Service, Diagnostic, and Mechanical News (13)
Delphi is helping to create a dream come true for one lucky technician this year with its “Win the Delphi Dream Shop” giveaway. The giveaway, to be announced at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in November 2011, will provide one technician Delphi parts, tools, equipment and training to help them upgrade their current shop or build their own Dream Shop.
CT Bill Advocates Independent's Need for Diagostic Codes
Written by AAIAThe Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) testified in support of Proposed Bill No. 160, introduced by Senator Martin Looney in Connecticut, which would require car companies to share diagnostic codes with independent repair technicians. Aaron Lowe, AAIA vice president, government affairs, urged the Joint Committee on General Law to approve the bill in order to ensure that independent shops have the ability to repair today’s highly sophisticated computer-driven vehicle systems.
“Today, nearly every vehicle system, from air bags to tires, is controlled or monitored by on-board computers,” Lowe said. “While these computers provide important benefits in terms of safety, fuel efficiency and convenience, they also have provided the vehicle manufacturer with the ability to control who perform repairs.”
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Toyota Fined $16.4M, Will Face Single Sudden Acceleration Lawsuit
Written by staffToyota agreed April 19 to pay a $16.4 million fine imposed by the Transportation Department—the largest ever government penalty against an automaker, and the maximum amount allowed under U.S. law. The fine was imposed on Toyota for concealing and delaying the release of information related to recent recalls to fix sticking pedals. Toyota failed to tell the agency about the ‘sticky pedal’ problem for at least four months.”
The Houston Chronicle reported, “The government has linked 52 deaths to crashes allegedly caused by accelerator problems in Toyotas. The recalls have led to congressional hearings, a criminal investigation by federal prosecutors, dozens of lawsuits and an intense review by the Transportation Department.” A separate investigation by the Los Angeles Times has indicated that more than 100 deaths may ultimately be blamed on the defect.
Toyota Motor Corp. said Feb 4 it was aware of concerns about the safety of its Prius hybrid and that it has modified the braking system to address the issue.
This month we introduce---for fun---a humorous column excepting short stories from Scott "Gonzo" Weaver's book, HEY LOOK! I FOUND THE LOOSE NUT! Scott is an auto electric shop owner in Oklahoma. His stories are true.
Check out his website at www.gonzostoolbox.com, or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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ASA Provides Legislative Division Updates at 2009 ASRW
Written by staffSEMA Show--- Floor Tour With Tire Rack? The Recession Effect? Who's Lean and Green?
Written by staffMatt Edmonds, vice president of Tire Rack www.tirerack.com, America’s largest independent tire tester and direct source for tires, wheels and performance accessories will be at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas to gauge and evaluate the pulse of the industry as a whole on Monday Nov. 2nd – Thursday Nov. 5th. As a result of the worst recession in decades, several major tire manufacturers are unable to attend this year’s show as you know. What does this mean for the industry as a whole and what’s new at the show despite several manufacturers not in attendance?
Autoland Scientech Designs Top-Tier Automotive Diagnostic Systems
Written by staffRichard Zenteno, the Marketing Director for the Americas for Autoland Scientech U.S.A., has recently seen a movement throughout the country in which body shops are incorporating diagnostics along with mechanical repair and adding it to their menu of capabilities, he said. The reasons for this new trend are many, Zenteno explained.
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