VehicleServicePros.com, online home of Fleet Maintenance, PTEN and Professional Distributor magazines, counts down the most popular content for vehicle repair professionals in 2018.
1. Harbor Freight releases code readers
Harbor Freight releases line of diagnostic code readers designed for the master technician. The Zurich OBD2 Code Reader product line was designed to bring the same features and functionalities of leading brands at a more “affordable price.”
All Zurich readers diagnose and clear trouble codes and lights on virtually every foreign and domestic car, light truck, minivan, SUV and hybrid manufactured since 1996.
For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/20989761
2. 2018 Scan Tool Spec Guide
The 2018 Scan Tool Spec Guide, produced by PTEN magazine, is a popular reference guide or comparing aftermarket scan tools side-by-side.
The guide lists scan tools from 26 manufacturers and compares their functions and features to make it easier for technicians and shop owners to decide which scan tools best suit their needs. It covers covers offerings in the OBD-II Generic, OBD-II Enhanced and Heavy Duty categories.
Download the free guide here.
3. Matco’s new RevelX Series toolbox “in action”
Matco releases the RevelX Series toolbox, and Colorado technician Evan Smith is one of the first to show off his decked out three-bay version.
Every tool in Smith’s toolbox, which includes a hutch and two side lockers, is locked into place using a customized organization system unique to Matco Tools, called a Tool Grid.
For pictures and more details on the setup, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/20982641
4. Fiat Chrysler introduces firewall to in-vehicle network
Technicians may be having trouble communicating with certain 2018 Fiat Chrysler vehicles, and it’s probably not their scan tools.
The company introduced a firewall providing moderated access to its in-vehicle network to nearly half of their 2018 product line and most of their 2019 vehicles. Here’s what you need to know: VehicleServicePros.com/21026530
5. Current list of OEs using HFO-1234yf refrigerant
The automotive industry switch to HFO-1234yf refrigerant from R-134a is well underway. Currently about 50 percent of all new model vehicles for 2018 are using HFO-1234yf.
To view a list, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/21005163
6. Top 10 tools of a Wisconsin tech
Timothy Kozerski is a Ford Senior Master Certified technician with 16 years of industry experience, and shop foreman at Sorens Ford in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
His top tools include a Matco blow gun, blow hammer and fuel pressure test set, Snap-on ratchet, Longacre Racing tire gauge, Mac Tool pry bar and cut-off tool, Adenna gloves, Lisle fan clutch wrench set and Superfeet Green Insoles.
For more details, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/20993895
7. Shop owner charged with grand theft auto
The shop owner of Anytime Mobile Auto Repair Service in Bay County, Florida was been arrested in June for charging vehicle repair costs in advance, never making the repair and then keeping the vehicles in his possession.
Four customers came forward during the investigation. To read more, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/21007950
8. Tool Review: Milwaukee M18 Fuel High Torque Impact Wrench
Eric Moore, co-owner of DeMary Truck in Columbus, Ohio, reviewed the Milwaukee Tool M18 Fuel High Torque Impact Wrench with 1/2" Friction Ring, No. 2767-22. He appreciated that the wrench offered the convenience of a cordless wrench, without compromising torque.
“This is exactly what we have been waiting for to come along,” Moore says. “This impact tool is the one to have. I can honestly tell you that after a few weeks using it, I haven’t even picked up any of the air impacts.”
Read the rest of the review here: VehicleServicePros.com/20998755
9. Toolbox that put a size limit on boxes in the shop
Technician Matt Thompson ordered a Mac Tools toolbox so big, it didn’t fit on a tool truck and it force management to put a limit on the size of boxes in the shop.
See photos of the big-time boxes: VehicleServicePros.com/20993467
10. Cummins issues largest truck recall
Cummins will voluntarily recall 500,000 model-year 2010-2015 medium and heavy duty trucks due to a faulty emissions component in its engines. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is calling it the largest voluntary recall in an emission-related case.
For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/21016028
