May 30, 2010
Consumer
5 Comments
Local used car lot finds creative way to promote their biz with a used police car.
Summary: Used police cars are usually available at a low cost at some lower priced car lots, government auto auctions and public auto auctions. In most cases used police and sheriff deputy cars have been very well maintained. They typically come with some features that ordinary cars don’t come with. Read on to learn about the extras that come with a used cruiser. One local Tampa car lot picked up a used Ford Crown Victoria police car at a dealer auction and had a great custom wrap installed. The rolling advertisement helps to promote their used car business in a unique way.
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April 25, 2010
Chry. 4.7 Problems, Consumer, Jeep
93 Comments
Dennis Bandy and his 2007 Dodge Dakota truck
Summary: A severe misfire with a 3.7 or 4.7 Dodge or Jeep vehicle that is accompanied with an engine noise on the top end and backfiring through the intake or exhaust could have a fallen rocker arm. This is becoming a quite common and somewhat puzzling occurrence. Learn what the leading cause of this problem is and if the repair could possibly be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Owners of a 3.7 or 4.7, discover what steps can be taken to help prevent this problem from occurring in their vehicles.
March 28, 2010
TIME-SERT Kits
13 Comments
Summary: Go to the 1415C Time-Sert Listing. Aluminum drain pans are used on many vehicles today to reduce over-all vehicle weight. However, drain plug threads on aluminum pans are weaker than steel threads and are more prone to wear from routine oil changes over time. When drain plug threads are stretched, stripped or otherwise worn – over-sized drain plugs or piggy-back plugs can be used as a temporary fix. One problem with using over-sized drain plugs, is that it’s difficult to get the correct size and then installing them straight and true is required to get a tight seal. Rubber expandable drain plugs are makeshift at best. TIME-SERT offers drain plug repair kits which use steel inserts that accept the original size drain plug. A steel insert offers a much stronger set of threads that well exceeds the strength of OE aluminum threads.
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March 13, 2010
Tool Comparison
1 Comment
Auto mechanics need car tools to be productive, but at what cost?
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: As with many industries the automotive mechanics tool industry is evolving due to availability and competition that the Internet has brought forth. In the past auto technicians mainly bought their auto mechanics car tools from mobile tool trucks such as Snap On, Mac Tools, Matco, Cornwell and USA Tools. This car tool article shows the trend of auto mechanics increasingly going on-line to find the tools they need. No longer are car tools ONLY available from the local tool truck salesman. Read on for a great selection of auto mechanics car tools.
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March 6, 2010
Air Conditioning, Consumer, DIY, How To Auto Repair, Jeep
107 Comments
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Jeep Grand Cherokee’s with dual zone have a common problem of blend doors breaking at the point of actuator engagement. Vehicles affected are 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees. The automatic temperature control can be affected on the driver or passenger side, making the temp control inoperable. Until recently the refrigerant had to be discharged and the dash removed for repair. Now with a WJ blend door repair kit # K6855685AB, from Mopar/Chrysler/Fiat the repair can be done in the vehicle by even modestly experienced individuals. The kit includes an aluminum door door, a plastic door, a spindle, grease and patch material for resealing the evaporator case after repair. PDF Jeep instructions provided in this car repair article.
NOTE – Since this article was written Jeep has discontinued this repair. We used to sell an alternative however, we have discontinued that item also. See HeaterTreater.net for a possible solution.
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February 27, 2010
Consumer, How To Auto Repair, Jeep
125 Comments
Common transmission leak on many Chrysler products is the electrical plug housing.
©DenLorsTools.com Summary: A common (Chrysler product) transmission fluid leak which affects many models including Jeep Grand Cherokees is covered here. The leak can easily be mis-diagnosed as a leaky pan gasket. A lot of unsuspecting consumers may end up spending a thousand dollars or more to rebuild a transmission with a leak like this. There’s no recall at this time from Chrysler, perhaps there should be, with such a widespread problem. The good news is that this auto repair blog describes the source of the problem and how to repair. A simple repair process to stop the leak for the cost of around ten dollars. Even a do-it yourself-er and can save possibly thousands of dollars from having a mis-diagnosed leak repaired by a transmission rebuild. The vehicle that the transmission leak occurred in, in this case was a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.7L, GAS, Vin K, Eng Cfg V6.
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February 20, 2010
Apprentice Tech
1 Comment
“I’m gonna change this oil pan if it Kills Me!”
Summary: Having the right tools for the job not only increases production, it can help prevent personal injury. The auto mechanic in the picture above risks life and limb to change over an oil pan to a newly rebuilt engine. Technicians that have been working on cars for years are not exempt from making rookie mistakes. In fact older auto tech’s with more years in the field, may be more prone to taking some risks simply because of complacency.
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February 14, 2010
Auto Specialty Tools, Chevrolet, DIY, GM Intake, How To Auto Repair
3 Comments
Video I made a while back showing the specialty tool in use.
© DenLorsTools.com Summary: Automotive repair blog article on changing intake gaskets on GM 3.1 and 3.4 v-6 engines. Often the problem of water in the oil is mis-diagnosed as blown head gaskets. There are many time saving tips that can be used when changing the gaskets in this and Denlor’s original tech article linked within. The image above is click-able, it opens a new window for Youtube – just watch the volume! The tool is a Lisle 48500, we’ve been selling it for several years now.
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January 17, 2010
Auto Scan Tool, DIY, General Interest
No Comments
Autel code reader is an inexpensive solution for DIYers and a popular choice for pro’s when dragging out the big scanner can be avoided.
A recent question from a customer:
I have the following vehicles (2002 Camry, 2007 Camry, 2001 dodge diesel truck). my 2002 Camry is giving a intermittent engine light and I’m thinking about buying a scanner. If I buy one I want one that will help me the most to ID the problem so I’m trying to figure out which models give me the most capability for my vehicles. I was considering the Techscan 7000 or the actron cbp-9185 or cp9190. I’m looking for much more than just something that tells me the code…. I want it to help me figure out what part is bad and am wondering if one model is better than another for my vehicles? If you have a different model you prefer please let me know which one and why. It is very difficult to understand what these scanners can do that makes one better than the other.
December 24, 2009
Consumer, DIY, VW
6 Comments
Summary: A common problem is when both turn signals and hazard lights go out at same time, on a VW New Beetle. The next question – Where is the flasher located? Many cars have separate flashers, one for the turn signals and one for the hazard lights. A good reason for separate flashers is that both are unlikely to fail at the same time and a driver in an emergency situation would be able to turn on some flashing lights to alert other drivers. VW, was unable to grasp this idea so they designed a dual purpose flasher relay – when it fails, the turn signals and hazards will NOT work. The turn signal and hazard flasher relay is integrated into the hazard flasher switch. When the relay fails it will cause both the turn signals and the hazard lights to stop working. The unit is replaced as an assembly, see the picture below.
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