Carley's Corner: Modules Are Taking Over The average new car today has up to 80 or more modules that control more than 1,000 different functions - everything from powertrain management, anti-lock brakes, stability control, electronic suspension and airbag deployment to power windows, power seats, climate control, infotainment and navigation. More

Tech Feature: Breezing Through Ignition Off Draw Tests One of the biggest differences in servicing the Sebring convertible from other Chrysler models was its battery location - behind the driver's side wheel well. More

Tech Tip: Cranky Honda Civic Starter is a Grind A Honda Civic owner may complain that the starter motor intermittently grinds while cranking the engine. The cause may be that the female terminal at the starter solenoid may have spread apart, causing a loss of current to the solenoid. More

Tech Tip: Volkswagen Diagnosis for Excessive Static Current Draw On any VW model, one or more of the following symptoms may be possible: Discharged battery; Engine does not start because of low battery voltage; Voltage display in the combination instrument displays too low; or "Low battery" fault codes in various control modules. More

Diagnostic Solutions: Modern Battery Design and Testing Modern battery technology is changing the way we deal with battery testing and replacement. More

Power Assist: Servicing Saturn VUE Hybrids The hybrid version of the Saturn VUE was initially referred to as the "Green Line" model because of its improved fuel economy: 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway versus 22/27 for the regular version of the VUE. The Green Line moniker has since been dropped for the 2009 model year. More

Tech Tip: Diagnosing Ford F-250 Engine Miss A 1999 Ford F-250 5.4L has an engine miss and the Check Engine light is on with code P0304 in its memory. Check for coolant dripping onto the #4 coil (passenger side rear cylinder) from the hose fitting directly above it. If coolant has dripped onto the coil, tighten the clamp and replace the coil, as it is almost always damaged by the coolant leak. More

Tech Tip: Servicing a Malfunctioning Automotive Ignition Switch The automotive ignition switch, formerly a straightforward device used to connect battery voltage to various circuits and prevent theft of the vehicle, has recently been switched up. More

Tech Feature: Rediscovering Your DMM Relationship Sometimes we become so caught up in leading-edge diagnostic technology that we forget that a professional-grade digital volt-ohm meter (DVOM) or digital multimeter (DMM) is a vital tool in any technician's diagnostic arsenal. More

Tech Feature: What's New in Spark Plug & Ignition Cable Technology Ignition systems have changed a great deal in recent years, with coil-on-plug (COP) ignition systems being the most common setup on many late-model engines. Car makers like COP ignition systems for a variety of reasons. The main one is that mounting a small ignition coil over each spark plug gets rid of the troublesome spark plug wires. Plug wires are vulnerable to heat and vibration damage, and can... More