Tech Tips's blog

Are you getting a damp smell in your car during winter? Or frost on the inside of your windshield?
During winter, we track a lot of snow and moisture into our cars that eventually melts onto the floor. The water then evaporates and causes both these problems. Rolling your windows down just a small amount overnight will allow the water to escape and dry!

In the past, we thought that the transmissions in some of the newer Ford 150, F250 and Excursions were a “dealer check only.” But we had just overlooked it. The transmission has a dipstick on the passenger side that is only accessible from the lower bay.
1) Loosen the 19mm cover plug. It is about 3” tall and located on the passenger side above the pan (see photo).
2) With the vehicle clear to start, start the engine in park.
3) Remove the yellow dipstick. Wipe and recheck the stick. Transmission takes Mercon V up to Mercon LV.

Most pit techs are familiar with the 11mm check plugs in the end of the transaxle on many of the late model GM vehicles like the Cobalt, Pontiac G6 and others that use the 2.2 ecotech or 3.4L V6 motors. However, the process for checking this transaxle is often misunderstood.
The proper procedure is to check the fluid level with the motor running. If fluid is present, then it is full. If it is not, then fluid should be added via the red or black cap on the top of the transaxle.
Often when the fluid is checked with the motor off it will appear to be full - but it may not be.

The 2008 and newer Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse & Equinox and GMC Acadia have a unique and somewhat elusive spot for the power steering fluid reservoir. Take off the oil cap and remove the large plastic cover that covers the engine. Three studs hold the cover in place and it can be easily removed by pulling up on the sides of the cover.

The newer Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia all have a radiator pressure cap that is hidden from view. There is a plastic panel that covers the front side of the hood. This panel can be easily lifted by gently detaching a few of the fasteners on the left side. Once the panel is lifted, its obvious to see the radiator cap under the left corner.