Andy Y
Andy Y is an automotive expert at RepairPal, the leading online source of auto repair resources and estimates. With many ASE Master certified mechanics on staff who have decades of experience, RepairPal knows all the fine points of car repair.
Posts by Andy Y
There are a few different systems in place for computerized control of a vehicle’s engine, transmission, and some driveline components, depending on the make, model, or year of a vehicle. One system calls for an engine control module (ECM) and a transmission control module (TCM), while another type of system will use one integrated, computerized controller called the powertrain control module (PCM).
There are a few different systems in place for computerized control of a vehicle’s engine, transmission, and some driveline components, depending on the make, model, or year of a vehicle. One system calls for an engine control module (ECM) and a transmission control module (TCM), while another type of system will use one integrated, computerized controller called the powertrain control module (PCM).
A pilot bearing is either a bronze bushing or encased ball bearing that resides in the rear hub of the crankshaft that centers and supports the front of the transmission input shaft. .
A pilot bearing is either a bronze bushing or encased ball bearing that resides in the rear hub of the crankshaft that centers and supports the front of the transmission input shaft. .
A shift fork is a forked end metal lever that straddles a manual transmission gear shaft. Its purpose is to slide gears into or out of engagement with other gears in order change from one gear ratio to another in a manual transmission.
A shift fork is a forked end metal lever that straddles a manual transmission gear shaft. Its purpose is to slide gears into or out of engagement with other gears in order change from one gear ratio to another in a manual transmission.
The throttle is a round metal "butterfly" blade that resides inside the round "bore" of the throttle body and controls the amount of air that is allowed to enter a gasoline engine. The opening/closing of this blade is controlled by a cable attached to the throttle pedal or by a computer-controlled electronic throttle motor.
The throttle is a round metal "butterfly" blade that resides inside the round "bore" of the throttle body and controls the amount of air that is allowed to enter a gasoline engine. The opening/closing of this blade is controlled by a cable attached to the throttle pedal or by a computer-controlled electronic throttle motor.
The purpose of the Alternator Discharge Light or "Charging System Light" is to provide a Charging System self-test and to alert the driver if there is a problem in the Charging System on their vehicle. When the vehicle is first started, the Charging System Light should illuminate and then go out within 1-2 seconds.
The purpose of the Alternator Discharge Light or "Charging System Light" is to provide a Charging System self-test and to alert the driver if there is a problem in the Charging System on their vehicle. When the vehicle is first started, the Charging System Light should illuminate and then go out within 1-2 seconds.
The purpose of the hybrid battery control module is to continually calculate the state of charge for the high voltage battery in a hybrid vehicle. It then sends this information to the high voltage control unit, which determines whether to charge or discharge the high voltage battery.
The purpose of the hybrid battery control module is to continually calculate the state of charge for the high voltage battery in a hybrid vehicle. It then sends this information to the high voltage control unit, which determines whether to charge or discharge the high voltage battery.
The fuse box in your vehicle is similar to the fuse box in your home. It contains the fuses and circuit breakers that protect the vehicle’s electrical circuits.
A fuse is a circuit protection device that that uses a thin strip of metal to bridge a circuit that is designed to melt when a predetermined current level is reached thereby preventing the circuit from over heating and being damaged. Automotive Fuses are graded by amperage and can range from 1-2 to over 100 amps.
A fuse is a circuit protection device that that uses a thin strip of metal to bridge a circuit that is designed to melt when a predetermined current level is reached thereby preventing the circuit from over heating and being damaged. Automotive Fuses are graded by amperage and can range from 1-2 to over 100 amps.
A Circuit Breaker is a Circuit Protection device that is uses a bimetallic strip to bridge a circuit. .
A Circuit Breaker is a Circuit Protection device that is uses a bimetallic strip to bridge a circuit. .
A fusible link is a circuit protection device that uses a soft metal wire to bridge a circuit. When the current in the circuit reaches a predetermined level, the wire will melt away and disconnect the circuit, which protects it from overheating and damage.
A fusible link is a circuit protection device that uses a soft metal wire to bridge a circuit. When the current in the circuit reaches a predetermined level, the wire will melt away and disconnect the circuit, which protects it from overheating and damage.
The Starter Relay is a device that utilizes a small amount of electrical current from the ignition switch to energize an electromagnet that operates a larger current carrying switch, which in turn triggers the operation of the Starter Motor or Starter Solenoid. .
The Starter Relay is a device that utilizes a small amount of electrical current from the ignition switch to energize an electromagnet that operates a larger current carrying switch, which in turn triggers the operation of the Starter Motor or Starter Solenoid. .
The starter solenoid is a very large relay that is commonly mounted on the starter motor which utilizes the small electrical "trigger" or "start" signal from the ignition switch to magnetically close two very large electrical contact disks that provide direct battery power to the starter motor which cranks the engine. .
The starter solenoid is a very large relay that is commonly mounted on the starter motor which utilizes the small electrical "trigger" or "start" signal from the ignition switch to magnetically close two very large electrical contact disks that provide direct battery power to the starter motor which cranks the engine. .
Worn shock absorbers can adversely affect the way a car handles and brakes. Worn shock absorbers affect tire wear and ride quality for the passengers.
Worn shock absorbers can adversely affect the way a car handles and brakes. Worn shock absorbers affect tire wear and ride quality for the passengers.
It's not difficult to replace wiper blades on cars, but remember—incorrect installation of the replacement wiper blades can scratch or even crack the windshield. Please use caution! .
It's not difficult to replace wiper blades on cars, but remember—incorrect installation of the replacement wiper blades can scratch or even crack the windshield. Please use caution! .
Now that everyone in my social circle knows that I spend far too much of my life thinking about auto repair, I get a lot of car-related email and news--which is great! There's a lot of it. I was just sent this auto repair shop advertisement from a 1928 newspaper, and while I can't verify that it is authentic, but for fun, let's just assume that it is.
Now that everyone in my social circle knows that I spend far too much of my life thinking about auto repair, I get a lot of car-related email and news--which is great! There's a lot of it. I was just sent this auto repair shop advertisement from a 1928 newspaper, and while I can't verify that it is authentic, but for fun, let's just assume that it is.