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Forgotten Classics: The 1990-1993 Chevrolet 454 SS Muscle Truck

The early 1990s were an interesting time for those looking for raw horsepower in a fun package. Ford’s Mustang had a 5.0L V8 with 205 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, not too shabby. Camaro buyers could get a 5.7L V8 that put out 245 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of...

Engine Management and Fuel Trim – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A says that the ECM's primary role in engine management is to ensure that emissions remain within the limits for which the vehicle was originally certified. Technician B says that the fuel trim data PIDs (Parameter Identifiers) represent...

Ford Door Latch Cable Repair Tips and Tricks: 926-111

“Customer states rear door inop.” If you see that line on a ticket and the make and model is a Blue Oval truck or van, what you have is likely related to the door latch. Specifically, the cable end that operates that latch has cracked and crumbled. Ford will tell you...

Does Fuel Octane Rating Really Matter?

Life is full of small decisions. Pulling up to the gas pump, you are immediately faced with a choice: which octane fuel to use? The owner's manual for any vehicle should provide a minimum octane requirement, but is it worth filling up with a more expensive fuel with...

How to Make Your Own Molded Hose in a Pinch

When a vehicle’s vacuum or heater hose is in need of replacement, we tell the service writer, they sell the job and a little while later, a custom-formed piece with eleventy-four bends shows up, just like magic. But it wasn’t always this way. In Ye Olden Days, we’d...

Diesel and DEF – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A says that an empty DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) tank can result in a “no start” complaint. Technician B says that the quality of the DEF fluid in the tank should be checked when SCR system faults are noted. Who is correct?A) Technician AB)...

EDC: Mechanic Edition

EDC, or “everyday carry” has become a popular topic of conversation. At first I thought people’s interest in this was a zeitgeist, but I think it’s got more staying power than I originally surmised. I used to (and still) roll my eyes when someone posts a beautiful...

The Most Neglected Part of the Cooling System

Cooling system jobs are, by and large, gravy repairs. Sure, we get the occasional hard-to-bleed system or the heater core that’s buried. But for the most part, the work is straightforward plumbing. And selling the stuff is easy! Even the most price-conscious customer...

Try Doing It the Wrong Way

Try Doing It the Wrong Way

by | Feb 17, 2026

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

DIYers: Yes, You Can Handle a Window Regulator Replacement

by | Jun 17, 2025

I’ve had an ongoing disagreement with a few of my Shop Press colleagues for some time now. Personally, I believe that replacing a window regulator is a perfect job for a DIYer. I mean, I’ve done them myself, and I barely even consider myself a DIYer. However, some of...
Tools beyond the basics for DIYers

Tools beyond the basics for DIYers

by | Mar 18, 2025

Except when it comes to mountain bikes and drum kits, I’m frugal (read: cheap) by nature, so I’m not the kind of guy who would blow a chunk of change on tools that I will never use. I’m also keenly aware of the limitations of my skills when it comes to automotive...