Before consumers noticed sport-utility vehicles and minivans were sweeping the market, collision-repair shops were already knee deep in major and minor repairs. The problem: Repairs on these currently popular alternate passenger vehicles aren't always run of the mill. Techs who find themselves involved in the repair of one can expect difficulties in diagnosing the cause of some electronic problems, finding some replacement parts and servicing particular mechanical systems.

To help ease the repair difficulties you'll undoubtedly encounter when one of these trendy vehicles finds its way into your shop, check out the following technical trouble spots and tips.

Technical Trouble Spots

Mechanically, these alternate passenger vehicles incorporate the latest in drive- and power-train applications. For example, Toyota's Previa is designed with a degree of aircraft technology - the water pump and cooling fan are designed to work in unison through a jack-shaft arrangement required by its near-mid-engine mount. Despite such high technology and the complex repairs it requires, ordinary services, like oil and filter changes, are actually easier on the Previa.

Though ordinary servicing may actually be easier on these sport utilities and minivans, complex electronic systems have made diagnosing some problems next to impossible.

A few years back, the Ford Aerostar featured electronic all-wheel d...

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