Author & Automotive Expert James D. Halderman

 

 

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Halderman newsletter January 2019
What's new with Jim? 

I am pleased to announce that the "Best Automotive Textbook Ever, Just Got Better". The new sixth edition of Automotive Technology will be available later this month. Here are the features of the new edition:
* The number of chapters have been increased from 130 to 136 making it easier to select the exact content to study or teach. The new chapters include:
* Chapter 58 - Safety, Comfort and Convenience Accessories
* Chapter 59 - Security and Immobilizer Systems.
* Chapter 61 -Autonomous Vehicles- Operation and Service Procedures.
* Chapter 64- Air Management System.
* Two new chapters were added under the hybrid vehicle section titled Hybrid High-Voltage Batteries (Chapter 92) and Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (Chapter 93)
* The chapter on power steering was expanded and then split into two chapters Hydraulic Power Steering Systems (Chapter 122) and Electric Power Steering Systems (Chapter 123)
* A new chapter titled Vibration and Noise Diagnosis and Correction (Chapter 132) was added in response to instructor requests. 
* Over 200 new full-color photos and line drawings to make the subject come alive.
* Updated throughout and correlated to the latest ASE tasks.
* New Case Studies included in this edition that includes the "three Cs" (Complaint, Cause and Correction).

* Automotive Instructors, ask your local rep for an exam copy.

* Non- instructor automotive professionals, you can preorder your copy today here.

IN THIS ISSUE
Auto Trivia
FAQ
Sample ASE
Tech Tip
Straight Talk
Where's Jim?
January 11-12, 2019-Attending the KOI training expo in Cincinnati

January 13-15, 2019- Attending press-preview days of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. 

Keep up with me at:
www.jameshalderman.com

Puzzle of the month

Find this month's puzzle of the month at this link  and test your students knowledge on tires.


Auto Trivia
This Chrysler Newport is from which year?
a.      1959

b.     1960

c.     1961

d.     1962
Answer at the bottom of this page!
FAQ
What Does This Mark in a Wheel Mean?

The symbol JWL, for Japan Wheel Light Metal, means that the wheel meets the technical standards for passenger-car light-alloy disk wheels.  The manufacturer is responsible for conducting the inspections set forth in the technical standard, and the JWL mark is displayed on those products that pass the inspection.

Sample ASE certification-type question
Question:
What may be required to learn a new tire pressure monitor wheel sensor?
a. A scan tool
b. A TPMS tool
c. A magnet
d. All of the above
Answer/Explanation
The correct answer is d. Depending on the year, make, and model of vehicle, a new tire pressure sensor may be learned by just driving the vehicle, but others may require the use of a scan tool, such as a special TPMS tester or a magnet. Answers a, b, and c are not correct because any one of these may be required depending on the exact vehicle.

Tech Tip
Check the Spare

Many vehicles equipped with a full-size spare tire also have a TPMS sensor. If the inflation pressure decreases enough, the system will trigger the TPMS warning light. This is confusing to many vehicle owners who have checked all four tires and found them to be properly inflated. This fault often occurs during cold weather when the tire inflation pressure drops due to the temperature change. Many newer vehicles with a full-size spare tire will come equipped with a TPMS sensor in the spare.

Straight Talk
From the December 29, Wheels section of Dayton Daily News
 
Reader Asks About Front Brake Malfunction
Russ W. writes by email:
"I have a 2016 Cadillac XTS platinum with front and rear automatic braking.  The rear works perfectly and has saved me a few times, a great feature.  However, the front does not work and I have had it to the dealer numerous times and the dealer's response is it works fine.  When I request him to demonstrate he says he cannot demonstrate.  However, it works fine. If it works why can't he demonstrate?  
I have also talked to Detroit custom relation department and received the same answer; it works and it can't be demonstrated. However, the Cadillac web site has video of how it works and tells how good it is. I have tried using a plastic trash can and all that happens is I just knock it over with no braking.  I have tried numerous times using small cans as well as the big 60-gallon trash container on wheels each time I hit the container and no braking. 
I still feel the dealer should be able to demonstrate the braking using a soft object trash can, cardboard box or something that GM has designed for testing or demonstrating. Please tell me how to test the front automatic braking. Thanks."
Halderman:
What you are using as a target is too small. The "target" needs to be the size of a car. The camera has to see that the object could cause harm, so most "real" targets used for testing include an image of a car. The cameras then can recognize it as another vehicle. There is a way to check it, but it might result in your car hitting something. In the tests that I have been involved with, a soft target is set up and the vehicle is driven towards the target. Emergency braking will occur, but so late that the tires will usually lock up because the system waits until the last second. Place a mattress or something similar in an empty parking lot and try it. Just a warning that the front of your car may hit the mattress, but the car should stop. 

Have an automotive question? Please write to Jim with your questions at [email protected]
Trivia question answer: C. 
Please let me know what you think of the newsletter. I would love to include any of your automotive news, trivia questions or any tech tips you might have. Send me your suggestions! 
You can email me here or visit my website. You can connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn too (links above). 
Regards,
Jim Halderman
 
James D. Halderman writes automotive technology textbooks for Pearson Education. He is an ASE-certified Master Technician with more than 20 years instructional experience.