Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1
Choosing the Right Spark Plug –
continued from page 1
The first number denotes thread size the same engine and operated under ACDelco TechConnect is published
and the second number indicates heat the same conditions. A cold plug
bi-monthly for retail technicians to
range. may be best suited for heavy-load or
provide timely service information,
high-speed driving. A hot plug may be
Thread sizes are: increase knowledge and improve the
better for prolonged idling or stop-and-
4 = 14 mm go traffic. performance of the TSS service center.
8 = 18 mm Publisher:
Installing hot spark plugs in the
10 = 10 mm Dennis Kissack
wrong engine application can result in
12 = 12 mm ACDelco
pre-ignition and possible piston damage.
2 = 1/2 inch taper E-mail
And installing cold plugs in the wrong
5 = 1/2 inch
engine application can lead to fouling, dennis.c.kissack@gm.com
6 = 3/4 inch
loss of power and higher exhaust Editor:
7 = 7/8 inch
emission levels.
Mike DeSander
Heat ranges are:
Installation Tips ACDelco
0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9
Cold ———— Hot E-mail
The spark plug gap of ACDelco
mike.desander@gm.com
The higher the second number, the iridium and platinum spark plugs is set
hotter the plug. during manufacturing and should not be Technical Editors:
changed. A new spark plug found to not Mark Spencer
Heat Range be properly gapped should not be used. E-mail
When gapping conventional mspencer@gpworldwide.com
spark plugs, refer to the exact Jim Horner
measurement specified by the E-mail
engine manufacturer. Only the side jhorner@gpworldwide.com
electrode should be moved, not
the center electrode. An incorrect Production Manager:
gap can cause the spark plug to Marie Meredith
misfire or foul. Desktop Publishing:
When installing a spark plug, Supreme Graphics, Inc.
screw the plug in the cylinder head E-mail
until it is finger tight. Then use a supremeinc@supremeg.com
torque wrench to tighten the plug
to the proper torque recommend- Write to:
ed by the engine manufacturer. The ACDelco TechConnect
threads on the spark plug and port P.O. Box 500
must be clean, smooth and dry. Troy, MI 48007-0500
2
Oil Life, Part 2
Engine oil is made up of two compo- resulted in pro-
nents. First is a base stock of either gressively higher
mineral or synthetic oil. The second part quality oils.
is the additives that turn the oil into a
The API
lubricant as well as serve as detergents,
starburst certifi-
friction modifiers, anti-wear agents and
cation label is
other purposes.
used to help
In the last issue of TechConnect, identify the
oil consumption and oil life were engine oils that
reviewed. Continuing with oil life, meet these new
here’s a look at oil conservation efforts, specifications
including the fundamentals of engine oil for oxidation
and the oil life system used in many resistance,
new vehicles today. deposit protec-
tion, wear
In the Beginning protection, low
Straight mineral oil is not an ideal temperature
lubricant in an engine. A number of performance
additives are needed to give the oil and energy
When the engine is cold or very hot, the miles driven are
properties it does not naturally have or conservation. weighted more heavily (penalized) toward the total that triggers
to enhance its natural properties. These the oil change notification.
Middle Age
additives include:
The North
• Viscosity modifiers, to keep the oil Because of advances in engine
American market used 757 million
the proper thickness over a wide technology and engine oil, the system
gallons of engine oil in 2006. The GM
range of operating temperatures is calibrated to allow more engine
Oil Life System, which measures oil
revolutions between oil changes, result-
• Anti-oxidant agents, to keep the degradation, not mileage, can extend oil
ing in increased mileage. The vehicle
oil from thickening change intervals and reduce oil use. In
build — transmission gear ratios, final
• Corrosion inhibitors, to protect the past, useful oil life was thought to
drive/rear axle ratios, tire size — also
engine components be approximately 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
plays a role in how hard the engine is
It turns out that mileage is actually
• Anti-wear agents, to prevent metal- working. Finally, customer use is ana-
middle age in the oil lifespan of a typical
to-metal contact between parts lyzed, including highway and city driving,
passenger car.
heavy loads and extreme short trips.
• Detergents and dispersants, to OEMs have long understood that
suspend solid particles and mini- The Oil Life System does not
mileage is not a fundamental factor in
mize sludge buildup. actually monitor the physical properties
oil degradation. The primary factor that
of the oil. It applies a highly sophisti-
The oil used in modern engines is a influences oil life is engine combustion
cated mathematical model based on the
far cry from early engine oil. In 1911, the events. A secondary factor is engine oil
known influence of oil service temp-
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) temperature. Ideally, engine oil change
erature and engine revolutions to
developed a system that classified intervals should be determined by these
determine the remaining useful oil life.
engine oils by viscosity only. The factors.
It’s important to note that when the
classification system that we know The average oil change interval Oil Life System indicates 0% oil life
today got its beginnings in 1947, when using the GM Oil Life System is approxi- remaining, there is a 20% safety factor.
the American Petroleum Institute (API) mately 8,500 miles. If all customers
designated three types of engine oils: followed the Oil Life System intervals, Golden Years
regular (straight mineral oil), premium an estimated 7 million gallons of oil In the end, it’s good to look at things
(oil plus oxidation inhibitors) and heavy- could be saved. as not getting older, but getting better.
duty (oil plus oxidation inhibitors and Engine oil formulas continue to get
detergent-dispersant additives). There also is a movement toward
more synthetic oil use. By 2009, it’s better, expanding useful oil life.
By 1970, a new classification system estimated that synthetic and specialty The extended drain intervals reduce
would be established to identify the oils may account for over 20% of all the demand for oil. The environmental
changing maintenance and lubrication engine oil sold. All 2008 Cadillac mod- benefits are less used oil handling and
requirements of the automotive indus- els, for example, will be factory-filled disposal as well as increased conserva-
try. The SAE and API identified eight with Mobil 1 synthetic oil. tion of oil resources. Some European
engine Service Categories with “S” des- companies are now calling for oil
ignations for passenger car engine oils. The GM Oil Life System takes a
number of factors into consideration changes at 20,000 miles.
Over the years the Service Categories when determining the right time to The future of oil life points toward
became technically obsolete and in 1993 change the engine oil. The oil life moni- longer-lasting oil with a better resistance
the GF1 specification was created, fol- toring technology involves computerized to degradation and an emphasis on
lowed by GF2, GF3, and the latest GF4 analysis of engine revolutions, operating continued conservation.
specification that was introduced in temperature, and other factors to opti- – Thanks to Mike DeSander
2004. Each specification category has mize the change interval selection.
3
New Suspension Seminar Covers Basics,
Latest Technology
The new ACDelco seminar, features and benefits of ACDelco with an electronic stability program that
Suspension Technology: Yesterday . . . products are discussed. One com- integrates braking and steering maneu-
Today . . . Tomorrow (SS-UC-01.01), parison looks at ACDelco ball joints, vers. The Cadillac XLR uses on-vehicle
provides the latest information about which are designed with a permanently data communications to control mod-
automotive suspension technology and attached boot, a full ball stud and patent- ules that operate the transmission,
electronic chassis components along ed two-piece cylindrical wedge bearing, suspension, brakes and steering.
with their related service issues. and a one-piece forged housing.
Diagnostics
The main topics covered in the semi- Electronic Systems
nar include: The seminar reviews chassis service
The seminar also delves into the information and diagnostic tips on
• Suspension functions variety of electronic suspension sys- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC), input
• Electronic suspension inputs and tems available on vehicles today. This
outputs includes information about the how and
why behind typical electronic systems
• Electronic suspension diagnostics such as Selectable Ride, Automatic
• Suspension/chassis technology Level Control, Air Suspension, Computer
Command Ride, Real Time Damping and
Suspension Basics Road Sensing Suspension, and Vehicle
The seminar begins with a review Stability Enhancement System.
of the suspension, from the origins of In addition, the seminar provides Scan tool data parameters for several
suspension components
a coach suspended by leather straps details about controlling all of these
mounted to a frame to later innovations electronic components, explaining the
such as struts and semi-elliptical data parameters, output controls and
roles of various inputs and outputs to
springs. Typical suspension components symptom-based diagnosis of the
the system control modules. These
that are highlighted include ball joints, suspension and related systems and
sensors and inputs include:
coil springs, tie rods, stabilizer bars, components.
shock absorbers, control arms and • Shock/strut position sensors
A look into the future concludes the
others. • Steering wheel position sensor seminar with details about how leading
• Lateral accelerometer technology will impact tomorrow’s
suspension systems. An active stabilizer
• Yaw sensor bar, for example, will be able to respond
• Driver select switch for suspension in real time to driving conditions. In
settings addition, a linear electromagnetic motor
strut can precisely control wheel motion
• Vehicle/wheel speed sensors for a smoother ride.
• Actuated dampers More Information
• Suspension control module To learn more about the Suspension
• Suspension level sensor Technology: Yesterday . . . Today . . .
The ACDelco ball joint, left, offers a Tomorrow seminar as well as other
number of innovations not found on An in-depth look at two systems pro- ACDelco seminars being held in your
competitors, right. vides additional details about electronic area, contact your local ACDelco
controls of the suspension and related distributor.
ACDelco’s product offerings of these components. The VW Jetta’s Continental
suspension and chassis components Teves Electronic Suspension operates – Thanks to Jim Resutek
feature a number of innovations and the
4
National TSS Advisory Council
Looks to the Future,
Recognizes the Past
The recent Wills Auto Service, Battle Creek, Mich., and Dave Christopher
ACDelco of Christopher’s Car Care, Tallmadge, Ohio.
National
Four new members of the TSS Advisory Council are Rob
Total Service
Abbott of Abbott’s Auto Care, Lexington, S.C., Rick Jindra of
Support (TSS)
Dependable Automotive, Binghamton, N.Y., Bob Stout of
From left: Jeff Spitzer, Director – SPO Field & Advisory
Sales Operations, Nancy McLean, Director – Fuerst Automotive, Cleveland, Ohio, and Kay Wynter of Terry
Council
ACDelco Marketing, Paul Johnson, General Wynter Auto, Fort Myers, Fla.
Director – Global Independent Aftermarket, and meeting held
outgoing TSS Advisory Council members Mark in Grand Blanc, The TSS Advisory Council also recognized the efforts of
Hyde, Bob Wills, and Dave Christopher Mich., in late ACDelco with the ACDelco Employees’ Appreciation Award,
September which was presented by the council to the entire ACDelco
was an opportunity to recognize the valuable input of several organization as a thank you for their hard work in supporting
long-standing council members as well as develop plans for the TSS program.
continuous improvement of the TSS program. Nancy McLean, Director – ACDelco Marketing, was
Council members worked with ACDelco representatives on recognized by the council as well with the Dedicated Service
how to enhance the TSS program and offer new benefits and Award.
opportunities for TSS members. Council members provided ACDelco would like to thank all TSS Advisory Council mem-
input, based on their work with local zone advisory councils bers — both national and zone — for all of their contributions
recently formed in all 10 zones in the country, on ACDelco’s in making the TSS program one of the best in the industry.
plans for marketing, e-business, and training.
– Thanks to Staci Shelton
In these areas, ACDelco is working toward an improved
scholarship program and an association with ASE. In addition,
new training classes, both on the web and instructor-led, are ACDelco Partners with ASE
being developed. Further enhancements are also in the works
for ACDelco e-business initiatives WIP, WISE and TIS2Web. ACDelco is pleased to announce an agreement with
the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
Another aspect of the future, increasing competitiveness
(ASE) to work together toward increasing technician
in the aftermarket, was highlighted during the meeting with
certification.
presentations from Paul Johnson, General Director – Global
Independent Aftermarket, and Brent Snelson, U.S. Director – Technicians at participating U.S. ACDelco TSS service
Independent Aftermarket, on how global operations impact centers are eligible for a significantly discounted registra-
the United States. tion fee on the certification tests of the Blue Seal of
Excellence Recognition Program.
Council Recognition
Registration for the tests and additional information can
ACDelco recognized three outgoing TSS Advisory Council be found at www.ase.com. To receive the TSS discount
members for the valuable input they have provided in the when registering, enter a dash and TSS (–TSS) after your
growth and success of the TSS program. They are Mark Hyde business name.
of Hyde Auto Service, Oklahoma City, Okla., Bob Wills of
5
New Product Information and
Search Tool on acdelcotechconnect.com
New information on wiring sockets and pigtails as
well as air conditioning products has been added to
www.acdelcotechconnect.com.
Wiring Sockets and Pigtails Search Tool — This
new search tool makes it easier to identify wiring
sockets and pigtails for GM and non-GM vehicles.
The on-line reference source offers a menu-driven
search feature with photos of each pigtail and
wiring socket so you can match the part you are
replacing with the new part number.
Air Conditioning Product Information — The
A/C technical product information enables you to
identify associated parts for a repair. It also provides
service tips and information needed to maintain the
warranty on installed parts. The product information
covers seals, compressor lubrication, leak detec-
tion/dyes, filters/screens, and flushing.
To access the wiring sockets and pigtails search
tool or the A/C technical product information, go
to acdelcotechconnect.com and click on the
Automotive Systems tab and the Product
Information link.
Wiring sockets and pigtails search tool
– Thanks to Bob Stewart
Bulletin Categories
Service bulletins provide the latest Technical bulletins address the 3 Cs Warranty Administration bulletins
information on a lot of different subjects. — complaint, cause and correction. provide information related to sub-
Keeping track of them all can be quite a job. They provide specific repair instruc- mission of warranty claims.
Here is a list of the current bulletin cate- tions and contain necessary parts and
Engineering Information (EI)
gories found in the GM Service Information. labor operation information.
bulletins are published on issues in
Informational bulletins convey information Field Product Reminder bulletins which engineering in unable to
about a particular subject and include instal- are published monthly. They provide a determine a root cause due to
lation information; repair tips for use of tools, summary of top issues for cars and returned parts being NTF (no trouble
adhesives, etc.; new parts information, and trucks with a reference to the specific found) and/or unable to duplicate
more. bulletin. the customer concern. Engineering
Information bulletins are technical
Service Manual Update (SMU) bulletins Exchange bulletins pertain to part
in nature and request information
are published when a very significant change restrictions or situations in which the
from the technician during diagnosis.
has been made to a procedure in the Service parts cannot be scrapped and must be
Information after the printed service manual returned to General Motors. – Thanks to Ann Briedis
is available.
6
The following technical tips provide repair information about specific conditions on a variety of vehicles. If you have a tough or unusual
service repair, the TSS Technical Assistance Hot Line can help. Call 1-800-825-5886, prompt #2, to speak with a technical
expert with the latest OEM information.
7
Winter Maintenance The Training Update
Top 10 How to Take ACDelco Training
There’s no way to avoid him, old man winter is coming. Go to acdelcotechconnect.com and click on the
But depending on your part of the country, that may mean Training tab to log on to the ACDelco Learning
snow-packed roads or just a drop to cooler temperatures. Management System (LMS).
Regardless of future weather forecasts, now is the ideal time
to promote routine maintenance checks to encourage cus- • To enroll in an Instructor-Led Training (ILT) course,
tomers to winterize their vehicles. After all, it’s not fun to be click on the Enrollment link or the Instructor-Led
stranded on the side of the road in any type of weather. Courses link.
According to the Car Care Council, more than 70 percent • To launch a Web-Based Training (WBT) course, click
of motorists do not have their cars winterized in preparation on the Web-Based Courses link to view the catalog
for inclement weather. To help create awareness of the and select a specific course.
need for proper vehicle maintenance, the third promotion in • To launch a TechAssist (TAS) course, click on the
ACDelco’s 2007 Winning Hand program focuses on winter TechAssists link to view the catalog and select a
routine maintenance. It includes a $10 consumer mail-in specific course.
rebate during the consumer promotional period of
November 1– December, 31. Current Instructor-Led Training
Here are the top ten maintenance items to check to get ACDelco’s Instructor-Led Training (ILT) courses provide
ready for the winter weather ahead. hands-on instruction with the latest automotive systems.
1. Change the engine coolant — Clean, flush and refill the The following ILT courses are currently being held at
cooling system with new antifreeze/coolant. Don’t forget training center locations around the country.
to check the hoses for weak spots and degradation. S-AC07-01.01ILT HVAC Systems Diagnostics
2. Test the battery and charging system — Cold weather is S-AC07-02.01ILT
Automotive Air Conditioning: Advanced Refrigerant System
hard on batteries. Make sure the battery is in good condi- Diagnostics
tion and the charging system is S-AC07-03.01ILT HVAC Control System Operation and Diagnostics
operating properly S-BK05-01.01ILT Braking Systems
3. Check the tires — Tire tread depth S-EL06-04.01ILT Body Control Systems Diagnostics
and proper tire pressure are critical S-EL06-10.01ILT Battery, Charging, & Starting
when driving on slick roads. During S-EL06-11.01ILT Automotive Electrical Circuit Diagnosis and Repair
the winter months, tire pressure S-EP08-01.01ILT Engine Performance
should be checked weekly. Engine Performance: Computer Controls and Ignition System
Check tire tread depth. S-EP08-02.01ILT
Diagnostics
4. Change the wiper blades — One
of the most neglected maintenance items, wiper blades S-EP08-12.01ILT OBD II GM Diagnostics
must be in good condition to provide a clear view of the S-EP08-81.01ILT Duramax 6600: Diesel Engine Performance
road. Wiper blades should be replaced every six months. S-SS04-01.01ILT Vibration Correction Diagnostics
Also fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir. S-ST10-01.01ILT Supplemental Restraint Systems
5. Check the heater and defrost systems — Yes, it’s New Training
obvious, but some motorist are still left out in the cold.
Make sure these systems are working properly. Here are some of the new ACDelco training courses
that are now available to technicians via the LMS.
6. Change the engine oil and filter — Follow the mainte-
nance schedule in the vehicle’s owner manual. Explain Instructor-Led Training:
to your customers that cold starts and short trips are hard
Automotive Air Conditioning: Advanced Refrigerant System
on engine oil. S-AC07-02.01ILT
Diagnostics
7. Inspect the brakes — The braking S-AC07-03.01ILT HVAC Control System Operation and Diagnostics
system is the most important
safety item during poor weather
conditions. Check rotors, pads Web-Based Training:
and brake fluid levels to ensure S-EL06-01.02WBT Electrical/Electronics Stage 1 (Spanish)
proper operation. S-EL06-07.01WBT Hybrid Introduction and Safety (Spanish)
Inspect the brake system.
8. Check exterior lights — Don’t get
left in the dark. Make sure all bulbs illuminate and head- TechAssist Training:
lamps are properly aimed.
S-DS11-06.01TAS Active Fuel Injector Tester (Spanish)
9. Check the exhaust system — Look for leaks in the S-EL06-17.01TAS 6.6L Duramax Diesel Injector Programming
exhaust system, which can be especially dangerous during
cold weather when the windows are closed. S-EL06-17.01TAS 6.6L Duramax Diesel Injector Programming (French)
S-EL06-28.01TAS GM Terminal & Connector Information (French)
10. Be prepared — Even a well-maintained vehicle can
develop problems on the road, so an emergency kit in S-EP08-17.01TAS SaabTronic 8 and ME9 Fuel and Ignition Systems (Spanish)
the trunk can really help if stranded for several hours. S-EP08-19.01TAS Vehicle Data Recorder
– Thanks to Dennis Kissack S-SS04-04.01TAS Installing GM Accessory Wheels for MY 2007 (French)
TS-PU-0106-07 8