Anti-lock brakes and traction control systems have been standard on vehicles for many years now. These important safety features rely on good signals from various components to work properly. Follow this Real Fix to see how a code C0050 on a Chevrolet Tahoe was diagnosed and the components that caused the problem were determined.
Pro Tip: Relative compression test on a 2021 Challenger 6.2L
Next time you have a Challenger in the shop, here’s a tip for performing a relative compression test to help determine if a cylinder has a mechanical issue that is causing a lack of compression.
SureTrack Community Fix: Blown HHR
Correct fuel and air ratios are the key to any engine running properly. Many factors can mess up this ratio and cause problems but even with them correct, you can still have issues that seem like that is the cause. SureTrack community member locustpoint had a Chevrolet HHR Turbo in their shop that was running poorly and smoking and the car had been parked for four years. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member DAG1365 and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.
SureTrack Community Fix: Pulsing Cruiser
Most mechanics want to resist the urge to just swap parts when presented with a diagnostic code and instead do the diagnostic work to find the actual cause. SureTrack community member locustpoint had a PT Cruiser in their shop that was pulsing when driving and had a code P0339 for the crankshaft sensor. Testing showed the sensor to be good. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Ericsautomotive and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.
Featured TPMS Tip: Chevrolet Camaro 2010-21
Mitchell 1 provides TPMS information to Modern Tire Dealer, an award-winning publication that writes editorial content geared to independent tire dealers. We’re sharing this content in our blog, with a link to the Modern Tire Dealer website where you can read the article in full. The TPMS information in this article may also be accessed in the reset procedures tab in our ProDemand® auto repair information software, along with other important reset procedure data for the selected vehicle
SureTrack Community Fix: It’s All in the Fuel
When a customer brings you their car but leaves out a critical detail, either on purpose or not, it can wreak havoc on your diagnosis. SureTrack community member DYERDAD had a Pontiac Bonneville in their shop that was running poorly and they checked everything that could have been the obvious cause. What they didn’t know from the customer could have saved a lot of time and frustration. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member DAG1365 and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.
SureTrack Community Fix: The Key is the Key
Having a new issue pop up right when your custom comes to pick up their car can be frustrating and embarrassing. But sometimes there is no way you would have known. SureTrack community member bmaples had a BMW X3 SUV that they had repaired the blower on and parked it outside for the customer to pick up. But when they did, the key didn’t work. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member BMWTECH and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.
SureTrack Community Fix: Can’t Lock That VW
A car that can’t be locked is a security issue for the owner. Usually this comes down to a switch or a module problem but not always. SureTrack community member griffsautoservice had a Volkswagen Jetta that couldn’t be locked with the keys or the fobs. It was a head scratching problem for them but they finally figured it out. The fix is documented below.
SureTrack Real Fix: Throttling Issue
The throttle body on vehicles controls the air provided to the engine for combustion. There several controls related to its function and when one goes bad the vehicle won’t run right. Follow this Real Fix to see how code P2101 was diagnosed on this vehicle and how the issue was resolved.
Featured TPMS Tip: General Motors/Chevrolet Colorado and Canyon, 2006-12
Mitchell 1 provides TPMS information to Modern Tire Dealer, an award-winning publication that writes editorial content geared to independent tire dealers. We’re sharing this content in our blog, with a link to the Modern Tire Dealer website where you can read the article in full. The TPMS information in this article may also be accessed in the reset procedures tab in our ProDemand® auto repair information software, along with other important reset procedure data for the selected vehicle.
