autofixworld.com - September 2008

AutofixWorld
September 2008

This month's issue ranges from the high tech wireless transmissions of the Toyota Smart Key to part one of a vehicle restoration that welcomes members of the Junky Car Club. (Don't get too excited, its just a Dodge Stratus.)

In the "trying something new" department, we've published an excerpt from a technician-authored book.

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New articles...

Hybrids
	Will the Last One to Leave Please Turn Off the Prius? by - Sam Bell and Ralph Birnbaum The Toyota Smart Key System Toyota's Smart Key system is a very popular feature found in many of their hybrid models. If you don’t understand it, however, you might make a very expensive mistake that allows the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) engine to start during an oil change. Ouch!

Tool Test
	Fuel Zapp In this month’s tool test, we’re checking out the Fuel Zapp fuel system analyzer from Thompson Automotive Labs. This multi-featured tester is used to measure both fuel system pressure and fuel volume. It is also fitted with an exhaust pressure gauge and a conventional engine vacuum gauge. ...

Junky Cars
	Stratus Symbol - Part One Reader warning: This article may not be for you. If you demand the latest, newest, fastest, hippest wheels, and have accepted the fact that you will have a car payment—forever, this month's project may bore you to distraction, or even annoy you. We're here to cater to that special segment of the do-it-yourself market known as the power cheapskate. ...

Vacuum or Pressure?

Working in a Vacuum - MAP Sensors

Seen a bad MAP sensor lately? I can't remember the last one I replaced. Darned things are really tough, and seem to be far less troublesome than Mass Air Flow sensors: ask Ford and VW, if you doubt that statement; they've replaced more MAF sensors than they care to count. Ask CRC, making loads of moolah selling MAF spray cleaner, not MAP spray cleaner. You know what we mean.

New Technology
	Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems TPMS Quick Overview Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems are now standard issue on all new cars. Are you conversant with all the terms and concepts? Here's an overview of TPMS technology in words and video.

Book Excerpt - TPMS
	Book Excerpt - Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems From the Autofixworld Books and Manuals Department Looking for more information on TPMS? Here's an overview of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, Preparing for the Present, written by Scott Shotton and Bob Heipp. Copyright 2007: The Driveability Guys

Tool Test
	Phil's Probe We are happy to give Phil Fournier the chance to demonstrate his one-handed wire probe. Phil is a former ASE Tech of the Year, automotive writer, trainer, and working technician. Take it away, Phil.