Monthly Archive for November, 2009

auto repair troubleshooting

Published on November 22, 2009 in Arizona Auto Repair. 0 Comments

auto repair troubleshooting
auto repair troubleshooting

There must be times when one of your home appliances does not operate properly and your dishwasher is no exception. When it is the case, then there are some parts that you can first check to find out where the trouble source is. Before you do all below checking, you have to make sure to unplug the power supply for safety reason. Here are the parts of dishwasher that you can check yourself:

1. Check the power supply of your dishwasher. Does the power supply reach the dishwasher? When there are some problems with the fuse or circuit breaker, then no power will reach the dishwasher and as the result, it will not work at all. Therefore, you need to replace the broken fuse or circuit breaker.

2. Check on the door switch. The door switch is the main connector of power supply to the machine. Therefore, there must be no defect in the door switch at all in order the dishwasher to operate properly. You can detect any defect of the switch by removing the cover of control panel

3. Check on the wiring. When your dishwasher is quite old, then it is likely that the wiring system is already fragile. It means that the wire can be easily burnt up and then obstruct the connection. If the problem is indeed from the fragile wiring, then you need to change the whole wiring system in your dishwasher as well as the connectors.

4. The problem can also be from dishwasher selector and timer switches. The only alternative if they are broken is replacing them with the new ones, because such devices are not repairable.

5. The water on dishwasher inlet regular can also be the source of problem. One thing to indicate the defect is if the water supply to the dishwasher is not sufficient so that the machine cannot clean up the dishes thoroughly. Another indication to this defect is the knocking sound from the dishwasher called as “water hammer”. You can find these regulators on the left of the lower panel, consisting of a rubber tube with 2 wires and is connected to the water supply. If it is true that here is the problem, then replacing the whole regulators is the only thing you can do.

6. Check on the float switch. Every dishwasher always has float switches used to prevent water overflows. This device is from plastic material that will rise in accordance to the water level. If the float switches are stuck and are not in accordance with water level, then it is the obvious sign to repair or even replace the switches.

7. Check on the internal filter. You will find a filter in your dishwasher to prevent any rubbish or food particles entering the pump circulation. When the filter is dirty or getting blocked with some rubbish or food particles, your dishwasher might not wash the dishes thoroughly. It means that you have to clean up the filter. It is a very easy thing to do. If you keep the manual, you can find further instructions on how to clean up the filter properly. However, the latest models generally come with automatic self-cleaning features so that you do not bother to clean the filter manually.

Above are some troubleshooting tips for your dishwasher in case they get stuck and cannot operate properly. They are actually quite easy to do, but if you are too sure about it, you can just call a technician to have the repair done.

To find out more information, visit our website Miele Dishwasher. Need a Food Processor? Find the information here Mini Food Processor.

Does anyone know of any auto repair forums or chat rooms?

I have an 86 F250 that has a starting system problem and i cant find any rooms or forums to post a question on. Are there any sites for auto electrical diagrams or troubleshooting guides?

I was researching new cars, and noticed on the “autobytel” website that they have car repair forums. Hope that helps.

Auto Repair: Troubleshooting The Cooling System – 1 of 3

auto repair information

Published on November 17, 2009 in Arizona Auto Repair. 0 Comments

auto repair information
auto repair information

If you see fewer auto repair shops in your area then you are witnessing a trend that is spreading throughout the auto repair industry. The small independent auto repair shop is getting squeezed by both the dealers and the ‘backyarders’ creating shrinking margins and putting many auto repair independents out of business.

The global problem is the auto repair and service market has been shrinking in the last ten or fifteen years. Technology has made cars much more reliable with fewer breakdowns, repairs and scheduled maintenances.

Many manufacturers offer some sort of 100,000 mile warranty meaning that the independent will get little chance to work on that car for the first 5-10 years it is owned.

As new car sales margins have gone down, VW, Chevrolet, Toyota and other manufacturers are looking to their service departments to make up the difference.

Additionally many dealers such as Porsche and Saab have been adding other value added benefits such as a loaner car while repairs are being made. Independents are now being forced to give courtesy rides to customers in an effort to keep up with the dealers since customers now expect this service.

Furthermore dealers such as Mercedes and Ford are now directly offering specials on services making their dealer prices comparable to independent repair shop prices.

But it’s not just competitive pricing that is worrying the independents.

The battle for skilled labor is also being won by the dealers: the dealers have always competed for skilled labor and now have become even more aggressive. With fewer young people entering the auto repair profession and opting instead for careers such as health and technology, the total talent pool of the top skilled auto technicians is shrinking.

Increasingly it is becoming harder for independents to hire and retain these highly skilled employees. As an automotive technician, would you rather work for Audi or Joe’s Garage?

The dealers are picking up the best ‘mechanics’ or as they are known today, ‘technicians.’ A top end dealer technician can make $100,000 a year with benefits while an independent shop owner would have to gross over a $1,000,000 a year to make that and still have to pay for their own benefits and social security.

Because of these economic realities many independent owners are now closing their shops and going to work for GM, Nissan and other dealers.

This puts the independent auto repair shop at a distinct disadvantage when diagnosing and repairing difficult drivability, fuel injection, electronic and computer related problems.

Additionally, if a diagnosis is made and a part needs replacing the dealer will have it in stock, not only verifying the diagnosis but greatly speeding up the repair time and increasing customer satisfaction. Big advantage Cadillac and Mercedes.

But it’s not just a skilled employee war. Techs cannot fix cars without information and there has been a long and ongoing dispute between the dealers/manufacturers and independents over technical information access and diagnostic tools.

The manufacturers claim that their technical information is proprietary while the independents claim the information should be available to anyone that owns or fixes that make of car.

If the dealers wanted to they could stop all outside repairs on their vehicles but the problem is there are not enough dealerships to service all geographic areas, especially smaller towns and less populated areas. So the manufacturer/dealer gives out some information but not all, often charging the independent repair shops for this information.

Not only does the independent have to buy some parts from the dealer, but also some of the technical information as well. Big advantage Honda and Dodge.

Some independent owners simply watch their business steadily decline over the years as they go out of business. Younger independent owners are willing to work harder and for less financial reward hoping industry conditions will eventually improve.

In essence the independent auto repair industry has matured and is now in a decline. Some consolidation is going on but much of the repair work has either disappeared or is now being done by the dealers, auto repair chains or one person ‘backyard’ shops.

The opportunities are there for those that want to work hard but those opportunities are increasingly limited. In a declining market, only those independents that can develop new competitive strategies will survive and thrive.

As with all mature and declining markets there will be new opportunities for those owners that can adapt and make the changes. Those independent auto repair shop owners that don’t modernize, strategize and compete will go the way of the Edsel and Model T.

Jack Deal has worked in the auto industry for many years and is the owner of JD Deal Business Consulting, Monterey and Santa Cruz, CA. Related articles may be found at http://www.jddeal.com/blog/strategy
http://www.freeandinquiringmind.typepad.com

where can i find free online information for repairing autos?

It appears that the question period has expired. If you have received an answer that meets your needs, please choose one of those as a ‘best answer.’ If you haven’t received a good answer for your question, you may want to consider the following,

1) Re-post your question. Newer questions get more activity on Yahoo! Answers than old ones.
2) If you do re-post your question, consider why it wasn’t answered the first time. Could it be more specific? Could it be worded better? Were there grammatical or spelling errors? Was it in the best category?

If it doesn’t seem likely that re-posting your question will help you, then here’s a listing of my favorite ‘answer sites’. Maybe one of them will help you.

Answers.com http://www.answers.com/
Bartleby http://www.bartleby.com/
Yahoo Reference http://education.yahoo.com/reference/
HowStuffWorks http://www.howstuffworks.com/
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

Since I really haven’t answered your question, it is not necessary to give me any points. Regards.

eAutoRepair.net – Mitchell 1 DIY -Online Automotive Repair Manual-

auto repairs

Published on November 2, 2009 in Arizona Auto Repair. 0 Comments

auto repairs
auto repairs

As you’re driving down the turnpike and approaching the tollbooth, you reach for the switch to lower your window and nothing happens. The switch moves but the window does not budge. Not even a noise from the window motor can be heard which strongly suggests to you that the device is not functioning. You must stop your car and open up the door to pay the attendant before continuing on your trip. Thoughts of an expensive car repair bill are dancing through your head, putting you in a foul mood and tempering the anticipated fun of your getaway weekend. Don’t despair: you can repair the power window yourself and save a bundle over expensive dealership charges. Let’s take a look at the steps you can take to fix the problem yourself and save a lot of cash in the process.

Before assuming that the window regulator must be replaced you should first rule out the possibility of dirty electrical contacts. On most cars the main power for all switches goes through the master switch located at the driver’s console. Sometimes the switch is dirty causing the window to malfunction. If this is the case, take the necessary steps to clean the contact and your problem should be resolved.

Should you determine that the contacts are clean and your switch is functioning, then it is likely that the motor has burned out and is in need of replacing. Whether you are installing a Honda window regulator or a Volkswagen window regulator, or a regulator for any other make the steps involved in replacing a window regulator are usually quite similar:

1. Remove the door panel for the affected window.

2. Locate and remove the bolts holding the regulator to the door; it is likely you will have to manually lower the window in order to access the bolts.

3. Remove the old regulator, disconnect all wiring, and replace the old regulator with a new one you have purchased from a parts supplier. Shop online to find the best value as you will pay a mint if you order one through a dealership.

4. Tighten the bolts holding the new regulator and reinstall the moisture barrier. Make sure all the wires are put back in the door before closing the door panel.

5. Engage the power window switch and the new regulator should work unimpeded.

Of course, follow your car’s repair manual for specific instructions.

I’ve given to you a general outline to convince you that this is a task that even a novice mechanic can handle – in other words: you can do it! By handling the problem yourself, you’ll save plenty of money by avoiding garages who will mark up the replacement part as well as tack on several hours of labor costs to your bill. Shop online to compare prices and to receive the best shipping and handling arrangements available.

Matt is a contributing writer for Car Parts Stuff.

What’s the best place to have auto-body repairs done?

Dealership or other?

Very good question without a real good answer. years ago the dealers only used factory repair panels, but now-a-days they are using foreign-made panels like the rest of the aftermarket. I personally feel like a dealership is the best place to go just because they have access to all the little parts and trim pieces that some aftermarket shops wouldn’t replace because of costs-cutting.

Auto Repair : How Do You Clean or Check a Mass Air Flow Sensor?