Author Archives: HeyAnthonyAz

It’s going to rain, are your wiper blades ready?

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We check your wiper blades at every service. 

If the wiper blades will not clear the glass, they need replacement.  I see many clients wait till it rains to discuss replacing the wiper blades.  Why wait?  The cost is minimal and most cars only need them replaced once a year.  I advise clients why they need good wiper blades and yes it does not rain every day in Arizona, but again, why wait till it does rain…

 

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013

Should I fix my old car or buy a new car?

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Wow, that’s a lot of money to fix my car!

In walks Mr. Steve, he is a new client to the shop.  Steve owns an Isuzu Rodeo with 160,000 plus miles on the clock.  Steve’s Rodeo told me it needed help, Steve on the other hand did not want to spend any money on a big repair.

Mr. Steve and the Rodeo should talk more often…

I looked at the issue (a transmission shifting issue) and calculated that it would be close to 800.00 to address the 5 fluid leaks causing the transmission shifting issue.  You see, Steve’s Rodeo was very low on fluid and because the Isuzu rodeo does not have a transmission dip stick tube.  No one has been checking the fluid level.

You check the fluid level on the Isuzu Rodeo from under the car, when it is on the rack for service.  Now, the under body of the Rodeo told me that the leak has been going on for many weeks if not months.  So someone has been over looking the needs of the car just to save time or because they did not put two and two together.

(Leaks cause fluid loss and fluid loss can cause many parts to fail.)

I asked steve if he would like to leave the car to make the repairs because the parts are special order.  At this point, I should mention that Steve does not like my price.  Steve does not want to spend any money on the car.  So I dropped the other shoe, I informed steve about some of the other needs I see on the car. (Things needing to be done today.)  So Steve is not happy with me at all right now.  So Steve tells me he is selling the Rodeo and going to buy a new car soon.  (Ok)

I hear this one all the time…

In all, I talked with Steve about everything that the rodeo needed and I topped off the fluid in the transmission, plus added some coolant to the cooling system.  I wished Steve well and he drove off.  I would like to see Steve back as a regular client, but for now he is a man with a broken car and I can not change that.

Cars and trucks talk to me.  I hear them tell me they need help and I do what I can to guide the client to the best repair for the car.  The moral to this story, maintenance is an ongoing thing and the older the car gets, the more maintenance it will need.  If you ignore it, it will break.  I like to see my clients at least 3 times a year for oil change services.  This lets me talk to the car and then I can let the client know what the car may need.

The main goal is to plan for upcoming repairs and maintenance

vs being surprised by them at the side of the road.

 

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013

P0128 Engine Code Dodge Magnum

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Dodge Magnum Check Engine Light on, code P0128

When the check engine light turns on, it indicates that the computer sees a fault.  When the engine computer sees the fault, it will store a code.  The code will direct the repair technician to an area to test.  Today I have a 2005 Dodge Magnum with a P0128 code.  This code is basically the same for any make or model.  This is a standardized code for O.B.D. 2 cars and trucks.  P0128 is for Engine Cooling System Thermostat Rationality.  The engine computer (PCM or ECM) predicts what the engine coolant temperature should be, based on the engine coolant temperature at start-up.  The predicted engine coolant temperature is then compared to the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT)  The error between the two is calculated and integrated with respect to time.  When the Thermostat diagnostic runs, the integrated error is compared to a calibrated threshold and a pass or fail is then determined.  Many things can cause the code to set, but they all have one thing in common, Engine Temperature.  Any electric or mechanical component that can affect engine temperature readings will cause the code to set in the computer, even a faulty computer.

The image above is from the Dodge Magnum.  The black rubber body around the center disc failed.  (new on left vs old on right)  The rubber is in place to make a tight seal around the outer body.  This rubber sealing ring keeps coolant from flowing untill the engine reaches the correct temperature.  If coolant flows too early, the code will set.

The engine computer is looking at the coolant temperature to adjust timing and fuel delivery for best economy.  A faulty Thermostat can cause reduced fuel economy, poor heater operation and hard shifting from cars with automatic transmissions.

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013

Cabin air filters

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The air filter above is only 7 months old.

Heating and air conditioning systems on many of todays cars and some trucks have an air filter on the inlet side of the blower motor housing.  The filter helps to remove the small debris and dust from getting into the passenger area.  Service is normally due about once a year or 15,000 miles.  The filter will need more frequent service in a dusty climate.  In many cases the filter does not take long to change.  Air flow will be reduced as the filter becomes dirty.  Changing a cabin air filter video by HeyAnthonyAZ.

 

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013


It was not like that before!

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Ok, I understand.  So let’s solve this now.

As a service consultant I have some trouble with this statement.  For me, it indicates that the car owner came in with a condition that may of not been disclosed when the car was dropped off for service.  Lucky me, I document all findings from large to small.  If I am at fault, I will not side step the issue.  I will fix it.  It is not uncommon to have something happen during a visit, but if anything was to happen during a visit, we will not hide it from you.

Anything we find during the cars visit is documented on the work order.

 

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013


HeyAnthonyAZ?

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This site was created because I have had so many people say the same thing.  (Hey Anthony how do you do this?)  (Hey Anthony take a look at this.)  (Hey Anthony what should we do?)  You get the point.  I can fix almost anything.  It sounds stupid, but it’s true.

I am Anthony Xavier an automotive mechanic in Phoenix, AZ.  I am a ASE Master Tech, with L1 advanced diagnostics and service consultant experience.  I have a military background and I have fixed a lot stuff during my mechanical career.  Hey, I enjoy what I do and I like helping clients keep the most important thing they own, “daily transportation” in good working order.

The very first time I used my dad’s tools, I was 8 years old.  Yes, I got in trouble.  I took apart his Honda motor cycle, Oops…  Let’s just say, I did not do that again.  Many of the things I know today happened because I just jumped in with both feet.  More importantly I stay with the job till it is done.

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013