OnDemand5.com/ShopKey5.com Newsletter
November 2011   

Welcome to the OnDemand5.com/ShopKey5.com newsletter.

This newsletter is provided to share information about our users, their shops, automotive industry news, things going on at Mitchell 1 as well as tips for using the OnDemand5.com and ShopKey5.com products. If you have questions or comments about this newsletter, or ideas for what you'd like to see in it, please .

In this issue:

Missed a previous edition or want to read an article again? Just go to the Newsletter Archive page for a list of links to past headlines.


NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Mitchell 1 Introduces ProDemand™ and ShopKey®Pro

Click here to request your free upgrade.

FASTER, EASIER, SMARTER

Mitchell 1 is proud to introduce our new repair information products, ProDemand™ and ShopKey®Pro. These new products deliver accurate information to help technicians complete their jobs faster, easier, and smarter. Beginning in April, existing OnDemand5.com and ShopKey5.com subscribers will have the opportunity to upgrade to ProDemand™ and ShopKey®Pro.

  • FASTER - eliminating the need for multiple information look-ups. By returning relevant content in one look-up, ProDemand™ and ShopKey®Pro quickly give the technicians everything they need to complete the job.
  • EASIER - allowing the technician to effortlessly navigate from procedures to TSBs to specifications to wiring diagrams and more. ProDemand™ and ShopKey®Pro bring the information to the technicians so they can focus on the vehicle.
  • SMARTER - intelligently cross referencing components, phrases, and codes in the database. Technicians don't have to know the OEM specific term because ProDemand™ and ShopKey®Pro will find the information regardless of term entered.

Click here to watch a recorded webcast introduction from 11/17/11.


Click here for more information.

A/C Compressors Are Special for Honda Hybrids, So is the Compressor Oil

With the proliferation of hybrid vehicles in the marketplace, these vehicles will more than likely end up in your shop for service. Many of the systems are specialized to work with the hybrid drivetrains and present their own unique service challenges. One of these systems is the A/C compressor used in certain Honda Accord Hybrid and Civic Hybrid models. This compressor is unique in that it actually combines two compressors into one housing. On one side is a conventional belt-driven compressor and on the other is a compressor driven by a high-voltage, three-phase electric motor powered by the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery. See the image below for details.

Click here for larger view.
Click image for larger view.

Because of this design, the HVAC system uses a special polyolester (POE) refrigerant oil. This oil has unique electrical insulating properties that protect the motor from damage and you from dangerous electrical shock. If it gets contaminated, it loses much of its insulating properties and can cause damage to vehicle components. So when adding refrigerant oil to a Honda hybrid, here are some important things to keep in mind.

  • If your R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station is equipped with an oil injection system, don't use it! Since there is no practical way to flush left over refrigerant oil from that system, you risk the possibility of cross-compatibility.
  • Never use fluorescent dye to check for leaks; it considerably reduces the refrigerant oil's electrical insulating properties, which could mean expensive component replacement.
  • Use only Sanden SE-10Y refrigerant oil (P/N 38899-RCJ-A01, H/C 7964885)
  • Using your R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station to charge the A/C system shouldn't cause any cross-contamination problems, as long as you're properly using the equipment. The liquid refrigerant that passes through the station's service hoses during charging should flush out any left over incorrect refrigerant oil from an earlier A/C repair job.
Click here for larger view.

Should you happen to cross-contaminate the A/C system with either incorrect refrigerant oil or fluorescent dye, just how bad the damage gets depends entirely on whether or not you run the A/C afterwards. If you don't run the A/C, you'll need to replace any components that you added incorrect refrigerant oil or fluorescent dye to, as well as any components that they may have traveled to from gravity (for example, the A/C compressor, the condenser, or both). If you run the A/C, though, you'll need to replace not only the compressor but also the condenser, the evaporator, the expansion valve, and all of the lines. Running a cross-contaminated A/C system will most likely turn on the IMA indicator and set DTC P0AA6 (high voltage short circuit), resulting in a shutdown of the IMA system.

A 4-ounce can of this oil carries a rather hefty price tag and once you open it, you have to use it or discard the remaining oil as it is sensitive to moisture and other contaminants. Since many A/C service jobs don't require 4 ounces of refrigerant oil, Honda stocks it in both 4 oz and 1 2/3 oz cans.

More information on these procedures can be found in your OnDemand5.com or ShopKey5.com system. Be sure to check the TSB section for updated information before beginning any service on hybrid or even non-hybrid vehicles.


Mechanically Sound Engines

It seems that an ever-increasing number of drivability issues are the result of an engine's inability to seal and squeeze.

Click here to read the complete article.

Motor Age -- Engines today are producing more power from smaller displacements and using less fuel in the process. But to do so, these same designs are less tolerant than those of years past. Small variances in any of the factors related to combustion can result in noticeable drivability issues for the owner.

Finding these small imperfections can be a challenge to even the most talented drivability technician. Verifying the ability of the engine to seal and compress the air/fuel mixture can be an especially time consuming task. Let's see if we can come up with a few ways to reduce that time spent. Click here to read the complete article at Motor Age Online.


Alternator Design and Diagnosis

With more demands placed on the electrical systems, changing your approach can make repairs easier.

Photo: Tony Martin. Click here to read the complete article.

Motor Age -- The modern automobile is a study in escalating expectations. Consumers purchase new cars with the idea that this year's model will do more than last year's, whether it is quieter, more powerful or any number of other criteria. Government regulations are the same, in that each new year brings a set of higher standards regarding fuel economy, emissions and/or safety. Truly, the automotive industry is being pushed hard on all fronts, and for the most part is rising to the challenge.

The common denominator on many of these increased expectations is electronics. Cars can do much of what they do because of the enabling power of computers. Computer control also implies more extensive use of electric actuators. While we used to use mechanical or hydraulic drives for many automotive systems, we now are doing more of the heavy lifting with electric motors and solenoids. Past that, new accessories constantly are being added to the vehicle, and the virtually all of these are powered with electricity. One serious downside to all this is increased electric power consumption. The power has to come from somewhere, and we still rely on an engine-driven alternator to provide the wattage we need to make it all work. Click here to read the complete article at Motor Age Online.


   Internet Explorer 9 Compatibility

Before installing or upgrading to Internet Explorer 9, please read our page of information detailing what to do and issues that may occur with this update.

Click here for more information.



SHOP PROFILE   ^  

Parker Brake and Alignment, Grand Rapids, MI

Parker Brake and Alignment has been a family owned business serving the Grand Rapids Michigan area for over 50 years. We started out as a brakes only repair shop, and have expanded into 2 shops that are complete car care centers. We have a full brake service machine shop that turns drums, rotors and flywheels. The machine shop also does custom relining of all types of brake shoes, machine clutches and heavy machinery brake bands.

Click here to visit their web site.

  • Our technicians are ASA certified and have over 100 years combined experience.
  • We offer early bird drop off, senior discounts, fleet discounts, pick up and delivery and courtesy shuttle service.
  • We offer Valvoline oil changes while you wait.
  • We also have our own in house Parts department and warehouse that also sells discount auto parts to the general public and other local repair shops.
  • We have expanded to 2 shops to serve our customers better.
Click here to visit their web site.

Contact us:

Parker Brake and Alignment
729 Burton SW
Grand Rapids, MI
P:(616)243-7769
F:(616)243-4275

   Grand Rapids location. Click here to visit their web site.
Parker Brake Auto Center
2549 Ivenrest Ave SW
Grandville, MI 49418
P:(616)530-2216
F:(616)530-2235

   Grandville location. Click here to visit their web site.


Visit our web site: www.parkerbrakeautocenters.com or www.parkerbrake.biz


How To Get Featured In The Newsletter

Your picture here. Would you or one of your techs like to be profiled in the newsletter? How about your shop? We're looking for techs and/or shops to feature in this spot. This is an opportunity to let other techs know about you and your shop. You can share information on what your specialties are, what special conditions you have to deal with in your area, anything interesting about your shop or even what you like to do in your free time.

We will also list your shop's information such as location, phone number, web site, or any other information you'd like to provide.

  • Send your story and photos for consideration to . Please also include your account number.
  • Click here for an example of a past Tech Profile.
  • Click here for an example of a past Shop Profile.


Did you know...

You can use the "hand" tool in the SVG color wiring diagrams to move them around the screen. This is helpful when you are zoomed in on a diagram. You can also just hold down the "Alt" key on your keyboard while moving the wiring diagram around with your mouse with the left-click button held down. Go to the Wiring Diagrams help page for more information.

Click here for more hints on using OnDemand5 and ShopKey5.

Click here for more hints on using the product.


TIP CONTEST WINNERS   ^  

OnDemand5/ShopKey5 Live Tip Contest Winners

Click here for the tip contest rules. Mitchell 1 is running a tip contest for a limited time in OnDemand5.com and ShopKey5.com. Below are the latest winners of the contest. Each of these tips earned the tech a $100 prize. Click the links below to see the complete tips and for more information on how you can enter.



WHAT'S HAPPENING AT Mitchell 1   ^  

Mitchell 1 and Motor Age Team up on Monthly Tech Tip Contest

FEBRUARY 2012 IS THE LAST MONTH TO GET YOUR ENTRIES IN

NOTE: The following contest is in addition to the contest listed above. Winning tips from the regular contest will automatically be submitted to the Motor Age contest.

Click here to submit your tips.

"Necessity is the mother of invention," and techs can be real mothers when it comes to inventing ways to make life in the shop easier. Motor Age now gives you the opportunity to share those ideas with your fellow techs with a chance for monthly prizes on its Motor Age Tech Tips page.

Motor Age and Mitchell 1 have teamed up in this monthly contest for our readers. Just fill out this form with your best tech tip. Each month, Motor Age editors will select the best tip and feature it and you in the magazine and online. Not only that, but Mitchell 1 has great prizes for each monthly winner. Readers will choose the grand prize winner at the end of the contest year.

In the shop, it's all about helping your fellow techs earn their livings a little easier, a mission we share with you. Submit your tips today and help out your fellow techs all across the country!



Click here to visit the PerformanceCenter forum.
Want to discuss subjects on running your shop?

Join the free PerformanceCenter forum today. Click here to check it out.



Click here to visit the RepairCert.com web site.
Click here for information on training resources available for OnDemand and ShopKey repair users.




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