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  • Ford recalls vehicles for possible rollaway problem

    Ford recalls vehicles for possible rollaway problem

    Ford has issued yet another recall, this one related to an issue that could cause vehicles to roll away.

    Ford is recalling numerous 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles. The company said the transmission park pawl may engage while the vehicle is in motion, causing damage to the park system. Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway.

    This recall applies to some 741,195 vehicles.

    Dealers will update the powertrain control module software and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components as necessary. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed Aug. 3.

    Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in April 2027.

    Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 26S48.

  • NACFE report focuses on emerging tech issues of truck powertrains

    NACFE report focuses on emerging tech issues of truck powertrains

    The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) has released a report on maintenance and the Messy Middle, Messy Middle Powertrain Service & Maintenance.

    This report is a guidebook for OEMs, fleets, drivers, dealerships, shops and technicians on the breadth of complexity facing truck and trailer maintenance and service in the Messy Middle. The report highlights the growing resources available to help the industry improve technician training and help prepare service center operations to better serve fleet needs.

    “The trucking industry perennially faces a shortage of technicians which is being compounded now by rapid advances in new powertrain,” said Rick Mihelic, director of Emerging Technologies, NACFE. “The greatest challenge facing all new powertrain technologies is the need for well-trained technicians and well-equipped maintenance shops. The best powertrains are useless if the vehicles cannot be maintained in the field.”

    The report covers internal combustion engines, renewable natural gas, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. It explores components such as wheels, tires and brakes as well as delving into the infrastructure needed to service various powertrains. It also looks at the skills technicians are going to need to be able to work on the multiple powertrain solutions that are currently available to fleets in the Messy Middle.

    “There is no legacy knowledge that will pour over. That’s the biggest problem,” said Dr. Mark Quarto, CEO Quarto Tech Services. “There’s no way to take a diesel tech and say ‘OK you’ve got the engine, you’ve got the fuel system, you’ve got fuel delivery, you got all these systems’— you can’t. That’s the problem. I’ve worked with many fleets, many college instructors, even engineers, and I can tell you that it takes a long time for them to learn the new stuff. The largest technology competency gaps are in the areas of electrical, electronics, software, power electronics, and electric machines.”

    Important findings in the report are:

    • Maintenance costs are a significant factor in investing in new trucks. Those costs also often include facility infrastructure maintenance, special equipment and training for technicians, and ongoing auditing and record keeping.
    • The key to keeping trucks on the road, high uptime, will continue to depend on the skills of the technicians and the tools available to them. Intelligent OEM service tools and fault-diagnosis systems will be critical to reducing downtime.
    • Service of natural gas, hydrogen, battery electric, and bio-fuel systems demand greater attention to safety and equipment protocols than traditional diesels.
    • Technician training and keeping that training current will need to be a priority for service managers, including tracking and auditing of skills and certifications. The pace of technology change will require continuous training and recertifications.
    • Computers will likely be the first tools needed to diagnose and service vehicles. They will also need to be kept current with appropriate software licensing and regular hardware updating that will need to be factored into costs.
    • OEM warranties will become even more critical as the complexity of vehicles increases with new technologies.
    • for the foreseeable future, standards and procedures will be rapidly evolving as fleets gain experience and provide feedback to OEMs. Staying aware of changing standards and staying compliant may lead to additional labor costs to factor into investment planning.
    • Behind the fence fueling infrastructure maintenance will be as challenging and may be necessary to keeping trucks running. Public infrastructure maintenance or lack thereof may also factor into vehicle uptime.
    • Predictive maintenance enhanced by artificial intelligence systems will greatly aid technicians.
    • Specialization in new technologies is inevitable for service technicians as the complexity of vehicles continues to grow. This may require additional staffing to cover all the critical new technologies to keep fleets moving.

    Download the report here.

  • Trump pardons nine more diesel technicians charged with emissions controls tampering

    Trump pardons nine more diesel technicians charged with emissions controls tampering

    President Donald Trump late last week pardoned nine diesel technicians who had been charged with illegally tampering with federally-mandated emissions control devices on diesel engines.

    Those pardoned by Trump include:

    • Mackenzie Spurlock: Co-owner of Matanuska Diesel in Wasilla, Alaska
    • Ryan and Wade LaLone: Operators of Diesel Freak, a heavy-duty diesel repair business in Gaylord, Michigan
    • Matthew Geouge: Ran companies selling aftermarket diesel tuning device
    • Jonathan Achtemeier: A New Jersey-based diesel tuner who removed pollution control software from vehicles
    • Tim Clancy: Associated with aftermarket diesel tuning
    • Joshua Davis, Barry Pierce, and Aaron Rudolf: Also implicated in aftermarket diesel emissions tampering and defeating software systems

    These pardons came in the wake of one last November of Wyoming technician Troy Lake, who served seven months in jail. Lake formed the Diesel Freedom Coalition, which advocated for the pardons.

  • PACCAR updates MX-11 and MX-13 engine software

    PACCAR updates MX-11 and MX-13 engine software

     PACCAR Inc.recently, announced Kenworth Truck Company and Peterbilt Motors Company will implement updated software for vehicles equipped with PACCAR MX-11 and PACCAR MX-13 engines, reflecting revised U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guidance on Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) inducements. 

    Trucks manufactured after July 20 will have the software installed at the factory. Trucks built after 2018 will be available for these software updates at Kenworth and Peterbilt dealerships.

    In alignment with the EPAs guidance, these updates are designed to help Kenworth and Peterbilt customer improve reliability and reduce unnecessary disruptions to their operations by:

    • Having the final inducement speed limit increased from 5 mph to 25 mph
    • Extending the timeline from 4 to 160 hours for component-related or fluid-quality issues before reaching final inducement speed limit

    DEF inducements are safeguards that reduce vehicle speed and power when emissions system issues are detected. Common issues include low DEF levels or reduced Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system performance. DEF inducements prompt drivers to correct the issue by refilling the DEF tank, repairing faulty sensors, or performing a system regeneration. All MX-powered vehicles remain subject to EPA emissions requirements. Vehicles requiring repairs to emissions components must be serviced to maintain compliance.

  • Rush Truck Centers tech wins Arkansas competition

    Rush Truck Centers tech wins Arkansas competition

    Several technicians won awards during the Arkansas Trucking Association’s annual Trucking Championships held recently at the Rogers. Convention Center in Rogers, Arkansas.

    Canaan Silcox of Rush Truck Centers was crowned the Truck Technician Grand Champion. Slicox won first place in the Aftertreatment, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration, Drive Train and Steering & Suspension categories, and took second place in the PMI category.

    Jordan Burris of Tyson Foods was named the Trailer Technician Grand Champion. Burns also took home first place in the Alignment and Tire Inflation categories and took second place in the Tire & Wheel Analysis category.

    The two grand champions will represent Arkansas at the National Technician Skills Competition, SuperTech 2026, to be held Sept. 20-24 in Pittsburgh.

    Paul Kinder of J.B. Hunt Transport was named Rookie of the Year in the competition

    This year’s technician sportsmanship winner was Josh Simmons of Tyson Foods, 

  • Snap-on scedules live stream diagnostic training sessions

    Snap-on scedules live stream diagnostic training sessions

    Snap-on announces an updated schedule of live stream diagnostic training sessions, featuring a variety of topics designed to help automotive technicians enhance their diagnostic skills and maximize the capabilities of their Snap-on diagnostic tools.

    Led by Diagnostics National TrainerJason Gabrenas, the free training sessions are presented twice weekly throughout the summer.

    Live stream training sessions at held at 7 p.m. CST on Tuesdays on Zoom and YouTube, and Wednesdays on Facebook, with special heavy-duty training on Zoom on the third Thursday of each month.

    Each session includes 30 minutes of in-depth instruction and live demonstrations, followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer segment. The interactive format allows technicians to learn practical diagnostic techniques, explore advanced tool functions and receive expert guidance on real-world repair challenges.

    The updated schedule of training sessions includes:

    • July 7/8 Ignition System Analysis and Testing
    • July 14/15 Modern Cooling System Design and Operation
    • July 16 Heavy-Duty Training: PRO-LINK+ Features and Functionality
    • July 21/22 ADAS Overview
    • July 28/29 Modern Fuel Systems Operations and Diagnosis
    • Aug. 4/5 Pressure Transducer Diagnostics
    • Aug. 11/12 Air Bag System Operation and Diagnosis
    • Aug. 18/19 Body Controls Operation and Diagnosis
    • Aug. 20 Heavy-Duty Training: PRO-LINK+ Features and Functionality
    • Aug. 25/26 A/C Diagnosis
      To view the training schedule and to register for Zoom training sessions, visit:
      www.snapon.com/EN/US/Diagnostics/National-Online-Training.
      For more information on Snap-on Diagnostics, talk to a Snap-on representative or visit
      www.snapon.com/diagnostics.
      About Snap-on
      Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovat
  • Road Warrior Parts & Service makes three acquisitions; adds mobile service line

    Road Warrior Parts & Service makes three acquisitions; adds mobile service line

    Road Warrior Parts & Service, a national distributor of aftermarket parts and provider of repair services for heavy-duty trucks and trailers, has recently announced the completion of multiple acquisitions. These acquisitions further strengthen its heavy-duty parts distribution and repair network and advance the Company’s strategy of building a leading national platform spanning both parts and service.

    As part of this growth, the Midlothian, Texas headquartered Road Warrior said it has improved its distribution network, expanded its repair operations, and deepened its service offerings, including the addition of a mobile repair business line. The company’s expertise in heavy-duty parts sourcing and procurement enhances its repair operations, enabling customers to benefit from faster turnaround times, reliable parts availability, and a more comprehensive service offering.

    Three companies were acquired by Road Warrior.

    LASCO Heavy Duty Located in Kentucky and founded in 1927, Louisville Auto Spring & Brake offers custom spring manufacturing and repair, ABS trailer repairs, wheel alignments, axle repairs, and heavy-duty brake service. LASCO continued to grow, expanding its operations to Lexington, Kentucky, as they continued to expand service to the transportation and freight markets.

    Mid-States Tire and Retread Serving the greater Kansas City, Missouri area, Mid-States Tire & Retread offers tire sales, in-shop service, and 24/7 mobile roadside assistance for heavy duty trucks and trailers in need of repair within a 100-mile radius of Kansas City.

    Colton Truck Terminal Garage Founded in 1956, Colton Truck Terminal Garage is a heavy-duty repair shop for trucks, RVs, and motorhomes in need of service in the Southern California area. Specializing in a wide variety of brake and suspension work, Colton is a one stop shop for any truck repair needs. coltontruck.com

    Road Warrior Parts & Service is a national distributor of aftermarket parts and a provider of repair services for the heavy-duty truck and trailer industries. The Company carries over 350+ nationally recognized brands, including its growing Road Warrior private label line.

  • 4 star Freightliner acquires Alabama Western Star dealership

    4 star Freightliner acquires Alabama Western Star dealership

    Four Star Freightliner, Inc. has acquired the assets and ongoing business of Western Star of Dothan, previously based at 426 Merrill Road in Dothan, Alabama. The dealership has served the Wiregrass region for decades and operated as both a Detroit Diesel and Cummins engine dealer.

    With this acquisition, Four Star expands its Western Star truck sales footprint to six of its eight locations. The company now offers Western Star trucks at a majority of its dealerships while continuing to provide full service and repair for Western Star vehicles at all eight locations across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

    As part of the transition, Four Star Freightliner will welcome employees from Western Star of Dothan to its Dothan location at 1507 Reeves Street.

    “We’re excited to bring on the team from Western Star of Dothan,” said Jerry Kocan, Dealer Principal of Four Star Freightliner. “They come from a family-owned and operated business, which aligns closely with our values. At Four Star, we take pride in being a family-oriented company. These are good people, and we are committed to making this transition seamless. They are becoming part of our family.”

    The company said the acquisition strengthens Four Star Freightliner’s presence in the Southeast and reinforces its commitment to supporting customers with dependable truck sales and service.

  • Mitchell 1 names Californian its Outstanding Student; awards $2,500 scholarship

    Mitchell 1 names Californian its Outstanding Student; awards $2,500 scholarship

    Lân Miêu of of Arcadia, California, has been named the Mitchell 1 2026 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student, earning a $2,500 scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the recent Automotive Educators Conference (AEC) in Sacramento, California.

    “Mitchell 1 is proud to recognize Lân as this year’s Automotive Technology Outstanding Student,” said Cami Hermann, marketing director for Mitchell 1. “He was selected for his academic achievement, technical aptitude and demonstrated commitment to advancing the future of automotive technology. With his drive and enthusiasm for the auto repair industry, we are confident he will turn his ambitions into reality.”

    Miêu attends Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California, where he is majoring in automotive technology with a focus on alternative fuel systems and electric vehicles. He is expected to graduate in 2027 and plans to continue gaining hands-on experience in the automotive field as he works toward his long-term goal of starting his own automotive business.

    Miêu is committed to furthering his education to strengthen his technical expertise and deepen his understanding of the automotive industry’s history, current trends and future evolution. He believes this broader perspective will help him identify opportunities for innovation and long-term growth as he works toward making a meaningful contribution to the industry.

    Miêu developed a passion for cars at a young age and was drawn to the automotive industry because it also combines his interests in technology and problem-solving. An internship with Mercedes-Benz in Vietnam in 2015 further strengthened his interest in the industry. The rapid development of electric vehicles and advanced automotive systems inspires him to be part of the future of transportation.

    In partnership with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, the Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student scholarship annually honors a U.S. or Canadian student for their achievement in automotive technology and auto shop repair scholastics. The scholarship recipients are honored each year at the AEC conference, hosted by the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT).

    To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be a current student majoring in automotive technology/auto shop repair course work and meet the following criteria: be nominated by his/her NACAT instructor, maintain a minimum overall 3.0 GPA, have plans to attend, (or already be enrolled in) an accredited college or university and be a U.S. or Canadian citizen.

  • South Texas Vo Tech adds automotive technician program

    South Texas Vo Tech adds automotive technician program

     Ancora Education, a workforce training and solutions provider, has announced its South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT) campus in McAllen, Texas is adding to its skilled trades offerings with the launch of an Automotive Service Technician (AST) program on June 29.

    STVT’s AST program prepares students for an entry-level position as an automotive service technician through classroom and hands-on training in engine repair, vehicular inspection, diagnostic procedures, preventative maintenance services, transmission repair, basic electric and more.

    STVT students enrolled in the program will be prepared to sit for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams and EPA 609 A/C Technician certification by graduation.*

    “By introducing the Automotive Service Technician program, STVT is expanding the pathways available to students pursuing hands-on careers,” said Vanessa Pardo, President at STVT McAllen. “This addition reflects our commitment to meeting evolving employment openings for skilled automotive professionals.”

    This new expansion of STVT’s vocational skills training reflects Ancora’s commitment to furthering educational opportunities for local students and contributing to the skilled workforce in South Texas. The Automotive Service Technician program is also offered at STVT Arlington, STVT Corpus Christi, and STVT San Antonio, expanding access to hands-on automotive training across the state. For more information about the Automotive Service Technician program and/or to talk with an admission representative, visit: Automotive Service Technician |Training in South Texas (stvt.edu).

    South Texas Vocational Technical Institute has six convenient locations across Texas offering 11 training programs in business, healthcare, skilled trades, and transportation (programs vary by location).