As import specialists, our work can be both difficult and rewarding. We are required to perform a variety of repairs, ranging from routine maintenance to high-end diagnostics and troubleshooting, all of which require certain skill sets and equipment to accomplish. There are few professions that will have you using a high-tech, computer-driven labscope on one job, and only simple hand tools on the next. But, drawing upon our expertise and experience in working on import nameplates, we can achieve quality, accurate repairs and provide top-notch customer service.

In this article, we're going to look at one of the more basic mechanical jobs left on a late-model vehicle - that being clutch replacement. We'll focus on Mazdas, particularly the popular FWD Protégé sedan. We'll review the important steps that must be performed to diagnose and sell the job, to achieve a successful, profitable service for you and a positive repair experience for your customer.

ZEROING IN

Clutch problems will present themselves in a couple of ways. The most common and easiest to diagnosis is a slipping problem. But don't assume that your customers will always know that the problem is a slipping clutch when their car is sluggish or hesitates. More often than not, the initial symptom will surface as a driveability complaint. Like any other driveability issue, it's important to ask the right questions that will help the tech analyze the complai...