Starting and Charging Components in your vehicle

Having a good functioning starting and charging system is very important in making sure you are not left stranded anywhere. A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston and its experienced and knowledgeable Techs will provide you with a FREE starting and charging system check anytime. Just take a few minutes and review the information below provided by your friends at A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston, Your One Stop Shop For All Your Car Needs.

Battery:
Operation: The battery has four main functions. It supplies the energy to operate accessories when the engine is not running, it supplies the energy to crank the engine, it provides additional energy when electrical demands exceed the abilities of the charging system, and it acts as a voltage stabilizer absorbing voltage fluctuations in the system. Advice: Corroded, dirty, or loose battery terminal connections can cause problems in the charging system. If a bad battery is suspected, remove the battery from the vehicle, clean the terminal posts, top off the electrolyte levels if accessible, fully charge the battery and then load test it.


Voltage Regulator:
Operation: The voltage regulator controls alternator output by opening and closing the field circuit in the rotor. To insure that the battery stays fully charged, most regulators are set for a system voltage between 14.5 and 15.5 volts. Advice: On older vehicles the voltage regulator was often a separate part from the alternator. Most modern alternators have a built in voltage regulator. Some are accessible on the outside of the alternator, while others are internal and are usually serviced by replacing the alternator. Other than obvious burn marks on the casing, it's hard to condemn a voltage regulator without testing it. If the voltage regulator is suspected to be bad, check to ensure that it can be tested before removing it from the vehicle.

Fusible Link:
Operation: A fusible link is a fuse that resembles a short piece of wire. Sometimes there will be a rubber barrel shaped marker attached to the link to visually set it aside from the rest of the wiring. Fuses and fusible links are designed to protect the circuit that they are a part of. If the current in a given circuit exceeds the amperage that it is designed for, the fuse or fusible link is supposed to burn and stop the flow of current before damage can occur to the components in that circuit. Advice: If the charging system tests faulty on the car and the alternator and voltage regulator test good off the car, you may have a blown fuse or fusible link. Check the fuse box lid or owners manual to see if there is a charging system related fuse.

Charge Indicator:
Operation: The charge indicator is a light on the dashboard that illuminates whenever system voltage drops below a predetermined level. Advice: On older vehicles the charge indicator bulb was an integral part of the charging system circuit. If the bulb burned out, the system would not charge. Most modern systems employ a resistor wired in line with the bulb to maintain the integrity of the circuit if the bulb burns out. You can check the bulb by turning the ignition switch on without starting the engine. With the engine off and the ignition switch in the run position, the charge indicator lamp should be on.

Ignition Switch:
Operation: The ignition switch is an integral part of the electrical system. The majority of automotive system components do not receive any electrical current unless the ignition switch is on. Advice: It is possible for a faulty ignition switch to cause problems in the charging system, however if a faulty ignition switch is the cause of a charging system problem, there will probably be other ignition switch related symptoms as well.

Alternator:
Operation: The alternator is most commonly driven by either a v-belt or a ribbed or serpentine belt. Advice: A loose or glazed drive belt can slip, causing the alternator to spin slower than normal resulting in low alternator output. At the other extreme belt tension that is too tight can prematurely wear out any bearings that are involved.
 

You can count on  A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston for all your Diesel & Gasoline car or truck Repair in the Houston metro Area Pasadena Pearland Conroe Deer Park Friendswood Galveston Lake Jackson La Porte League City Missouri City Sugar Land Texas City The Woodlands Angleton Bellaire Clute Dickinson Freeport Galena Park Humble Jacinto City Katy La Marque Richmond Rosenberg South Houston Stafford Alief West University Place. Call us today at 281-564-7782 or visit our shop at 12160 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77099 . Your Satisfaction is Our Ultimate Goal.

Maintaining Your Engine

There are many different areas that need to be maintained on a regular basis to keep your engine running properly. Lets look at these areas and explain what and why these items need to be serviced.

Air Filter - Replace the air filter about every 15,000 miles for normal driving conditions. A dirty air filter will not cause the engine to run bad, unless it is completely plugged. A dirty filter can cause reduced fuel economy and higher exhaust emission gases.

Fuel Filter -Fuel filters become clogged with dirt and debris during normal operation and should be replaced to increase performance, extend fuel pump life, and aid in fuel economy.

Spark Plugs - Worn or faulty spark plugs can cause misfire, poor fuel mileage, loss of power, and slow or extended starting time.

Spark Plug Wires - Spark plug wires should be replaced when replacing spark plugs to get maximum performance and life expectancy of spark plugs.

Distributor Cap/Ignition Rotor - These items should be inspected/replaced when replacing spark plugs and spark plug wires, or when a "major tune-up" is called for. The distributor cap is where the other end of the spark plug wires connects to, and the ignition rotor in underneath the distributor cap. Some newer model vehicles do not have a distributor at all. These cars are designed with Distributor less Ignition Systems (DIS.), and therefore do not have these parts. All of these items need to be checked every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Check with A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston  for the proper maintenance schedule for you car or truck.

Here at A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston, we service all Cars and Trucks, Gasoline and Diesel , Foreign and Domestic. Our specialties include: Tune ups, Brakes, Suspension, CV joints, Struts, Shocks, Rotors, Calipers, Tie rods, Control arms, Engine repair or replacement, Transmission service or replacement, Clutch for manual transmission, Cooling fan, Radiator, AC System, Ignition system, Starter, Alternator, Fuel pump and fuel delivery system, Oil change, Oil pan gasket, Head gasket , Valve cover gasket, Electrical, Major and minor mechanical repair, Car detailing and restoration. We offer Free Diagnosis with repairs and provide Free Towing services with major repairs, call for details or visit us today at 12160 Bissonnet st., Houston, TX 77099. 281-564-7782 A & A Complete Auto Repair, Your One Stop Shop For All Your Car Needs. (Original article link:www.yourautoadvisor.com)

A & A COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR: Free Brake Check

Free Brake Check. Bring your car to A & A COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR, Your One Stop Shop For All Your Car needs. 12160 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77099, 281-564-7782  for a Free Brake Check and Diagnosis.

Air Conditioning System / AC Check and Repair by A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston

 

This is the time of year when you want to have your Vehicle Air Conditioning System checked by A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston. There are many components to your AC System : Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Dryer, Blower motor, Low and High pressure lines, Condenser fan, Switches, Sensors, Relays, etc..

If your AC System is not working properly or not working at all, it is advisable to have the system checked to pin point the cause. We had a customer last week who was quoted $1400.00 to have his AC System working again. You should've seen his reaction when we told him it was a simple fix. All he needed was a low pressure switch!

We've also had customers who charged their system with R-134 and caused more damage because they over pressurized the system.

So before you spend hundreds of dollars in repairing your AC System or attempt to charge the system with more refrigerant, have the professionals at A & A COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR HOUSTON inspect your AC System and diagnose the cause of the problem.

 

 

You can count on A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston for all your Diesel & Gasoline car or truck AC Repair in the Houston metro Area Pasadena Pearland Conroe Deer Park Friendswood Galveston Lake Jackson La Porte League City Missouri City Sugar Land Texas City The Woodlands Angleton Bellaire Clute Dickinson Freeport Galena Park Humble Jacinto City Katy La Marque Richmond Rosenberg South Houston Stafford Alief West University Place. Call us today at 281-564-7782 or visit our shop at 12160 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77099 . Your Satisfaction is Our Ultimate Goal.

Diesel Truck Repair and Car Repair / A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston - Rated A+

Diesel and Fleet Truck Repair and maintenance plans available at A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston. Our extremely competitive pricing combined with Quality, knowledge, experience, and the fastest and most efficient service will provide our customers with truly exceptional value.  Our mission is to get back on the road quickly.

For all your Truck and Fleet Repair Needs call A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston at 281-564-7782 or visit us at 12160 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77099

You can count on A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston for all your Diesel & Gasoline car or truck and fleet repair in the Houston metro Area Pasadena Pearland Conroe Deer Park Friendswood Galveston Lake Jackson La Porte League City Missouri City Sugar Land Texas City The Woodlands Angleton Bellaire Clute Dickinson Freeport Galena Park Humble Jacinto City Katy La Marque Richmond Rosenberg South Houston Stafford Alief West University Place.

My Check Engine Light Is On?

To schedule an inspection or to have your Gasoline /  Diesel Car / Truck check engine light diagnosed give A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston a call at (281)564-7782 or bring your car to 12160 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77099 and start saving money on your Car / Truck repairs today!

So, what does this mean? Is my car going to blow up! Is it going to be expensive to repair? Let's look at what the check engine light means and how it works.

All modern vehicles have a computer or ECM (Electronic Control Module) that controls the engine operation. The main purpose of the ECM is to keep the engine running at top efficiency with the lowest possible emissions. With today's strictest emission regulations it is not very easy to achieve - the engine needs to be constantly and precisely adjusted according to various conditions such as speed, load, engine temperature, gasoline quality, ambient air temperature, road conditions, etc.

Today's cars have much more electronics than in early days - there is a large number of various sensors and other electronic devices that help the engine computer or ECM to monitor all vehicle emission-related systems. When the computer senses that there is a problem with any emission-related system or component, it stores the trouble code(s) in the memory and lights up the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light to tell you that there is a problem and your car needs to be looked at.

The technician at the dealership or a garage then will hook up the scanner to the car's computer and retrieve the stored code(s). Then he will look it up in the service manual provided by the car manufacturer. The service manual contains the list of possible codes (about a few hundred) and describes what each code means and what needs to be tested. The code itself doesn't tell exactly what component is defective - it only says what engine parameter is out of normal range. The technician will have to perform further testing to pinpoint defective part.

So, Just hook my car up to the computer!

This is a very common statement made by customers with any type of problem from a check engine light on to the rattle in back seat! They all think there is a magic computer that tells the mechanic exactly what is wrong with the car!

This is far from the way it works. First of all, the handheld scanner only aids in diagnosing emission related and electrical concerns, including transmissions and body control functions.

Most repair shops will charge a diagnostic charge (usually $50 to $100 dollars) to scan test your cars computer system and check for codes in the system.

Some problems that will turn on the check engine light can be as simple as a loose gas cap or a major problem such as an engine misfire or a slipping transmission.

Many places sell code readers so you can scan your cars computer yourself, but by the time you spend the money for the scanner you could have it scanned by a professional and have it repaired at the same time. Most repair shops will not just replace a part because you tell them its bad, they will want to charge you to complete their own diagnosis. So unless you are a skilled mechanic I don't recommed wasting your money on a code reader.

Always have your vehicle checked anytime your check engine light comes on, becasue even minor problems can turn into major problems!

What makes the check engine light come on?

There are many different things that can cause your check engine light to come on. If your car's OBDII system is functioning properly, the CHECK ENGINE or SERVICE ENGINE SOON light should flash briefly when you turn your car's ignition key to the on position. After the brief flash, the light should go out and remain off while you are driving.

A glowing CHECK ENGINE or SERVICE ENGINE SOON light alerts you to problems in your car's onboard diagnostic system that should be checked out as soon as possible. There's no reason to panic and in many cases, you won't notice any difference in vehicle performance.

One of the most common problems with check engine lights on today's cars is a LOOSE or uninstalled gas cap! Yes, that's right your gas cap.

First, check the gas cap to make sure it was not left loose after refueling. Sometimes, this can trigger the light. Most OBDII-equipped vehicles have a gas cap that simply snaps in place, when turned to the right. Some early OBDII-equipped vehicles have threaded caps. On these, just turn the cap to the right until it begins to click. If the gas cap was loose, the light should go out after a few short trips.

If the gas cap is not the problem and the light remains on steady, have the system checked as soon as possible. A light that flashes requires more prompt attention, indicating a more severe condition that must be checked immediately to prevent damage to the catalytic converter. When you experience a flashing light, minimize driving at high speeds or under heavy loads. When scheduling service, make sure the shop that diagnoses your car has technicians who are properly trained and certified for OBDII diagnosis and repair.

Another common problem is filling your gas tank up with the key turned to the on position. This is very easy to do today with the introduction of the DVD player in alot of today's cars, trucks, and vans. Mom and Dad pull up to the gas station turn off the engine and then turn the key back on so the kids can watch their movie. This can, but not always turn the check engine light on, so be on the safe side and always fill up with the key in the off position.

Engine Control Sensors

Sensors measure a variety of operating parameters that help to reduce emissions and also serve functions for the engine, transmission and other systems. These sensors generally include the manifold air temperature sensor, coolant temperature sensor, manifold absolute pressure sensor, airflow sensor, throttle position sensor, vehicle speed sensor and oxygen sensors.

All of these sensors provide critical operating information to the vehicle's powertrain control module, the onboard computer that compares the signals from the sensors to programmed values. Based on the signals, the computer then issues commands to various output devices to control the engine and transmission, along with reducing emissions. 1996 and newer vehicles are equipped with second-generation onboard diagnostics (OBDII) systems that put special emphasis on sensor values and emissions.

Sensors do not require regular maintenance or adjustments. Regardless of what a specific sensor measures, all operate within a range of normal values. If a sensor provides a signal outside the normal range long enough, the powertrain control module will set a trouble code, which will usually trigger the SERVICE ENGINE SOON or CHECK ENGINE light.

To schedule an inspection or to have your check engine light diagnosed give A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston a call at (281)564-7782 or bring your car to 12160 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77099 and start saving mony on your car repairs today!


This article is from ( http://www.yourautoadvisor.com/ ) and brought to you by A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston - Your One Stop Shop For All Your Car Needs.

CAR NOT STARTING? CALL A & A COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR

A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston , Your One Stop Shop For All Your Car Needs. 12160 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77099 , 281-564-7782

You can count on A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston for all your Diesel & Gasoline car or truck repair in the Houston metro Area Pasadena Pearland Conroe Deer Park Friendswood Galveston Lake Jackson La Porte League City Missouri City Sugar Land Texas City The Woodlands Angleton Bellaire Clute Dickinson Freeport Galena Park Humble Jacinto City Katy La Marque Richmond Rosenberg South Houston Stafford Alief West University Place. 77099 70072 77073 77074 77075 77083 77084 77085 77036 77054 77469 77479 77494


Our Specialties:
Tune ups, Brakes, Suspenssion, A & A Complete Auto Repair CV joints, Struts, Shocks, Rotors, Calipers, Tie rods, Control arms, Engine repair or replacement, Transmission service or replacement, A & A Complete Auto Repair Clutch for manual transmission, Cooling fan, Radiator, AC System, Ignition system, Starter, Alternator, Fuel pump and fuel delivery system, Oil change, Oil pan gasket, Head gasket , Valve cover gasket, Electrical, Major and minor mechanical repair, A & A Complete Auto Repair Car detailing and restoration.

Don't be Troubled by your Car Troubles

Don't let your car troubles ruin your day. The professionals here at A & A COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR HOUSTON will make your car troubles go away. Quality, Knowledge and Experience is what sets us apart from the rest. Give A & A COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR HOUSTON a call today, Your One Stop Shop For All Your Car needs.



Brake Repairs Needed? Don't Take Chances With Your Brakes - Repair Them Now!

Brake repairs - critical? Of course!

Your brakes keep your family safe. Brake repairs and parts for imports - expensive? You bet! Brake rotors for import cars, unlike domestics, are built with minimal thicknesses to save weight - meaning they can't be "turned"; they must be replaced. Brake rotors for imports are also more sensitive to warping from heat, and overheated brakes are the second most common cause of failure (first is wear-and-tear).

Save money on brake repairs and parts with these tips:

• Use Your Eyes & Ears to Inspect Your Brakes
• Visually inspect your brakes' condition at least every six months.

Here are some things to look for:

1. Brake Rotors (discs) should be inspected all the way around the surface and on both sides for any concentric scoring (grooves) or obvious defects. If defects are found, replace your rotors immediately. Any rotor discoloration may be a sign of overheating and an inspection by a brake repair professional is needed.
2. Brake Pads will normally match rotor scoring but should also be inspected for uneven wear, breakage or cracking on the friction surface. Again, if defects are found, replace the pads immediately. Many cars also have brake pad sensors to warn of pad wear. If your car uses sensors, replace these at the same time as your pads.
3. Brake Drums (if equipped) should also be inspected on a regular basis. Check for the same types of flaws as noted above. The drums should not have excessive grooves or have a deep "trough" dug into them where the shoes ride.
4. Brake Shoes (if equipped) should be worn evenly and have no rivets protruding to the friction surface.

Additional Troubleshooting:

1. When inspecting brakes, check calipers, wheel cylinders, hoses and fittings for any hydraulic fluid leakage.
2. Inspect the master cylinder, reservoir and proportioning valve assemblies as well. Replace or rebuild as required.
3. A "spongy" brake pedal or one that's gotten lower underfoot also needs looking into. It could be caused by sticking calipers, worn pads, low fluid or hydraulic system problems.
4. If you can't "pump them up", then you definitely have hydraulic problems that need work. If you always have to pump them up, at the very least your hydraulic fluid needs replacement.
5. To check brakes by sound, know how your brakes should sound and listen for out-of-the-ordinary noises.Most cars have a slight brushing sound from the pads lightly touching the rotors. This is perfectly normal.

Sounds to beware of include:

• Squeaking may be caused by dust or dirt on the brakes, loose pads vibrating when applied or worn pads.
• Rhythmic noise might mean you have a warped rotor. Instead of a solid squeaking noise, it pulsates. In extreme cases, the brake pedal will also pulsate underfoot.
• Constant brake noise is never a good sound and any grinding noise spells real trouble!

Most importantly: As soon as any problem is noticed, get it repaired immediately. Delaying brake repairs is extremely dangerous. Overstressed rotors and drums can break. Brakes may be too worn or damaged to stop your car in an emergency. Even if you manage to avoid physical harm, the longer you delay fixing brake problems, the more you increase the cost of doing so.

Badly worn, warped or overheated rotors can damage wheel bearings and the complete wheel hub assembly. These parts often cost as much or more than the brakes themselves.

Even if you like doing your own work, every few years your brakes should be examined by a professional. Checking brakes for "run-out", warping, wheel bearing play, proper proportioning balance, among others, are normally more involved than can be accomplished in your garage. This inspection can also uncover underlying problems that could eventually become costly or dangerous.

To schedule an inspection of your brake syatem give A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston a call at (281)564-7782 or bring your car to 12160 Bissonnet St., Houston, TX 77099

This article is from ( http://www.autohausaz.com ) and  brought to you by A & A Complete Auto Repair Houston - Your One Stop Shop For All Your Car Needs.