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Articles In Print

Here is a listing of Pete's earliest articles. We hope you find them entertaining and educational. As of 2009, Pete is averaging 2 features a month for Motor Age, and is an active contributor to the AutoPro Workshop, the MySpace for the automotive industry. There you will find Pete's technical blogs, articles, videos and audios. You can also search the site for all of his newest, in print, features. Don't forget to become one of his "friends"...

Motor Age "Garage" articles: True Tales From the Bay!

Acing the Exam: (July, 2008)

Driveability diagnostics today requires information specific to the vehicle you are working on.

Hanging By A Thread: (April, 2007)

Diagnosing intermittent faults can be the toughest challenge. Follow this tale, and see what Pete found!

All In A Day's Work: (March, 2008)

Sometimes routine service isn't so routine. This car provided a good chance to practice voltage drop testing technique.

The Anemic Jaguar: (December, 2007)

Diagnosing a "System Lean" code is easier using the techniques described in this case of a Jag that was sucking too much air.

A Simple AC Repair. Or Is It?: (September, 2007)

This dual AC system wasn't getting the job done for the passengers in the back. A routine failure in the mode door actuator, however, wasn't the only reason why not.

Cardinal Rules: (March, 2007)

You always read about our success in solving those strange driveability issues. This is a story about an utter failure...and how to avoid the same happening to you!

Triple Play: (December, 2006)

This Ford had a few problems...and a few more on the way. A thorough diagnosis helps prevent problems for your customers, as well as solving the ones they already have.

This is not a complete listing. A few of my favorite early articles are no longer available online, and the laptop that had them died on me.

Motor Age Technical Features

Mode $06: A Tech's Perspective: (November, 2006)

This is an early look at the pros and cons of Mode $06. See our "Just For You" section for additional, updated information.

Think Like The PCM: (January, 2007)

Using the best diagnostic tool you own...and everybody has one!

Misfired Codes: (September, 2007)

There's more to diagnosing misfire issues than simply changing the spark plugs. Here's what the ECM looks at...and so should you!

The Nose Knows: (October, 2007)

OK, quit laughing...I didn't pick the title. This is part 1 of a 2 part feature on fuel control.

On The Straight And Narrow: (November, 2007)

And this is part 2...

Handling The Pressure: (April, 2008) Winner of a Bronze Azbee for Best Technical Article!

What, you thought I only did driveability? This dual AC system wasn't keeping the passengers in the back cold. A routine failure of the mode door actuator, however, wasn't the only reason why not...

Going With The Flow: (August, 2008)

This is an article on the various uses of a low amp clamp in electrical diagnosis. Download the digital version of the magazine to see it. It's in the upper right corner of the page.

Mobile Air Conditioning Society articles

Sorry, but access to online articles is restricted to MACS members. If you service AC, though, membership in MACS is a solid investment. Look at all you're missing, including my stuff, at http://www.macsw.org

Tell them Pete sent you!

Jobber News articles

Jobber News is a Canadian publication I recently started writing for. At this time, however, only the current issues are available for reading online. If you are in Canada, or just want to see how it's done "up North", you can visit them at:

http://www.jobbernews.com/

My AC Doesn't Work: (July, 2008)

There is more than one way to diagnose a compressor that won't engage.

ImportCar magazine

A To VSV: A Guide To Toyota/Lexus EVAP System Diagnosis: (April, 2006)

My very first published article. This covers both the early and late EVAP systems in use on Toyota products, and was written primarily as a personal "toolbox" reference when I couldn't find the information I needed. Print it out and add it to your toolbox, and diagnosing these systems will be a little easier for you!