fluid-management installations,

Advance Fluid Control (AFC), has provided us with this technical overview. It describes such a system as “a service workshop system that controls and manages the dispensing of oils, coolant, windshield fluid, etc. in the workshop”. A fluid-management system has a range of features offering many benefits, including: Accuracy — Every drop of oil or other fluid is accounted for and can be billed for. Speed — The need to measure out quantities is reduced or eliminated, and better-designed equipment also reduces the opportunity for spills. Control — Dispense points are locked while not in use. They can be opened only by a user entering their personal PIN and a job or fleet number. This data is recorded in the dispense report, which is lodged after completion of the dispense. Visibility — Dispense reports sent to the system software at the completion of each dispense include data such as date and time of dispense, fluid type, dispense point number, dispensed quantity,

job or fleet number, and the technician’s name. There are no gaps in data to be chased up and filled in later, as happens in manual systems. The dispense reports can be filtered by any of the above data. For example, office staff may want to know all the fluids used for a particular job and entering the job number into the filter will bring up only the dispenses made for that job.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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Contents

From the Ed.

16 Fluid control 101

1 and 4

Battery pluses and minuses

New wave lighting solutions

Double up parking spaces

Hayman Reese turns 70

Car news

Manipulating metal

Feature car

Diagnosis with electrical basics

Tools with a twist

Product profiles

Supplier directory

ubmissions are now being called for on the land transport (clean car) amendment bill. It was originally scheduled to be introduced on January 1 next year but transport minister Michael Wood pushed it back due to Covid-19 delays. The government is sure to get a lot of industry feedback. While the Motor Industry Association doesn’t have a problem with the feebate side of the bill, it does have an issue with the clean car targets which it says are among the most stringent in the world. That prompted Motor Industry Association chief executive David Crawford to withdraw the organisation’s support for the standard component of the plan. It also took issue with the regulator’s ability to set a minimum proportion of zero emission vehicles for importers. As well as being overweening, that could have serious consequences in the event of a limited supply of zero-emission vehicles. But the big issue is the targets. Apparently, at present, only the Tesla dealers would not be penalised. So far the government is unmoved, saying the targets have been met in other countries and there is flexibility in the system allowing the industry to make the changes needed to meet climate obligations. The bill has some way to go through select committee stages before it becomes law.

Ian Parkes, Editor

Auto Channel is distributed 11 times per year. To receive your free copy or to change your address, simply visit autochannel.co.nz.

AUTO CHANNEL IS DISTRIBUTED TO 11,306 NEW ZEALAND BUSINESSES

ONLINE autochannel.co.nz EMAIL editor@autochannel.co.nz PHONE 09 360 1480 MAIL PO Box 46020, Herne Bay, Auckland 1147

Traceability — The potential for errors such as wrong fills is reduced but any errors can be quickly traced and identified. Stock control — Additionally, the levels in the storage tanks can be monitored within the system software, and alerts can be triggered at reorder levels. Automation — Full data integration to dealer management systems (DMS) can be configured. Real-time job or fleet number validation means the dispense is approved only if the number is valid at the time of the dispense request. On completion of the dispense, the applicable data is written into the DMS against the applicable job or fleet number. A key benefit here is that it removes the potential for human error in transposing data from one system to another, and it provides labour savings.

WHY WOULD OIL-MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS APPEAL TO PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS? Many of the system benefits — speed, accuracy, completeness, and seamlessly connecting every dispense to work orders — appeal particularly to large workshop organisations. Automatically recording and keeping dispense data also fulfills one of the requirements for Quality Management System ISO 9001. The transparency of fluid-dispensing operations in the workshop also means supervisors can spot any instances of the wrong fluid being dispensed, thus avoiding damage to a vehicle and a potential customer relations nightmare. The source of any errors can be quickly identified. While minimising shrinkage between fluids bought and sold, the system also makes inventory management simple and accessible on any device. Automated record keeping, operational transparency, and automated DMS data entry for billing purposes are rolled into one system that also provides the workshop’s customers with an efficient and professional experience.

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

WIRELESS TECH MAKES INSTALLATION EASY Advance Fluid Control has extensive experience in the field of fluid management and provides and supports the Graco Pulse Pro Fluid Management System nationwide. The Graco Pulse Pro system has been a success around the globe, in smaller automotive workshops through to heavy equipment maintenance centres such as mines. The system offers both fixed-reel dispensing and mobile trolleys, and the wireless control system makes it quick for Advance Fluid Control to install. On-site installation takes no more than half a day in most cases. There is no cutting into pipes to install valves and meters, as is required with hard-wired systems, and likewise there are no cables to run around the workshop. The system provides many options, and AFC can evaluate the most suitable option based on the site layout and what the customer wants to achieve. If you have any questions or issues with fluid management that you would like to discuss, call AFC on 0800 538 058, or, to see some of the solutions available, visit advancefluidcontrol.co.nz/ graco-pulse-pro.

EDITOR Ian Parkes, editor@autochannel.co.nz DESIGNER Day Barnes, Bobby Saunders MEDIA SALES Michael White, michael.white@parkside.co.nz ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Kealy Mathews

AUTO CHANNEL IS PUBLISHED BY

PUBLISHER

Greg Vincent, greg.vincent@parkside.co.nz

BUSINESS DIRECTOR

Michael White, michael.white@parkside.co.nz

GENERAL MANAGER

Simon Holloway, simon.holloway@parkside.co.nz

WORKFLOW MANAGER Emily Khov PRINTING Ovato

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Parkside Media uses due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistakes, misprints, omissions, or typographical errors. Parkside Media prints advertisements provided to the publisher but gives no warranty and makes no representation to the truth, accuracy, or sufficiency of any description, photograph, or statement. Parkside Media accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph, or statement contained herein. Parkside Media reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Parkside Media, the publisher, or editor. All material published, gathered, or created for Auto Channel is copyright 2021 Parkside Media Limited. All rights reserved in all media. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any

Auto Channel is the best way to reach the wider automotive industry. The publication is direct mailed to 11,306 New Zealand businesses in the following automotive sectors: Automotive workshops, parts importers and distributors, transmission specialists, automotive recyclers, towing operators, panel beaters and painters, crash repairers, tyre dealers, suspension and underbody repairers, steering specialists, towing operators, auto-electrical repairers, newand used-car dealers, air-conditioning repairers, heavy-machinery dealers, trucking and transport.

Murray runs an extremely busy workshop. Thankfully, Murray knows he can always get what he needs at BNT. Because no other New Zealand distributor offers the same depth and range of parts all day, every day. We have the passion and the knowledge that comes with over 60 years’ experience - to help keep your business ticking over beautifully. Which is good news for Murray, and for us.

PASSIONATE ABOUT PARTS. bntnz.co.nz

How to get accurate battery test results

system raises the open circuit voltage, indicating the battery is at a higher state of charge. In this test result the battery, when selecting the ‘Out of Vehicle’ function, produces a ‘Replace Battery’ result when, in reality, the battery just needs to be recharged.

MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED BATTERY TESTERS ARE PROVIDING NEW INSIGHTS INTO BATTERY HEALTH, BUT THE OPERATORS NEED TO SET THEM UP AND USE THE TESTERS CORRECTLY

icroprocessor controlled or MPC battery testers offer an efficient, fast, and safe form of battery testing that is easy to use and requires only a small amount of training to operate. However, care is needed to set them up correctly. Here Century Yuasa, which offers a range of battery testers, shows how selecting the right settings is essential to get accurate test results for lead acid batteries. This test should always go hand in hand with a visual inspection where you are looking for things like cracks, electrolyte leakage, battery bulging, excessive corrosion. Features of many MPC battery testers include: • Battery type selection — regular flooded, AGM, Gel, VRLA, EFB • Vehicle type selection — passenger automotive, commercial, marine, stop/start • Battery rating — CCA, CA, DIN, EN, JIS • Battery charging test • Battery cranking test • Printing of results on selected models MPC battery testers work by transmitting a small signal through the battery and measure the conductance and resistance encountered to indicate the battery’s state of health (SOH), using Ohm’s law.

cranking amps (CCA) dropped by 10 percent, or 65CCA. As such it is important to give a battery time to settle before testing.

BATTERY TYPE SELECTION A regular flooded battery has a different internal resistance than an enhanced flooded battery (EFB), or an absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery. MPC battery testers use different algorithms which account for this difference. Always set the MPC battery tester to the correct battery type to prevent a false test result. This example shows a reduction of 126CCA when a regular flooded battery was tested using the EFB test selection.

MPC BATTERY TESTER TERMINAL CONNECTIONS Voltage = Current (Amperes) x Resistance

In simple terms, the Ohm’s law formula calculates the relationship between voltage, current (amperes), and resistance in an electrical circuit. When you have two of the three values, you can use Ohm’s law to calculate the third. MPC battery testers measure the voltage of the battery once connected and use the capacity rating entered by the user to then estimate the battery’s internal resistance. Higher resistance equates to a reduced ability to produce current or a loss in capacity. Unfortunately, there are many other factors that can influence the resistance inside a lead acid battery, including the state of charge, temperature, electrolyte concentration, and internal construction. That’s why the battery should always be tested at resting voltage.

Connecting an MPC battery tester to stainless steel threaded terminals or bolts produces a higher resistance than the lead posts, giving a false test result. In this example a new battery was tested on the lead posts, followed by the stainless steel threaded terminals. This resulted in a 508CCA variance in capacity and a prompt to replace the battery. Use lower resistance lead posts where available.

TESTING A BATTERY THAT HAS JUST BEEN TAKEN OFF CHARGE Testing a battery with high terminal voltage and/or high internal temperature from charging can give a false reading. Surface charge from driving the vehicle or fast charging will also produce a lower performance reading as the voltage is not stabilised. The above example shows how after a 30-minute fast charge on a battery, the cold

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

IN AND OUT OF VEHICLE TESTING Using the out of vehicle test when the battery is fitted in the vehicle can also give you an incorrect reading. The surface charge from the vehicle’s charging

In summary, if used correctly, microprocessor controlled battery testers provide a quick, reliable, and safe alternative to conventional battery testing equipment. It is particularly worth noting that research has proven that the more batteries workshops test, the more they sell. The scale of this potential market is obvious when you consider the number of battery sales lost each year to roadside assistance organisations responding to roadside breakdowns. Century Yuasa cites research that showed 70 percent of these vehicles would have been in a service bay or retail outlet within the previous six months. Their batteries could have been tested during this time as a free service, generating an added value battery sale. To put a number on that, one in every 20 batteries identified with a ‘chance of failure’ leads to a battery sale. Proactive battery testing is essentially a direct route to securing extra sales through preemptive battery replacement, and it also provides excellent customer service by avoiding a dreaded roadside breakdown. Battery testing using a MPC tester from Century Yuasa provides accurate, on-the-spot test results in minutes. It can help identify suspect batteries before they fail and highlight problems with the vehicles’ starting and charging systems. More importantly, it helps customers avoid the financial cost and significant inconvenience associated with a flat or faulty battery when a vehicle is needed. This will not only translate into battery sales but also maintain your business’s reputation and will help further cement your business in the local community. Contact Century Yuasa on 0800 93 93 93, or visit www.centurybatteries.co.nz for more information on the extensive range of battery testing and diagnostic equipment available from Century Yuasa.

PEACE OF MIND

WITH FORD GENUINE PARTS Transit 2006 - 2014 PART NUMBER

TRADE PRICE1

PART

GETGENUINE POINTS2

6C112K478BE

2006 -2008

Brake master cylinder with ABS

$ 330

495 pts

6C112005BE

2006 - 2011

Brake booster

$ 492

738 pts

6C112078AC

2006 - 2014

Front brake hose

49 pts

BK3Q2A451FC

2011 - 2014

Vacuum pump 2.2

$ 365

547 pts

7C162A451BB

2006 - 2011

Vacuum pump 2.4

273

409 pts

6C119F836CF

2006 - 2014

Accellerator pedal

139

208 pts

CC119L440BF

2006 - 2014

Intercooler 2.2 155PS

$ 303

454 pts

CC119L440AF

2006 - 2014

Intercooler 2.2 125PS

$ 383

574 pts

BK3Q6B624CD

2006 - 2014

Oil cooler 2.2 rear drive

$ 292

438 pts

BK3Z8501H

2006 - 2014

Water pump 2.2

$ 326

489 pts

2L1W4684AA

2006 - 2014

Driveshaft coupling short wheelbase 6-speed

$ 247

370 pts

CC114826AA

2006 - 2014

Driveshaft hanger bearing short wheelbase 5-speed

136 pts

1C154635DA

2006 - 2014

Driveshaft universal joint

189

283 pts

94BB7A624AA

2006 - 2014

Brake/clutch pedal pad

33 pts

4M5T14A664AC

2006 - 2014

Rotary coupling (For steering wheel airbag)

148

222 pts

8C113200DF

2006 - 2014

Power steering rack

$ 669

1,003 pts

6C113C716AA

2006 - 2014

Steering rack mount

121 pts

RM6C113A696AJ

2006 - 2014

Power steering pump 2.4

$ 254

381 pts

RE6C1T10300CD

2006 - 2014

Alternator 2.4

$ 420

630 pts

RECC1T10300CD

2006 - 2014

Alternator 2.2

$ 404

606 pts

97GP18A886A1B

2006 - 2013

Aerial mast

46 pts

4C116A002AE

2006 - 2008

Engine mount 2.4

$ 270

405 pts

YC15V26601AN

2006 - 2014

Left hand sliding door exterior handle

82 pts

6C1AV22800BA

2006 - 2014

Front door hinge upper

115 pts

Call your local Ford dealer today 0800 FORD NZ (0800 367 369) Prices are recommended only and are net after discount and exclude GST. Recommended prices were correct at the time of printing. 2 GetGenuine reward points are awarded only to trade customers registered under the GetGenuine GetRewards Programme. Some exclusions apply. Images shown are example parts only. For full warranty terms and conditions ask your authorised Ford Dealer. Promotion ends 30 November 2021.

Technology with Vision

Innovation and flexibility from Hella’s DuraLED Combi-SR

DURALED ® COMBI-SR

NEW RELEASE

Stop/Rear Position/Rear Direction Indicator/Reversing Lamp with Retro Reflector The new all-in-one five function Combi-SR Lamp now incorporates a built-in retro reflector, saving both time and money on installation. The all-in-one design makes the Combi-SR the ideal choice for vehicles with limited space to mount a separate reflector.

A FIVE-FUNCTION, ALL-IN-ONE DESIGN MAKES HELLA’S DURALED COMBI-SR IDEAL FOR VEHICLES WITH LIMITED SPACE TO MOUNT SEPARATE LAMPS AND REFLECTORS DuraLED® Combi-SR Lamp with Retro Reflector

he unit measures 223mm long by 96mm in height and sits 27mm tall on the mounting plate. The lamps are available in a variety of configurations including a pack of 12. They are available with 2.5m of cable, or with a DT connector, and both types are available with HCS technology that will work automatically with either 12-volt or 24-volt systems. The DT socket protrudes 24mm from the rear. A six-pole DT plug and contacts are available separately. The DT connector options enhance installation flexibility and the innovative HCS feature means these lamps work seamlessly with many late-model vehicle electrical systems. Red reflector strips sit either side of the LED panel. The LED panel appears white until the LEDs are activated. A large section turns red to indicate position and bright red when braking. The bottom section lights up yellow as the turn indicator, while another section illuminates white when reversing, completing the five functions: reflector, stop, rear position, turn indication and reverse. The lamp unit also has a night light function in the DT connector versions. The unit is completely sealed, maintenance free, and designed to withstand high pressure washing and temporary submersion. The high-performance

these lamps work seamlessly with many late model vehicle electrical systems. Made with a improved reliability has effectively made roads safer. high performance Grilamid® lens offering unmatched resistance to impact, long term UV exposure andrear commonly used chemicals. The position indicator

➔ All-in-one 5 function design long-term Grilamid lens offers resistance to impact, ➔ Grilamid® Lens performance polyamide) UV exposure, corrosion, and (high commonly used ➔ HCS Technology (12 and 24V) chemicals. Hella offers a class-leading lifetime ➔ Lifetime Warranty* warranty for complete peace of mind. ➔ Suitable for trucks, utes and trailers Hella’s DuraLED was conceived and field trialled by Hella New Zealand in 1998 to create ‘fit and 24 24 27 27 26 26 223 223 forget’ LED lamps and indicators. The introduction of durable, low maintenance LED lamps 96 96 has lowered 96 96 193 193

DT version

All dimensions in mm

DT connector on back

DT Connector enhance installation and the innovativeand HCS feature the costoptions of ownership forflexibility vehicle fleets, the means

direction indicator 6W, and the reversing lamps 2W. For more information, visit www.hella.co.nz. FIT & FORGET BY DESIGN

Certified

Compliance

CERTIFIED

COMPLIANCE

ECE

Rear direction indicator

Reverse

Marketed by: HELLA-New Zealand Limited

Power Supply

BULB LED

Harsh UV

Visibility Optic Wide

HCS

HELLA Compatibility Solution

RESISTANT RESISTANT

Description

Packaging

2VP 015 074-001

2.5m cable version

CARTON PACK

2VP 015 074-002

2.5m cable version

BLISTER PACK

2VP 015 074-007

2.5m cable version

PACK OF 12

2VP 015 074-101

2.5m cable version with HCS Technology

CARTON PACK

2VP 015 075-001

DT version

CARTON PACK

2VP 015 075-101

DT version with HCS Technology

CARTON PACK

Mounting

Suitable for horizontal mounting Two hole surface mount with mounting bushes supplied

Voltage

Multivolt™ suitable for 12 and 24 volt systems

Power Consumption

Stop: Rear position: Rear direction indicator: Reverse: Night light:

Protection

Reverse polarity and 5000 watt Transient Voltage Suppressor (TVS) IP 6K7 (Protection against dust and temporary water immersion) IP 6K9K (Protection against dust and high-pressure/steam jet cleaning)

Cable Length

Pre-wired with 2.5m of sheathed multi-core cable (non DT version)

Accessory

4963-P

Lens Material

Grilamid®

Compliance

ECE R148

P/N 4963-P (not included with lamp)

Rear position

ADR

Part Number

COMBI-SR LAMP FUNCTIONS

Stop

LEDs and the night

light function 1.5W, brake light 5W,andthe As with all products in theconsume DuraLED® range, this newthe lamp offers superior durability a class leading lifetime warranty* for complete peace of mind.

5W 1.5W 6W 2W 1.5W (DT version only)

6 pole DT plug, wedge and 6 contacts (DT version)

ECE R150

ECE R10

ISO 13207-1

HCS Technology - HELLA Compatibility Solution - These lamps are designed to International Standard ISO 13207-1 to provide compatibility with commercial vehicle indicator failure systems. *Lifetime means the economic life of the vehicle these products were first installed on.

Sales/Customer Service: Phone: (09) 577-0366

Email: nzsales@hella.com

www.hella.co.nz

Technology with Vision

LUMINATOR 3.0 LED High Beam Driving Lamp

Designed with style, built for performance - the perfect lighting choice for taking your on and off road adventures to the next level. The new distinctive position lamp function is made possible by HELLA’s innovative Edge Light technology. Must be mounted according to local installation regulations for high beam and position lamps

0800 4 HELLA (0800 443 552) for your nearest HELLA stockist Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

Luminator Half Page 220x156.indd 1

www.hella.co.nz 18-Mar-21 10:15:03 AM

Park at the peak PEAK CAR STACKER PARKING LIFTS ARE A COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO DOUBLE YOUR PARKING SPACE

he Peak P-408P parking lift doubles the parking space in garages with limited floor space. It requires no special foundation or complicated installation. Designed to fit in the footprint of a typical parking space, this lift doubles as both a commercial or residential parking lift. While it can be placed close to walls, the unit features Peak’s exclusive hidden safety locks, adjustable locking ladders for perfect levelling, and a manual single-point lock release device. That makes it impossible to disengage the locks while under the hoist, unlike other cheaper hoists. The control column, which carries the motor and lock control, can be sited on any corner of the lift. Maintaining its small footprint, ramps are easily removed to be stored in between runways. Double-S-shape columns increase the column strength and four steel safety stops are supplied as standard to prevent vehicle roll-off. Four plastic oil drip trays, one jack tray, oil and floor mounting bolts are supplied as standard. This parking lift is also designed to be portable. It can be moved easily by using the optional caster kit. Automaster Equipment also stocks optional jacking beams for this lift. The P-J5H centre jack for the P-408P parking hoist is operated by manual pump and comes with adjustable rubber pads, and 1.5-inch and 2.5-inch extension adapters. Sold

with the hoist it costs $1195 plus GST, or separately $1495 plus GST. The lift and jack are fully CE safety certified and are fully supported by Automaster, which carries a full range of spares and technical support for all of the equipment it sells. Alternatively, Automaster also carries the Peak P-409-HP four-post car stacker parking lift for larger vehicles. It is similar to the 408P, but longer, wider, higher, and heavier, but still requires no special foundation or complicated installation. The P-408P has a lifting capacity of 3500kg. It has a column height of 2015mm, width of 2784mm, and length — including ramps (650mm) — of 5257mm. The maximum height on locks is 1795mm. The 409-HP has a 4-tonne capacity, overall height of 2405mm, width of 3206mm, and length with ramps (857mm) of 5857mm.

S R E G AN NG H I C H E S I W YR T E B R FO U’LL O S. Y L E D E O H O W E SO G OR M D HA S R CA

A centre jack lift, the J6A jack with pneumatic pump giving a 2800kg capacity, is available for the Peak P-409-HP, also shipped with 1.5-inch and 2.5inch extension adapters. For more information, see automaster.co.nz, or call 0800 214 604.

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AUTO EQUIPMENT BUILT TO PERFORM AUCKLAND 87 Henderson Valley Rd, Henderson CHRISTCHURCH 6 Gerald Connolly Place, Hornby

Email: info@automaster.co.nz Call toll-free: 0800 214 604

automaster.co.nz

On top of that, Autoblast offers a gold-standard level of protection. Galvanising is the most effective rust protection in countless industrial applications. This option is more expensive, of course, but customers for this service are often businesses that have bought new vehicles before, only to see them fail warrant inspections for chassis rust within a few years. David says Autoblast has treated vehicles destined for Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands because people there know what salt-laden air does to new vehicles. Vehicles have been shipped to Autoblast’s workshop from all over the North Island.

Autoblast knows how to make utes last KIWIS LOVE A LIFESTYLE UTE AND AUTOBLAST KNOWS HOW TO MAKE THEM LAST

Autoblast’s ‘Autolast’ system is now widely cold steel parts overnight, like frosting on a beer

acknowledged as the best rust-protection service

bottle. And if those vehicles aren’t driven during

in the country, by some distance. David’s Wairau

the day, the underneath might not dry out, which

Valley, Auckland, business now has more work than

means low mileage vehicles will rust faster than

it can handle.

daily drivers. But the real killer is vehicles spending

Being an owner-operator himself, he decided

time at the coast. They will rust much faster. Salt

owners being personally invested in the success

is drawn into that moisture, helping to ensure it

of their business was the best way to ensure the

doesn’t dry out. Most of New Zealand’s population

quality Autoblast had become known for was

lives in that coastal zone.

maintained, so he is offering a franchise opportunity

Some dealers offer a wax/oil rust-proofing service but it is often only sprayed inside chassis

to committed business people around the country. “We know the business is there, right around

rails. The customer thinks their vehicle is protected

the country,” says David. He says there is also a big

eventeen years ago David Kirkham went into

but that coating will slump, often within a year,

opportunity for working with new vehicle dealers

business offering a rust removal and repaint

meaning protection fades. What’s more, external

around the country, so they can offer these high-

service for vehicle underbodies. He has

painted surfaces under the vehicle are left to fend

quality rust-protection services to their customers,

for themselves.

creating an added value service — which might also

developed this into a successful and unique service ideally suited to our salty sea air conditions. Even though New Zealand’s climate is not extreme,

Autoblast applies a variety of different sprays to coat all of the underside. They dry out, harden, and

avoid some potential warranty disputes over rust. For more information on Autoblast’s product

David says vehicles only two or three years old can

stay in place. They are thixotropic, which means

offerings or franchising opportunity, check out the

suffer extensive rusting when the conditions are right.

they self-heal. If they are struck by a stone, for

extensive resources on the website autoblast.co.nz,

example, they soften, remould, and harden again.

or call David Kirkham on 09 443 6574.

We have warm, moist air which condenses on

VACC MotorTech now powered by Haynes manuals A NEW ALLIANCE IN THE MOTOR TRADE IS GIVING NEW ZEALAND WORKSHOPS ACCESS TO SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL AND BEST-RESPECTED TECHNICAL INFORMATION

he VACC, as the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce is now known, is an Australian motor trade association that today offers a powerful suite of technical resources to workshops in New Zealand as well as in Australia. It set up its technical advisory service to help independent workshops thrive in the face of efforts by manufacturers to restrict technical information to their dealer networks. Alongside its advocacy role, VACC’s TechOnline, Tech Times Guide, Tech Estimate, Technical Advisory Service, and Tech Talk magazine have built

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

a reputation in the automotive industry for ease of use and reliability. They are available through the VACC MotorTech portal. VACC has now achieved a significant breakthrough in an agreement between VACC and the Haynes Publishing group, giving members access to this long-established independent publisher’s vast amount of technical information online. The iconic Haynes manuals have been in print since 1965 and have sold over 200 million copies worldwide. The group also provides extensive automotive service, repair, and diagnostic information via well-organised and easy-to-use online services designed for professional automotive businesses under the HaynesPro brand. VACC is introducing three new levels of service that will massively increase the range and coverage of technical automotive information available to the automotive trade. Haynes Manuals AllAccess provides the Haynes manuals online, offering step-by-step repair and service information, and extra details that do not appear in the hard-copy versions. Popular models are covered in Haynes OnDemand video tutorials, which are the ultimate aid to getting a vehicle back on the road. HaynesPro WorkshopData contains extensive maintenance information such as repair times, timing belt and chain replacement procedures, capacities, wheel alignment, torque specification, more than 100,000 high-quality technical drawings, and more.

HaynesPro WorkshopData Electronics and Smart includes the VESA guided diagnostics system, wiring diagrams for most vehicle systems, fuse and relay locations, earth point and control unit locations, TSBs, and known fixes. This new agreement with Haynes offers easy access to repair information and repair times for vehicles in packages designed to suit different businesses’ needs. VACC OurAuto is a Blackfern supplier and this product is now available via Blackfern Cooperative. Contact Kyle on 0274 555 329 for an online demo and go into the draw for one of two lunch shouts for you and your staff at Covid level 2. To learn more about VACC MotorTech packages, see motortech.com.au or call VACC OurAuto on 0800 485 122 or 027 455 5329.

Push the pedal in November to win!* Your local automotive cooperative is bringing you the world’s best this November. Simply buy a drum of Mobil engine oil for your chance to win one of 5 #25 Mobil 1 Appliances Online Supercar team polos – signed by driving sensation Chaz Mostert. One draw entry per drum purchased.

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ClutchPro – complete clutch solutions THE BIG NAME IN REPLACEMENT CLUTCHES, CLUTCHPRO IS PART OF THE AUSTRALIAN CLUTCH SERVICES BRAND PORTFOLIO, WHICH OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF PRODUCTS FOR EVERY MARKET SEGMENT

ustralian Clutch Services (ACS) offers a wide range of standard replacement performance street and motorsport clutch kits to suit thousands of vehicles. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, ACS is one of the largest clutch manufacturers and suppliers in the southern hemisphere. It is the parent company of the ClutchPro, Xtreme Clutch, Xtreme Outback, AG Clutch, and ClutchPro Commercial product brands distributed throughout New Zealand by BNT.

CLUTCHPRO SUPPORTS THE TRADE ACS has been exporting clutch kits and components around the world for over a decade. The Xtreme Clutch performance street and motorsport range and the Xtreme Outback heavyduty 4x4 range are sold throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australasia. Despite the popularity of the performance brands around the world, the ClutchPro range, developed specifically to support the trade, is still ACS’s largest brand. ClutchPro offers standard replacement clutch kits, accessories, and hydraulics. Developed using the latest in clutch innovation and technology, the ClutchPro range of kits suits thousands of applications, including kits for dual clutch transmissions (DCT). The range also includes a comprehensive selection of clutch actuation products, such as master cylinders, slave cylinders, hydraulic lines, cables, bearings, guide tubes, tools, forks, pivot balls, and cross-shafts. This range is constantly being reviewed and expanded to incorporate as many components as possible for the entire clutch system, from the pedal all the way to the flywheel.

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

ACS encourages workshops to inspect all components in the clutch system for wear or damage when replacing a clutch to ensure optimum performance and durability for the new clutch assembly. ACS supports this with technical service bulletins in the kits and via “How to” videos on its YouTube channel. “We encourage technicians to check all areas of the complete clutch system for wear to ensure that the necessary components are replaced while the transmission is removed from the vehicle. This ensures the clutch system is returned to an ‘as new’ condition and eliminates any potential operating concerns,” says ACS sales manager, Colin Jevons. “Some accessories, such as replacement flywheels, concentric slave cylinders, spigot bearings, and alignment tools, are included as part of the kits. Otherwise, our range of actuation accessories can be ordered through the BNT network.”

CLUTCHPRO COMMERCIAL Australian Clutch Services also covers a comprehensive range for commercial vehicles under the ClutchPro Commercial banner, comprising kits and a variety of accessories. “Australian Clutch Services’ range of products caters for nearly all sectors of the automotive industry, including passenger, commercial, agricultural, industrial, forklift, and marine,” says Colin. “With a variety of options available, including performance upgrades along with a comprehensive range of accessories, Australian Clutch Services aims to provide the complete clutch solution.” For more information on the ACS range, visit your nearest BNT branch or see www.bntnz.co.nz.

Purchase any ACS Clutch kit from a participating BNT branch from the 1st of Aug 2021 – 30th of Nov 2021 and go into the draw to WIN a Bivouac Kakapo Premium Camper Trailer!

Entries available to BNT Account Holders only. Camper design may vary.

For full terms and conditions visit www.australianclutch.com.au/news/2021-acs-camper-trailer-giveaway. Entries running from 1st Aug - 30th Nov 2021.

Narva introduces new LED strobe and rotator orange lights THE NEW AERO-TECH LED STROBE LIGHTS OFFER A LARGER AND BRIGHTER SURFACE AREA FOR IMPROVED VISIBILITY AND A MORE EFFICIENT AERODYNAMIC SHAPE THAN TRADITIONAL ROUND LIGHTS

arva’s new range of Aero-Tech warning lamps was designed for a unique look, but the shape has real-world benefits. The primary function of a warning light is to be seen. The ‘trilobular’ shape creates a greater horizontal surface area of visible light. This larger area of illumination translates to better visibility which, when combined with the power of the LEDs, is up to six times brighter than the required SAE standard. The trilobular shape also offers more of a teardrop profile to the airflow, resulting in up to 60 per cent less drag. The real-world benefit of this is less high speed wind noise while driving compared with round strobes. Narva designed and engineered Aero-Tech specifically for Australian and New Zealand conditions, which have some of the harshest UV levels in the working world. The polycarbonate lenses use a special Makrolon 2607 material which is resistant to UV. Ultrasonic welding seals the strobes from water and dust (IP67). Virtually unbreakable heavyduty polycarbonate bases also make for a lighter footprint than diecast bases. Solid state circuitry means no moving parts and

no mechanical failures enabling Narva to provide a seven-year warranty. Aero-Tech went through exhaustive testing at Narva’s own in-house testing facility, backed up by independent approved and accredited labs. Aero-Tech’s durability testing included thermal shock, vibration (IEC 60068-2-64), mechanical shock, salt spray, IP67, and real-world environment tests. Aero-Tech strobes are engineered to produce smooth, highly visible rotating patterns suitable for all civil applications. Unlike most strobes in the market, the rotation pattern on all three sizes of Aero-Tech strobes exceed SAE Class 1. This ensures they are visible in even the brightest conditions. Because of their extra brightness, Aero-Tech strobes include integrated light sensors that automatically switch the strobes between high and low power modes to ensure the strobes do not dazzle road users or workers in low-light conditions or at night. The Aero-Tech range also has a switching wire that allows manual day/ night selection. Flange mount (three bolt), single bolt, pole mount, flexible pole mount,

and DC vacuum magnetic mount options ensure the ultimate in adaptability from small, medium, large, and oversize vehicles, and the bases are easily interchangeable. These combinations create a range of 15 lamps. What’s more, flange base models can still be fitted to existing bolt holes in the correct orientation through the use of an adaptor plate, which allows the strobe to be mounted to any 130mm bolt hole pattern. They operate on voltages from 10-33V and three power outputs — 36, 45, and 90 watts. Flashing can be synchronised for up to six units. For more information, see griffithsequipment.co.nz.

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Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

New Zenith Z5 scan tool from EZDS NEW SCAN TOOL LAUNCHES WITH NEW ZEALAND MARKET SOFTWARE TO FILL G-SCAN 3 SUPPLY GAP CREATED BY HARDWARE SHORTAGES

or the past 12 years, EZDS has developed the software for the leading scan tool product range in Australia and New Zealand, G-Scan. However, G-Scan 3 production and supply has been interrupted because of worldwide Covid lockdowns, shipping delays, and shortages of silicon chips. This has led EZDS to partner with another Korean worldclass premium hardware supplier, Bluebird (nope, not the potato chips) to create the new Zenith Z5. Repco’s diagnostic sales and training manager, Dean Guilford, says the product name may be unfamiliar but many professional automotive repairers will know of EZDS, without knowing exactly what their role is. However, this means that for existing G-Scan users, the Zenith Z5 will feel comfortable and familiar, even though it has improved and enhanced features, as is usual with new tech-based hardware. An example of this in the Zenith Z5 software is the Kia/Hyundai program, which has been converted to the same menu layout as other car brands instead of working

the same as OEM Kia/Hyundai products. That will be an improvement in consistency welcomed by most. Other Zenith Z5 features include a fast service menu, vehicle report creation, ADAS calibration functions, J2534 pass-thru programming, key programming, hybrid and electric special functions, fast data logging and recording, and advanced petrol and diesel special function coverage. In line with demand from automotive professionals in various world markets including Japan, EZDS has opted for an ergonomic, lightweight, ruggedised tablet with an 8-in Eyellumicate display. The 8-in field optimised display offers high resolution and performance in bright sunlight. The touchscreen is designed to work when the operator is wearing gloves. EZDS’s software has extensive Japanese vehicle coverage which makes it particularly suitable for the New Zealand market’s second-hand import fleet, 24V HD applications, along with near OEM level Kia/ Hyundai Korean software. All this is combined with the accurate and reliable high-level software for Australian, European, USA, Chinese and other world market vehicles that have been carried over to the Zenith Z5, says Dean.

These products continue to be fully supported during two years of free software updates, a oneyear warranty, and a repair service. It is imported and supported by Mount AutoEquip Services, the G-Scan and Zenith distributor for Oceania. Dean recommends the latest Zenith Z5 to any customers looking for a new diagnostic scan tool and especially those who had been considering the G-Scan 3. “The Zenith Z5 is great value for money offering premium hardware, the same trusted, high-end, advanced universal software, backed by the same professional, local technical support team, and it comes at a lower price,” he says.

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Hayman Reese celebrates 70 years 2021 SEES HAYMAN REESE CELEBRATING ITS 70TH ANNIVERSARY AND A HISTORY OF INNOVATION IN A COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY

ayman Reese designs, manufactures, tests, and distributes vehicle towing systems, including towbars, weight distributing hitches, sway controllers, cargo barriers, and a wide range of accessories. Leading innovations in vehicle-to-trailer wiring applications include its ‘SmartClick’ connecting wiring add-ons. Hayman Reese accessories include brake controllers, power harnesses, tow balls, trailer ball mounts, pintle hooks and mounts, hitch pins, battery monitors, and wiring looms. In the late 1940s, post-war Australians were starting to explore the country in increasing numbers in ever more reliable vehicles. A friend asked Eric Hayman to build him a tow bar to tow his newly acquired caravan. Hayman built two, one for his friend and another which he quickly sold at a country agricultural show. He could not have dreamed that it would be the first step towards building an Australian icon. Eric Hayman was not new to manufacturing, he had been making bicycle spokes in a small South Melbourne factory for some time. The tow bar business quickly became the focus of his attention and he set about making them in earnest. In 1972 a large American towing products company by the name of Reese, on the lookout for global partners, decided Eric Hayman was the kind of partner they were looking for. Seven years later Hayman Reese was formed and Eric Hayman was appointed its first managing director. Hayman Reese introduced several key pieces of technology to the Australian market, including weight distribution systems and compatible towbars. The latter was the 50mm ‘square-hole’ Hitch Receiver tow bar. Until that time, most tow bars had been custom fabricated with fixed mounting points and were not easily detachable. The 50mm square tow bar hitch was a gamechanger and remains the Australian industry standard today. The same year, the company left South Melbourne and moved to a larger facility in Dandenong. The Hayman Reese business is now located in a state-of-art engineering,

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

manufacturing, and warehouse facility in Keysborough. With more than 200 on-site staff, they design, test, and manufacture a wide range of products under one roof in Australia’s largest facility of its type. Now part of the locally owned AutoPacific Group, the Hayman Reese DNA remains at the core of the organisation. “Hayman Reese has been a keen participant in the Australian automotive aftermarket since the FX Holden went on sale,” says AutoPacific Group chief executive officer Jason Kieseker. “Since the 1950s, our products have been helping Australians and later New Zealanders on worksites and on their weekends. It’s a great achievement and something we are extremely proud of.” Hayman Reese’s long history means it can still build towbars that have not been offered for decades. Alongside its capability to produce towbars for every current towing vehicle the company still houses the original drawings and tooling for the classic family cars and utes of the past. While the local automotive manufacturing industry might have gone, Hayman Reese is proud to remain one of a few local manufacturers of automotive components. “It’s a challenge we have successfully overcome through a culture of consistent improvement,” says Jason Kieseker. “Having a local manufacturing capability is central to our business.”

HAYMAN REESE MILESTONES 1951: Eric Hayman starts manufacturing towbars, as Eric Hayman Pty Ltd, located in South Melbourne.

1971: Hayman Reese Pty Ltd is formed in partnership with USA-based company Reese Products making standard towbars, hitch receivers, weight distribution hitches, protection bars, and products for the caravan industry. 1972: The manufacturing base moves to new premises in Dandenong. Reese Products increases its equity in Hayman Reese Pty Ltd to 100 percent. 1989: Hayman Reese acquires the Thetford toilet product range for distribution in Australia and New Zealand. 1994: Hayman Reese moves to Dandenong South, before becoming a division of TriMas Corporation Pty Ltd in 1996. 2012: Hayman Reese moves to new premises in Keysborough. 2017: Hayman Reese launches as a manufacturer and distributor in the New Zealand market. 2018: Launch of X-Bar recovery tow bar. 2019: Hayman Reese becomes part of AutoPacific Group. The company’s quality management system was certified in 1994 to ISO 9001 and was QS9000 accredited in 1999. Its testing facility has been certified as a NATA accredited laboratory to AS ISO/ IEC 17025 (1995). The company’s environmental management system has been certified to ISO 14001 (2001). For more about the Hayman Reese Range, or how to become an installer, contact Hayman Reese at info@haymanreese.co.nz, or call 0800 MY T BAR.

TOWBARS WIRING KITS WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION KITS TOWBALLS ALLOY UTE TRAYS TONNEAU COVERS NUDGE BARS LADDER RACKS SPORTS BARS CARGO BARRIERS ROOF RACKS HITCH STEP PINTLE CYCLE RACKS Email address : info@haymanreese.co.nz Web: haymanreese.co.nz Phone: 0800 698 227

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FOR THE REAL TOW & CARRY

Car news

AC goes DC IT IS A SIGN OF THE TIMES WHEN A CAR COMPANY AS TRADITIONAL AS AC — EVEN THE REVIVED VERSION OF THIS VENERABLE BRAND — LAUNCHES A TRIBUTE CAR TO THE PASSING OF THE PETROL AGE.

his continuation model of the AC Ace sports car dating from 1961 — now updated and relaunched as the AC Ace RS — is produced by AC Cars, the original manufacturer. AC Cars CEO Alan Lubinsky says: “The original Ace was the archetypal British sports car — fast, light and nimble, and a real classic of its generation which was the inspiration for the global classic, the iconic AC Cobra.

Next BMW platform under development BMW WILL KICK-START THE THIRD PHASE OF ITS ELECTRIFICATION STRATEGY IN 2025 WITH AN ALL-NEW 3-SERIES.

t will feature Munich’s sixth-generation electric powertrain, long-range battery technology, rapidcharging capability, lightweight construction, a fully customisable digital operating system and a new mix of sustainable construction materials. Set to be sold alongside other new batteryelectric and combustion-engined saloons, the first car based on the Neue Klasse EV platform with the internal codename NK1, will pave the way for the next new-generation of EVs, including an extended line-up of SUVs.

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

“Our new AC Ace RS model has all those virtues and more besides, brought together in an updated package which retains a traditional feel and driver appeal within a low overall weight of just 1000kg. The AC Ace RS is similar in detail and identical in appearance to the original 1962 AC Ace.” The car is powered by a lightweight 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which develops 350bhp and 440Nm of torque, enough for a 0–100kph time of 5.8 seconds. “The new AC Ace RS may well be the last ever new AC model to be powered by a petrol engine. Already, virtually every one of our current model range offers an electric driveline as we at AC lead the sports car industry into greener territory,” Lubinsky says. Orders for the AC Ace RS are now being taken for delivery in mid 2022. Price: NZ$173,500.

The NK1 is likely to be positioned initially as an electric alternative to the next-generation 3 Series. The modular Neue Klasse platform, which is currently undergoing development at BMW’s FIZ research and innovation centre in Munich, is planned to serve as the basis for all BMW-badged electric models from 2025 onwards, providing the scope for front-wheel-drive, rear-wheeldrive, and four-wheel-drive layouts in different wheelbase and track widths, ride heights, and wheel sizes ranging from 18in to 22in. “The Neue Klasse represents the beginning of a new phase of operations for BMW,” says research and development chief Frank Weber. “It’s scaled to allow us to build electric cars from a 2 Seriessized saloon up to an X7-sized SUV.” Its name references the pivotal saloon cars that BMW launched in the 1960s and 1970s, hinting at BMW’s ambition to reinvent and redefine its lineup. As well as forming the basis for all of BMW’s new electric models, the aluminium and highstrength steel structure is being engineered to support plug-in hybrid powertrains with a front-mounted engine and an electrified rear axle in combination.

Kerb your enthusiasm

koda UK research reveals more than a third of motorists are driving vehicles with ‘damaged’ alloy wheels, with 56 per cent caused by hitting a kerb. Hitting a wheel could lead to tyre faults, tracking issues and steering vibrations. Almost a third of UK drivers admitted to hitting another vehicle or object when parking. There are more than 13 million damaged alloy wheels in the UK. Parallel parking is the single biggest cause of alloy wheel damage — which makes intelligent sensing systems and automated parallel and perpendicular parking more than just gimmicks. The total collective expense for UK motorists would come to more than £890m to fix all alloy wheels damaged by kerb impact. 83 per cent of drivers said the damage had been caused by someone in their own household, according to Škoda’s data. Despite the high number of damaged alloy wheels, a third of drivers claimed to be very confident when parking although almost half (45 per cent) saying they Škoda’s study of alloy wheel damage was made up of 2000 drivers nationwide.

BMW's sportier i3S

Weber adds that it could also support a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain if the regulatory framework currently being proposed in various markets, including China, calls for such a move. This would allow factories to run both ICE and electric models down the same lines across BMW’s worldwide production network. “We won’t be building separate structures. The Neue Klasse will see a big ramp-up in volume potential. We’ve learned a lot in scaling over the past two generations of platform development,” says Weber.

Electric vehicle drivers drive to COP26 with a clear conscience UNLIKE MOST OF THE WORLD’S LEADERS JETTING INTO THE COP26 UN CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE IN GLASGOW, REPRESENTATIVES OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE DRIVERS’ ASSOCIATIONS WILL TRAVEL EMISSION FREE, BACKING UP THEIR CALL FOR MUCH FASTER TRANSPORT DECARBONISATION.

V drivers will be calling for all new cars and light duty vans sold in the 28 countries (44 EV drivers’ associations) represented in the Global EV Drivers’ Alliance (GEVA) to have a plug by 2030, and to be fully zero emission by 2035 at the latest. A rapid shift to zero emission electric transport is currently being achieved in many countries and can be accelerated through supportive policies.

Transportation accounts for 24% of direct CO2 emissions from fuel combustion globally, of which road vehicles account for nearly 75%. That doesn’t count the amount of fuel burned in transporting crude oil and in generating the electricity used to refine it. GEVA is calling for action now to shift from vehicles burning fossil fuels to vehicles running on clean, renewable electricity. EV drivers from Europe and the UK will be participating in the ‘Electric Road to COP26’. The route will take in the construction site for the Britishvolt EV battery gigafactory in Northumberland, on the way to Glasgow. The EV drivers aim to increase the public’s awareness of the benefits of EVs for the environment and health – reducing carbon emissions and helping to improve air quality.

They also want to promote the voice of EV driver associations globally. Joel Levin, Global EV Alliance (GEVA) chair, comments: “A shift to electric transport is essential to quickly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dangerous climate change, improve local air quality and people’s health in cities around the world. With the rapid improvements in EV technology and the new cars and vans coming into the market, it is entirely achievable.”

Big, bigger, biggest

T 61 per cent of UK drivers would go electric AN ONLINE YOUGOV POLL OF MORE THAN 1700 UK DRIVERS HAS REVEALED THAT 61% WOULD CONSIDER AN ELECTRIC CAR IF THEY WERE TO BUY A NEW OR USED VEHICLE IN 2022.

he online YouGov study of 1731 UK drivers commissioned by The Motor Ombudsman also showed that 18- to 24-year-olds would be the most likely to turn to battery power for their next car, with 79% of this age group saying they would opt for this type of propulsion. 59% said that the UK’s growing charging network would be an important reason. The greater choice

of electric models now available appealed to 42%, with 39% citing fuel prices. Around two thirds (68%) of drivers said this type of vehicle was better for the environment, whilst 39% liked the idea of charging at home. Similarly, nearly one in three (29%) stated that an electric car would suit their lifestyle in terms of their low monthly mileage and driving mainly in urban areas. Nearly a quarter (24%) felt that deciding to go electric would set a good example to others. Furthermore, around a fifth (19%) acknowledged that owning an electric car would require the maintenance of fewer moving parts and the topping up of less fluids when compared to running a vehicle with an engine. Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and managing director of the Motor Ombudsman, says: “As our study has shown, electric vehicles are fast becoming a leading choice for motorists when buying a car. Current events, such as the rising cost of petrol and diesel at the pumps, the unavailability of fuel, as well as the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone in the London area, are clearly front of mind for consumers, and are playing their part in the decision regarding what type of car to get next.”

he anti-ute types will soon have an even bigger target to aim at. Given the popularity of the RAM 1500, RAM Trucks New Zealand has announced it will bring in its big brothers, the 2500 and 3500. It has reason to be confident. The RAM 1500 has racked up nearly 250 registrations year to date, well ahead of the model’s total tally for 2020. Each will each be offered in a crew cab 4×4 specification, priced from $179,990 to $184,990 which buys heavy metal measuring 6347mm in length, 2017mm wide, with a 4076mm wheelbase, in 3500 form. The middle brother 2500 is 6065mm long, 2120mm wide including mirrors, and has a 3784mm wheelbase. Both are powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins inline six turbo diesel producing 276kW of power and 1152Nm of torque giving the 2500 a towing capacity rated at 6.9 tonnes while the 3500 is rated at 8.0 tonnes.

Porsche prize goes to Volkswagen THE VIENNA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (TU WIEN) AWARDED THE 22ND PORSCHE PRIZE TO VOLKSWAGEN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MODULAR ELECTRIC DRIVE MATRIX (MEB).

he MEB enables economies of scale, reduces the cost of e-mobility and accelerates the transition to zero-emission mobility. The internationally renowned Porsche Prize has been awarded for pioneering research and development in automotive engineering since 1977. The director of TU Wien, Professor Dr. Sabine Seidler, alongside Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG, and Dr. Hans Michel Piëch, member of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG, presented the award to Volkswagen’s Thomas Ulbrich in the ballroom at Vienna University. In his eulogy, Professor Dr. Bernhard Geringer, member of the board of the Institute for Powertrains and Automotive Technology at TU Wien said: “The modular electric drive matrix will shape the future of electric mobility thanks to its innovative engineering. Its flexibility will form the basis of new application and design solutions. The economical standardisation of

Honda offers 360 degree sensing

onda says its new sensor array will be able to ‘see’ in every direction. Along with the camera currently used for Honda’s Sensing technology, the automaker is adding five millimeter-wave radar sensors to its vehicles. One will face forward and the others will be placed at the four corners of the vehicle to provide a 360 degree view. With more sensors, it can now sense in more directions. Among the benefits the driver aid seeks to prevent collisions with pedestrians at intersections. Similarly, Honda’s Front Cross Traffic Warning, which notifies the driver if it recognises the risk of a collision when the vehicle is moving at low speeds or starting from

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

production and the economies of scale associated with the widespread distribution of the MEB will significantly reduce the cost of e-mobility. This will make sustainable individual mobility affordable for a huge customer base, without them having to forego the level of comfort and driving pleasure they are accustomed to.” As the member of the board for e-mobility (2018–2021), Ulbrich was pivotal in driving the development of the MEB and the Volkswagen brand’s transition to electric mobility. “With the MEB, we have not only created a highly industrialised and extremely competitive platform, we have also built an entire ecosystem with solutions for zero-emissions in the everyday lives of our customers. Volkswagen is bringing e-mobility to the masses. With it, we have laid the foundations — for the future for our Volkswagen brand and for the entire Volkswagen Group,” Ulbrich went on to say. TU Wien’s Porsche Prize of 50,000 euros was donated by Louise Piëch, the daughter of Ferdinand Porsche, and has been awarded by the university’s jury every other year since 1977.

a stop, will be improved. With more angles covered, there are more opportunities for the system to recognise danger. Honda Sensing 360 will also allow vehicles using adaptive cruise control to automatically change lanes on the freeway by simply using the turn signal. The suite of sensors will also allow vehicles using adaptive cruise control to adjust their speed automatically when they reach a bend in the road. This will make turns smoother and more comfortable for all occupants. Honda Sensing 360 will debut in 2022 with automobiles introduced to the Chinese market. The automaker intends to expand its integration into all vehicles by 2030.

AAA says Advanced Driver Aid Systems compromised by rain

esearch conducted by the American Automobile Association has confirmed what many people supposed — that moderate to heavy rain can have severe impacts on driver aids and vehicle safety systems’ ability to operate correctly. The association, with help from the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center, simulated rain and other environmental factors on a closed course to test ADAS systems in sub-optimal conditions. It tested automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance and found simulated moderate to heavy rain negatively affected their functioning. On average tests of automatic emergency braking systems conducted at 40 kph in those conditions resulted in a collision with a stopped vehicle 17 per cent of the time. Testing conducted at56 kph resulted in a collision 33 per cent of the time. Lane-keeping assistance systems fared much worse. Testing found that the systems allowed a car to veer outside of its lane 69 per cent of the time in aggregate. “Vehicle safety systems rely on sensors and cameras to see road markings, other cars, pedestrians, and roadway obstacles. So naturally, they are more vulnerable to environmental factors like rain,” says Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering and industry relations. “The reality is people aren’t always driving around in perfect, sunny weather so we must expand testing and take into consideration things people actually contend with in their day-today driving.” Although some vehicles do provide an alert or deactivate their driver assistance systems in adverse conditions or if their sensors are compromised, none of the systems in AAA’s test alerted drivers to their impairment. “AAA recognises these systems have the ability to lessen the chance of a crash and improve the overall safety of driving,” says Brannon. “Fine-tuning their performance and providing drivers with a more consistent experience will go a long way in unlocking their true potential.”

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Manipulating metal GETTING TO GRIPS WITH THE LATEST TECHNIQUES IN STRAIGHTENING METAL ON TODAY’S VEHICLES, FOCUSING ON COSMETIC REPAIRS TO OUTER BODY PANELS

t should come as no surprise that the best techniques for straightening today’s high-tensile metals are very different from those used in days past. Not that long ago nearly all vehicle bodies were made of mild steel throughout. You’d see some aluminium, but the vast majority were mild cold-rolled steel so a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach was common. Today there are several different types of steel being used and widespread implementation of aluminum (also in varying grades), so the topic of straightening structure is a whole different conversation. Steel is still the more popular choice and has been prevalent since the inception of massproduced vehicles. However, the type of steel used has changed recently and the repair process and even the ability to repair it at all has changed with it. So the first thing to know before considering straightening metal is what type of metal it is and whether it can be

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

safely repaired. If repairs are allowed, there may be guidelines as to what are acceptable practices. A couple of the early techniques are still in use today. The hammer and dolly method may still be a recommended practice by the manufacturer if there is backside access. Another, newer technique would be that of glue pulling, a technique covered earlier in this magazine. There have been incredible advancements in the training and tools used for glue pulling repair as of late. Like any process, training and practice go a long way to ensure success! Some vehicle manufacturers provide guidelines for the straightening of metal. As noted earlier, we are focusing on outer body panels. FCA has a guideline published for Chrysler and associated brands that reads as follows: FCA US LLC Service Engineering’s position on the use of heat during collision repair is as follows: •  Any damaged body panel or frame component, which is to be repaired, must be repaired using the “cold straightening” method. No heat may be used during the straightening process.  • During rough straightening prior to replacement, damaged panels or frame components may be heated to assist in body/frame realignment. This application of heat, if absolutely necessary, must be constrained to the parts which will be replaced and not allowed to affect any other components.  This “no heat” recommendation

is due to the extensive use of high-strength and advanced high-strength steels in FCA US LLC vehicles. High-strength materials can be substantially and negatively affected from heat input which will not be obviously known to the repairer or consumer. Additionally, application of heat will alter or destroy material coatings utilized for corrosion protection and which may not be restore-able.

The hammer and dolly method may still be a recommended practice by the manufacturer if there is backside access Ignoring these recommendations may lead to serious compromises in the ability to protect occupants in a future collision event, reduce the engineered qualities and attributes, or decrease the durability and reliability of the vehicle. This statement supersedes any previously released information by FCA US LLC. One must use common sense when applying these guidelines. I think that they are okay with the use of ‘heat’ when using the glue pulling repair method as the recommended panel temperature of around 26 degrees is the generally accepted temperature. The use of a heat gun to bring a panel to that temperature would be acceptable. Obviously, panel temperature can reach well above those ranges in various climates around the world. Some manufactures may set an outline for making repairs to outer sheet metal using a welded washer or welded stud pin method, such as this example

several of the techniques/tools used. As with steel, it is very important to know first if heat is allowed, how much heat can be applied, and for how long. It is critical to monitor the heat being used in any repair, regardless of the type of metal. Typically, an infrared thermometer would be used to most

Typically, an infrared thermometer would be used to most accurately monitor panel temperatures. Alternative methods employ temperatureindicating crayons accurately monitor panel temperatures. Alternative methods employ temperature-indicating crayons. The panel is marked with the crayon and when a certain temperature is reached the mark will melt. It’s a method that can keep you from overheating a panel provided the mark is made using a lower temperature threshold. If all the finish material has been removed and you are left with bare aluminum, there is no way to visually indicate the heat being applied as aluminum will not change colour as steel does. This note from Ford in the body repair manual for a 2017 F150 explains further why the amount of heat used is critical during repairs:

taken from a 2018 Honda Accord repair manual provider listed under ‘body shop basics’: This repair method is used to repair recessed areas where the backside of the damaged vehicle cannot be easily accessed, such as a door panel, pillar, side sill, or rear wheel arch. Because the heat generated while welding washers will damage the paint or anti-rust coating inside the panel, it is necessary to treat the area with anti-corrosion materials after the repair. A related repair method uses welded-on studs instead of washers, but the processes are similar. If backside access is available the traditional hammer and dolly method would be recommended, but the repairability of outer body panels made from material other than mild steel can be lower. Newer steels may not react the same as mild steel does when using traditional methods such as hammer/dolly or pushing with body picks/ PDR rods. The elasticity as well as memory, among other factors, may contribute to whether the type of metal in question will return to its original shape. The use of body picks for pushing the metal back in shape is also a longstanding technique when there may be limited backside access. More recently rods used for PDR repair have been adopted by collision repair technicians for a similar technique. Both are somewhat similar, although there are a lot more choices of style with the PDR tools. Those variances range from a small wire-type form, up to a very large rod diameter. Length and shape vary widely as well. Straightening aluminum has several similar traits as steel. Heat is typically used in conjunction with

Use of heat on body panels Aluminum body panels are highly receptive to heat transfer. With the extensive use of structural adhesives and non-structural sealers used in vehicle construction, the potential of heat transfer could impact adhesives and sealers in non-associated panels during the repair process. Many repair areas that utilize structural adhesive may be separated after rivet removal by using a panel chisel along the joint/flange. Using heat (not exceeding 425°F — 218.333°C) to loosen a rivet bonded panel should only be done when all panels in the joint will be replaced or separated and new adhesive applied. Another consideration when repairing steel and/ or aluminum body panels is that of keeping the tools used for each type of metal separate. The same is true for most any type of work to be performed. Galvanic corrosion can be formed due to the transfer of dissimilar metals from the tools. With the same vehicle listed above, Ford has offered guidelines:

The hammer and dolly method may still be a recommended practice by the manufacturer if there is backside access Hand tools Hand tools, such as hammers and dollies, must be dedicated and labeled for each substrate worked on. Metal hand tools used in aluminum repairs must consist of polished surfaces and should be stored in a dedicated toolbox when not in use. When possible, the use of rubber or wooden mallets is recommended providing these are also dedicated to aluminum repairs only. Hammers and dollies used in steel component repair may create the concern of embedding steel particles in aluminum if used for both systems. Also, tools used for steel repair may have a rougher than required surface created through regular use which may also result in cross-contamination. Tools with serrated faces should never be used in aluminum repairs. To sum up, there is no longer a “one-size-fits-all” approach to straightening today’s metals. One must first determine if the vehicle manufacturer allows repairs to that type of metal and, if they do, what guidelines they might have. Research is the key to success here. Things to keep in mind when metal working, courtesy of the 3M Collision Repair Academy: • Before starting anything, clean the area with soap and water. Not only will this reduce possible contamination, it will also allow you to better diagnose the damage. • If straightening is allowed, ensure that you follow the OEM recommended straightening method. • Many high-strength steels will be ‘coldstraighten’ only. • You may need heat to straighten aluminum, but only within a specific temperature range.

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

• Choose an abrasive that will remove any coatings without affecting the substrate material. Good examples would include: › Scotch-Brite™ Roloc™+ Clean and Strip XT Pro Disc › Coarse Scotch-Brite™ Durable Flex Belt › Grade 80+ 3M™ Cubitron™ II Fibre Roloc™ Discs • Do not mix steel straightening tools with aluminum. Working aluminum panels requires dedicated tools for aluminum only. • Once you’ve completed the straightening process, and before applying primer or filler,

check for panel fatigue or microcracks using a penetrating dye. • Determine whether the OEM recommends applying filler to the metal, or if a 2K epoxy primer is required before you start applying body filler. • Use an approved solvent-based cleaner to remove any contaminants from the metal before applying any primer or body filler. • To prevent surface corrosion from developing, make sure to topcoat aluminum, high-strength steel (HSS), ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS), and boron steel in less than 60 minutes.

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Silk Purse From A Sow’s Ear WANTING TO COME OUT AND PLAY WITH THE BIG BOYS, BRYCE DECIDED TO BUILD HIMSELF A FALCON, AND HE MADE A BLOODY GOOD JOB OF IT WORDS: SHANE WISHNOWSKI PHOTOS: AARON MAI

uring his formative years, Bryce Hogg’s dad Jonathan was busy building a Lotus 7 in the shed. Given Dad’s passion for building and racing circuit cars, it came as no surprise that Bryce and brother Gareth followed in his footsteps. Once the Lotus was finished, the driving duties were shared about, and Bryce got his first taste of going fast on a racetrack. He was instantly hooked, and the rest is history. The rapid open-topped Lotus wasn’t the only car to be built in the Hogg family’s sheds over the years. Two BMW track cars started their lives in family sheds: Dad’s is finished and racing, while brother Gareth’s is still a work in progress and, once finished, will join the grid and race alongside his family’s cars. But, long before their current builds, Bryce and Gareth found themselves behind the wheel of a Mazda MX-5 and raced in the MX-5 Cup winter and summer series. For eight years, Bryce was happy pedalling the small Japanese sports car around racetracks, but the desire to go a bit quicker was always at the back of his mind; he just needed to work out how he was going to make that happen. He acquired another MX-5 and began chopping it up, but quickly realised that the cost to build it to

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

have some real fun in wouldn’t be a cheap exercise, and the classes that he could run it competitively in were extremely thin. So the decision was made to build something a bit more masculine. “My dad and brother had built classic race cars, so I thought I’d join in the fun,” he says.

What he’d thought was going to be a relatively quick build was starting to look like a mission However, selling the MX-5 wasn’t an option, as there was a fair bit of sentimental value attached to it — Bryce proposed to fiancée Alice at the track during a test day; the claimed “gearbox issues” were just an excuse to stop racing so that he could pop the question. So, rather than park the car permanently, Alice found herself behind the wheel and has been a track regular since the end of lockdown in 2020. .

The hunt was on for something Bryce could build in his shed, something he could truly call his own. Initially, he had his mind set on a Bathurstdestroying R32 Skyline — there is no denying that that’s a hell of a car, both on and off the track, and would certainly quench his appetite for quicker lap times. But that thought was fleeting and quickly shelved, as Bryce explains: “A classic Group A–styled race car was going to be absurd due to the cost of a chassis, plus all the bits and pieces that would go along with building that type of car.” Then the idea of building a Falcon was floated by his dad. And the more Bryce thought about it, the more he liked it. Now, all he needed to do was find a car so he could join with his father and brother in some ‘fun’ building cars. Eventually, Bryce found a suitable base vehicle to turn into a track weapon, located way up in the hills behind Palmy and belonging to a guy named Bert. Now, old Bert was a bit of a Falcon collector and had had roughly 13 odd XD Falcons at his disposal over the years. The one on offer was the last Bert was selling, so Bryce snapped it up quickly. The car was a roller, came with heaps of spares, and, most importantly, the “shell was mint”, or so he was led to believe. Once the car was home, Bryce could examine things a bit more closely and, you guessed it, that

“mint shell” turned out to be far from mint in his eyes. Feeling a bit disheartened, he pushed the square four-door into the corner of the shed in disgrace. What he’d thought was going to be a relatively quick build was starting to look like a bit of a mission, as is often the case. But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Bryce began collecting all the parts needed, so that, when the time was right, he could finally begin building the Falcon. Over the following years, the parts pile grew and became just the motivation he needed. When the shell was devoid of everything, it made its way to good friend and workmate Warrick’s place (Warfab) for him to tackle the inside panel work and all the fiddly engineering inside the car. He also fitted up the three-link in the rear and later bent up the exhaust system when those jobs needed doing.

Bryce began collecting all the parts needed, so when the time was right, he could finally begin building. The parts pile became just the motivation he needed The car then found its way to the panel shop to have the rest of the imperfections addressed and to determine just how bad it was. The verdict was “rust pretty much everywhere”. Resigned to the fact that nothing short of some pretty extensive panel replacement was going to be required to bring the shell up to scratch, Bryce gave Dittmer Collision Repair the go-ahead to chop out the wrongs and weld in the rights. While the talented guys were quietly cutting, grinding, replacing, and welding, Bryce was working out what he wanted the race car to look like. He

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

briefly toyed with the idea of an Army Reserve– liveried car; he also quite liked the idea of a Dick Johnson–inspired ‘Tru-Blu’ replica, but as there are already a few of those floating around, he didn’t want to be a sheep. Sitting on his shelf was a scale model of Allan Moffat’s bright yellow Federation Insurance XD. The eye-watering hue would certainly stand out both on and off the track, so that’s what he went with.

In no time, Dittmer had finished de-rusting the shell, and it was all ready for Tim Lloyd from Octane Automotive to glue together an extremely stiff cage to help protect Bryce on the track. Bryce loved the aggressive look of the Group C racers of the era. He had already sourced a suitable kit, and, with the help of his fiancée, the giant flares, front lip, and rear spoiler were applied, making for a tough-looking car.

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The whole lot was then sprayed in Suzuki Swift Championship Yellow and the car was ready for Bryce to throw in everything else he had accumulated over the years. Now, remember that Bryce’s plan was to have something with a bit more go on the track. It just so happened that his dad had an XB Falcon coupe with a big block, which he decided to return to numbers-matching, so out came the 429 crate motor and guess where it went? Straight into Bryce’s XD — score! Mated to the big block is a brand new Tremec TKO 600 transmission, while power is fed through a McLeod twin-disc clutch and travels down a Collier Motor Engineers custom driveshaft to a Krysler Shop three-linked nine-inch rear end.

Mated to the big block is a Tremec TKO 600 transmission, with a McLeod twin-disc clutch, Collier Motor Engineers custom driveshaft and Krysler Shop three-linked nine-inch rear end Race car life means that everything needs to be adjustable suspension-wise. Thus, the front end was converted to MacPherson strut, the lower control arms strengthened, and an RRS front suspension kit installed up front along with some QA1 shocks at the back. All this plus a Watt’s linkage help Bryce dial in the grip and bring the lap times down as much as possible. And while he was at it, every single bush left in the car was replaced with Nolathane items to stiffen everything up. Inside, it’s all function over form — a pair of Racetech seats sit front and centre for both driver and brave passenger; Racetech also supplied the steering wheel. Nestled in the driver’s footwell is an OBP Motorsport pedal box. The centre pedal squeezes the Wilwood brakes on all four corners and, along with some super sticky Nankang semislicks, warp speeds are brought down rapidly when the straights quickly turn into corners. Almost obligatory for the period, Simmons OM wheels are also a nice touch. Auto Meter gauges are set into a custom black flocked dashboard fabricated by Turner Metal Fabrication. With the finish line in sight, Capture Signs added the tribute-inspired decals to complete the look, something we think Allan would be proud of. Bryce has only raced the car at Manfeild in the classic cup in the Manawatu Car Club Feilding Auto Electrical Winter Race Series; to date, he has a best lap time of 1min 22.66s. After the initial shakedown, he felt that the XD was lacking a bit in speed, so the bright yellow Falcon was bolted up to the hub dyno at Danny’s Auto Services in Palmy where tuner Matt was able to extract some more horsepower and torque. Finally, after just shy of six years, Bryce Hogg has a car he can truly call his own, and, along with Dad, brother, and now fiancée, they truly are one fast family!

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

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Basic knowledge streamlines electrical repairs A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH CAN TAKE THE HEADACHE OUT OF COMPLEX ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

lectrical issues can be some of the most difficult problems to isolate and repair. Given all the electronics on today’s vehicles, electrical issues can be challenging and frustrating for even some of the best technicians. In this feature, we’ll discuss some issues that can occur and how to employ a diagnostic strategy using a variety of tools to help find the root cause of the problem.

ISSUE 1 — INTERMITTENT NO CRANK, NO START VEHICLE: 2014 JEEP WAGONEER This Jeep came into the workshop for an intermittent cranking issue. There was no real pattern to the issue but it had been occurring about fortnightly over the past few months. The vehicle had had a battery replacement about two weeks earlier; and the starting issue had occurred since then. The first step was to test the battery and charging system, using our battery/charging system tester. We found no faults and both appeared to be functioning correctly. Our next step was to scan the Jeep for codes. There were none, but we noticed that many of the monitors had not completed. Incomplete monitors

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can occur either by someone clearing codes or by a loss of power to the PCM. We decided to monitor the charging system to determine any signs of an intermittent issue. Using our scan tool, we monitored the generator duty cycle and voltage sense. In the course of monitoring, we noticed that the voltage would drop to under 12 volts and the duty cycle would drop to zero. We also noted that the voltage would occasionally rise to around 15 volts, slightly higher than normal. We suspected some high resistance somewhere in the charging system was causing the computer, which controls charging output, to intermittently undercharge and overcharge the system. One of the best ways to test for resistance in the circuit is to perform a voltage drop test using a DMM in its voltage min/max setting. A voltage drop test is much more reliable than using an ohmmeter because the results will also show the ability of the circuit to deliver enough current. For example, if you were to use an ohmmeter to test a single strand of 16-gauge wire, it would show continuity and zero resistance, just as a length of 16-gauge wire will show continuity and no resistance. But if you tried to pass any kind of load through the single strand of wire, it would most likely burn.

No resistance but a single strand cannot carry any appreciable load

Performing a voltage drop test will show you the amount of voltage that is available at the circuit when current is flowing. A good rule of thumb for passing a drop test is a drop of less than one-half volt for most circuits.

We performed a voltage drop test on the starting and charging systems and found a drop of a little over two volts on the ground side. We noticed some minor corrosion on the ground connections for the battery and body grounds. We cleaned the ground connections and retested the system, and found the voltage drop readings had returned to normal ranges. After re-scanning, we found the charging system functioning normally. That was it: the customer has reported no further starting issues.

One of the best ways to test for resistance in the circuit is to perform a voltage drop test using a DMM in its voltage min/ max setting ISSUE 2 — INTERMITTENT HEADLAMP OPERATION VEHICLE: 1999 PETERBILT 379 Intermittent electrical issues can easily be some of the most troublesome problems to diagnose. It can take hours to determine the cause, and many more hours if the vehicle is not experiencing the issue when it’s in your workshop. In this case, the truck had lost power to both headlamps on high and low beam, but the tail and marker lights worked. Compounding an intermittent issue was the fact that this was an older semi-truck with multiple owners; therefore, many hands had been behind the dash and had made modifications and repairs to the electrical system. A once-organised routing of wires and connections had turned into a rat’s nest of splices, added connections, and wire taps that made identification very difficult. One significant factor in

Using the min/max feature shows the voltage drop on the ground side of the circuit

A poor quality repair

Rus and corrosion on positive terminal

More corrosion on the ground cable

Connect one end of the DMM to the headlamp wire, then touch the other probe to each pin at the engine side of the bulkhead connector. When you hear the tone, you have found the correct wire locating the correct wires to the headlamps was that many of the wires behind the dash were white and we couldn’t see the numbers on many of them. Additionally, correct wiring diagrams are difficult to locate because many trucks of that era were built from the factory and sent to motor-body specialists who finalised wiring connections.

TRACING A CIRCUIT WITHOUT A WIRING DIAGRAM One of the best strategies for locating a lighting issue is to start at the power side of the circuit, then proceed to both ends of the circuit as

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directed by the results of each test. If you don’t have a wiring diagram, start by using a circuit tester at the fuse panel — or, in this case, the circuit breaker — to determine if there is power at the source. We connected a power probe and found power at the main fuse that supplies power to the switch. That made sense, because the tail lights were operating normally. We then tested the switch to determine if there was power on all terminals of the switch. This switch has four terminals, which can in some cases lose power on one side of the switch, and that could cause the tail and marker lights to work and the headlamps not to. There was power

on both sides of the switch when the switch was in the ‘on’ position. Our next step was to check at the headlamp for power at the connector. There was none. Using the power probe, we applied power to the headlamp to make sure we did not have an issue with either a ground or a burned-out lamp. The lamps on both sides of the truck illuminated. So far, we had determined the switch, fuses, and lamps were all good, so we needed to determine where the flow of current was interrupted between the switch and the lamps. There was a bulkhead connector at the firewall, where we have seen corrosion issues on similar vehicles. Again, one of

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the problems was that we could not easily identify which wire, or which of the three large multi-wire connectors, was for the headlamps. Since it is somewhat difficult to observe the lamps and test the bulkhead connector at the same time, we either needed two technicians to test this circuit or to use a little trick.

Since it is somewhat difficult to observe the lamps and test the bulkhead connector at the same time, we either needed two technicians to test this circuit or to use a little trick HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT CIRCUIT Set your DMM to the audible tone ohms setting. Disconnect the bulkhead connector and the headlamp power wire at the headlamp. Connect one end of the DMM to the headlamp wire, then touch the other probe to each pin at the engine side of the bulkhead connector. When you hear the tone, you have found the correct wire. Keep in mind that many heavy-duty trucks use a separate wire to each headlamp, so you should look to see if there is a pin for each side. Once we found the correct pin, we could reconnect the bulkhead connector to determine whether there was power to the pins going to the headlamps. Our test showed no power. Using the power probe we were able to determine that when we supplied power to the pins, the headlamps illuminated. Now that we were able to identify which pins at the bulkhead connector were used, we could trace them back to see where the loss of connection between the switch and the bulkhead was. There were numerous wires behind the dash, and, quite honestly, not much room to get to each connector without completely dismantling the dash.

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The wires are mostly white and with numbers missing, tracing can be difficult

Charging system data from AutoEnginuity Scan Tool

We were able to track part of the second harness to an added bank of relays. Using the power probe, we determined that there was no power to the battery + side of the relays

Since headlamps use quite a bit of current, we assumed there would be at least one relay, and quite possibly two relays, for the headlamps. We had previously looked for relays at the fuse / circuit breaker panel near the driver kick panel. Even though there were relays located there, none was for the headlamps. Using the DMM in the ohms mode, we checked for resistance from the bulkhead connector to the switch. The circuit tested as ‘open’, no continuity. Pulling as much of the harness behind the dash as we could, we found a six-way connector from the

headlamp switch to another section of a harness. We tested the wires from the switch and had power on both sides of the connector. After pulling another section of the dash, we were able to track part of the second harness to an added bank of relays. Using the power probe, we determined that there was no power to the battery + side of the relays. Tracing the wires from the relay to their power source, we were able to find that someone had used a wire nut to connect wires from a positive source to the battery + relay wire. In my opinion

— and per best practice in electrical repair or modification — wire nuts or wire taps have no place in a professional repair shop. We located three other connections behind the dash that had wire nuts and two that used a wire tap connector. Our recommendation to the owner of the truck was to repair the system correctly by adding a fused power strip and repairing all the incorrect wiring with proper terminal ends and soldered connections. After the repair, the lamps all worked correctly and the customer stated that, as a bonus, the static in the radio was gone — an issue he had not complained about. With the intermittent nature of both these issues, the problem could have been much harder to find had we not started with basic best practice tests and observations that found poor connections and corrosion.

TODAY’S LESSON One of the best ways to improve technician performance and avoid wasted effort in any workshop is to provide basic electrical training to technicians. It is a small investment, and for many technicians, it’s their greatest opportunity for improvement.

When testing your mettle, turn to Chicane CHICANE TOOLS IS THE NEW NAME IN THE AUTOMOTIVE HAND TOOL CATEGORY, LAUNCHING WITH A RANGE INTENDED TO SOLVE EVERY MECHANICAL MOTOR SITUATION

hicane is aiming to meet the needs of both professional mechanics and weekend enthusiasts, encouraging them all to ‘turn to Chicane’. Chicane tools are used and endorsed by Australian Supercars team Tickford Racing, formerly Prodrive Racing Australia and Ford Performance Racing. Chicane offers ratchets, socket sets, spanners, ratchet spanners, drivers, hex keys, torque wrenches … the list goes on. “For too long mechanics have been the unsung heroes in the workforce,” says Chicane’s product sourcing and import manager Clayton Fox. “They’re big problem solvers, forever working under pressure and keeping the country moving. Every day a new head-scratcher drives into the garage and mechanics use their hands and their head to nut it out.” So Chicane marketing campaign aims to position Chicane as the thinking man’s (and women’s) tool brand. Clayton says everything about Chicane tools has been considered and crafted with real-world practicality in mind. Chicane tools are purpose designed for the workshop and the hand tools come with a lifetime

warranty to give the trade absolute confidence they’re buying the highest quality tools. The entire range comes with at least a 12-month warranty.

QUALITY CONSTRUCTION AND MANUFACTURING Chicane has based its brand reputation on securing quality through sourcing products from the best factories. “Taiwan’s production facilities have the reputation for creating the world’s strongest and best engineered tools,” says Clayton. “Chicane tools are forged and manufactured right alongside the world’s best brands.” The entire Chicane Tool range is engineered to meet and exceed the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards.

THE CHICANE DIFFERENCE Chicane offers the same premium quality as their competitors, often better they say, and Chicane Tools are priced below the market leaders to provide up to 30 per cent greater value. They’ll often provide a higher piece count in sets, and offer better features. Open any one of the drop-proof, work-tough plastic moulded boxes and Clayton says you’ll discover tools forged to go the distance.

Manufactured from trade-quality steel, Chicane hand tools are engineered for ease of use and strength of purpose. The chrome vanadium steel ratchets come with a precise 72-tooth mechanism and socket drivers offer a ‘positive-drive’ design. The chrome vanadium steel spanners have a long-reach design and are fully polished for lasting good looks. The screwdrivers have magnetic tips and hex bolsters to provide additional torque when needed, with professional TPR soft-grip handles.

CHICANE TOOL CHESTS The thinking man’s approach also turned Chicane’s attention to tool storage. “Sturdy Chicane tool chests not only look the business, they help business,” says Clayton. The powder-coated tool chests are built around sturdy steel chassis and feature heavy-duty roller bearing drawers and sturdy aluminium handles. Not every mechanical problem is solved with sockets, screwdrivers, or pliers, and for these Chicane has come to market with a comprehensive range of specialty tools. The range covers a majority of the specific tasks undertaken in a typical professional workshop, and will continue to grow over the coming years.

TICKFORD RACING TURNS TO CHICANE Chicane is the hand tool of choice for one of Australian motor sport’s top racing teams. Tickford Racing chief executive officer and team principal Tim Edwards welcomed the new Chicane brand to one of Australia’s most successful motor racing teams. “Bringing Chicane on board from 2021 is incredibly exciting for our team. On race day we think three steps ahead, so when our crew turns to Chicane, we know they will have the best tools available.” The entire Chicane range will be exclusively available through BNT and Autolign. For more information, or to find stockists, see chicanetools.co.nz.

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

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Calcium power Delkor calcium batteries are suitable for the majority of vehicles that have conventional power requirements and no start-stop functionality. Their unique lead calcium alloy produces a heavy-duty wrought plate that can withstand the most demanding of conditions. R&J Batteries says Delkor calcium batteries offer extra starting power for consistent performance over an extended period of time. For more information about Delkor calcium batteries, see rjbatt.co.nz.

Tidy tool time The range of sturdy Chicane tool chests not only look the business, but also help to keep your workshop functioning smoothly, providing a place for all tools in sevendrawer chests right through to comprehensive garage trolleys. They are made from powder-coated, workshop-grade steel panels mounted on a reinforced steel frame body, with solid aluminium handles. Gas struts on the tool chests keep lids under control. The drawers roll open on heavy-duty ball bearings, and the trolleys roll on lockable castors. See chicanetools.co.nz for stockists and pricing.

Driving lamp with daytime running light Hella’s latest Luminator LED driving lamp features a distinctive position lamp using its innovative Edge Light technology. Luminator 3.0 LED uses the sturdy and reliable Rallye 4000 metal body, proven on rally cars and heavy machinery, with efficient low load, high efficacy LEDs that produce nearly 600m of light for just 2x15W of power. This durable design is supported by a Hella five-year warranty. Recommended retail price is from $520. See hella.co.nz to find local stockists.

Big brute two-post The AM-6255R has a massive lifting capacity of 5500kg making this vehicle lift ideal for larger vans and commercial vehicles. The column design incorporates special double S-bends to increase column strength. The motor is mounted high on the front of the column, where it is well out of the way. It also means the lift can be installed close to walls. Three height settings for the top cross bar allow adaptation to different roof heights, giving post height settings of 5200mm, 5320mm, and 5420mm. For more information, contact Automaster on 0800 214 604, or see www.automaster.co.nz.

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

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Products

Grunty Steiner hoist The Steiner Professional Series LT235 CFPRO clear-floor electro mechanical hoist has a grunty 3.5-tonne lifting capability. Flexible features include asymmetric arms for easy vehicle positioning and access, a 95mm clearance, and 2010mm lifting height. The overall width is 3540mm and it is 4040mm tall overall. This low-maintenance, three-phase power lift is CE certified. For more information and pricing, see treadwayequipped.co.nz.

Convert-a-Ball

Let Dirty Steve do your dirty work Dirty Steve promises a professional deep clean of 4WDs, cars, boats, jet skis, and dirt bikes at home or anywhere with access to a standard hose. Dirty Steve offers a Foaming Wash & Salt Eliminator, Foaming Degreaser and a Marine Engine Flush & Salt Eliminator, and includes two solution applicators. And while Dirty Steve is working, the operator can think of more pleasant things, basking in the scent of bananas or strawberries. Available from Repco stores and leading marine stores. See stockists for pricing.

This bolt-on Convert-a-Ball pintle hitch and ball mount combo is ideal for heavy-duty towing, retaining the ability to tow with a standard coupling. It includes three interchangeable, stainless-steel hitch balls with towing capacities from 3500lbs to 10,000 lbs, and a pintle sleeve adapter (GTW 25,000 lbs). The polyurethane interior acts as a shock absorber. The double-engagement, rust-resistant locking system converts quickly from pintle to standard ball mount — no tools needed. Convert-a-Ball is made in America. Call 0800 698 227 for where to buy, or more information.

Drill doctor restores bits to full health Dull drill bits waste time and cause frustration, and replacing frequently used bits is time-consuming and costly. The Drill Doctor 750X sharpens standard twist and masonry bits from 2.5mm to 19mm regardless of material — carbide, cobalt, high-speed steel, black oxide, or tin-coated. The chuck’s long jaws hold the drill firmly, allowing custom angle sharpening from 115 to 140 degrees. You can adjust the amount of material taken off to extend bit life. The Drill Doctor can also sharpen split point bits. The diamond grinding disc is user replaceable and the unit comes with carry case. $465 plus GST. See centurydistributors.co.nz or call 04 567 1405 for more information.

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

45 Rennie Drive, Mangere parts@1stparts.co.nz (09) 638 6439

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EMCO offers an extensive range of premium reticulation products, sourced from quality manufacturers across the globe.

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Pumps, reels, dispensing equipment and accessories, along with site planning, installation and support.

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Call me to today to discuss ways I can help you grow your business through NZ’s highest circulating automotive trade publication! Contact our expert team today Phone 07 850 5240 Email sales@emco.co.nz Emco.co.nz

Mark Everleigh - 09 222 1729

Supplier directory

PA R Be TS

a S ra ring UP di s P at , d LY or iff s, s, en al SE gi ter RV ne n O IC co ato ils E ,g C m rs, po br re O as N ne ak e, S nt e c co UM s, om ol A W ba p an B O tte o L t R ,t E rie nen Ra K S r an s ts gs SH , s cl , lu O flu ea b P id ne ric C , rs an O b u , c ts N lb SU ar , P SU s, flu ca PE M S re , a AB sh Ti PE ,a e L e N es r irc os ES bu rod SIO on ol sh s, N s, es ba A ab , b ll j N ra ea oin D siv AF rin ts ST es TE , E gs ra E , Au R , s ck R di M I h oc en NG dr o, AR ks ds es pe K , s rf ET up or , p m AC W ai an C nt ce ES O /w p S D RK ra ar O ia S p, ts, RI gn H ha o O dr bo ES nd sti P iv d el yk to cs, EQ in it ol ho U e s, s, is IP RE sp ts M PA ec , e E N Au IR ia lec T lis t to t s ric en e SER er s, gi lec V vi po ne tr IC ce w i re cal E eq er bu , g W ui to ild ea pm ol IN r s b ,s o W DS en s, u in C t sp xes d m sc RE en , c irr re E sio yli or en N n n s, s S , c der w , c AN oo h ip hi D W er p lin ead H s, re G g s, E LA O E p c a us i EM LS S r to s, S re re A m s pa p ND fit ide irs lac T m gl , c em Y en as R o t s, ns en ES AU um t, TO t Re ab yre s R le s, s, fit su tora EFI in tin pp ti N ne g lie on ISH r t /b s, , sm E ub ala sp a R es nc ra sh S in y g, pa rep in ai te rs rs , a ,p u ai tont b co od rre y ct io n

YOUR GUIDE TO NEW ZEALAND'S LEADING AUTOMOTIVE TRADE SUPPLIERS

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0800 472 787 0800 200 100 0800 445 889 0800 333 125 aecs.net 06 874 9077 bntnz.co.nz 09 414 3200 hcb.co.nz or 0800 422 228

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precisionequipment.co.nz 0800 246 478

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jasoceania.co.nz or 0800 527 335

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dieseldistributors.co.nz or 09 265 0622 09 836 6673

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autolign.co.nz or 09 574 2288 tatp.co.nz or 0800 268 266

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smitsgroup.co.nz or 0800 227 422

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griffithsequipment.co.nz or 09 525 4575

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parts@1stautoparts.co.nz or 09 638 6439 mountshop.co.nz or 0508 866 686

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bmw.co.nz or 0508 269 727 cyb.co.nz or 09 978 6666

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0800 465 855 0800 549 429

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automaster.co.nz or 0800 214 604 centurydistributors.co.nz

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patchrubber.co.nz or 0508 837 248 dtm.co.nz or 0800 621 233 penriteoil.co.nz or 0800 533 698 nzmotoroils.com or 0800 942 645

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0800 383 566 06 306 8446 or blackfern.coop redarcelectronics.co.nz 0800 757 333 or fenixautoparts.co.nz

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smitsgroup.co.nz or 0800 227 422

crc.co.nz or 09 272 2700 rjbatt.co.nz or 09 636 5980

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Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

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treadwayequipped.co.nz 0800 436 436 sales@advancefc.co.nz 0800 538 058 holden.co.nz/dealers

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07 850 5240

0800 188 122

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mmnz.co.nz or 0800 54 53 52

cooldrive.co.nz or 0800 327 868

ryco.co.nz or 0800 838 222

ford.co.nz or 0800 367 369

tyreorder.co.nz or 0800 80 90 96

moreyoil.co.nz or 09 813 9200

gearwrench.co.nz

Napa.co.nz or 0800 800 073

0800 698 227

fuchs.co.nz or 09 828 3255

bendix.co.nz

09 636 5428 or sales@clutchindustries.co.nz

nz.macnaught.com or 0800 023 510

The Auto Channel supplier directory is your easy reference for sourcing a range of automotive products and services.

This directory is a paid service for businesses who supply to the New Zealand automotive trade. To secure your inclusion, contact Mark Everleigh on 09 222 1729 or mark.everleigh@parkside.co.nz.

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a S ra ring UP di s P at , d LY or iff s, s, en al SE gi ter RV ne n O IC co ato ils E ,g C m rs, po br re O as N ne ak e, S nt e c co UM s, om ol A W ba p an B O tte o L t R , rie nen ES Ra K t r an s ts gs SH , s cl , lu O fl ea b P ui ne ric C d, rs an O b u , c ts N lb SU ar , P SU s, flu ca PE M S re , a AB sh Ti PE ,a e L e N es r r ir os ES bu od SIO co o sh s, l N n s, es ba A ab , b ll j N ra ea oin D siv AF rin ts ST es TE ,r E g , s, ac ER Au R sh k d M oc en ING dr io, AR ks ds es pe K , s rf ET up or , p m AC W ai an C nt ce ES O /w p S D RK ra ar O ia S g p, ts, RI ha no HO dr bo ES s nd ti P iv d el yk c E to s, Q in it ol ho U e s, s, is IP RE sp ts M PA ec , e E N Au IR ia lec T lis t to t s ric en e SER er s, gi lec V vi po ne tr IC ce w i re cal E eq er bu , g W ui to ild ea pm ol IN r s b , W DS en s, o s u x in C t sp es d m sc RE en , c irr re E sio yli or en N nd n S s, s , c er w , c AN oo h ip hi D W er p lin ead H s, re G g s, E O E pa LA c u EM LS st irs SS om , s re re A pa p ND fit ide irs lac T m gl , c em Y en as R o t s, e ns n E S AU um t, TO t Re ab yre s R le s, s, fit su tora EFI in tin pp ti N ne g lie on ISH r t /b s, , sm E ub ala sp a R es nc ra sh S in y g, pa rep in ai te rs rs , a ,p u ai tont b co od rre y ct io n

PA R Be TS

Service doesn’t end at the sale RESPONDING TO THE DEMANDS OF THE RACETRACK SEES TREADWAY EQUIPPED RESPONDING WITH PRECISION AND SPEED

he three-wheel Yamaha Niken is certainly a motorcycle you will not forget. It’s not like anything else on the road. With two leaning front wheels linked by an Ackermann parallelogram, the Niken (which means ‘two swords’) doubles the amount of front-end grip, leading to exceptional confidence in the bike’s cornering and stopping power. It sounds good on paper, but Yamaha knew they needed to get the bike under some riders to really get some sales traction for this revolutionary machine. Yamaha Global wanted all the Niken bikes in New Zealand to have their wheels balanced. Yamaha Motor New Zealand also needed accurate mobile wheel equipment to support its race team at track days. The balancer was used for both these objectives. Yamaha contacted Treadway Equipped who promised service at speed — appropriately enough

— and the Yamaha team chose Fasep and Steiner mobile equipment for their pit crews. “We worked with Yamaha to make sure the equipment we supplied met their demanding standards and pit crew needs. Being mobile for track days was a requirement, and that was not a problem,” says Treadway Equipped sales manager Loren Bill. “Service and support is second nature to us; we’re here to ensure our customers win.” Loren says Treadway Equipped works with customers to make sure they get the equipment that works for them, whether that is helping their workshop be more efficient, more reliable, or more mobile. “Then we come and install, calibrate, and train customers on it.” Mobility and accuracy were the main requirements, but installation and training were also a must, he says. Part of the solution Treadway Equipped came up with was a Steiner ST260 tyre changer, modified to be mobile. They worked through the size of the machine footprint, environments the machine would be used in, and made sure the wheel size was compatible. The space-saving design of the Fasep B432.G3 Digital Wheel Balancer, with its triple sensor system, is also capable of dynamic balance on rims below 120mm in width. Not many machines can do this, but that narrower width was essential for Yamaha. More than a year on, the Treadway Equipped and Yamaha relationship is still going strong. Treadway Equipped is Yamaha New Zealand’s preferred supplier for equipment. And the Niken is still a futuristic and compelling ride. For more information, see treadwayequipped. co.nz or call 0800 436 436.

Auto Channel is the best way to reach the wider automotive industry. The publication is direct mailed to 11,306 New Zealand businesses in the following automotive sectors: Automotive workshops Parts importers and distributors Transmission specialists Automotive recyclers Towing operators Panel beaters and painters Crash repairers Tyre dealers Suspension and underbody repairers Steering specialists Towing operators Auto-electrical repairers New- and used-car dealers Air-conditioning repairers Heavy-machinery dealers

Loyalty has its advantages TRIDON ADVANTAGE REWARDS LOYALTY PROGRAM WAS LAUNCHED LAST YEAR AND TRIDON SAYS IT IS PROVING TO BE A GREAT SUCCESS

rade purchasers or workshops earn points based on the Tridon products they purchase. Tridon says it is designed to reward tradespeople and workshops in New Zealand. To qualify for claiming the rewards customers simply need to purchase Tridon wipers, clamps, switches, glow plugs, thermostats, caps, oil filter caps and engine management components. To redeem a reward, cut out the bar codes, choose

Auto Channel Issue #41 November 2021

Trucking and transport a prize, then send them to Tridon. Customers need to have the correct amount of bar codes to claim a prize. This is an ongoing promotion. Customers can claim as many times as they wish. They can also combine their points with a friend to claim a larger prize.

Auto Channel Issue No. 42 distributed 30 November Editorial: editor@autochannel.co.nz Advertising: Michael White michael.white@parkside.co.nz All other enquiries to: autochannel.co.nz Auto Channel is produced by Parkside Media, publishers of NZ’s three biggest-selling automotive magazines, NZ Performance Car, New Zealand Classic Car, and NZV8.

BALL JOINTS TIE ROD ENDS RACK ENDS SUSPENSION BUSHES / ARMS SWAY BAR LINKS / BUSHES LIFT KITS SPRING SEATS U BOLTS TOW POINTS INTAKE HOSES BODY / SUBFRAME MOUNTS BUMP STOPS DIFF MOUNTS ENGINE MOUNTS HANGER MOUNTS SILICONE HOSES ALUMINUM PIPING

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WIN YOUR PIECE OF BATHURST HISTORY! As the major sponsor of The Repco Bathurst 1000, we are Bringin' the Bathurst to workshops around New Zealand! We are looking for our most passionate and ‘Bathurstified’ trade customers and the 4 workshops Bringin' the Bathurst the most, will win a money-can't-buy piece of Bathurst history – a trophy made out of a Supercar part. Yep, an actual part! Show us how you are Bringin’ the Bathurst to your business, at repcotrade.co.nz for your chance to win. Ends Sunday 5th December, see repcotrade.co.nz for full terms and conditions.

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Auto Channel 41

Articles inside

Fluid control 101 1 and

Tools with a twist

Diagnosis with electrical basics

Hayman Reese turns 70

Feature car

Car news

Manipulating metal