TSTC Library News

Get into gear with a reliable do-it-yourself auto repair resource

Your library provides free access to Auto Repair Source, an authoritative and easy-to-use auto service and repair reference tool. All content comes from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), and you can use it to help you diagnose, repair and maintain your car, truck or SUV. You can also take this valuable resource on the road — it’s designed for devices such as laptops and tablets!

Powered by the auto experts at MOTOR, Auto Repair Source includes:

• Service information optimized for the most common maintenance and repair operations
• Maintenance schedules and estimated labor times
• Technical service bulletins and recall notices
• Component location diagrams for most domestic and imported cars and light trucks
• Precise and comprehensive wiring diagrams for all systems
• Part numbers, diagrams and retail pricing for thousands of commonly replaced parts
• Engineering specifications for common repairs and adjustments
• Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), flowcharts and step-by-step diagnostic instructions

What is Chilton Library?

Chilton Library is an online resource that provides access to automotive repair and maintenance information.  It is a rich repository of up-to-date data, technical service bulletins, wiring diagrams, and more, covering a wide range of vehicles from various manufacturers.  Whether you're studying to be a professional mechanic or an every day car enthusiast, Chilton Library offers indispensable resources to anyone seeking to understand, repair, or maintain automobiles.

Why Should You Use This eResource?

1. Reliable and Authoritative Information: Chilton has a long-standing reputation for being a trusted source of automotive repair information.  This eResource contains maintenance and specification tables that provide the unique data you need for each 
2. Comprehensive Coverage: Chilton Library encompasses a vast array of vehicle makes and models, ensuring that you can find information on most vehicles on the road today.  From older classics to the latest models, Chilton Library has it covered.  
3. User-Friendly Interface: This eResource is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to even those who may not be tech-savvy.  You can easily navigate through Chilton Library to find the information you need, including video, photographs, and illustrations next to step-by-step instructions.  
4. Time and Money Saver: With Chilton Library, you can avoid unnecessary trips to auto repair shops for minor issues.  By having access to step-by-step repair instructions, you can save time and money by attempting to repair it yourself.
5. Educational Opportunities: Chilton Library offers a wealth of educational opportunities for students interested in learning about automotive mechanics.  From understanding engine components to diagnosing problems, you can expand your knowledge through this eResource. 
6. Professional Benefits: Students in automotive programs will benefit from the ASE Test Prep quizzes for the most popular certification exams, step-by-step service and repair procedures, and labor estimating tool to help you confidently determine your next move.  

How To Access Chilton Library

1. Visit the TSTC Library's A-Z Database page at: tstc.libguides.com/az.php
2. Look for Gale: Chilton Library
3. Sign in with your TSTC OneID

By Jim Marotta; Originally posted on blog.gale.com

A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) uses electronics to monitor the air pressure inside automotive tires. The system transmits real-time tire pressure information to the driver of the vehicle using a simple low pressure warning light in the instrument cluster.

Luxury becomes necessity

The first passenger vehicle to adopt TPMS was the Porsche 959 in 1986. Due to the increased use of Run Flat Tires, TPMS quickly became optional equipment for many luxury passenger vehicles, such as the Audi A8, Mercedes Benz S Class, BMW 7 Series, and the Chevrolet Corvette.

In the fall of 2000, following several fatal accidents involving underinflated tire failure and vehicle rollover, Congress signed into law the Transportation Recall, Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act (TREAD). This law mandates the use of a suitable TPMS technology to alert drivers of a severe underinflation condition of their tires. The law requires that all new vehicles produced for the US market after September 2007 have TPMS.

Direct and indirect TPMS

There are two types of tire pressure monitoring systems on the market today - direct and indirect.

Direct TPMS

Direct TPMS systems employ pressure sensors inside each tire to transmit air pressure information from inside the tire to a receiver and then to illuminate a light on the vehicle's instrument cluster. The system can identify simultaneous underinflation in all four tires in any combination with a typical trigger point of 25% below the recommended cold psi rating.

Direct TPMS systems employ pressure sensors within each tire to transmit air pressure information from inside the tire to a receiver. (Courtesy of Toyota.)

High-line and low-line direct tire pressure monitors

Two types of direct tire pressure monitors are currently in use: high line and low line. High-line systems use low frequency transmitters near each wheel to force wheel-mounted sensors to transmit air pressure information when the ignition is switched on and then periodically as the vehicle is in motion. The transmitters are activated one at a time in sequence so that the system can determine the location of the wheel with low pressure. Some vehicles use only three transmitters to save money. High-line direct tire pressure systems tend to be used on higher-end models.

Low-line system sensors transmit their own signals. Since two or more sensors on a vehicle may transmit simultaneously, individual systems use different methods to ensure signals are received by the vehicle. On some systems the message is re-transmitted in a random or pseudo random pattern multiple times to reduce the effect of interference on communication. Another method is to simply transmit signals more frequently. When sensors detect a rapid change in pressure or a temperature that is too high, they start to transmit immediately. Low-line systems are used on the majority of vehicles due to their lower cost.

How indirect systems work

Indirect systems do not use physical pressure sensors but rather measure the apparent air pressure, by monitoring individual wheel rotational speeds, and other signals available outside the tire itself. An underinflated tire has a slightly smaller diameter than a correctly inflated tire and therefore has to rotate at a higher velocity to cover the same distance as a correctly inflated tire. The system functions in combination with wheel speed sensors for anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and electronic stability control systems (ESC).

Indirect systems do not use physical pressure sensors but rather measure the apparent air pressure, by monitoring individual wheel rotational speeds (Courtesy of Toyota.)

One disadvantage of indirect TPMS is that the driver must calibrate the system by pushing a reset button on the dashboard or through the onboard computer, and if this is performed when any tire is in an underinflated condition, the system will not report correctly.

TPMS Evolution

Electronic systems manufacturer Johnson Controls' TPMS uses an adaptive auto-learn capability to automatically detect the sensors and determine their positions. The system automatically calculates the positions of each tire sensor, analyzing signal input from the antilock brake system and electronic stability control units at the start of a journey. There is no need for a manual learning procedure, even after a tire change.

Techs can calibrate new sets of tires within two to three minutes. The system can also permanently save additional sensor IDs, increasing the calibration speed of a set of winter tires. After the system detects the saved IDs, the sensors calibrate quicker, even if these tires are mounted in different positions than before.

The system reports low pressure just as precisely for one individual tire as for all four tires. The sensor technology can even detect a minimal 1 psi change in pressure. While the system is direct-measuring, it is unlike comparable systems in that it only uses a single antenna which is integrated directly into the TPMS control unit. Because the receiver software calculates all of the information needed to analyze the signals, it requires no other components apart from the tire sensors.

Avoid service mishaps

On direct TPMS systems, any service requiring the dismounting and mounting of tires can damage a sensor unit, including new tire installation and flat repairs. Other common service mishaps include inappropriate tool use, incorrect valve stem sensor installation and torque, and not replacing the nickel-plated valve core and rubber grommet in the valve stem.

Incorrect valve stem sensor installation and torque, and not replacing the nickel-plated valve core and rubber grommet in the valve stem can cause problems with the sensor. (Courtesy of Toyota.)

Another issue that seems to be a common concern is the weather, specifically in the climates of the northern US. The harsh winter weather affects the aluminum sensors causing them to oxidize on the inside.

Any service that requires the dismounting and mounting of tires can damage a sensor unit, including new tire installation. Proper tire machine technique is critical to not damage the sensor. (Courtesy of Toyota.)

Most indirect TPMS systems require resetting to recalibrate the system. A reset is typically required after adding air to a low tire, after changing or servicing a tire, or after rotating the tires on a vehicle. Finding the reset button and determining the reset procedure are the only difficult points to service.

With so many different reset procedures, it's important to make sure you are using the right procedure for the vehicle being serviced. For example, since General Motors has more than 10 different procedures depending on the application, consult ChiltonLibrary for the proper procedure and the location of the reset button.

While TPMS systems offer increased safety to drivers through low pressure warnings, they are not meant to be a substitute for proper tire pressure maintenance. How frequently should you be checking tire air pressure? Certainly any time the ambient temperature changes dramatically, and follow the manufacturer's maintenance intervals and specified inflation pressures.

Click here to access Chilton's comprehensive service procedures, specifications, and wiring diagrams.

Whether you’ve got a little or a lot mechanic in you, here’s a go-to source we thought you should know about. The name “Chilton” has been around almost as long as there have been cars on the road—and now their auto repair manuals are available online through ChiltonLibrary.

RELY ON UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION

With ChiltonLibrary, you’ll find accurate, digestible information that’s continuously updated to cover most cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs on the road today, including:

• Step-by-step repair procedures for everything from suspension, brakes, clutch, and gearbox jobs to more ambitious electrical and engine projects.
• Troubleshooting guides for additional support.
• Maintenance schedules to help prevent costly repairs.

ACCESS ANYTIME AND ANYWHERE

Visit https://tstc.libguides.com/chilton for free access to ChiltonLibrary at your library, at home, or on the go.

Happy car caring!

By: Jim Marotta; Originally posted on blog.gale.com

At 100 horsepower per liter, GM’s newer turbocharged 1.4L has the power of a larger engine but retains the efficiency of a small-displacement four-cylinder in most driving conditions. Courtesy GM

A naturally aspirated automobile engine uses the downward stroke of a piston to create an area of low pressure in order to draw air into the cylinder through the intake valves. Because the pressure in the atmosphere is no more than 14.7 psi, there is a limit to the amount of airflow entering the combustion chamber.

A turbocharged engine uses a radial fan pump driven by the engine’s exhaust that consists of a turbine and a compressor on a shared shaft. The turbine converts exhaust gases exiting the engine into rotational force, which is used to drive a compressor which draws in ambient air and pumps it at high pressure into the intake manifold to improve the engine’s volumetric efficiency. This results in a greater mass of air entering the cylinders on each intake stroke.

There are four main components to a turbocharger: the housing, the impeller/turbine wheels, the center hub and the bypass.

The size and shape of the housings fitted around the impeller and turbine affect performance, response, and efficiency. Courtesy Borg-Warner

The size and shape of the housings fitted around the impeller and turbine dictate the performance characteristics of the overall turbocharger. This allows the designer of the engine system to tailor the compromises between performance, response, and efficiency to application or preference.

The impeller and turbine wheel sizes also dictate the amount of air or exhaust that can be flowed through the system. Generally, the larger the turbine and compressor wheels, the larger the flow capacity. The shape, curvature and number of blades on the wheels allow infinite variability in design to tailor a turbocharger to a given engine.

Water-cooled bearings, such as the one shown, allow engine coolant to keep the lubricating oil cooler, avoiding possible oil coking from the extreme heat found in the turbine. Courtesy Borg-Warner

The center hub connects the compressor impeller and turbine and uses a bearing lubricated by a constant supply of pressurized engine oil. While the engine oil cools some systems, the preferred method is to use engine coolant to keep the lubricating oil cooler, avoiding possible oil coking from the extreme heat found in the turbine.

Turbos use a bypass or wastegate to prevent over-pressurizing the system. At a specific boost pressure, a bypass feeds part of the exhaust gas flow around the turbine. The wastegate which opens or closes the bypass is usually operated by a spring-loaded diaphragm in response to the boost pressure.

There are several tips to maintaining and servicing turbochargers:

• Engineers design turbochargers to last the lifetime of the engine. They normally do not require any special maintenance; however observe strict adherence to the engine manufacturer’s service instructions. Ninety percent of all turbocharger failures are due to either foreign bodies entering into the turbine or the compressor, dirt in the oil, inadequate oil supply, or high exhaust gas temperatures.
• The most important maintenance factor is clean oil. Since turbochargers can be easily damaged by dirty or ineffective oil, most manufacturers recommend more frequent oil changes for turbocharged engines. The use of synthetic oils, which tend to flow more readily when cold and do not break down as quickly as conventional oils, is also a common practice.
• Since the turbocharger generates heat when running, many automakers recommend letting the engine idle before shutting off the engine if the turbocharger was used shortly before stopping. Most manufacturers specify a 10-second period of idling before switching off, for a couple of reasons: (1) to ensure the turbocharger is running at its idle speed, and (2) to prevent damage to the bearings when the oil supply is cut off. Idling lets the turbo rotating assembly cool from the lower exhaust gas temperatures, and ensures that oil is supplied to the turbocharger while the turbine housing and exhaust manifold are still very hot; otherwise coking of the lubricating oil trapped in the unit may occur when the heat soaks into the bearings, causing rapid bearing wear and failure when the car is restarted. Even small particles of burnt oil will accumulate, lead to choking the oil supply, and failure.
• The easiest way to diagnose a weak turbocharger is to observe the turbo boost. If the turbocharger does not show normal boost at full throttle (typically 9 to 14 psi), the system needs further diagnosis. One common but overlooked condition is excessive exhaust backpressure (often due to a clogged catalytic converter) which can prevent the turbo from developing its normal boost pressure.

Planning to service or repair your vehicle? ChiltonLibrary can help! We have all the information car owners need to understand, diagnose and solve vehicle problems and make informed decisions.

By: Jim Marotta; Originally posted on blog.gale.com

Ford introduced 4-wheel air suspension (4WAS) in 1995 and has since made it available on all three generations of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

System components:

• The electric air compressor mounts behind the right headlight and includes a built-in vent solenoid valve and a replaceable air dryer.
• A solenoid valve at each suspension unit.
• The front and rear fill solenoids isolate the front/rear air shocks from the rest of the system.
• The front gate solenoid isolates the front air shocks from each other, so the pressure between them does not equalize as the vehicle rolls in a turn.
• A pressure relief valve is mounted on the frame crossmember near the rear height sensor.

Linear ride height sensor

• On 2006 and earlier models, there are two linear ride height sensors, one mounted between the rear suspension panhard rod and the crossmember just forward of the spare tire, and one between the frame and the left front upper control arm.
• Later models have four identical potentiometer-type sensors, one at each corner, permanently mounted to left- and right-side brackets, which are bolted to the frame, and a small ball stud link connects the sensor arm to the suspension arm.
• On earlier models, a single control unit is used for the 4WAS, the rear air suspension system and the EVO steering control module. On later models, air suspension is controlled by the vehicle dynamics module, mounted above the parking brake handle.
• On 1997-02 models, a manual air suspension switch behind the front passenger side kick panel turns the system off for service or long-term storage. On newer models, it’s behind an access panel aft of the third-row seat on the driver side.
• Two nylon air lines connect directly to the drier mounted on the compressor, one leading to the front fill solenoid valve and the other to the rear fill valve. Quick-connect fittings are used throughout the system. The air lines cannot be repaired or spliced.

Tips for servicing the system:

• When the ignition switch is first turned ON, the control runs a self-diagnostic test. If a malfunction is detected, the system will default to trim height, either by operating the compressor or by venting pressure as needed.
• Turn the manual air suspension switch off any time the wheels are lifted off the ground. Failure to do so can cause expensive damage, especially to the rear air springs.

Over time, air bag rubber can deteriorate and cause leaks.

• The only service required by the 4WAS itself is a visual inspection. Look for physical damage to the air springs, cut or crimped air lines, or evidence of something rubbing the lines. There is no pressure sensor in the system. Symptoms of a leak include excessive compressor operation, failure to reach or maintain commanded height, and most commonly, a sagging rear end.

Catastrophic faults can result from an airbag tear that evacuate all the air from the system. This will cause the pump to run continuously and eventually fail.

• Use soapy water to leak-check fittings, check the whole system with a smoke machine. Do not, under any circumstances, disconnect any fittings without venting the system first.
• Check height sensors for damage and to make sure they’re securely mounted. With the vehicle at trim height, sensor output should be 2.66 volts. Using ChiltonLibrary, consult the wiring diagrams for the correct pin locations to measure the voltage.

Air Pump

• Historically the most troublesome part of the system is the compressor. Failures tend to be gradual rather than catastrophic. When replacing a compressor, techs often replace the solid-state relay too.

After replacing a sensor or the control unit, you will need to calibrate the control unit. This involves setting mechanical ride height (with the system vented), and then use a scan tool to command specific functions through the control unit.

Car care knowledge is an invaluable tool. The better informed we are as consumers, the better service we can expect. ChiltonLibrary has the information car owners need to understand a problem, confirm estimates, and make informed car care decisions.

You can access Chilton's comprehensive service procedures, specifications, and wiring diagrams on the LRC’s website.  Visit https://tstc.libguides.com/chilton for access to this amazing resource.

Keep an eye out here every Wednesday of July for guest posts from Gale author Jim Marotta.  Jim will be covering some great topics that revolve around the automotive industry.  

Curious about what the LRC offers for auto enthusists?  

Check out these databases:

• Chilton Library - Provides quick online access to repair, maintenance and service information on popular cars, trucks, vans and SUVs.
• Auto Repair Source - Content includes step-by-step repair information, diagrams, maintenance schedules, parts, and labor estimates, service bulletins and recalls.

Looking for more content?  Check out the LRC's Facebook Group for facts and fun throughout the month.

Looking for a way to finish your research faster AND get better results?  This short video will show you how to find online articles with EBSCO databases for your papers and projects. Includes information on using advanced search techniques, saving articles to folders, and finding auto generated citations.

Its been shown that access to the library increases your chance of success.  No, really!  Using library materials (books, eBooks, databases) and attending library instruction courses can help you get higher grades and are more likely to finish your degree.  

The new goods is that its easier than ever to access library resources, even if you are a remote student.  Visit our Remote Page for quick access to LRC resources you can use from home.  Looking for help using those resources?  Visit our Staff Page to contact your local librarian for help via chat, call, or an online meeting. 

Remember, we at the LRC want to help you success and care about your progress.  Always feel free to reach out for help.

Look, we get it.  You've spent a lot of time putting together your powerpoint or writing your paper.  You are just ready for the process to be over.  You have other stuff to do, other classes to study for, sleep to get, and work to do.  But before you save that document and turn it in, remember that you need to cite your sources.  This is a vital step and can make a big difference in your grade.

Need help getting started on citing sources for your projects and papers?  Look no further than our citation guide for example citations, sample papers, and advice on how to cite in-text.

Looking for more help?  No worries!  Your friendly library staff is always available to help you when it comes to formatting and citing sources.  Reach out at any time for help!

Why Cite?

It gives proper credit to the work's creator.

So when you do research, its important to remember that everything you are reading is written by a real person.  This person may have spent years of their lives researching one specific topic in such detail that it provides you with the support you need for your project.  So lets say you are doing some research on the placebo effect and you stumble across this 10 year trial that has great information you want to use.  But take a minute to think about that.   A ten year trial.  Think That means that someone dedicated 10 years of their life to this one project and that 10 years resulted in this one paper.  For all that effort, you want to make sure that the author is credited for the 10 years they devoted to the research that helps you prove your point. 

It enables the researcher to find the work cited in order to verify the accuracy and interpretation of what is quoted or referred to.

Some people are more credible about topics than others.  You wouldn't trust your doctor to replace your water pump.  You wouldn't trust your mechanic to remove your gallbladder.  When you cite yoursources, the name of whoever wrote what you are quoting from goes first.  Its a big statement that says "This is a person that I trust to have accurate information."  It allows your instructor and anyone else that reads your paper know that you have enough knowledge on the subject to know who is worth listening to.  

It is a check on the false attribution and misleading use of information.

"Well I read online that-" "I saw this show once-"  "This email was looked over by an attorney-"  See a trend?  None of these statements can be verified.  Where online?  What was the show?  Who is this mysterous attorney?  Usually when you hear someone start a conversation this way, you know to be careful because what they are saying may not be 100% accurate (if accurate at all).  The common thread here is that you can't actually fact check anything they are saying because they don't provide enough details.  Citation allows anyone reading your paper or project to know who wrote it, where it was published, when it was published, and who it was published by.  By providing this info, you are again showing the quality of the source and your judgement.

It allows YOUR ideas to stand out clearly in the text.  

The point of your coursework is to show your instructor how well you understand the subject.  And while using expert opinions and information is a great way to support your arguments, its important that your ideas and comprehension shine through.  By citing your sources, you are showing your instructor that you put the time and energy into researching the topic and now you are able to form your own opinions.  Research is a conversation and most issues have multiple sides.  Did these two well respected authors opinions differ? So why did you choose to quote one author over another?  By citing other people's opinions, you are able to clearly use them as support or a springboard to refute their claims.  This allows your instructor to see your understanding of the material which always means better grades.

It helps reduce the possibility of plagiarism as you have clearly stated the sources for your information and ideas.

You didn't think you'd get through a list about citation without hearing about plagiarism did you?  Plagiarism is a big deal.  Its a form of fraud and can get you in serious trouble. For TSTC, its an ethical issue and can affect your academic career and professional reputation.  Don't risk your future by trying to pass someone else's work off as your own.

It improves your grade.

Take a look at your assignment.  Chances are, your instructor has some requirements for the resources you can use.  For some it may just be a number: "Use no less than 3 sources".  For others it may be quality: "All sources must be peer reviewed".  And for a few it can be a date range: "Sources must be published within two years of today's date."  The easiest way to prove all of these is in your works cited/bibliography.  By including these details, your instructor can easily check these items off the grading rubric and move on to the content of your paper. Citing your sources can often be the easiest points you get on a paper.  So go through the little extra time it takes to include them and it can make a big difference on the final outcome.

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) is available remotely to all TSTC students on and off campus.  Some locations may be open face to face with limited hours so be sure to check with your local campus for details.   The LRC is here to assist with educational and professional development by providing access to services and resources including: 

• Library Services for Remote Learning

• Email, Chat, and phone based reference

• Electronic databases

• Research Guides 

• Student Services and Resources Guide

 Your TSTC WebAdvisor or ID login information may be required to access remote resources. For more information and assistance, please reach out to your local library staff on Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit the TSTC LibGuides and/or the TSTC LRC Portal Page. 

Why should you use the LRC?

• Librarians will save you time with  your research and help you meet your instructor’s expectations.

• It’s a good place to meet socially and for group projects.

• We have resources that are tailored to your needs to help you quickly find what you need.

What can I do at the LRC?

• Check out technical or leisure books, ebooks, and DVDs.

• Use the study rooms for study sessions or group projects.

• Access computers, scanners, and printing services.

Important Resources

• Email, Chat, and phone based reference

• Electronic databases

• Research Guides 

• Library Catalog

  • Books, eBooks, newspapers, magazines, journals, and special collections

  • Multimedia resources [DVD, CDs, Audiobooks, etc.]

• Texshare cards

• TSTC LRC Bookshare

• LRC computers and printers for on-campus use

Detailed highlights for the 2020 fall semester:

One-on-one research consultations

Not sure where to get started on research?  Never used a database before?  Never written a research paper before? No worries!  LRC staff are available to meet in person, answer questions via email, or through the telephone. 

Acquisitions

Need books or other library materials for your research? Please contact your librarian with your request!  The library will try to obtain all requested titles that support programs, within the available budget.  Please keep in mind that resources such as databases or periodicals will require ongoing funding and will be considered on a case by case basis.  

Citation, Research, and Writing Guides

These guides are built to help students properly research, write, and cite papers which can help them do better in their coursework. 

• For Citation Visit: http://tstc.libguides.com/citation
• For Research Visit: http://tstc.libguides.com/search
• For Writing Visit: http://tstc.libguides.com/writing

Database Listing

Visit: http://tstc.libguides.com/az.php for an A-Z listing for links to all databases and eResources that the LRC subscribes to.

Student Resources

Visit: http://tstc.libguides.com/student to see an overview of what the LRC can do to help you with your information needs!

For more information and access assistance, please reach out to your local library staff during library hours or visit the TSTC Libguides or the TSTC LRC Portal Page available 24/7. 

With all of the information out there surrounding COVID-19, it can be difficult sorting through everything to find what you need. The TSTC LRCs have put together a guide with easy sections and links to find what you are looking for regarding this pandemic.

Government Websites

This section focuses on information and updates from the Center of Disease Control and any information regarding government assistance.

Public Health and Safety

For information on the virus itself, how it is transmitted, symptoms, and details on the importance of personal protection like masks.

Student Resources

Focused on issues impacting students, including links on how financial aid is being impacted, free resources available online, and tips for transitioning to online learning.

Faculty Resources

This section has links that might help TSTC faculty transitioning to online teaching.

About COVID-19

Research is ongoing and ever changing, and this section provides tools to find articles from scholarly, trusted sources on information about the coronavirus.

Laws and Legislation

Direct links to proposed laws and laws that have passed regarding COVID-19.

Today we're looking at Auto Repair Source.

For those in a hurry, the quick info:

• Why search here?
  • Auto Repair Source provides service and repair information for thousands of domestic and imported vehicles.
• What’s included?
  • Content includes step-by-step repair information, diagrams, maintenance schedules, parts, and labor estimates, service bulletins and recalls

Auto Repair Source is your source for the most current, accurate, authoritative auto service and repair Information.  All content comes from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and includes step-by-step repair information, diagrams, maintenance schedules, parts and labor estimates, service bulletins and recalls, and more. Up-to-Date Information, Intelligent Search Designed for touch-enabled devices such as laptops and tablets, Auto Repair Source™ offers a user-friendly search experience and access to a wealth of information to help users diagnose, repair and maintain today's complex vehicles. Diagrams and images can be easily magnified and printed.

Whew!  That's a lot of info.  So, lets say you've inherited a 1992 Crown Victoria from your older sister who figured it would be cheaper to give you the car than to call someone to scrap it.  There's not a good change that the manual is going to be in the glovebox.  The good news is that you can find everything you need using this one database.  

That means if you need to figure out why the air conditioner isn't working...

...or if you know the lock housing needs replaced

... or if you've somehow lucked out and it only needs air in the tires...

You can get accurate, up to date information or testing, labor, or parts costs with a few clicks.  

Check out our LibGguides for TSTC's various automotive and diesel engine programs. We have plenty of links and videos to help you with your coursework. Click the links below and be taken to the guides that provide links on topics like Industry Standards, Professional Organizations, Diesel Engine Repair, Troubleshooting Engine Problems, and Automotive Concepts.

Automotive Technology

Diesel Equipment Technology