Tech Feature: Acquiring Data on Scan Tools, Part II Technical contributor Gary Goms discuss the importance of choosing the right scan tool, using scan tool database systems, graphing data, storing data for future use, analyzing scan tool data and using bi-directional controls. More

Tech Feature: Engine Technology Gets a Boost As a technician, you'll need to understand how Ford's EcoBoost turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine works, since the automaker plans to incorporate it in 90% of its new vehicles over the next three years. More

Mitch's World: Picture If You Will… There are mornings here at the shop when the only thing missing would be Rod Serling standing in the corner of the office waiting to utter those famous words that started so many of the early Twilight Zone episodes. More

CURBING CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFTS Catalytic converters have been disappearing at an alarming rate. The theft of these emission control devices is being perpetrated by sleazeballs looking for easy money. A thief can hock a pilfered converter for $25 to as much as $100 depending on the value of the precious metals inside it. More

Tech Feature: 2010 Buick LaCrosse Brake Service The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is built on the Epsilon II platform that is shared with the Saab 9-5 and other soon-to-be-named vehicles. While you may not see this vehicle in your bays for a while, it is a great example of how the common brake job will stay the same and how it will change in the future. More

Tech Tip: Kia 4WD Mode Inoperative On the 2000 Sportage, the four-wheel-drive mode may become inoperative (diagnosed either during or after replacing the knuckles and hub seals) due to insufficient vacuum being applied to the hubs. In some cases, moisture has entered the vacuum system and vacuum lines have become corroded, plugged or ­developed a leak. Corrective Action: Verify that w More

Tech Tip: Volkswagen MIL On/DTC P1603 (18011) Stored If DTC P1603 (18011) “Control unit faulty” is stored in the DTC memory on an affected vehicle, do no ­automatically replace ECM for this condition. First perform the following procedure. Diagnostic Procedure: 1. Verify that the battery voltage and condition are OK. (Charge and load test as necessary). More

Tech Feature: Engine Part Coatings Almost any part can be coated, but just because you can doesn't mean you should. There are various types of coatings and choosing the right process for the right parts is one of the biggest keys to making more power and increasing component life. More

Tech Tip: Honda Drivetrain Noise/Judder from Rear of Vehicle If a customer with a 2003 and later Pilot or 2006 and later Ridgeline complains of a noise and judder from the rear of the vehicle when turning, the VTM-4 differential fluid could likely be contaminated by clutch wear, condensation or both. This causes the VTM-4 differential clutches to make noise and to judder when turning. More

Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz MIL On/DTC P2034 Stored in ECU If you receive customer reports in the affected model vehicles of the "check engine" light being activated after starting the engine, and code P2034 is stored in the engine control unit, the cause may be that the ­engine ECU has detected a faulty crankshaft sensor during start up of the engine due to the camshaft ­sensor. More