Alex

That's good news, sounds like you found your issue!

Banging the steering column would make me think that the ignition switch is faulty. Maybe its a coincidence? Could it be an issue with your starter? Is the solenoid clicking at all? Could be that the starter is landing when shut off on a low spot and tapping it with a hammer sometimes will get it to start. If that's the case, you have a bad starter.

Arch Auto Parts, an auto parts supplier in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, New York, has reported strong sales of OE-quality parts resulting from explosive growth in rideshare services Uber, Lyft, Juno and Via, and on-demand delivery services. In the past four years, NYC ride-hail app pickups have grown from zero to 15 million trips per month, according to NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) data, via toddwschneider.com. About half of NYC ride-hail pickups are in the outer boroughs, where taxis have historically been less prevalent. Ride-hail app services now make approximately 10 times more pick-ups than green and yellow taxis combined in the outer boroughs. The surge in Uber, Lyft and other commercial drivers is good news for Arch Auto Parts, which reports a spike in demand for competitively priced, OE-quality parts. To maintain their TLC license, vehicles used for Uber and Lyft must pass inspections at least every four months, so drivers stay on top of service and repairs and closely track expenses. Arch Auto Parts says it provides these independent contractors in-stock availability of OE-quality parts, at deep discount prices typically only available to commercial fleets. “Many Uber and Lyft drivers log more than 50,000 miles per year, so they quickly reach their vehicle manufacturer’s warranty limit. They still want OE-quality parts, but without the high dealer prices,” said Lucy Henner, Arch Auto Parts vice president of marketing. “These high-mileage drivers are opting for high-quality parts not only for better performance, but also to reduce their total service expenses. Labor charges are the biggest component of most repair bills. They don’t want to pay labor charges to service the car twice, when an OE-quality part will often last twice as long.” In New York City, ride-hailing services made 65 percent more pickups than taxis by late 2017, according to NYC TLC data. In January 2018, there were approximately 564,000 daily ride-hail app pickups, including Uber, Lyft, Juno and Via. Compared to 12,600 total yellow taxis dispatched per week in January 2018, there were 58,500 vehicles providing Uber service, many of which also work with Lyft, Juno, Via or other rideshare or delivery services. In Manhattan, taxis and ride-hail app services now make about the same number of trips. Strongest ride-hail growth is in Queens and Brooklyn. Based on data Uber provided the New York Times, more than 50 percent of NYC Uber rides originated outside Manhattan in 2017­, even excluding pickups from JFK and LaGuardia (LGA) airports. Over half of the areas where Uber reported big increases in pickups were in Queens, including St. Albans, South Jamaica, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, Rosedale, Bayside and Glendale. Long Island City, Queens now hosts major driver centers for Uber and Lyft, as well as a TLC office. Brooklyn has seen similar annual growth, with almost four times more weekly Uber pickups in the Flatlands neighborhood, and three times more pickups in Starrett City. Uber, Lyft, Juno and Via pickups from JFK and LaGuardia airports roughly tripled from 2016 to 2018. Ride-hail services and taxis now make about the same number of airport pickups. Arch Auto Parts stores near JFK and LGA airports report a similar increase in rideshare drivers at their stores. Arch Auto Parts offers drivers find the highest-quality national brands, including many of the OE parts that were specified and engineered for domestic and import vehicles on the assembly line. The company says customers who want to maintain or restore the comfort and performance of their vehicle often find parts from their vehicle’s OEM at Arch Auto Parts, including parts from Bosch, DENSO, Continental, Aisin, Arnott, Akebono, Delco, Motorcraft, NGK, Trico, Hella, Hengst, Chemours (formerly Dupont), Sylvania, TRW, VDO and more. For example, for Toyota Camrys, one of the most popular Uber vehicles, Arch Auto Parts stocks parts from the OEM for the radiator, compressor, alternator, starter, cabin filter, oxygen sensors (O2 sensors), brake pads, water pump, timing kits, freon refrigerant and more. With their Arch Loyalty discount, drivers typically save 15 to 40 percent over prices at other parts stores. Arch Auto Parts also has become one of the top choices for many independent contract drivers for delivery services, including Caviar, Uber Eats, DoorDash, Postmates and GrubHub. The company says delivery drivers appreciate the convenience of picking up car parts almost as fast as they pick up meals for delivery. Ninety percent of shoppers find the OE-quality parts they need in-stock at the counter at Arch Auto Parts, according to the company. Online shoppers will find most parts ready for in-store pick up in 30 minutes or less. Source: http://www.aftermarketnews.com/nyc-growth-of-ride-hailing-services-fuels-arch-auto-parts/

It’s in every American’s blood to achieve more, do better, strive. (Well, most Americans. Everyone has that one cousin who doesn’t do a whole lot.) But in this hyper-aware, hyper-competitive world in which we live, I’d like everyone to do one, huge thing: less. Of everything. What? Yes, that’s right, less. You know that phrase you often hear when meeting new people and exchanging business cards, “I’m a jack of all trades, master of none?” That’s not a good thing. And I’m not sure why we hear it so much. I think it’s meant as a badge of honor. Or maybe it’s meant to be a sign of humility. But that person needs to listen to his or her own words and act on them. I don’t care how big your business is. Everyone is trying to do too much, be too much to too many other people and businesses. The signs are everywhere: Too few employees trying to do more and more complex tasks; companies offering myriad services, many of which seem impossible to accomplish them all well; half-completed projects; people chasing their tails, going after the shiny new ball of aluminum foil. What’s the result? Are your sales down? Do you feel like you’ve thrown everything you can at the wall and nothing is sticking? If so, I’m pretty sure it’s not the market: It’s you. Stop it. Stop trying to be everything, and watch your sales improve. Let’s get back to our customers and give them what they want and need. What’s the best way to do that? Listen to them. It isn’t any harder than that. The future is not in a web page, an app or an algorithm. Success is rooted in connecting with people, discovering their needs and providing them the products and services they need to do their business. It’s as simple as that. Source: http://www.counterman.com/stop-trying-to-do-too-much-and-watch-your-sales-improve/

Your image isn't coming up. You can just copy and paste by using a "screen shot" as well. Shows....

I caught one of these episodes and it was pretty good.

Open to the public and available for all channels of the aftermarket, Dorman University provides Web-based access to product training related to Dorman’s growing categories and product offering. Dorman says signing up for its new training is both easy and free. After visiting www.DormanUniversity.com and enrolling in the program, students can begin selecting from a wide variety of available course content including: · An introduction to Hybrid Drive Batteries· Highlights from Dorman’s latest Service Dealer Guide· An overview of Dorman’s TPMS program· An overview of the diesel parts market· Highlights from Dorman’s latest Heavy Duty New Product Guide· New training modules added often Each training module consists of course materials that can be downloaded for easy reference, learning content such as videos or presentations, a brief quiz on the course materials, an opportunity to earn a certificate of completion and a closing review summary. Enroll today to start participating in Dorman University. For additional information on Dorman’s latest product introductions, visit www.DormanProducts.com or call 800-523-2492. Also available on the company’s website are links to the Dorman Products signup and links to the company’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels.

Here's Fall 2017 Volume 2 Dorman Dealer Guide

Has anyone use one of these before? I was gifted one and have not installed it yet, mainly the app because the connector is just a plug in. It's supposed to communicate car information to your phone via bluetooth. I am going to play with it and post results. Here's the website https://www.fixdapp.com/how_it_works You can get it on Amazon for $59.99

I agree. I have used this site for years to find local used parts.

Bald eagle spotted eating black cat on downtown Norfolk sidewalk in front of Advance Auto Parts A black cat apparently crossed the wrong path Tuesday afternoon – and ended up as lunch for a bald eagle. Dozens of people crowded around as the eagle ate the cat on the sidewalk. Traffic stopped in front of Advance Auto Parts at 26th Street and Monticello Avenue as drivers took a closer look, said store manager Bobby Rafalski. He’d only ever seen anything remotely like that at a zoo, “not an eagle just randomly in the middle of the city.” The eagle was more than two feet long from head to tail and stood around a foot and a half tall, he said. People were eager to get photos, but they weren’t getting too close. “It’s intimidating. It’s an eagle. It has razor-sharp claws and a razor-sharp beak.” The eagle’s meal, Rafalski said, looked like a fully grown black cat. The eagle nearly picked it clean over the course of about 45 minutes, he said. Employee Carol Sills said there were many birds hanging out on the power lines and street lights as usual, and then suddenly they all took off when the eagle showed up. But once the eagle had landed, people with camera phones flocked. Matt Seniuk, a physics teacher at Norview High School, saw the crowd on Monticello on his way to coach football at Blair Middle. He thought there may have been a fight or an accident, then glimpsed the big bird. “It was surreal. You’re right in the middle of downtown, almost,” Seniuk said. Stranger still: the bird seemed unperturbed by the onlookers. “It was going to enjoy its meal as long as nobody was bothering it.” Seniuk said he’d seen eagles in zoos and while rafting on the Delaware River in his native Pennsylvania. “In the woods you see things, but I’ve never seen anything like that,” he said. He sent his nature-loving mother graphic photos and video of the eagle’s feast. “She said, ‘You could have warned me,’” he said. “But it’s no different from what you’d see on the Science Channel or National Geographic. That’s nature.” And in nature there’s always a predator and prey. Rafalski said the first call to his store Wednesday morning was a weeping woman looking for her missing black cat. “There’s a lot of cats around here. I just tried to reassure her that it probably wasn’t hers.”

Remember when cars and trucks didn’t have all these newfangled sensors, computers and infotainment systems? Back in the old days, everything was simpler – including the commercials. Thanks to YouTube, we can look back (and maybe laugh) at some of the vintage TV ads plugging auto parts. Let us know if we’ve forgotten any good ones. NAPA (1979) Noteworthy: The ad is narrated by the late Joseph Campanella, who appeared in more than 200 films and TV shows during his career. Quoteworthy: “Lots of NAPA parts are better than your car’s original parts.” Carquest (1976) Quoteworthy: “Your car is too big an investment to takes chances on parts and services.” Chief Auto Parts (1984) Noteworthy: The ad features Don Adams, best-known for playing the bumbling secret agent Maxwell Smart in “Get Smart.” Quoteworthy: “You pay. I’ll drive.” AC Sparkplugs (1954) Noteworthy: The actor Frank Albertson portrays a fictional automotive editor who offers an unsolicited explanation of an AC sparkplugs ad to a colleague. Quoteworthy: “Boy you’ll be amazed and pleased at the difference.” Carquest (1976) Quoteworthy: “Oh George, you’re so clever!” Ford (1940) Noteworthy: In this ad promoting the use of genuine Ford parts, “the parts speak for themselves.” Quoteworthy: “Pardon me folks if I point with pride to a new set of Ford parts inside.” Havoline (1976) Noteworthy: Bob Hope explains that state troopers rely on Havoline motor oil – so you should too. Quoteworthy: “Take away the stuff that makes a trooper car look like a trooper car, and what have you got? Five to 10 in the big house.” Source: http://www.counterman.com/classic-auto-parts-commercials-dont-make-em-like-used/

The Auto Care Association submitted comments Oct. 2 urging the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to relist Alibaba and its family of e-commerce platforms, including Taobao and AliExpress, as notorious markets that facilitate the sale of counterfeit auto parts. The letter was submitted as part of the USTR’s request for comments in identifying internet and physical markets based outside the United States that engage in copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting for its annual Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets Report. “Despite Alibaba’s efforts to address the proliferation of counterfeit products, our members report that their brand protection tools and enforcement program have been unsatisfactory,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “Not only do counterfeit products threaten the U.S. economy, and impact our members’ sales and brand value, but counterfeit auto parts do not comply with any safety regulations and are a danger to the safety of consumers.” The Auto Care Association submitted comments in response to member complaints regarding the proliferation of online supply chains based in China that allow the online distribution of counterfeit parts. These online B2B and e-commerce sites advertise branded counterfeit products for sale at rates that significantly undercut the margins of members’ original products. In its letter, the Auto Care Association outlined general principles that Alibaba should adopt to address the proliferation of counterfeit products on its various platforms. The Auto Care Association commends the USTR’s efforts to combat piracy and counterfeiting. The association looks forward to continuing this dialogue with the USTR and representatives from the identified websites to protect and enforce intellectual property rights. Source: http://www.autobodynews.com/index.php/national-associations-news/item/13966-auto-care-association-identifies-alibaba-as-notorious-market-for-counterfeit-auto-parts.html

MANN+HUMMEL has designed new brake dust particulate filter that it says substantially reduces the particulates created while braking. According to the company, braking in city traffic creates significantly more dust than exhaust emissions. Every braking action creates brake dust through friction on the brake disc and brake pads. This is mainly comprised of particulates, and due to the small particle size, they are harmful to health and the environment. The brake dust contributes considerably towards the pollution caused by particulates from road traffic. More than 90 percent of brake dust consists of ultra-fine particles which have a negative effect on human health. A study from the World Health Organization came to the conclusion that 92 percent of humans live in areas where air pollution is above the permissible level. After successful lab tests, the brake dust particulate filter is now being tested in the “fine dust eater” fleet by MANN+HUMMEL to measure performance in real driving conditions. The newly developed brake dust particulate filter from MANN+HUMMEL considerably reduces the emission of particulates, and as a result, less brake dust particulates are able to penetrate the ambient air in traffic. The filter can be adapted to existing installation space in the area of the brake disc. The brake dust particulate filter is suitable for use with all types of vehicles, ranging from electric vehicles to hybrid vehicles and conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. The robust housing of the filter fitted close to the brake caliper allows the filter to prevent the emission directly at the source of fine dust to the ambient air. This is especially useful in city traffic, where frequent braking occurs. The filter medium, which efficiently filters the various particle sizes, is made from a material which is resistant to temperature and corrosion. The retention of the fine dust directly at the place where it is created prevents the soiling of alloy rims and to a large extent the tedious removal of the entrenched brake dust . The brake dust particulate filter from MANN+HUMMEL, with its robust design, can be implemented in the existing installation space and also can become a colored styling element. In addition to use in motor cars, the brake dust particulate filter also can be used in commercial vehicles and railway applications.

Stock took a hit.

To learn more, visit http://www.tricoproducts.com/Drivers. This wiper blade obsessed driving instructor teaches one lesson in this defensive driving school ─ change your wiper blades. Even better, choose TRICO® wiper blades when you do! Easy to install and designed to perform under the most extreme weather conditions, TRICO wiper blades let you focus on what matters most – keeping you and your passengers safe.

The retail industry is changing fast and I don't think people are putting enough weight on the continuing shift to eCommerce and price driven buying decisions, even in the automotive parts industry.

CRP Automotive, a leading source of OE-quality replacement and service parts, has developed three special service kits designed to simplify transmission fluid service on Audi, BMW and VW vehicles. In developing these kits, CRP Automotive brought together two of its brands – Pentosin OE approved fluid (ATF1) and Rein Automotive. The new Pentosin kits feature Pentosin ATF1, a long-life fully synthetic high-performance automatic transmission fluid designed for lifetime application in automatic gearboxes and Rein Automotive OE quality transmission fluid filters. CRP Automotive offers three Pentosin transmission fluid service kit configurations to fit the needs of its professional service customers: Pentosin Kit #1058206-KIT-1 (Audi/VW): Includes 5 Pentosin ATF1 (1L) (OE Part #G052162A2) and 1 Rein Filter Kit (OE Part #01V-398-429) Pentosin Kit #1058206-KIT-2 (VW): Includes 5 Pentosin ATF1 (1L) (OE Part #G055025A2) and 1 Rein Filter Kit (OE Part #09G-325-429-A) Pentosin Kit #1058206-KIT-3 (BMW): Includes 6 Pentosin ATF1 (1L) (OE Part #83-22-2-220-442) and 1 Rein Filter Kit (OE Part #24-11-7-557-070) CRP Automotive Product Manager, Marie Yeager, noted, “Transmission fluid services are an important part of regular maintenance and will help increase transmission service life. According to the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association, 90% of automatic transmission failures are caused by overheating and can often be attributed to transmission fluid that should have been replaced. Completing the recommended interval changes at approximately 50,000 miles can extend vehicle longevity and improve performance.” About CRP Automotive CRP Automotive is a leader in the manufacture, marketing, and supply of OE quality import automotive parts. CRP provides some of the industry’s leading brand names, including AAE Steering Systems, REIN Automotive Parts and Accessories, ContiTech Belts and Kits, Pentosin Technical Fluids, AJUSA Engine Parts and FERTAN Rust Treatment products. All products are backed by the CRP promise of quality and superior service. Founded in 1954, CRP Automotive has established a solid reputation for exceeding its customers’ expectations. CRP maintains key distribution centers in the NAFTA market. For additional information, visit: www.crpautomotive.com

Video: https://vid.thestreet.com/p/105/sp/0/playManifest/protocol/https/entryId/0_xe47f9i8/format/url/flavorParamId/35/video.mp4 TheStreet's founder and Action Alerts PLUS Portfolio Manager Jim Cramer said the auto space parts business hasn't declined because of Amazon (AMZN) , as the tech giant has only just moved into the space. "It's too hard to own anything that's related to auto, auto parts," Cramer still reasoned. Advanced Auto Parts (AAP) shares crashed 22% on Tuesday amid weak quarterly earnings. Autozone AZO slumped 3% in sympathy. All of this begs the question. Should Walmart (WMT) jump into the auto parts space on the cheap to head off Amazon? "In this sector, companies can exercise considerable pricing pressure over their vendors, which is what Walmart does well. If you have a competence in distribution like Walmart, it can be very successful," Brian Sponheimer, research analyst at Gabelli & Company told TheStreet in a recent interview.

NEW YORK CITY – Standard Motor Products said it will give away more than $10,000 in prizes as part of the company’s “Why I Trust Standard” promotion. Running through Sept. 30, the promotion’s grand prize is a 2017 Honda ATV. To enter, contestants must upload a video or photo of themselves with their favorite Standard part to the “Why I Trust Standard” promotional tab on the brand’s Facebook page. In the video or photo caption, contestants should share why they trust Standard for their repairs. The entries with the most number of “Likes” will win a corresponding prize. The Grand Prize winner will receive a 2017 Honda ATV. Two second-prize winners will win a Snap-On toolbox, and five third-prize winners will receive a Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth speaker. The first 500 entries will be awarded a commemorative Standard hat. “Standard has been a trusted brand since 1919, and this promotion is an exciting new way to engage with our loyal customers and hear why they trust our parts for their repairs,” said Phil Hutchens, vice president of engine management marketing for Standard Motor Products. The contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.WhyITrustStandard.com.

Yes it could be a variety of things and the right thing would be to have it diagnosed either at a repair shop or a dealer, unless you are able to run some test on the 02 and exhaust. The other thing to consider is if there are some warranty or added warranty items available on this vehicle. If you haven't already, get your car loaded into myChevy https://my.chevrolet.com/home . You'll be able to see if there are any recalls and service items extended to 150k. Some of these GM vehicles have additional coverage added to them because of known issues and some include the catalytic converter, fuel pump, and also oil consumption which could trigger your code as well.

PartCycle Technologies announces “Inventory A.I.”, an industry-first innovation developed to clearly communicate part descriptions and provide accurate quality ratings on used auto parts sold through the PartCycle Marketplace.Most used parts sourcing solutions available today only display raw notes made when an automotive recycler enters a part into their inventory management system using industry codes, subjective ratings, and shorthand. These raw notes are typically impossible to read for those who are untrained or unfamiliar with automotive recycling.The raw notes may include important, and otherwise unavailable, details such as paint color, quality or may indicate the existence, location and extent of any damage on the part. Without this information it can be a challenge for a buyer to know what they are purchasing without calling the seller directly.When browsing inventory on PartCycle, all of the information a prospective buyer needs to know about condition and quality will be displayed right next to the inventory in an easy to read format, eliminating the need for a phone call.Inventory A.I. uses a two-step process to create and display more information about the inventory. Step 1: Translate sellers’ raw inventory data into simple to understand part descriptions. PartCycle uses a sophisticated translation engine to automatically recognize and convert the shorthand, industry codes and other raw data in sellers’ inventory notes, into easily-understood, actionable, information for the buyer. Step 2: Assign a commonly understood condition rating or classification.After translating inventory data, the Inventory A.I. system then evaluates each parts’ final description, mileage, and any identified damage to assign a clear, easy to understand, Amazon.com-style, condition rating to each part. On PartCycle, these part ratings include “Like New,” “Very Good,” “Good” or “Fair.”Inventory A.I. also prevents the listing of parts which may fall short of the expectations a modern buyer has when shopping online. With the new A.I.’s part description and familiar grading system, PartCycle can provide a better overall shopping experience and reduce the amount of issues and returns from incorrectly-purchased parts. READ MORE: https://www.partcycle.com SOURCE: https://appdevelopermagazine.com/5365/2017/7/15/partcycle-uses-ai-to-help-buyers-find-used-auto-parts/

1. Know what part of the wiper blade you'll need to change. In general, windshield wiper blades are made with three basic parts: 1. The lower metal arm is the part that extends from the base of the windshield; 2. The wiper blade is the part attached to the metal arm; and 3. The rubber blade is the part that actually wipes the snow, rain or dust off the windshield glass for you. 2. Look at the shape of the blade. Many modern cars have curved windshields, so the blade needs to curve too, to make good contact as it wipes. There are many brands of wiper blades with various kinds of packaging, some of which you can see through and some of which you can't. Straight wiper blades are suitable for car with a flat windshield, while slightly curved wiper blades may be more suitable for car with streamline windshield. 3. Measure or look up the length of the blades that are used on your car’s driver seat and passenger seat sides. You can measure the length of each blade yourself, but in general, most places that sell wiper blades provide a manual where you can look up the lengths for your car make and model.. 4. Check for adapter options. Many wiper blade brands include more than one adapter type in their packaging. These are designed to make the blades compatible with various types of metal arm. 5. Consider cost. Different kinds of wiper blades can range in price dramatically. Do a little comparison shopping to figure out what wipers fit your price range and are still of good quality.

WATERFORD, Mich. – Tenneco said it will expand its portfolio of continuously variable semi-active suspension (CVSA) technology to the North American SUV market. The technology has been launched on more than 40 vehicle models globally, according to the company. “With SUVs and light trucks accounting for more than 60 percent of vehicle sales in North America, it presents an ideal opportunity to expand electronic suspension technology to this important market segment,” said Ben Patel, vice president and chief technology officer for Tenneco. “Consumers expect the same comfort, control and refinement in the ride and handling of SUVs as they find in today’s leading sedans. Tenneco’s proven CVSA solutions meet these expectations without compromising ride comfort for handling.” CVSA technology is part of the Monroe Intelligent Suspension portfolio. It is designed to adjust to changing road conditions in real time, continuously sensing the road and driving conditions and adjusting the damper within milliseconds. CVSAe utilizes an externally mounted electronic valve that independently adjusts the damper’s compression performance in real time for a more comfortable and controlled ride. CVSA2 features two electro-hydraulic valves that control the damper’s rebound and compression motions independently, delivering a larger tuning range for higher levels of comfort and control, according to Tenneco. Visit www.monroeintelligentsuspension.com for more information.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) announces the addition of 109 new part numbers to its BWD engine management line. The release spans 24 product categories and expands coverage through the 2017 model year with more than 57 million VIO. One highlight from the release is an expansion to BWD’s sensor line. The brand adds 61 sensors including ABS speed, accelerator pedal, brake pad wear, knock, MAP, steering angle, and vehicle speed sensors. In total, the sensor expansion covers more than 26 million VIO. The brand also introduces 26 switches such as cruise control, headlight, ignition, multi-function, and neutral safety switches. To view all highlights from this release, watch BWD’s latest New Parts Spotlight on www.youtube.com/bwdbrand. All new applications are listed in the eCatalog found at BWDbrand.com and in electronic catalog providers. BWD is an aftermarket leader, providing a premium line of engine management products. BWD manufactures and distributes high technology critical components for late model vehicles including computerized engine controls, ignition coil-on-plug coils, ignition wire, emission components, EGR valves, fuel injectors and fuel system components, as well as a broad range of sensors, switches and relays.