Shop Connection Blog

Diesel engines can be sensitive to fuel quality even though they employ several filters to remove water and other contaminants. But one contaminant in particular is harder to handle. SureTrack community member kenscssvc had a Ford F350 Super Duty diesel in the shop that was hard to start and ran bad when running. They posed their question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member powerstroketech1 and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.
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Modern turbocharged engines provide a lot of power to their owners but can be quite complicated. When you have an issue with lack of power, don't forget the basics that apply to all engines. SureTrack community member bmaples had a Ford F150 3.5L EcoBoost in the shop that just didn't have the power it should. They posed their question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member CBriggs and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.
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We're constantly being urged to do updates. Updates on our phones, our computers, even our TVs. Even your car needs updates at times. Some newer cars automatically get updates over the air but older ones don't. SureTrack community member alltune had a Jeep Compass in their shop that couldn't pass inspection because the fuel monitor wouldn't set. 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.
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Words have meaning — often multiple meanings and whatever word is used to describe a sound may or may not convey the sound to the interpreter of the word — most often the technician. Mercifully, the context in which the word is used usually helps us to better understand what that particular word means. Learn how Mitchell 1’s TruckSeries can help you “translate” those sounds to make sense.
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VAC is this case is not an acronym, but an abbreviation for VACUUM! Yes, starting in 2014, the Honda Odyssey Elite came equipped with its own built-in vacuum. Sadly, this feature will be discontinued in 2022 due to supply issues.
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Intermittent noises are hard to reproduce and therefore hard to track down, especially if they only happen while driving. SureTrack community member Jeffytune had a Cadillac Escalade in the shop that would sometimes make a loud buzzing noise after driving over a bump or dip. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community members ericsautomotive and jbsprintcar, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.
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If you service and work on heavy-duty diesel trucks then you are most likely quite familiar with Diesel Exhaust Fluid or DEF. But even if you are familiar with it, it is always good practice t update yourself and keep your knowledge and safety practices in handling DEF always up to date.
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