fbpx

Specific Plan, Favourable Outcome

Autosphere » Mechanical » Specific Plan, Favourable Outcome
Access to the right repair information today is critical when diagnostic drivability issues on late-model vehicles. Credit: Identifix

Assessing and fixing drivability issues the right way…

As vehicles have become more complex, when one comes into your service centre with a drivability issue, determining the problem and fixing it, can be significantly more difficult than it was in the past. That’s why it’s important than ever before to stick to a specific plan of attack. According to Ben Johnson, Vice President, General Automotive Repair Markets for asTech Driven by Repairify, that diagnostic plan should include both referring to repair information as well as pattern failures.

Ben Johnson, Vice President, General Automotive Repair Markets, asTech Driven by Repairify. Credit: Huw Evans

Pattern failures

As a vehicle ages, and accrues more mileage, components start wearing out, causing more issues to surface. That’s why, stresses Johnson it’s so critical to have access to the technical service bulletins and recall information within the vehicle’s service information. He notes that “pattern” failures, where other shops or technicians have discovered and addressed similar problems can be really helpful, as well as saving a considerable amount of time when it comes to fixing the vehicle. In terms of service repair information, there are two aspects to consider. “When it comes to the way we think of information, there are two primary sources,” says Johnson, “the OE Repair and Diagnostic information (regardless of where a shop sources it) and the information we can retrieve from the vehicle itself through a diagnostic tool. Having access to both is critical in determining the root cause of a symptom.”

The right tools

At Auto Aide Technical Services, President Mark Lemay explains that having the right tools is also essential from diagnosing drivability issues and properly correcting them. “Today, at the bare minimum, you will need good scan tools.” He also says that shops and technicians need to be smart and savvy when it comes to their tool budget. “Often you can find a scan tool that does just as much as one that costs nearly twice the price.” Additionally, Lemay recommends a J2534 device that will allow the technician to tap into the vehicle’s factory software on demand. Additionally, a full range of electrical testing tools is recommended, including Current Probes and Digital Volt-Ohm Meters, as well as pressure and vacuum transducers, plus at the bare minimum—a four channel lab scope. Tools such as vacuum and compression gauges, says Lemay, were all well and fine when the majority of vehicles had overhead-valve, cam-in block pushrod engines, but today, they just can’t work with aspects of engine operation such as variable cam timing, unlike a lab scope.

At asTech, Ben Johnson says that another factor to consider when performing diagnostics, is ensuring the scanning software is up to date. “Does it provide equivalent functionality as the OE tool would?” Additionally, Johnson notes that while it might not be critical for every job, OE-level tool capability may be required to access certain functions which can be useful for diagnosing the vehicle.  

Reprogramming of components

On many late-model vehicles there’s also the consideration of ongoing updates and reprogramming of components. For example, says Johnson, “do you have access to the capability of applying a patch/reprogramming event to a module on the vehicle?” Additionally, as OEMs learn more about the wear factors of components on the vehicles they manufacture, there can be instances where applying an update to the powertrain control or other modules may be the cure to the problem.

There’s also the issue of needing to code/pair replacement parts to the vehicle, otherwise they might not work, or the vehicle might essentially shut down operation or revert to a limp home or servicing mode. “Having access to these files is becoming increasingly important,” says Johnson.

Consistent plan

Once the support assets are evaluated, Johnson says that it is then when a consistent plan forms to confirm and diagnose the reported issue with the vehicle. “The most important first step is confirmation—making sure the technician understands from the vehicle operator what the symptoms are that they wish to be resolved.” Johnson notes that it’s not uncommon for technicians to fix a problem that wasn’t the original one the motorist was concerned with, which can cause friction between the shop and the customer. Therefore, it’s important to listen to what the customer says and gain an understanding of the issue they originally brought the vehicle into the shop for.  

Information Access

The importance of accessing the right repair information today cannot be stressed enough. Mark Lemay says that among the OEMs, some are better than others when it comes to providing access to that information, but regardless, he says that descriptions of specific systems and how they operate is often lacking, making it harder, because the training information often isn’t available to the aftermarket. “Often, you’re trying to piece it all together with information that’s probably 30% of what you actually need,” he says.

Ben Johnson notes that because today, every vehicle is so unique that repair information is required for nearly every service, when OEM specific information is required or is the most efficient way for getting the job done, asTech Driven by Repairify can provide a solution. In this case, asTech has the ability to connect a whole host of aftermarket scan tools to an OE tool remotely. It can then pair that tool with a certified technician who understands how to operate it, who then works alongside the technician who’s actually working on the vehicle in the service bay. “We can them follow a diagnostic plan and effectively diagnose the vehicle. In addition, if an update to the vehicle controller is required as part of that repair, we can remotely apply that update to a part or controller. And we do it all with the OE tool.”

JOBS

 
Bédard Ressources Inc
Painter
 
  LAVAL
  Permanent
 
 
CHOMEDEY HYUNDAI
Follow-up and Appointments Agent
 
  LAVAL
  Full time
 
 
Midas St-Hubert
Automotive Mechanic - WITH EXPERIENCE
 
  ST-HUBERT
  Full time
 
 
KIA JOLIETTE
Assistant Sales Manager
 
  JOLIETTE
  Full time
 
 
Châssis idéale Montréal
Apprentice Preparator (finishing)
 
  MONTRÉAL
  Permanent
 

Popular Posts