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Almost any problem with a modern vehicle involves checking electrical circuits. Basic testing is easy, but a good deal of damage can be done by careless methods. These tips will make the process much easier.
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The gasoline nozzle cuts off when the fuel tank is full, and this prevents overfilling. This can also become a very annoying cycle, when the nozzle continues to click off, several times in the process. Finding the causes are easier with a little understanding of the system.
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Women often feel particularly vulnerable when they need auto repair. The fact is, members of either sex are equally prone to scams. Shopping methods increase the odds of being taken advantage of and are a key to getting better results.
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New vehicles are extremely expensive. Getting more miles from a current vehicle makes more sense than ever. Many AGCO clients are keeping their vehicles for 200,000 miles and a lot more. It is called agconomics and here is how it works.
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The modern automotive heater provides comfort in the coldest situation. When it fails to provide heat, finding the cause is easier with a basic understanding.
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Automatic transmissions benefit from proper service. Unfortunately, many places push a highly profitable up-sell instead. The transmission flush does the vehicle little good and may cause harm.
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Many people have asked if there is a way to hear the Automotive Hour, without having to listen Saturday morning. The answer is yes, there are several alternative methods of hearing the Automotive Hour.
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As in previous years, AGCO will be closed between Christmas and New Year. This year we will be closed Friday December 23rd through Monday January 1st.
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Tire speed rating is extremely important to handling and braking, yet it may be one of the most misunderstood tire ratings.
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Automatic transmission fluid color, along with other symptoms, can be an indication of an automatic transmission problem. The color of the transmission fluid alone, is NOT a reliable indicator. Transmission fluid color varies widely with modern fluid. Darkening of fluid with age is also a normal characteristic. Knowing the normal color and looking for other symptoms can prevent being taken advantage of.
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The AGCO Automotive Idle radio campaign is nearing the end and has been our most successful ever.
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Several times a month, vehicles come in with major damage caused by trying to tow too much weight. Information on towing is plentiful, but often inaccurate and incomplete from a repair standpoint. Surprisingly, most trucks we see will NOT tow their rated capacity without problems.
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Louisiana, like many States, collects a disposal fee on used tires. Though they are paid to do so, tire transporters may not be disposing of all used tires. Outdated used tires may be sold to the public, at used tire stores and flea markets, with no regulation.
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Engine oil is the lifeblood of an engine. Run out of oil, for just a few seconds, and the engine will be destroyed. With extended oil changes, oil loss is on the increase and not checking the oil level may lead to major problems.
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A hum or roar that increases with the speed of the vehicle is often a bad front wheel bearing. Like most things, the front-wheel bearings have undergone an extensive evolution. Many today are sealed and the only service is a replacement.
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Set the temperature and the vehicle stays comfortable. Climate control technology is usually taken for granted, until something goes wrong. When it does, the cost can be quite surprising.
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Many people consider an auxiliary automatic transmission cooler for their vehicle. In some cases transmission coolers do offer benefits. Many of the claims for transmission coolers are overstated and, improperly installed, they may do more harm than good.
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With vehicle odors, the symptom is not hard to identify. Finding the source and eliminating the problem is more difficult, but this guide may make it a lot easier.
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The practice is called menu pricing. Trying to select service, like a commodity, simply by comparing price on a menu. In reality the practice may insure, not only unpleasant surprises with regard to price, but that they will be taken advantage of.
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The sign says "Brake Job $89.99." You drop the vehicle off, wait and then get the call . We have checked your brakes and you need yada, yada, yada, that comes to $497.60. Frustrated, you authorize the repair. When you pick up the vehicle you notice the brake pedal is low and the steering wheel shakes when you brake. ARGGGGGGGG! . . .
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Auto enthusiast and "gear heads" are some of the most difficult folks in the world to buy things for Christmas. For one thing, they are almost always highly technical. For another, they generally have just about everything they want.
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Henry Ford did not invent the automobile, nor did he discover the use of mass production. Instead, he combined the technologies of the day. Henry Ford provided affordable transportation for the common man and changed the world forever.
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Modern engines are designed to run within a narrow range of temperature. Because the metals used in an engine, expand at different rates, excess temperature causes a great many problems. Above a certain temperature, permanent engine damage will result.
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Internal combustion engines convert fuel into mechanical energy and a lot of heat. When the heat of an engine is not controlled, by the cooling system, things get out of hand very quickly. At what temperature is an engine considered overheated and what happens when it is?
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Many times folks come in with major problems, that might had been avoided, if caught sooner. Not noticing the symptoms are the number one reason such problems go unnoticed. A quite drive and these tips may help prevent this from happening.
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Vehicle fluids, such as engine oil, automatic transmission fluid and even power steering fluid are highly specialized. Engineers take a multitude of factors into account when specifying these fluids. Damage can be done by using the incompatible fluids or by using stop-leak additives.
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Not many people would consider renting a car, for years on end. Leasing is the same thing, except for being obligated until the lease ends. This is one reason why financial experts like Dave Ramsey, refer to them as a fleece.
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Most folks are unfamiliar with the new vehicle warranty process. What is covered by the warranty, what is a recall, what is a TSB and a policy adjustment? Knowing these answers can save frustration, as well as dollars.
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Fortunately, in South Louisiana, the weather is nice and vehicles can be driven year round. Still there may be times when it is necessary to store a vehicle, for a period of time. While storing a vehicle is always less desirable than driving it, there are measures that lessen the detrimental affects.
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What is the difference in Price and Cost? The answer may save you thousands of dollars and a great deal of frustration . . .
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People who drive motor homes and pull travel trailers may be among the safest drivers on the road. They tend to maintain their vehicles very well, except possibly in one critical and often overlooked area.
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Most modern vehicles do not shift out of park, without applying the brake. This is a safety feature and is all but unnoticed, until the vehicle will not come out of park, even with the brakes applied.
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A cracked flexplate is almost always a sign of other problems. If not properly diagnosed it will occur again and often damage to the transmission may follow.
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Quality is not a slogan or marketing gimmick with AGCO, it is a way of life. President, Louis Altazan studied under Dr. W. Edwards Deming, and applied his theories and principles of quality management to the business.
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Tom and Bob were best friends. They had known one another since grade school and now were graduating from college. Neither had a lot of money at this time, and both needed transportation.
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Can vehicles last 100,000 miles? Two-hundred thousand, five-hundred thousand, longer . . .
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Fuel filters clean fuel and protect fuel injectors. Good maintenance has always dictated replacing fuel filters at regular intervals. Today they are disappearing from maintenance schedules and the under side of vehicles.
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The automobile of today is an incredibly complex machine. Through the extensive integration of computers, this complexity can be utilized and made largely invisible to the driver. This is by design and a wonderful feature of modern vehicles. Simply turn a key an it starts, push a button and the climate is controlled, drive 500 miles without effort, until something goes wrong.
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Hydraulic power steering is very dependable, but complex in operation. When problems occur a basic understanding prevents many expensive mistakes.
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As the accelerator is released, engine speed slows. At a preset speed the idle circuit takes over and the engine runs at the lowest speed possible, without stalling. Watch the tachometer and you will notice idle speed is around 500 to 900 RPM. You may also notice that it changes from time to time. The engine computer totally controls idle speed today, based on complex calculations.
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There are many places that cooling systems may leak, some obvious and others difficult to locate. Accurate diagnosis and repair will keep the problem from expanding drastically.
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Years tend to slip by and with cars, this is no exception. It is easy to forget about the radiator. Radiators get rid of heat generated by the engine. When they fail, the results will be very clear.
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Checking automatic transmission fluid is quite simple and straight forward, right? Well not really. Like so many things today, something that should be simple has become quite complex. The following is meant to serve as a guide to help simplify the process.
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If a vehicle has an in-dash fuel mileage indicator, manually verifying the readings can be a surprise. Accurately calculating fuel mileage is very easy and can be revealing.
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Replacing an air filter is usually considered good vehicle maintenance, but not always. The truth may surprise you.
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Joe needs a set of tires for his vehicle and naturally he wants the best deal he can get. He shops a bit, but hears so many pitches that he has no idea who to believe. Exhausted, he buys a set that promises the lowest price. A few days later he notices a vibration as he drives . . .
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How to stretch more miles per gallon from your present vehicle, without spending a lot of money . . .
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Before founding AGCO, in 1974, the fundamentals were being worked out. Three primary aims of the company would be,
1.) Fixed right the first time
2.) At the price quoted
3.) Delivered on time
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Most people understand that air conditioning cools the inside of a vehicle. The mechanical process is not complicated, and a bit of physics helps to understand how it all works.
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This year, as in years past, AGGO will close from Friday July 24th through Monday July 4th for Summer shop vacation. We will return, ready for work on Tuesday, July 5th .
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