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The Real Meanings Behind OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (VIDEO)

Description When the check engine light (CEL) pops up and your OBD-II scan tool displays a code, that’s only the start of the diagnostic process. By breaking down the structures used to create DTCs, you can learn how to “decode” beyond the simple descriptions...

What’s Torque-to-Angle All About?

Torque-to-angle, also known as angle-torque or torque-plus-angle, is a fastening method that combines an initial torque application with a subsequent angular rotation to achieve precise bolt or fastener tension. This technique ensures consistent clamping force,...

Hybrid A/C Compressor Oil-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A is working on a hybrid vehicle’s air conditioning system that utilizes a high voltage electrical compressor. Technician B says that only the oil specified by the vehicle manufacturer should be used in the compressor. Technician A says PAG oil...

Troubleshooting a “No A/C Compressor Engagement” Fault

As the weather warms, more and more of your customers will be switching over their HVAC control settings to “max A/C”. If the system doesn’t respond by blowing that refreshing cool air into their faces, they will show up at your door to find out why. When faced with...

Is the Oil Change Interval in a Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual Always the Right Choice? (VIDEO)

Description When choosing an oil change interval for a car or truck, some technicians follow the guidelines in the owner’s manual, while others will suggest a conservative figure such as every 3,000 miles. Pete Meier explains how vehicle usage and oil/filter quality...

Diesel Engines and Racing

Nearly every conceivable version of the internal combustion engine has made its way to the Indy 500. But it was a 1931 entry of a rather unusual type that made it into the record books as the first to complete the entire 500-mile race without a pit stop. That entry...

Recovering A/C Refrigerant-ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A is preparing to recover the refrigerant from a customer’s vehicle. All of the below are steps he should take when performing this service EXCEPT: A) Test for the presence of sealant in the vehicle systemB) Identify the type of refrigerant the...

The Folded Paper Era and Beyond: Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Iconic Design Journey

Few names in automotive design carry the influence and legacy of Giorgetto Giugiaro. With a career that spans more than six decades, Giugiaro’s designs have touched nearly every corner of the automotive world—from exotic supercars and world-beating rally machines to...

In The Bay

Don’t let your scanner go unprotected

by Lemmy | Feb 1, 2024

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This article is a quick reminder to buy (and use!) a surge protector on your (or your shop’s) scan tool(s).

The modern vehicle scanner has WiFi, a screen, and touch input. It is, for all intents and purposes, a computer, and it doesn’t like “dirty” power. Protect it as you would a legitimate computer. The modern shop has all sorts of power draws and supplies. Customer vehicles are already a questionable source of power—reduce your exposure when charging your tools at night and throw a surge protector between the power source and your tool.

Single-input surge protection devices exist and are compact and cost-effective—grab one! Photo: Lemmy

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