Diagnostics and Drivability

Figure 1: The relative compression test is featured frequently in the pages of Motor Age magazine as it is a very efficient test that yields a lot of information about engine mechanical integrity.
Diagnostics and Drivability

Compression testing a Ford F-150

Sept. 12, 2024
Cylinder integrity refers to its ability to harness its contents. But if it won’t fill, is there really anything to squeeze?
Photo courtesy of Rick Urso
Digital inspection tools allow technicians to complete jobs quicker and more efficiently.
The Garage

The benefits of digital inspection tools

Sept. 10, 2024
A good diagnostic tool arsenal should help you complete jobs faster and more efficiently.
Photo courtesy of Scott Brown
Diagnostics and Drivability

The impact of electric vehicles on the automotive market

Aug. 28, 2024
Steps to help prepare your shop for electric vehicles.
Clay Cowell
Service Repair

Why this Ford F-150 won't start

Aug. 1, 2024
Many times driveability symptoms surface without associated DTCs.
Chris Martino
Service Repair

Why it's important to build and trust your diagnostic process

Aug. 1, 2024
The story of a 2018 Land Rover Discovery, an engine rebuild, and a lingering list of diagnostic questions to solve.
Tire Rack
Service Repair

Tire match mounting tips

Aug. 1, 2024
Tire-to-wheel match mounting is an effort to minimize the effects of either imbalance or radial force variation (RFV).
Brandon Steckler
Diagnostics and Drivability

Powerstroke Engine Choked Under Pressure

July 18, 2024
The in-cylinder compression waveform is an easy way to see engine-mechanical faults without disassembly. But what if the breathing issue isn’t an engine issue at all?
Brandon Steckler
Diagnostics and Drivability

Solved: A Mazda 6 that underperforms

July 17, 2024
This 2006 Mazda 6 idled just fine, but the 2.3L turbo engine barely performed and exhibited poor power output under cruise and acceleration. The same DTC seemed to show up, but...
Diagnostics and Drivability

Top 10 diagnostic products: Q2 2024

July 1, 2024
Check out the most popular diagnostic products added to Vehicle Service Pros in the last three months.
Diagnostics and Drivability

2024 Scan Tool Spec Guide

A comparative list of functions and features for a large selection of aftermarket scan tools.
Diagnostics and Drivability

Toyota's Dynamic Force Engines

June 7, 2024
Toyota introduced the Dynamic Force Engine family, featuring I3, I4, and V6 engines with turbo and non-turbocharged applications. The engine prioritizes thermal management to...
Image by Brandon Steckler
Diagnostics and Drivability

Analyzing an underperforming Mazda 6

June 6, 2024
This 2006 Mazda 6 2.3L turbo was exhibiting poor power output under cruise and acceleration. The vehicle seemed to idle just fine, but barely performed, even under low load conditions...
137913561 © OPZ Creative | Dreamstime.com
Diagnostics and Drivability

Diagnosing from different angles

June 5, 2024
Being a technician under pressure to get the job done quickly is not a stress-free position. This intensity is multiplied when you factor in a flat-rate pay scale. With that, ...
Photo courtesy of Scott Brown
Diagnostics and Drivability

Electrical circuit testing techniques for service technicians

May 29, 2024
Understanding your tools and equipment for electrical circuit testing is crucial to performing competent diagnostics.