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ADVANCING THE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE PROFESSIONAL SINCE 1899 JANUARY 2020 VOL. 139, NO. 1 // MOTORAGE.COM

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28 POWERING UP YOUR HYBRID THE TRAINER: Many hybrids are outside their warranty “SEEING” THE periods — meaning a service opportunity! SOURCE OF 22 A LOOK AT THE RAM UNDERHOOD 1500 ETORQUE NOISE Hybrid technology spreads to the 56 light-duty truck DURALAST PARTS ARE OE OR BETTER QUALITY. EVERY PART, EVERY TIME.

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ADVANCING THE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE PROFESSIONAL SINCE 1899 JANUARY 2020 VOL. 139, NO. 1 // MOTORAGE.COM

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34 PREPARING FOR AN EV FUTURE Service, ttraining,i i ttoolingli andd ddiagnostici ti considerationsid for EV repair and service for the independent market

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JANUARY 2020 ADVANCING THE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE PROFESSIONAL SINCE 1899 VOL. 139, NO. 1 // MOTORAGE.COM OPERATIONS

PROFIT MOTIVE 10 THREE SURE-FIRE WAYS TO CHARGE MORE FOR SERVICE Customers are willing to pay more for a memorable experience CHRIS “CHUBBY” FREDERICK // Contributing Editor 12 HOW TO CREATE A PATH TO LEADERSHIP Leadership development 3.0 DAVID ROGERS // Contributing Editor 22 FINANCIAL FIGURES 14 MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT IS A PROCESS, NOT A SEMINAR In Part 1 of this series, we examine the lack of TECHNICAL proper business training BOB GREENWOOD // Contributing Editor 22 A LOOK AT THE RAM 1500 ETORQUE SHOP PROFILE Hybrid technology spreads to the light duty truck. 16 VETERAN NETWORK TRACY MARTIN // Contributing Editor These techs are helping get reliable transportation to those 28 POWERING UP YOUR HYBRID who have helped our country Many hybrids today are outside of their warranty periods — ROBERT BRAVENDER // Contributing Editor meaning a service opportunity for you if you’re prepared DAVE HOBBS // Contributing Editor ASA INSIGHT 18 CONGRESS TAKES NEXT STEP WITH DATA 34 PREPARING FOR AN ELECTRIC PRIVACY PROTECTION VEHICLE FUTURE Why does this matter to independent automotive repairers? Service, training, tooling and diagnostic considerations for EV ROBERT REDDING // Contributing Editor vehicle repair and service for the independent market DAVE MACHOLZ // Contributing Editor 40 TACKLING HYBRID ISSUES My shop sees many hybrid vehicles that offer plenty of opportunity to master these repairs — learn from our experiences! G. JERRY TRUGLIA // Contributing Editor 16 44 STATISTICAL DIAGNOSTICS — PRO OR CON? With a growing data base of “known ﬁ xes,” are the days of the diagnostician numbered? PETE MEIER // Director of Training 48 RESOURCEFULNESS AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL Tackliing a “no start” complaint is typically straightforward — 20 HOW TO BUILD A DESTINATION unless the “no start” is a total loss wreck! AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR BUSINESS MIKE REYNOLDS // Contributing Editor Make your shop one where talented people want to 56 “SEEING” THE SOURCE OF invest their careers UNDERHOOD NOISE CHRIS CHESNEY // Contributing Editor Isolating the source of underhood growls and whines + SOCIAL INSIGHTS, WATCH & LEARN, can be subjective, so why not use your scope to positively TRAINING EVENTS identify the culprit? PETE MEIER // Director of Training

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EDITORIAL STAFF BUSINESS STAFF MICHAEL WILLINS JIM SAVAS GROUP CONTENT DIRECTOR VICE PRESIDENT/GENERAL MANAGER [email protected] (440) 891-2604 TERRI MCMENAMIN KRISTA MCNAMARA GROUP PUBLISHER CONTENT CHANNEL DIRECTOR [email protected] [email protected] (440) 891-2646 (610) 397-1667 4 CHELSEA FREY DAVID PASQUILL SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR COMMERCIAL FINANCE PARTNER [email protected] (440) 891-2645 SOFIA RENTERIA 4 INDUSTRY NEWS PETE MEIER ASE BUSINESS ANALYST DIRECTOR OF TRAINING ICAHN AUTOMOTIVE GOES BACK TO SCHOOL [email protected] JILLENE WILLIAMS AT ALFRED STATE STEPH BENTZ SALES COORDINATOR ART DIRECTOR KAREN LENZEN TECHFORCE NAMES 2019 TECHS ROCK STALIN ANNADURAI SR. PRODUCTION MANAGER GRAND PRIZE WINNER SENIOR DESIGNER JAMES HWANG (218) 740-6371 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, ASE STUDY GUIDES TRACY SKALLMAN AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCT GUIDE [email protected] 53 AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (714) 513-8473 (218) 740-7204 AD INDEX CONTRIBUTORS 54 TSCHANEN BRANDYBERRY ROBERT BRAVENDER CHRIS CHESNEY SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR MARKETPLACE CHRIS FREDERICK 55 DAVE HOBBS DOMESTIC SALES JOHN D. KELLY MIDWEST & WESTERN STATES, TONY MARTIN DAVE MACHOLZ CLASSIFIED SALES SCOT MANNA MICHAEL PARRA RICHARD MCCUISTIAN [email protected] ONLINE EXCLUSIVE MIKE MILLER ALBIN MOORE (704) 919-1931 ERIC OBROCHTA ILLINOIS, EASTERN & SOUTHERN STATES WIRING SCOTT SHOTTON PAUL ROPSKI BERNIE THOMPSON DIAGRAMS G. JERRY TRUGLIA [email protected] (312) 566-9885 This is your behind-the- Fax: (312) 566-9884 scenes look at how updates PRINTED IN U.S.A. OHIO, MICHIGAN & CALIFORNIA to Mitchell 1 wiring diagrams make them easier to follow. LISA MEND Watch at MotorAge.com/wiringlook [email protected] SUBMISSIONS: (773) 866-1514 Motor Age welcomes unsolicited articles manuscripts, photographs, illustrations REPRINT SERVICES and other materials but cannot be held Licensing and Reuse of Content responsible for their safekeeping or return. WEB EXCLUSIVES // MOTORAGE.COM Contact Wright’s Media at MEMBER OF: [email protected] or call 877-652-5295 for more information.

DISCOVER AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICAL CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION FROM MPA For Subscription Inquires or Changes Technicians demand the latest technical information for Email – [email protected] vehicles on the road today. MPA now offers innovative or Call 800-240-1968 technical repair information that covers vehicle speciﬁ c system issues, general installation best practices and tech articles from ASE certiﬁ ed Master Technicians. Motor Age (Print ISSN: 1520-9385, Digital ISSN: 1558-2892) is published monthly, by UBM LLC, 325 W. 1st Street, STE 300 Duluth, MN 55802. Periodicals postage paid at Duluth, MN 55806 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Motor Age, P.O. Box 6019, Duluth, MN 55806- MOTORAGE.COM/MPA 6019. Please address subscription mail to Motor Age, P.O. Box 6019, Duluth, MN 55806-6019. Canadian G.T.S. number: R-124213133RT001. One-year rates for non-qualified subscriptions: U.S. $70.00; Canada/Mexico $106.00; International surface $106.00. ©2020 UBM. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including GOING SOCIAL: WHERE YOU by photocopy, recording, or information storage and retrieval without permission in writing from the publisher. Authorization to photocopy items for internal/ HAVE TO APPEAR educational or personal use, or the internal/educational or personal use of specific clients is granted by UBM for libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Dr. Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400 fax 978-646-8700 or visit http://www.copyright.com online. For uses This is your chance to get a fresh look at social media beyond those listed above, please direct your written request to Permission Dept. fax 732-647-1104. with industry experts from the automotive segment and UBM provides certain customer contact data (such as customers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses) to third parties who wish to promote relevant products, services, and other opportunities that may be of interest to you. If you do not want UBM to make your contact information the social marketing arena. Watch “Improving Your Social available to third parties for marketing purposes, simply call toll-free 800-240-1968 or email [email protected] and a customer service representative Standing” now to get answers to business-changing will assist you in removing your name from UBM’s lists. Motor Age does not verify any claims or other information appearing in any of the advertisements contained in the publication, and cannot take responsibility questions! for any losses or other damages incurred by readers in reliance of such content. MOTORAGE.COM/GOINGSOCIAL While every precaution is taken to ensure the accuracy of the ad index, its correctness cannot be guaranteed, and the publisher waives all responsibility for errors and omissions AD DEADLINES: Insertion orders–1st of month preceding issue date. Ad materials–5th of month preceding issue date.

2 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM

INDUSTRY NEWS

BREAKING NEWS

AWARDS TECHFORCE NAMES 2019 TECHS ROCK GRAND PRIZE WINNER

TechForce Foundation announces that Melina Algier, a service technician at Farnsworth Chevrolet in Canandaigua, New York, has been named the 2019 People’s Choice Grand Prize Winner of its second EDUCATION annual Techs Rock Awards. The awards recognize working ICAHN AUTOMOTIVE GOES BACK technicians who are striving to mentor and inspire the next TO SCHOOL AT ALFRED STATE generation of technicians, bringing excellence to their workplaces and MOTOR AGE WIRE REPORTS // messages such as “Find out how far you communities, and demonstrating can go,” “Find your own path,” and “Find passion and commitment to Icahn Automotive, an Icahn En- the tools you need.” the profession. TechForce is a terprises L.P. company, which “Alfred State graduates are in a non-proﬁ t organization focused owns and operates leading repair and unique position because they graduate on championing students to and maintenance providers Pep Boys, with the technical skills to perform au- through their technical education AAMCO and Precision Tune Auto tomotive service, plus the business acu- and into careers as professional Care, recently celebrated the opening men that’s needed to manage a shop,” technicians. of a rebranded technical training facil- said Brian Kaner, CEO-Service, Icahn Algier prevailed over four ity at Alfred State College of Technology Automotive. “As a national service net- other ﬁ nalists who competed (Alfred State), a State University of New work that can both put students to work in an online people’s choice York (SUNY) and traditional residential part-time and put them on the path of vote in which more than 4,000 college of technology, with refreshing owning their own franchise someday, votes were cast. In addition to and inspiring wall graphics featuring >> ICAHN CONTINUES ON PAGE 6 >> TECH CONTINUES ON PAGE 8

TRENDING

VIP TIRES & SERVICE DAYCO APPOINTS OVERCOMING DEBT HUNTER EARNS 300TH NASTF TO EXPAND HEAVY PROGRAM DONATES NEW PRESIDENT, In this edition of the PATENT DUTY CAPABILITIES $20K TO SCHOOLS POWERTRAIN Remarkable Results Hunter Engineering has As part of its 2020 VIP Tires & Service “Oil Michael Weiss has joined podcast, three shop been granted its 300th website overhaul, the Change for Education” Dayco as president, owners discuss the need patent, the fi rst company NASTF Heavy Duty team program that offers powertrain operations. He for cash fl ow and watching in the undercar equipment is seeking volunteers to $10 oil changes raised is a former vice president spending and creative industry to reach this assist in ensuring that the more than $20,000 to with Schaeffl er Group ways to manage or milestone. Hunter typically service information links be donated to fi ve New and has a track record of eradicate debt, grow sales is granted 7-10 patents are up to date for heavy England school districts. driving effi ciency. or scrutinize expenses. per year. duty repairers. MOTORAGE.COM/OIL$ MOTORAGE.COM/WEISS MOTORAGE.COM/DEBT MOTORAGE.COM/PATENTS MOTORAGE.COM/HDINFO

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>> ICAHN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 vide opportunities to the students that the Northeast. Graduates take advan- we’re excited about the possibilities for might otherwise not be possible,” said tage of Alfred State’s reputation by ac- Alfred State students.” Eric Wilmot, Chair, Automotive Trades cepting technician positions across the As one of the largest service network Department, Alfred State College. “The country. The investment at Alfred State operators in North America, Icahn Auto- updated technical facility has given our is a critical part of the company’s larger, motive offers a broad range of industry- students a better environment in which national “Race to 2026” technician re- leading opportunities and career paths. to apply what they’re learning, and we’re cruitment initiative, which has invested Technicians can start by providing basic looking forward to working closely with in and supported promising future au- maintenance and move on to more the team at Icahn Automotive to provide tomotive technicians through scholar- complex repairs, or progress to running the students with jobs when they gradu- ship, partnerships with schools and a company-owned store, owning and ate. The automotive program relies on continuing education opportunities, in operating a franchised business, or serv- industry support to meet our technical an effort to fill the projected automotive ing in a corporate leadership role. Once and equipment needs, and our relation- technician gap. Throughout the course a technician joins an Icahn Automo- ship with Icahn is a perfect example of of the initiative in 2019, Icahn Automo- tive business, they can take advantage how education and industry can work tive has made investments in dozens of benefits such as an apprenticeship together for mutual benefit.” of technical training schools across the program, company-sponsored certifi- Alfred State’s automotive technol- nation and awarded $50,000 in scholar- cations and more. ogy program is NATEF Master Certi- ships to students studying at automo- “Our partners enable us to pro- fied and draws students from across tive trade schools. ASE INTRODUCES UPDATED ELECTRONIC DIESEL ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS SPECIALIST (L2) TEST MOTOR AGE WIRE REPORTS // Zilke, ASE President and CEO. “We are tions. Both tests will have a 2-hour time grateful to the many subject matter ex- limit and will provide immediate pass/ The National Institute for Automotive perts who have contributed their knowl- fail test results. Service Excellence (ASE) launched an edge to updating and improving the test Technicians who will need test re- updated version of the Electronic Die- and the reference booklet.” sults before mid-2020 are encouraged sel Engine Diagnosis Specialist (L2). During rollout of the updated test in to register and schedule their testing Th is release will feature the new Com- the first half of 2020, there will be some session now. posite Vehicle Type 4 (CV4), a generic important differences. From January to The National Institute for Auto- medium/heavy vehicle equipped with July of 2020: motive Service Excellence (ASE) was a high-pressure common rail (HPCR) L2 certification and recertification founded in 1972 as a non-profit, in- diesel fuel system, an updated exhaust tests will consist of 75 questions and dependent organization dedicated to aftertreatment system, and other up- have a 180-minute (3-hour) time limit. improving the quality of automotive dated systems and controls. Test takers will receive an immedi- service and repair through voluntary The updated test will use the L2 Com- ate “notice of completion” rather than a testing and certification of automo- posite Vehicle Type 4 (CV4) Reference pass/fail score report. Their myASE pro- tive professionals. Approximately a Booklet, which may be downloaded or file will show “Score Pending” for the test. quarter of a million ASE Certified au- requested at no cost from www.ase.com/ Official pass/fail test results for all tomobile, truck, and collision repair testprep along with the updated L2 study L2 certification and recertification tests technicians, and parts specialists guide. will be released through myASE ac- work in dealerships, independent “As technology changes, the ASE tests counts in June 2020. shops, service stations, auto parts must also change to remain relevant. Starting in July, the L2 (certification) stores, fleets, schools, and colleges This update has been a major under- test will have 55 questions (including 10 across the nation. taking for our test development depart- unscored research questions). The L2R For more information about ASE, ment over the past two years,” said Tim (recertification) test will have 45 ques- visit www.ase.com.

6 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM MIKE MALESKI PSK Performance Pittsburgh, PA TechNet Member Since February 2019

NATIONWIDE WARRANTYROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ROAD HAZARD INDUSTRY NEWS

>> TECH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 half ago with only one year experience giving back, being involved in the lives the TechForce $1,000 tool voucher as a lube tech at an establishment of future techs, and helping others who sponsored by Snap-on® that she that told her that was all she could do want to follow in their steps succeed.” received for winning Rookie of the Year, because she was a girl. As the fi rst More than 280 working techs Melina will receive roundtrip airfare and female technician in our dealership, she nationwide were nominated for one of hotel accommodations to Scottsdale, quickly graduated from maintenance fi ve categories. TechForce Foundation’s Arizona to enjoy Arizona Auto Week work to a line technician. In 12 months panel of industry judges selected 2020 and be honored at the annual she has completed over 70 GM category winners who then competed TechForce Foundation Summit. certifi ed courses and is now ready in a national online vote for Peoples’ When Melina Algier heard she to start testing for ASE certifi cations. Choice Grand Prize Winner. Category won the Grand Prize vote, she ex- Melina now trains new incoming judges included Bogi Lateiner, Bogi’s claimed, “That’s amazing! I’m honestly students and interns... She simply gets Garage; Greg Rintala, Snap-on Tools; shocked… it’s an honor.” According along with everyone. Mel has a great Lyn St. James, race car driver; Tommy to Algier, “I have dedicated myself to ability to work smarter, not stronger. and Stephanie Pike, Tommy Pike proving that women can work in the She is very ingenious in using tools and Customs; and Julia Landauer, NASCAR automotive industry and that a young research to make heavy jobs easier. She driver. Category winners were: adult could have the strength and has a tremendous work ethic, arrives • Pay It Forward - Jason ability to learn hands-on through their on time every day, and is eager to listen Katzenberger, Kunes Country Ford in peers and an open, understanding and learn from senior technicians. On Delavan, Wisconsin mind. Given the opportunity GM gave days with heavy snow, Melina is the • Rookie of the Year - Melina me, I’ve been able to move up to line fi rst to work and helps clear snow from Algier, Farnsworth Chevrolet in tech in under a year. They’ve given me sidewalks and customers’ cars. Melina Canandaigua, New York every resource I need to move up, such has broken a lot of stereotypes around • Die Hard Tech - Christopher as training, special tools, resources the industry being only for men. She is Owen, R.M. Burritt Motors in Oswego, and a friendly environment.” a wonderful example of dedication and New York “The fact that the public chose pursuing the career that you want, not • Outstanding Mentor - Michael Melina as it Grand Prize Winner shows the one others think you should have...” Owens, Fullerton Ford in Somerville, that attitudes about women techs are “It’s been amazing to see the New Jersey changing as they are being recognized energy, enthusiasm and engagement • Barrier Buster - Samantha for their capable contributions. She the industry’s had for the Techs Rock Britton – Billy Howell Lincoln Ford in sets a great example for others to fol- Awards,” shares Julia Landauer, Cumming, Georgia low,” states Jennifer Maher, Executive participating judge and NASCAR race To learn more about the 2019 Director of TechForce Foundation. car driver. “This award isn’t about how Techs Rock Awards and the other About Melina from her nomination: fast they can turn a wrench or their category winners, visit www.TechForce. “Melina joined the shop a year and a technical achievements, but about org/TechsRock.

AVI TO HOST INSTRUCTORS, and management training from indus- Aspects of Communication and Lead- try leading instructors. Th e conference ership. The three days will consist of 12 STUDENTS FOR THREE-DAY will be hosted at the AVI World Head- hours of training. TRAINING CONFERENCE quarters. Th ey set the standard for qual- The amount of information to be ity video training that is recognized shared is going to be valuable to all who Automotive Video Innovations Inc., an throughout the U.S. attend. There is a host of new content automotive training company special- The event will have a roster includ- that AVI has rolled out in recent months, izing in video training for mechanics ing Ryan Kooiman teaching Light Die- and plenty more planned for the 2020 and aftermarket repair professionals, sel Problems and Solutions; John Forro calendar year. All automotive profes- announced it will be holding its 5th teaching Scope and Scanner Diagnos- sionals are urged to attend the event, Winter Training Conference Jan. 16-18. tics; Dirk Fuchs teaching Steering and tickets are available now through the The three days will feature technical Suspension; and Bill Haas teaching AVI OnDemand website.

8 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM INDUSTRY NEWS

MOTOR AGE, PTEN, TST PARTNER ON LIVE TRAINING

MOTOR AGE WIRE REPORTS // PTEN gives us a great platform to reach mation, sponsorship opportunities and more technicians who want to stay cur- hotel accommodations. Vendor tables Motor Age, the nation’s leading publica- rent with today’s technology in order to are limited. Suppliers interested in par- tion targeting the automotive service re- remain competitive in the market.” ticipating can email Pete Meier (Pete. pair community, and sister publication Course details will be announced [email protected]) or G. Truglia (gt@ Professional Tool & Equipment News shortly, along with registration infor- tstseminars.org). (PTEN), are partnering with Techni- cians Service Training (TST), a not- for-profi t group dedicated to providing quality automotive repair training and educational materials at a reasonable DO YOU HAVE THE PARTS TO price, on a new series of training events designed to help vehicle repair professionals keep pace with changing auto- GET THE REPAIR DONE? motive technology. “We can’t think of a better partner than TST to help us advance service professionals’ repair knowledge,” said Pete Meier, Motor Age’s Director of Training. “We’re providing some fantas- tic training that should raise the level of service knowledge for technicians who are struggling with things like diagnostics or electrical issues on today’s vehicles. These events should help them take that next step to better serve their customers.” The inaugural Commitment to Training Live one-day event will take place May 9, 2020, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago in Rosemont, Ill., and will feature a full day of technical training courses for automotive technicians. Attendees will also have a chance to Check RepairLinkShop.com. meet with suppliers to see the latest products and services available for repair shop owners and technicians. “Events like these, and our annual Search and buy thousands of OE parts online TST Big Event, are crucial for our in- 24/7 from over 5,500 dealers with: dustry,” said G. Jerry Truglia, Founder and President of Technicians Service • 22 OEM part catalogs and illustrations Training. “Today’s cars are more tech- • Prices that rival aftermarket prices with 10 OEM parts discount programs nologically advanced than the vehicles • VIN-based part look-up we serviced even five years ago. The amount of repair knowledge a tech needs is incredible. This partnership with market leaders like Motor Age and Visit RepairLinkShop.com to sign up for FREE. OPERATIONS // PROFIT MOTIVE Three sure-fire ways to charge more for service Customers are willing to pay more for a memorable experience

t’s never easy to charge more, even THOUSANDS of people happily paid to tell them. Why? Because the photo when you know you need to. Th e the extra fee and purchased the addi- reminded them of their memorable ex- Ivast majority of the time it is more tional merchandise that was designed perience at Disney. emotional than logical. If you for this promotion! And then it hit me: The secret to need some new ideas to pass on your Here was my initial thought: “I could charging more for your service is to naturally increasing costs, Coach Eric get this much cheaper down the road at consistently create memorable mo- Twiggs has some great suggestions and Six Flags!” Think about it. There would ments. According to a recent study of implementation help to make it easier be rioting in the streets if you went to 3,300 consumers, 81 percent of the re- to accomplish. your local theme park and the agent told spondents would be willing to increase Mickey Mouse threw me a curve you they closed at 6 p.m. and an addi- their spending with a company in return ball! It happened last August while vis- tional fee was required to stay! for a better experience. iting Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme Why was the Disney customer EX- If you took a picture in front of your park. On a normal day, the park closes CITED about paying more? Would your shop, and posted it on social media, at 10 p.m. However, on this fateful day, customer get excited about paying more? what memories would pop into your they closed at 6 p.m. When I asked the I received the answer after taking a photo customer’s mind? Disney cast member why they closed with my family and posting it on social so early, she responded with both good media. This was when I realized the se- 2. Send the right message and bad news. cret to charging more for your service. Is “the broken window theory” impact- The good news was that after 6 p.m., ing your shop? In 1982, two social scien- the park would re-open at 7 p.m. and 1. Provide memorable tists, James Q. Wilson and George Kel- would remain open until midnight in cel- service ling, concluded that a neighborhood or ebration of their “Halloween in August” In the backdrop of the picture I posted building with ignored broken windows promotion. There would be special pa- on social media was the Cinderella Cas- will experience larger and more serious rades and shows, where everyone could tle. The only message that I included crimes. Th ey believed it was because the dress up in costumes and collect candy! with the post was, “My current situation.” unrepaired windows sent the message The bad news was that in order to As I read through the comments on my that no one cares, and that bad behavior stay, you had to pay an additional $80 page, I noticed that everyone instantly is acceptable. It’s as if the environment is per person! I watched in amazement as knew where I was without me having literally saying, “Nobody’s watching, so it’s OK to break windows and do other bad things around here!” This is what former Disney executive Dennis Snow meant when he made the statement “everything speaks” while presenting at a previous ATI SuperCon- ference. If everything speaks, what messages are your shop standards sending to customers? For Disney employees, ignoring trash on the pavement is grounds for termination. Why? Because a spotless facility says, “We’re on top of every detail

10 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM PROFIT MOTIVE OPERATIONS

• “We don’t care about fixing broken in the waiting room. equipment!” • Clean the inside and outside of the GREAT PROCESSES • “We’re too shorthanded to answer windshield. the phones within three rings, so how Since sweating the small stuff is all MAINTAIN QUALITY will we answer your call?” about “eating the elephant” one bite at a In this episode of the Remarkable • “We only hire technicians who bathe time, I challenge you to have your eating- Results podcast with Carm in grease and smell like an ashtray!” the-elephant meetings to get ideas from Capriotto, he speaks with Louis Based on these standards, how your team on what can be done to sweat Altazan, President of AGCO happy would customers be if that “shop the small stuff with your customers. Automotive Repair Service in down the street” raised their prices? Baton Rouge, La. They would feel like breaking windows Making it happen in your shop Louis has studied under Dr. after seeing the labor rate! Having stan- So, there you have it. The secret to W. Edwards Demming, the father dards in place that send the right mes- charging more for your service is to add of Quality Management. He has a sage is critical to your ability to charge value by consistently creating memora- lot of expertise and experience to more for your service. ble moments. To create those memora- show us regarding the processes ble moments, you must send the right that we need to run a successful 3. Sweat the small stuff message about your shop’s commit- quality shop. I know what you’re thinking: “OK ment to customer service and sweat the Most managers want Twiggs, Disney creates memorable mo- small stuff by paying attention to what a cafeteria plan for quality ments — understood! Th ey believe that they want. Doing this will not only make management — they want to pick everything speaks — I GET IT! But how your customers less price sensitive and and choose what they want to can they have 56,000 people per day in willing to pay more, they may even refer implement. But, to truly get it right, their parks and STILL manage to keep their friends and family to share in the Demming teaches that you must their facilities clean?” experience. implement att 14 principles of Total Quality Management. The answer: they sweat the small If you want to try this in your shop, These principles may take time stuff. This habit began with their we have created the ATI Shop Open- to implement, but it helps shops founder, Walt Disney. ing Checklist, which is our take on Dis- to thrive and better survive in lean Walt Disney was obsessed with the ney’s Everything Speaks. If gaining an times, Altazan says. details of the customer experience. edge over your competitors, increas- Everyone in Altazan’s shop For example, he wanted to know how ing revenue or staying the best shop in contributes to improving long a visitor would walk with trash in your area is important to you, you can processes and systems. They are their hands before dropping it on the download your very own checklist at assigned projects and paid for ground. He sat on a bench and counted www.ationlinetraining.com/2020-01 for a their time. Listen in now by visiting the number of steps his customers took limited time. MotorAge.com/Altazan. while searching for a place to throw out their garbage. He counted 30 steps on that impacts your experience.” This is a average, and to this day every trash can CHRIS “CHUBBY” FREDERICK is the major reason why Disney can increase is exactly 30 feet away from the next one! CEO and founder of their ticket, parking and restaurant You’re probably thinking: how does the Automotive Training prices every year. Their environment this translate to the auto repair shop Institute. ATI’s 130 fulltime associates train sends the right message. environment? Well, here are some ex- and coach more than Sadly, the following are messages I’ve amples of “small stuff” you can focus on 1,700 shop owners every week across heard while visiting shops: (Not your at your shop: North America to drive profits and dreams home to their families. Our 32 full-time shop, of course! I’m talking about that • Vacuum your customer’s vehicle. Certified Performance coaches have helped shop down the street!) • Leave a parting gift in the vehicle. our members earn over ONE BILLION • “We don’t believe in doing courtesy • Offer a concierge service to drop off DOLLARS in return on their coaching checks around here!” and pick up your customers. investment since ATI was founded. This month’s article was written with the help of • “It’s OK to drop your cigarette butts • Pull the vehicle to the front door and Coach Eric Twiggs. in front of our shop!” turn on the AC while the customer is [email protected]

SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 11 OPERATIONS // MANAGEMENT

HOW TO CREATE A PATH TO LEADERSHIP

Leadership development 3.0

DAVID ROGERS // Contributing Editor

eadership means something given me a better understanding of the next level and provide good direc- different to everyone, and what good leadership is all about — tion and leadership for your business, Leveryone responds different- getting the most out of your team and it starts before they even set foot in the ly to various leadership tech- doing what’s best for your shop. door — it starts when you’re still in the niques. “Bossing” and “managing” are You’ve heard the expression “lead- hiring process. two very different concepts, and being ers are born,” and that’s true to a certain able to negotiate the middle ground extent, but leaders are also developed Be dilligent between them is a skill as important as — by enhancing an employee’s natural The one ingredient that does go into any you’ll learn in your career. abilities and setting them up to succeed every great leader (and team member My personal leadership style has by unlocking their potential to lead. To for that matter) is character. Character changed drastically over the years. do this you need to (a) know what to is something you either have or you Just like anything else, people adapt look for when you’re hiring someone, don’t — and it’s not something that can and evolve over time and I’ve gone (b) train them properly and (c) estab- be taught. from being an authoritative figure to lish good internal measurement systems As such, when you’re looking to much more affiliative and diplomatic. that set people up to become better em- hire someone who you can build into It wasn’t easy and it didn’t happen ployees and, ultimately, quality leaders. a leader at your shop, character is the overnight, but being able to see how When you’re looking for employ- biggest thing you’re looking for in a people react to different styles has ees who can help take your shop to candidate.

PHOTO: PHOTOALTO/ERIC AUDRAS / GETTYIMAGES.COM 12 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS

A major mistake I see a lot of shop tification? Red flag. If they’re immedi- that new hires are able to buy into owners making nowadays is hiring ately asking about recreational drug once they’ve been trained properly. what I call “basketball employees.” use policies? Red flag. If they’re re- Empowering your employees starts These employees bounce around luctant to explain why they left their with establishing a dynamic perfor- from job to job, never really staying previous job? Red flag. mance measurement system. Measur- in one place long enough to make a The more interviews you do, the ing productivity helps you retain good difference or learn anything that will better you’ll get at intuitively picking employees, plain and simple. help them advance to the next level in up on who will be a motivated, hard- Imagine playing a game of football their career. This is, usually, a sign of working staff member and who will be where you can’t see the field and don’t poor character. a liability. know the score. You probably wouldn’t We all know all too well that we’re play, would you? dealing with a serious labor shortage Be meticulous Knowing how they’re doing versus in our industry, but that’s no excuse Once you’ve hired a new employee, their peers instills a healthy sense of to hire substandard employees. I you should spend as much time as competition within your shop. could go on and on about why there possible training them during their Just like a quarterback knows how are fewer and fewer people entering first couple of weeks on the job. Train- many touchdowns he’s thrown for and the auto repair field nowadays but, at ing is the best way to bridge the gap a cornerback knows how many inter- the end of the day, we can’t let that between the skills an employee has ceptions he’s snagged, your employees interfere with the critical matter at and the personality traits you felt need to know what their stats are and hand — you still need to have qual- might make them a good leader dur- how they stack up against the com- ity people on your team if you want ing the interview phase. petition. Ticket average, repair times, to run a quality business. A new employee needs to learn comeback rates, etc. — everything Back when I was the on-site man- both what and why you do things the needs to be tracked and shared in ager at Keller Bros. Auto Repair in way you do. People aren’t pets — you order for motivation to be optimized Littleton, Colo., we’d only interview a can’t just tell them to get off the fur- in your shop. handful of candidates out of every 100 niture or to stop barking. You need to In my experience, good workers resumes we received and from there, explain the reasons why your shop want to be held accountable and a we’d only make an offer to a single does things a certain way, especially shop-wide measurement system is individual. In today’s market, I’m not if they’re veterans of other shops and the best way to achieve a level of ac- sure any of us see 100 applicants in a have picked up some poor habits over countability that effectively motivates year. Obviously not every market has the years. workers and builds the leadership the luxury of being so picky, so the For example, at our shop, we do a skills necessary to know how to win temptation to hire someone quickly thorough inspection of every car we the profit game — week in, week out! is even greater today, but should be service no matter how small the repair Give your people these tools and avoided at all costs. job might be. The reason? If that cus- they’ll be in position to do great things You should always use a set of tomer gets in an accident after leav- more often than not — and you’ll be written questions when conducting ing our shop, we could end up being in position to hand off more respon- initial job interviews — you need to proven liable — its been proven in the sibility to the effective and productive have consistency in what you’re asking courts on countless occasions. leaders your shop has developed. the various applicants you’re sorting Conveying things like this to your DAVID ROGERS is chief through and the more you’re able to new hires is imperative if you want operating officer of Keller learn the better. In addition to learn- them to be motivated team players and Bros. Inc., president of Auto ing about their work history and such, develop into leaders moving forward. Profit Masters and president of Shop 4D, the industry’s you’re also on the lookout for red flags. first Artificial Intelligence If every job they left was due to poor Be committed to the process (AI) -enabled, self-learning system for management — this should be a huge In addition to having your policies and proactively managing repairs, customers, red flag. procedures outlined and explained marketing, profits and employees. Reach David via email at [email protected], If they waver when you ask them meticulously, you need to establish toll-free at 1-866-826-7911, or online at about having an up-to-date ASE cer- a culture of employee empowerment https://shop4d.com/.

SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 13 OPERATIONS // FINANCIAL FIGURES Management development is a process, not a seminar In Part 1 of this series, we examine the lack in proper business training

hop owners across the coun- spends the money on marketing that achieved and retained, allowing them try are experiencing chal- screams to shop owners “more activ- to grow, prosper and enjoy a reward- Slenges like no other times ity,” “are you busy?,” “make more sales ing professional career. Instead, shop they have ever seen before in with our products and programs,” and owners are approached by the com- our sector of the industry. “be price competitive.” The commodity modity side and sold on the idea to at- Consider the level of development side of the aftermarket does not seem tend and listen to a presentation that of automotive technology over the to understand at all how the shop busi- is one to three hours long, or a one- or past five years. Consider the dramatic ness level has really changed and the two-day seminar that ends up preach- changes in vehicle service intervals. need to address the real shop issues ing more sales, more car count, more Consider the cost of diagnostic equip- called “productivity” and “sustained activity. These are motivational or pep ment to even begin the process of individual client relationships.” They talks only and do nothing to teach the entering and sustaining this profes- seemingly give this issue lip service shop owner proper business acumen sion. Consider the technical skill level only, without substance supporting or and best business practices that drive required today to be on the shop floor backing up their words. net income. and where technicians today require The shop owner is never introduced 100 hours of training now per year to INDEPENDENT SHOPS DON’T to his/her own numbers and allowed to stay level in their knowledge. Consider NEED MORE ACTIVITY. THEY work with them and clearly understand the uninformed consumer who likes NEED TO LEARN HOW TO what they mean during these seminars. their “toy” but doesn’t truly understand This is an absolute tragedy within our its complexity. Consider the change in MANAGE PROPERLY WHAT industry. vehicle sales mix with the dramatic in- THEY CURRENTLY HAVE. Consider that the vast majority of crease of diesel vehicles and electric shop owners have grade 12 level edu- on its way. Consider the lack of supply cation as their last year of formal edu- of larger repair facilities, which are re- Step back and consider the follow- cation. From there, they worked very quired to provide the shop the space ing: The manufacturer, warehouse hard, paid the personal price of sacri- to hold more equipment then ever re- distributor and jobber are in the com- fice and achieved the designation of quired before in the history of our in- modity business and they require sales holding a Master Automotive Service dustry to meet complexities of vehicle of their products and full payment to Technician License. They are knowl- service. Consider the longer period of survive. All their marketing displays edgeable about the vehicle, and the time required to properly diagnose and their desired results. The service pro- best shops have a concerted effort in service the vehicle to manufacturer- vider, however, is in the knowledge place to stay on top of this issue; how- recommended standards. Consider the business and does not require the com- ever, one must ask, “Where were they “blackballing” of proper shop financing modities to survive to the same extent, taught how to read the balance sheet by the major banks in this country. but rather requires proper billed hours of their own business and how the The shop business has changed at the right rate to survive and prosper. banks interpret their financial state- drastically, yet it is not being acknowl- Commodities go along with the billed ments? Where were they taught how edged properly within the industry. hours. As the billed hours increase, so to measure and manage their current Every level of the industry still talks do commodity sales. The service pro- business properly? Where were they about car count and the desire to drive vider owner is not getting exposed to, taught the difference between mark- more sales. The commodity side of or taught, the real issues of his/her shop up and gross profit? Where were they the industry has the loudest voice and that will ensure proper net income is taught the workings of shop site ef-

14 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM FINANCIAL FIGURES OPERATIONS

ficiency and its effect on the bottom $125,000 and $150,000 in net income of learning to develop best business line? Where were they taught how to from their lack of management abili- practices and measure and manage manage gross profit and measure net ties from their current business coming “productivity” instead of chasing “activ- profit? Where were they taught what through the door. Independent shops ity,” jobbers in this country would be drives net income in their particular don’t need higher “car count;” they don’t getting paid in full each month and at shop? Where were they taught how to need more “activity.” They need to learn better margins! The shop owner and create a shop team through personnel how to manage properly what they cur- their team would enjoy a professional development? Where were they taught rently have. If their business was man- income as well as have the cash to move the costs of accounts receivable and the aged correctly through the process his/her business forward. ‘cancer’ it can give a business when not managed professionally?” The facts are that the average five- bay shop today is missing between

IDENTIFY ISSUES AND CREATE A FIX In this episode of the Remarkable Results podcast with Carm Capriotto, he speaks with Deb Van Batenburg from the Automotive Career Development Center (ACDC) about tolerances. “What the heck are tolerances? They are the things that you are living with and tolerating in your life that are ridiculous,” she said. She discusses the importance of identifying the things you tolerate, learn to live with and, in essence, waste a lot of time avoiding. People use a by-pass strategy, rather than ﬁ x the problem. Instead, say “Hey, what doesn’t work in this space, and let’s ﬁ x that,” she said. Listen in at MotorAge.com/DebVB. Unmanned inspection

BOB GREENWOOD, AMAM, is president Quick Check Drive and Quick Tread Edge integration: and CEO of % Autonomous alignment inspection and edge wear detection Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre % Measure camber, total toe and tire tread depth on every vehicle Ltd. (AAEC), % which provides business management Electronic and printed results in seconds resources for the automotive aftermarket. Bob has more than 36 years of business management experience and is one of 150 worldwide AMi-approved instructors. [email protected] OPERATIONS // SHOP PROFILE Veteran network Helping get reliable transportation to those who have helped our country

ROBERT BRAVENDER // Contributing Editor

With all the problems military veterans face once they hang up the uniform, having a car that doesn’t work shouldn’t be one of them — at least not according to Miracles for Vets (M4V) in Grand Forks, ND. Founded by Larry Mendivil, Jr., Miracles for Vets is a grassroots-style non-profi t that assists the automotive needs of military veterans. As CEO, Mendivil would probably be the first to admit that the enterprise had evolved rather than was established. “We didn’t have any vision for a company, just a way to have all these cool veterans stop by the garage while working on their cars.” After he left the Air Force, his initial plan was to go into law MIRACLES FOR VETS enforcement, but a bad knee and an anxiety disorder derailed Grand Forks, North Dakota // miracles4vets.org that, so for a while Mendivil went into auto retail, where he Larry Mendivil, Jr. noted other vets complaining about having cars that wouldn’t CEO run or not having a car at all. “My stepfather was a mechanic and raised me around cars,” John Ellis he explains. “I don’t think I’m that great of a mechanic, but we Ross Weiler built cars together, helped out people in the neighborhood.” Mark Schumaker Mendivil was thinking about creating custom 4WDs for Chris Butler Board of Directors disabled vets, and when he remarked it would be a miracle should his own car make it to the VA for an appointment, he had a name. But eventually the custom shop began morphing into something else. to keep it all going. “We don’t have a tool sponsor,” Mendivil re- “If one vet stopped by and needed a tune-up but didn’t have ports, “we don’t even have an air compressor that’s all that big.” any money, I’d just buy the part,” Mendivil states. “I’ve got part On the plus side, M4V is all over the social network, where of my disability and social security coming in, and I just started they can find a steady demand for maintenance and light re- buying parts and putting them on for free, and that’s how it pairs from veterans like John Ellis. started coming together.” “The timing belt had slipped on my ’06 Suzuki Reno, and my While the facility is a two-stall garage with an office, it’s noth- dad, being a mechanic, said it wasn’t worth the work,” recounts ing like the average repair shop. Outside sits about five cars the young Army vet. So he called Mendivil about an online with a laundry list of parts that have to be acquired because post he had seen; Mendivil in turn made an hour drive to Ellis’s Mendivil emphatically won’t give a car away to a veteran un- residence and got the Suzuki up and running. less it’s reliable. “We keep a car for a month to make sure it’s “He told me it should get me by for either the life of the going to last.” engine (which probably wouldn’t be long), or until I got a new According to Jason Sparks, a fellow Air Force vet who’s vehicle,” says Ellis. “I jumped onboard (M4V), because Larry’s helped M4V on various projects, “most of the cars that are do- got that personality that draws you in, makes you want to help nated are in some sort of disrepair; quite a few of them are not and know more about the cause.” running. So we all get together, donate money, time, parts if we What’s the hook? For Jason Sparks it was the idea of paying can, to get a vehicle running.” it forward. “Larry and I served together,” he says. “We deployed With no profit, no major pieces of equipment and no per- a couple times to the Middle East, then he got out and I did my sonnel except volunteers, M4V relies on this kind of networking whole 20 and retired. Later I ran into him at an auto parts store.”

PHOTOS: MIRACLES FOR VETS 16 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM SHOP PROFILE OPERATIONS

>> CONTINUED FROM PAGE XX

The whole thing is me helping my thanks to the internet we’re even assist- fellow vets,” Sparks points out. “We all ing a veteran in Pennsylvania trying to served, we all have our own demons to get a vehicle.” deal with, but the bottom line is we had While he knows nothing about cars, each other’s backs during the war; now Ellis formatted the charity’s paperwork that we’ve come back home, the one — applications, grant proposals, dona- thing a vet can count on is a fellow vet.” tion request letters — as well as set up Part of a core network doing dona- the website. “Before joining the team tions, Sparks notes he’s also volunteered I actually didn’t know anything about knowledge. “Larry’s got a pretty good web design,” he explains. “I took a course database, but on some of the more in- where I learned the basics, and as more tricate troubleshooting he’ll call me up. things arose, I learned how to do the ex- I can coach him over the phone, but if ternal links, developed a shop and did I’ve got some free time I’ll stop by and all these other things. Thankfully there’s take a look. I help out as much as I can, YouTube!” when I can.” Ellis was even inspired to come up Sparks has even supplied and with his own projects. “In mid-2017 we Mendivil was getting parts for an- cooked food for M4V fundraisers. “I’m official started a veterans’ employment other veteran’s car; Sparks decided to nowhere near rich; I live okay. My wife program where we assist in resume tag along. “I’m a motorhead, too,” he ad- and I still live paycheck to paycheck, and writing, interviewing, cover letters, ap- mits. “Cars are kind of my getaway; I’ve sometimes I give more than I should, but plications, the whole nine yards. I’ve got got some classic cars that I show. So I at the same time there’s a chance for me a couple veterans in Oklahoma I’m as- paid for some of the parts and helped to pay it forward. With my own service, sisting with that.” Larry work on this car.” there were times I felt like I wasn’t there How do you really make miracles hap- The car was a Honda with 330,000 or didn’t do enough. So part of it is per- pen? Lots of good will and hard work. miles on the odometer, the vet who sonal, the old NCO looking out for his owned it was attempting to visit a son airmen. My motto when I was a supervi- ROBERT BRAVENDER he hadn’t seen in a long while. “We spent sor was ‘always take care of your guys.’” graduated from the $300 on parts,” Sparks recalls. “Got it all Meanwhile John Ellis is M4V’s University of Memphis with a bachelor’s degree in tuned up, running really good, but unfor- Project Coordinator, who along with film and video production. tunately the very next day it dropped a Mendivil and three other people makes He has edited magazines cylinder. But Larry had another car that up the charity’s board of directors. “If and produced shows for had been donated, and we got that fixed there’s something we can do to assist a numerous channels, including “Motorhead Garage” with longtime how-to guys Sam up and gave it to the vet, so he was able veteran,” says Ellis, “we definitely make Memmolo and Dave Bowman. to go see his son. a reasonable attempt. (For instance), [email protected]

SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 17 OPERATIONS // INSIGHT Congress takes next step with data privacy protection Why does this matter to independent automotive repairers? he U.S. Senate Commerce Com- motor vehicle data access that motor vehicle mittee convened a hearing entitled, owners must have to manage and control their T“Examining Legislative Proposals to motor vehicles — both now and in the future as Protect Consumer Data Privacy.” motor vehicles become more autonomous. Th ere have been a number of privacy hear- • Both drafts address how “covered data” ings in the 115th and 116th congresses. Both and “sensitive covered data” can be used (or the Chairman of the Committee Senator not) by a “covered entity,” but neither draft ad- Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Ranking Member dresses the key issue of guaranteeing a vehicle Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have introduced sep- owner’s right to direct, real-time, secure and arate bills on data privacy. Chairman Wicker’s bidirectional access to the data. The Coalition legislation, the United States Consumer Data THE AUTOMOTIVE suggests that both drafts must address vehicle Privacy Act of 2019 (USCDPA), and Ranking SERVICE ASSOCIATION data access; without a guarantee of data “ac- Member Cantwell’s bill, the Consumer On- IS THE LEADING cess,” the regulation of data “use” is moot. line Privacy Rights Act of 2019 (COPRA), will The second session of the 116th Congress be on the main stage as consumer data priva- TRADE ASSOCIATION will likely determine how vehicle data access cy is considered in the second session of the FOR INDEPENDENT is addressed. 116th Congress. AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE In the U.S. House, Representatives Anna Witnesses for the data privacy hearing Eshoo (D-CA) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) in- included: The Honorable Julie Brill, Former PROFESSIONALS. troduced H.R. 4978, the Online Privacy Act of Commissioner of the Federal Trade Com- 2019. The bill grants every American the right mission, Microsoft; The Honorable Maureen JOIN AT to access, correct or delete their data. It also cre- Ohlhausen, Former Acting Chair of the Federal ASAshop.org ates new rights, like the right to impermanence, Trade Commission, Co-Chair, 21stCentury Pri- which lets users decide how long companies vacy Coalition; Laura Moy, Executive Director can keep their data. and Associate Professor of Law, Georgetown The bill also minimizes the amount of data Law Center on Privacy & Technology; Nuala O’Connor, Se- companies collect, process, disclose and maintain, and bars nior Vice President and Chief Counsel, Digital Citizenship at companies from using data in discriminatory ways. Addition- Walmart; and Michelle Richardson, Director of Privacy and ally, companies must receive consent from users in plain, Data, Center for Democracy and Technology. simple language. Witnesses encouraged policymakers to move forward with • The bill establishes an independent agency led by a a federal framework of privacy legislation as technology con- director that’s appointed by the President and confirmed by tinues to advance and with it, data collection guideline needs. the Senate for a five-year term. The DPA will enforce privacy Suggestions included the use of restrictions, transparent, sim- protections and investigate abuses. ple choices for consumers and the selection of a regulator, i.e. Consumer data privacy policy matters to automotive repair- the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). ers because this issue will likely be a determining factor in the The Automotive Service Association (ASA), as part of the process for vehicle data access as well as the path forward for U.S. Vehicle Data Access Coalition, submitted comments for independent repairers relative to new vehicle technologies. the hearing. The Coalition highlighted several important points about the consumer data access legislation: ROBERT REDDING is the Automotive Service Association’s Washington, D.C. representative. He has served as a member • Both drafts address “access” to data by individuals, but ig- of several federal and state advisory committees involved in the nore the direct, secure, real-time, bidirectional and standardized automotive industry. [email protected]

18 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM

How to build a destination automotive repair business MAKE YOUR SHOP ONE WHERE TALENTED PEOPLE WANT TO INVEST THEIR CAREERS

CHRIS CHESNEY // Contributing Editor They are probably proud of accumulat- engages everyone in your business. If ing $60,000 worth of tools over their ca- your business is going to survive the next on’t let the title of this install- reer. But I’d like to remind you their box 25 years, you need to have a growth plan ment fool you; I’m going to still has wheels. And if you don’t provide that includes adding locations through Dfocus on ideas that will help a career vision for them and reduce their greenfield or acquisitions. By far, the best make your business a place cost of doing business, you’re going to see way to instant success in a new location where talented people will want to invest those wheels roll on out of your shop. is to have talent in your current building their careers. In the last episode of this If you look at any new shop built in that can take the reins and drive your byline, I attempted to lay open the “way this country by new vehicle dealers and business model to perfection instead of we’ve always done business” with the goal progressive independents both large and hiring an all-new crew and trying to instill of helping us stay in touch with changes small, you’ll find built-in tool boxes com- your model in them. With that in mind in our society, community and technol- plete with the necessary tools and diag- as you create your education program, ogy. I laid open the status quo that we fi nd nostic equipment, along with the required the idea of installing career pathways for ourselves in with respect to the way we do lifts and other associated items needed to each role in your business begins to make business and the way we treat talent. Now, equip their business for success. The tech- sense. For a technician who at some I’d like to suggest solutions. nician brings nothing to the bay except a point in their career wants to own a shop, There is a transient nature of techs in great attitude and their talent. you can create a pathway that, over time, our industry and a challenge to attract Imagine being a technician who gets immerses them in all aspects of the busi- new talent to our bays. Creating a pipe- to work in a high-tech space and feels ness via working in every role so they are line of talent assumes we get folks in the a sense of worth because everything in proficient in your business model. When pipe to begin with and keep them there the building is focused on enabling their you build or acquire a new location, that for their entire career. More important talent in a way that provides value to former technician is now ready to extend is the idea that what’s in the pipe must the customer. They don’t have to spend said model in lock step with your vision. always be in motion. Let’s apply it to a their earnings on tools that benefit the At the end of the day, this in an in- few examples. Let us first start with an business, but get to use the tools pro- dustry that is changing rapidly. The ad- issue that affects all techs and is a huge vided by the business that enable them vancements in vehicle technology are barrier of entry: tools! The tool require- to succeed. If you were a high school stu- mandating the way we do business, grow ment needed to properly service today’s dent looking at our industry as a career people and invest in assets. The future is vehicle mix is massive and unending. The option, what would you think of this in- bright for those who recognize the fact that cost of diagnostic technology and the va- dustry if you walked into the shop I just you must grow in order to scale the cost of riety of suppliers prevent you from being described? What would you think if you technologies, systems and talent needed able to control processes and outcomes walked into your shop? to serve your customers. for your customer. Does everyone have Let’s take the scenario one step fur- all the special tools needed to service the ther. To keep the talent flowing through CHRIS CHESNEY is the vehicles you maintain? the pipeline there must be a means of Senior Director of Customer Speaking of toolboxes, take inventory energy to move them along, as well as an Training for Carquest Technical Institute (CTI) and of those in your shop. I’m betting at least end game. This energy is best provided Advance Professional. one tech has that big box full of tools. by a structured education program that [email protected]

20 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM WATCH + LEARN

Master THIS to accelerate Stop enabling those who are ADAS: What you How to generate your electrical diag! not committed to training need to know repeat business

MOTORAGE.COM/ElectricalDiag MOTORAGE.COM/Stop MOTORAGE.COM/LearnADAS MOTORAGE.COM/Repeat

SERVICE REPAIR PROBLEMS AND TRAINING EVENTS MECHANICAL SOLUTIONS THAT JUST MIGHT MOMENT BENEFIT YOUR SHOP TECHNICIANS JANUARY 9-11 Mobile Tech Expo 2020 Orange County Convention Center CADILLAC CTS CRANKS, Orlando, Florida NO START — MIL ON JANUARY 16-18 2020 AVI & The Group Training Academy VEHICLE: 2006 Cadillac CTS, V6-3.6L, - P0276 Injector 6 Control circuit Winter Conference VIN 7, Automatic Transmission Low voltage AVI World Headquarters - P0300 Random Misfi re Detected Fort Myers, Florida MILEAGE: 122,009 - P0302 cylinder #2 Misfi re Detected FEBRUARY 19-22 - P0304 cylinder #4 Misfi re Detected MACS 2020 Training Event & Trade Show PROBLEM: The vehicle came into the - P0306 cylinder #6 Misfi re Detected Gaylord Opryland Resort shop for a crank but does not start issue. Nashville, Tennessee The Tech-Assist consultant suggested dis- DETAILS: The tech connected a scan connecting the harness connectors to the MARCH 5-8 tool and pulled numerous Diagnostic injectors and coils on the left bank, then VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to the begin plugging each connector in one at Overland Park Convention Center even-numbered cylinders on the left a time while cranking the engine until the Overland Park, Kansas bank (see DTCs below). He checked coil(s) or injector(s) that was causing the MARCH 16-18 those cylinders for spark with a spark fuse to blow was found. The technician fol- Automotive Training Expo tester and injection pulse with a noid lowed the instructions and found the coil Doubletree Hotel light and found none. The tech also on cylinder #2 would blow the fuse. Seatac, Washington noted that the fuse designated as the “EVEN INJ/COIL” fuse kept blowing as CONFIRMED REPAIR: The tech replaced MARCH 21 soon as the engine was cranked. the #2 coil and its wiring pigtail and the TST 2020 Big Event Caddy is fi xed! Westchester Marriott DTCS STORED: Tarrytown, New York - P0264 Injector 2 Control circuit This tech tip and others come from ALL- MARCH 25-26 Low voltage DATA Tech-Assist, a diagnostic hotline of AASA Vision Conference - P0270 Injector 4 Control circuit ASE-certifi ed Master Technicians. Learn Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel Low voltage more at ALLDATA.com. Rosemont, Illinois

SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 21 TECHNICAL // UNDERCAR A LOOK AT THE RAM 1500 ETORQUE — A “MILD” HYBRID

THE 2019 DODGE RAM REBEL is priced between the Laramie and Longhorn trim levels and is available with the eTorque hybrid system that comes standard on the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and is optional on the Hemi 5.7L engine. HYBRID TECHNOLOGY SPREADS TO THE LIGHT DUTY TRUCK

TRACY MARTIN // Contributing Editor

e’re losing our defl ec- — hybrids. Most OEMs offer one or who have test driven a RAM 1500 with tor shield! Go strap more hybrid models but only for cars the eTorque system conclude that it Wyourself in, I’m go- or crossover vehicles. The full-sized feels like a smooth, unobtrusive engine ing to make the jump pickup truck market has been without stop-start system that shuts off the V-6 to light speed,” said Han Solo in Star this technology until now. or V-8 engine when waiting at traffic Wars. The auto industry is also mak- The 2019 Dodge RAM 1500 series lights, but eTorque is more. ing a “jump,” not to light speed but from trucks are leading the charge with the internal combustion engines (ICE) to first, full-sized pickup truck hybrid of- eTorque overview all electric vehicles. Th e Motor Age ar- ferings. The 2019 RAM 1500 eTorque is Th e concept of the eTorque system is ticle, “The Future of Hybrid Vehicles” not a full-fledged hybrid system, but is simple. eTorque replaces the conven- (January 2019), concluded that the a “mild hybrid,” a term that means the tional alternator with a more power- transition from ICE to battery power on-board electric motor can’t power ful motor/generator connected to will take place over time via powertrains the vehicle on its own without the help the engine via a large serpentine belt. that use both ICE and electric motors of the gasoline engine. Many people Depending on operating mode, it can

PHOTO: FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOTIVE 22 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM UNDERCAR TECHNICAL PHOTO: FIAT CHRYSLERPHOTO: FIAT AUTOMOTIVE THE ETORQUE’S MOTOR/GENERATOR and 48-volt battery pack work together to provide a seamless start/stop operation. The battery pack is charged by the motor/generator through regenerative braking and can power all the truck’s accessories.

THE ETORQUE SYSTEM ON THE HEMI 5.7L ENGINE is mounted at the top of the engine and driven by an eight-ribbed serpentine belt. An internal fan and heat ﬁ ns provide air-cooling for the motor/ generator unit. PHOTO: MICHEL DESLAURIERS

SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 23 TECHNICAL UNDERCAR

THE PENTASTAR 3.6-LITER V-6 HAS the eTorque motor/generator mounted just above the crankshaft. The unit is driven by a serpentine belt and has a dedicated, liquid cooling system. produce electrical power for charging the 48-volt battery or provide electrical power-assist to the engine. The eTorque stop-start operation is seamless. At a stop and as the engine shuts off, the motor/generator deliv- ers torque to the engine to actively dampen vibration by countering the rotating mass and pulses of the cylinders’ compression cycles. When the driver lifts their foot off the brake and PHOTOS: MICHEL DESLAURIERS onto the accelerator pedal, the sys- THE 430-WATT, 48-VOLT BATTERY PACK is made in Michigan by LG Chem. It weighs 30 pounds and mounts behind the rear seat up against the cab. The battery pack has two internal tem pushes torque to the engine on a fans for air cooling and is engineered to last the life of the truck.

24 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM UNDERCAR TECHNICAL PHOTO: MICHEL DESLAURIERS THE ETORQUE MOTOR/GENERATOR MOUNTED on the Hemi 5.7L engine. Because the motor/generator provides regenerative braking and power assist to the engine, the serpentine belt that connects them takes a good wrap around the crankshaft pulley. PHOTO: FIAT CHRYSLERPHOTO: FIAT AUTOMOTIVE THE BASE MODEL DODGE RAM 1500 TRADESMAN comes standard with the eTorque system on the 3.6L V-6. This basic work truck is an effective way for Chrysler to introduce a hybrid vehicle into the pickup truck market. The Tradesman is also available with the 5.7L Hemi with eTorque as an option. pulsating basis that matches the com- eTorque motor/generator provides a of the gasoline engine is so steep, it pression cycles to smooth engine start. significant push during the first half- overruns the torque of the motor/gen- After a stop, if the driver is very quick rotation of the wheels as the engine is erator quickly and the transition from off the brake and back on the gas, the restarting. Because the torque curve electric power to gas is not noticeable.

SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 25 TECHNICAL UNDERCAR

On V-8 applications that use Ram’s Multi-Displacement System (cylinder deactivation), eTorque smooths engine ICEING AND ROLLING COAL? transition from eight to four-cylinder Could Fiat Chrysler have a hidden It would appear that these modes in much the same way as dur- agenda in offering their eTorque pickup truck owners can’t stand ing stop/start operation. system for the RAM 1500 pickup? that other vehicle owners would When the engine is operating near In introducing a mild hybrid, drive a car, let alone one powered its horsepower or torque peak, the they may be attempting to change by electricity. They seem to eTorque system does not provide ad- pickup truck-owner culture to particularly target Tesla charging ditional power. As mentioned before, become more friendly with the stations but presumably hate all it does provide power to initially start use of electrical power for their hybrid and electrical vehicles the vehicle moving — 12 horsepower beloved rides. As obnoxious as equally. Chrysler’s offering of their for the V-6 and 16 for the V-8. Torque parking in a handicap space with eTorque technology on the popular output of 39 lb/ft for the V-6 is multi- no sticker, there is a new iteration RAM series trucks may in some way plied by the belt drive to create a 90 lb/ called “ICEing,” where some in the demonstrate to pickup truck owners ft assist and the V-8 version creates 49 pickup truck culture demonstrate that electricity is good, not evil, and lb/ft, again multiplied by the belt for an their displeasure with EVs by taking truck hybrids (and even all-electric assist of 130 lb/ft. Because the electric up parking spaces designated as powered trucks) are the future. motor is rotating three times for every EV charging stations. ICEing refers When the price of an all-electric revolution of the engine, by the time to internal combustion engines Ford F-150 (or another brand/ the engine reaches peak power, the (ICE) and goes hand-in-hand with model) is the same as a diesel or electric motor’s output is negligible another practice called “rolling gas-powered truck, when there and thus only adds power at low en- coal” in which owners modify diesel is an infrastructure of charging gine rpm. engine fuel systems to add an stations to match traditional ﬁ lling Using eTorque’s electric motor, excessive amount of fuel, causing stations and it costs half as much transmission upshifts are smoothed by high volumes of black sooty smoke to travel the same miles, OEMs reducing engine rpm to match the next to exit their tailpipes. They get in will sell more electric vehicles than gear during an upshift. This reduces front of some poor Prius driver, “roll gas or diesel, eventually eliminating wear on the transmission clutches that on the coal” and cover them with them altogether — it’s only a matter normally accomplish this task. When black soot. of time. decelerating, the eTorque motor can “blip” the engine to match engine revs to smooth downshifts. Transmission save fuel during cruise mode, the sys- in a dead space, so rear seat function- assist is possible because the system tem provides power for electrical loads ality and cargo space are not affected. can switch from full output to full re- via the 48-volt battery instead of loading The battery pack includes a DC-to-DC generation in 60 milliseconds with the the generator and 12-volt battery. For converter to transform 48 to 12 volts drive belt being the limitation to faster cold engine starting, the 12-volt lead- for electrical loads and to charge the transitions. acid battery and conventional starter starting battery. The eTorque systems motor starts the engine. only use 130 watt/hours of capacity to eTorque battery and charging The 48-volt battery pack uses 12 ensure that the battery pack lasts the The motor/generator charges the 48- pouch-style battery cells of nickel man- life of the truck. volt battery using the truck’s decelera- ganese cobalt lithium-ion made by LG When the brakes are lightly applied, tion momentum each time the driver Chem (manufactured in its Holland, initial deceleration is provided by the lifts off the accelerator or applies the Mich. factory). The same company motor/generator loading as it recovers brakes, a function hybrid techs know also supplies batteries for the Chevy energy and charges the 48-volt battery. as “regen” or regeneration. Th e system Bolt EV, Volt and other hybrids. The 30- In this mode, the conventional disc also charges a conventional 12-volt bat- pound, briefcase-sized, 430-watt/hour brakes are disabled. For heavier brake tery and powers all accessories more ef- battery pack mounts against the rear applications, a blend of disc brakes and fi ciently than a standard alternator. To wall of the cab behind the rear seats regenerative braking is used. During

26 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM UNDERCAR TECHNICAL PHOTO: U/BARCODEOFFICIAL PHOTO: THE PHOTO SHOWS A TESLA CHARGING STATION BEING “ICEED” where three pickup truck owners have parked in a supercharging station to block Tesla vehicles from charging up. Hopefully, the introduction of the RAM 1500 series hybrid trucks will enlighten truck fans that electric vehicles are a good thing. hard braking, the regen function is the tailgate indicating that the eTorque automakers would like to raise their disabled and only the disc brakes are system is present. Fiat Chrysler Auto- combined mpg for every vehicle they used for stopping. mobiles has probably made a conscious produce, so it is very likely that there choice to not advertise the RAM 1500 will be a future for full-sized hybrid eTorque engine options series pickup trucks as an environmen- trucks. Ram’s three quarter ton and one The eTorque system for the two en- tal-friendly vehicle because their target ton pickups and vans are the next logi- gines off ered on the RAM 1500 series market may not be quite ready to join cal vehicles for some type of hybrid sys- is similar but diff erent. Th e V-6 uses a other hybrid vehicle owners in trying to tem. Full or partial electrifi cation makes liquid-cooled eTorque motor from Con- save the earth. Th e bottom line justifi ca- sense on large work trucks because tinental that is mounted in reverse on tion for eTorque has to be fuel econo- electric motors excel in providing high the front of the engine adding length. my. According to Chrysler, the system torque eff ort from idle that is ideal for Th e 5.7L Hemi uses an air-cooled elec- boosts fuel effi ciency by 10 to 12 per- hauling heavy loads and towing. With tric motor supplied by Magneti Marelli cent in real-world driving with EPA fuel Ford’s plan of bringing an F-150 hybrid mounted on the top of the engine economy fi gures of up to 20 mpg city, 26 to the market in 2020, and even an all- adding height. The V-6 version adds highway, and 23 mpg combined on V-6 electric truck on the drawing board for 90 pounds to the overall weight of the models. Th e Hemi eTorque gets 19 mpg a possible 2021 launch, can Chrysler, truck and the V-8 application adds 105 combined city and highway driving, Chevy, Toyota, etc. sit by and watch to pounds. eTorque comes standard on a two-mpg increase over V-8s without see if these models sell? Most likely not, RAM 1500s with the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 eTorque. On the V-8, a single 90-second and the race to off er hybrids and then and is available as a $1,450 option on stop/start event saves 1.7 ounces of gas- all electrical trucks and other vehicles the 5.7L Hemi V-8. Maintenance for the oline. Multiply that times 10 stoplights is defi nitely on. eTorque system only requires periodic every day for a year and that’s almost 50 visual inspection of the components gallons of fuel saved. Because of the sys- TRACY MARTIN has and replacement of the serpentine belt tem’s design, owners that drive in stop- covered the powersports industries since 1998. He at 150,000 miles. and-go city environments will benefit is also the author of six most from eTorque’s fuel effi ciency. Motorbooks Workshop Fuel economy Series books published by the Quarto Publishing Group and is a Why purchase a RAM 1500 with the Future of hybrid trucks regular contributor for Motor Age. eTorque system? Th ere is no badge on What’s the future of hybrid trucks? All [email protected]

SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 27 TECHNICAL // ELECTRICAL POWERING UP YOUR HYBRID

MANY HYBRIDS TODAY ARE OUTSIDE OF THEIR WARRANTY PERIODS — MEANING A SERVICE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU IF YOU’RE PREPARED!

DAVE HOBBS // Contributing Editor 1 ybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), Plug-In HEV H(PHEVs) and full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are increasing their market share of the vehicles sold each year. As those years move on, so do their warranties. That means the independent repair technician must be able to tackle diagnostics on these complicated vehicles. Th is article will help increase your knowledge on high voltage PE (Power Electronics) modules. What exactly are the “power electronics” on an HEV/BEV? Conven- tional automotive electronic modules monitor information (inputs) and control conventional voltage/low current outputs. PEs are used to control high voltages (HV) and high currents used in HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs. Th e AC inverter and DC-DC converter will be the two PE THE TOP COVER HAS BEEN REMOVED from this 1st generation Toyota Prius to reveal a modules we’ll cover (Figure 1). We’ll control circuit board and three very large capacitors that look like old-fashioned oil-ﬁ lled ignition discuss what these modules do, what coils. The olive green cylindrical-shaped component to the right of the three HV smoothing makes them tick and how to diagnose caps is the passive resistor that discharges the capacitors in a few seconds/minutes after the them when they fail. HV battery back disconnects power to the inverter, should the active resistor circuit fail. The active capacitor discharge circuit typically discharges the capacitors immediately following a shutdown. Even after following the OEM high voltage system power-down procedure, ALWAYS PE 101 assume both circuits have failed to discharge the capacitors. Storing up to 450 volts, these caps Very briefl y (and basically), AC inverters can severely burn/electrocute you if not discharged. Test before you touch! Newer inverters may not have anything that necessarily looks like high voltage capacitors, but they’re there! change DC to AC (and vice versa) while DC-DC converters drop high voltage on a conventional vehicle (Figure 2). In- resistors and capacitors. Th e inverter al- DC down (a.k.a. “buck”) to the approxi- side the inverter are six Insulated Bipo- lows high voltage (and high amperage) mate 13-15 volts we’re used to seeing lar Transistors (IGBTs) (Figure 3) long DC power from the HV battery pack to outputted from a belt-driven alternator with digital control electronics, diodes, basically switch on and off very rapidly

PHOTOS: DAVE HOBBS 28 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM ELECTRICAL TECHNICAL

AUTOM OTIVE INTE LLIGE N CE

(while reversing polarity) in order 2 to create the simu- lated three-phase AC sinewave of WORK electric power that Motor Generators (MGs) need to operate. Within SMARTER the inverter there may be a step DC NOT HARDER converter called a A 12-VOLT BATTERY RUNDOWN COMPLAINT could be the usual “boost converter” suspects of excessive parasitic current draw or a sulfated 12-volt bat- to assist with per- tery. It could also be due to a problem with the DC-DC converter (a.k.a. formance (Fig- buck converter). In the case of this Prius illustration, the high voltage ure 4). As with DC at 201-volts (upper right) comes in and is stepped down to whatever lower voltage (13-15) the conventional voltage system (and 12-volt bat- a conventional tery) is determined to need. The step-down process is courtesy of the alternator, the AC converter’s magnetics (coils) and sophisticated solid-state electronics. produced while You can check with a conventional voltmeter and ammeter just like you would an alternator AND apply a load to the 12-volt battery to check this the MGs are in “solid state alternator’s” operation. generator mode (engine idling/regenerative braking) MS908S is rectifi ed by the same inverter (with 3 some help from diodes and other components) back to DC to charge the HV battery pack. OK, enough theory! Let’s get into some diagnostics for power electronics problems.

Cranks but won’t start – 3-PHASE AC INVERTERS USE MS908SP HEV style SPECIAL HIGH VOLTAGE/high current On most HEVs and all PHEVs, the in- fast-switching transistors (IGBT) to change DC to AC to run traction motors and electric verter’s fi rst job is to create AC power to A/C compressors. DIAGNOSTIC run the MG that starts up the Internal Combustion Engine (I.C.E.) whenever an I.C.E. and one or more high voltage INTELLIGENCE it needs to run. Th e root causes for an AC three-phase electric MGs. On all but HEV’s I.C.E with a crank/won’t start the mild HEVs (GM BAS, for example) condition are the same as with a con- there is no conventional 12-volt starter ventional (gas only) vehicle regardless to crank over the I.C.E. A high voltage 64G Memory of how complex the vehicle is. With MG performs the cranking function of a POWERFUL HARDWARE a conventional vehicle, the customer conventional gear reduction starter. For SMARTER SOFTWARE might report that their engine will turn the MG to get power to start the I.C.E. (or over but won’t come to life. If you’re a move the vehicle in EV mode), the HV service advisor, you type “cranks/won’t battery pack supplies HV DC power to start” into the R.O. and away we go with the HEV’s inverter. Th e inverter changes Phone: (855) 288-3587 • [email protected] testing the usual spark/fuel/air compo- HV DC power into HV three-phase AC AUTEL.COM • MAXITPMS.COM • MAXISYSADAS.COM nents necessary for an engine to run. power. Th e I.C.E. cranks over, but with ©2019 Autel U.S. Inc., All Rights Reserved Not so easy with an HEV utilizing both some major differences compared to

PHOTOS: (TOP) TOYOTA, (BOTTOM) WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 29 TECHNICAL ELECTRICAL

a conventional gas-only powertrain. One major diff erence is the sounds you 4 DON’T hear when a full HEV’s MG turns over the I.C.E. You simply don’t hear a starter solenoid or the gear mesh of a starter drive/Bendix into the fl ywheel. Nor is there a very noticeable rhythmic sound of the I.C.E. turning over at approximately 150 RPMs. Considering we’re past the 20th anniversary of HEVs BOOST INVERTERS ARE USED ON SOME HEVS in order to gain higher voltages of DC to be sent to the main inverter during hard acceleration. They are built into the main inverter in this country, today’s techs should assembly where voltages to the traction motor (MG 2 on Toyotas) can run well over 500 volts. know the familiar sound of an HEV’s I.C.E. cranking/starting. Just in case the 2a. Use scan data/ 5 sound is not fi rmly in your mind, com- search for I.C.E. fail to pare it to something you may recall from start DTCs some years back. Th ink back to the hand 2b. Use an infrared push start of a manual trans-equipped pyrometer/thermal vehicle when the battery was a little imager on the exhaust low. As soon as you were rolling, you to determine if combus- released the clutch (while in gear) and tion is being detected. the engine came to life almost instantly. If you recall that experience, you know PE (Power the sound of a HEV’s MG starting an Electronics) PHOTO: NISSAN UNIVERSITY STATE PHOTO: WAYNE I.C.E. An HEV’s I.C.E. is cranked at much diagnostic bottom EVER NOTICE A RADIATOR ON A NISSAN LEAF EV higher RPMs. An HEV will attempt to line (all electric vehicle) and wonder “what the heck?” The electric traction motor and PE (Power Electronics) devices all need crank its I.C.E. whenever the accelera- If you have an HEV/ cooled. While they don’t create the kind of heat a gas or diesel tor pedal is pushed/held to the fl oor. I’ve PHEV verified “I.C.E. engine makes, they do get hot. Note: the onboard charger (upper disconnected the coils or disabled fuel cranks but won’t start” right) that changes household current to DC to charge the HV battery pack requires cooling as well. Tell your customers that on numerous HEVs only to have experi- complaint in your bay, are new to this kind of technology not to be alarmed if they hear enced techs swear the sound they were it will NOT be due to a an electric motor (a water pump) running when their EV is being hearing was an idling I.C.E. Try that with fault in the power elec- recharged in their garage! a PHEV (Chevy Volt, Chrysler Pacifi c, tronics (inverter or DC- etc.) and you’re liable to have nothing DC converter) on the vehicle. To begin powertrain with a “No Crank” symptom. happen unless the HV battery pack is with, a problem with the DC-DC con- In those scenarios your customer might discharged enough for a demand call verter will likely result in a discharged complain of: on the I.C.E. to run. 12-volt battery. With an insuffi cient 12- a. No sound when the key is turned/ volt power source, the various modules start button is pressed Methods to determine if an including the one that controls the HV b. A single click of the starter solenoid HEV is being unsuccessfully contactors (relays) in the HV battery c. Rapid starter solenoid clicks cranked by a MG at near idle pack won’t have power to operate. Th at (enough voltage for the pull in winding speeds or successfully stops everything! The fact that the in- but not the hold in winding) running verter changed HV DC into HV three- d. Slow I.C.E. cranking sound that 1. Will I.C.E. rev up (at least a little) on phase AC for use by a MG to crank the trails off to a click/multiple clicks accelerator pedal W.O.T. applies? I.C.E. means the inverter is functioning And of the above we’ll associate 1a. Yes? I.C.E. is running — at least at this point. with a lack of 12-volt supply to the 1b. No? I.C.E. is probably NOT run- starter motor due to the usual sus- ning – its being cranked by an MG Vehicle won’t move/I.C.E. pects of a discharged 12-volt battery, 2. Use diagnostic equipment to deter- won’t crank – HEV diagnostics corroded battery cables or the starter mine if I.C.E. is running Now consider the conventional gas-only motor itself. On the other hand, the

30 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM ELECTRICAL TECHNICAL

reason for a true HEV/PHEV “I.C.E. ment and then try to clear the DTC to three-phase cables to MG2 and MG2 won’t crank/vehicle won’t move” can see exactly when it reoccurs. Does it oc- itself. Does it occur only when the AC be traced to one (or more) of four major cur immediately on power up? Focus compressor is requested? Th ink com- categories with many additional sub- on the battery pack, DC-DC converter pressor/AC compressor cables. Most categories for most models. and orange DC cables. Does it occur A/C compressors have their own mini 1. HV Battery Pack only when the I.C.E. tries to start? Th ink inverter built into them. A few Toyotas 1a. HV battery pack SOC (State of inverter, three-phase cables to MG1 and had a small inverter built into the main Charge)/SOH (State of Health) MG1 itself. Does it occur only when inverter that fed three-phase AC to the 1b. HV battery pack internal the vehicle is moved? Think inverter, compressor. resistance 1c. HV battery pack leakage/short detected 1d. HV battery pack thermal condition 1e. HV battery pack main system relays (contactors) not closing 2. HV power distribution (orange cables) 2a. Open circuits/low voltage 2b. Leakage/shorts to chassis detected MARCH 5-8, 2020 3. Safety; HV interlock circuit voltage MARCH 5-8, 2020 high (P0A0D or similar DTC) Kansas City 3a. Hybrid service plug (not fully engaged) 3b. Orange (HV) cable connection (not fully seated) YOUYOU BELONGBELONG HERE!HERE! 3c. Access panel on or near a HV component (not in place) Management Training 4. Motor/Generator (MG) 4a. MG Performance (incudes I.C.E. Technical | Educator mechanical cranking resistance) Note: Heavy Duty Technical even a “slight” hydrolock condition such as excess oil blowby on top of the + 60,000 sq ft Exhibit Hall pistons from a crankcase overfill 4b. Leakage/Short detected Overland Park Convention Center 4c. Resolver/Position sensor 6000 College Blvd • Overland Park, KS 4d. MG Temperature 5. Power Electronic Problems (inverter Classes are filling quickly & DC-DC converter Secure your seat today! 5a. Inverter performance 5b. DC-DC converter performance VISIONKC.COMVISIONKC.COM (12-volt charging system) 5c. Power electronics temperature 5d. Leakage/Short Detected

General HV leakage DTC tech tip If an HV leakage DTC sets always docu- TECHNICAL ELECTRICAL

6 PHOTO: GENERAL MOTORS GENERAL PHOTO:

ALL TECHNICIANS KNOW HOW OEMS ARE PRONE TO giving their components unique acronyms. In the case of the GM 2-Mode HEV (full size trucks/SUVs from the mid 2000s) the top 2/3 of the assembly you’re seeing is the inverter. GM titles it the Power Inverter Module or PIM. The bottom 1/3 is the Delphi supplied DC-DC converter. GM titles it the Accessory Power Module or APM. Doing the job of a conventional vehicle’s alternator, the APM also puts out 42-volts (black connector on lower left) for the vehicle’s electric power steering. Note the two coolant connections in the center. A silicone seal is placed between the PIM and APM to allow coolant to move through a passageway between the two assemblies. Any leaks with this seal or the hoses running to the unit can create a PE failure.

THIS 2ND GENERATION FORD FUSION HEV’S DC-DC CONVERTER is in the HV battery 7 pack area located at the front of the trunk. Access is simple: drop the back seat back. How do you tell which component is the inverter and which is the DC-DC converter? Converters always have a pair of orange cables (high voltage positive and negative) and a large cable (typically red) that looks like it would normally be fastened to the output post of a belt driven alternator. Note the Prius style orange service plug on the top of the HV battery pack. ALWAYS wear proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment i.e. Class 0/1,000-volt gloves & safety glasses) AND follow OEM steps to power down a HEV/EV before servicing ANY high voltage component. On some OEMs (Chrysler Paciﬁ ca PHEV comes to mind) you might be required to remove the 12-volt battery cable PRIOR to removing the HV service plug. Failure to do so could result in setting DTCs that won’t go away without the use of a factory scan tool!

32 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM ELECTRICAL TECHNICAL

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297-VOLTS IN (THE CHARGING VOLTAGE OF THE HV BATTERY PACK) and 13.6-volts out (to charge the Auxiliary 12-volt battery (and run 90 percent of the vehicle’s electrical devices) along with the converter’s temperature and operational status are all data PIDs necessary for testing the modern-day equivalent of a charging system. Far cry from only needing that old Sun

VAT 40, right? Note: Why 6 amps on the HV current TECHNOLOGIES DELPHI PHOTO: PID but 46 amps on the LV current PID? The higher the voltage, the lower the current when the electrical work is TRADITIONAL IGBTS ARE LARGER and use lots of fragile wire bonds to the same. Google “Watt’s Law” to learn more. Tech Tip: attach them into the inverter package. Smaller, lighter and more robust Silicon you should see the auxiliary battery charging voltage Carbide (SiC) technology (i.e. Delphi Technologies’ “Viper Switch” shown in (13-15-volts) ANY time the high voltage system is active... foreground) is being used on many newer BEVs like Tesla and will eventually be I.C.E. running or in idle stop mode! the prevailing technology.

Other PE-related potential failure items (Figure 6). Always use the we’ve seen throughout the last 20 years. problems — heat OEM’s recommended coolant. Adding In the last couple of years IGBTs are Many inverters and DC-DC converters universal coolant (with tap water instead beginning to transition to smaller and are underhood-mounted and liquid- of deionized water) can lead to failures more effi cient silicon carbide transistors cooled. The same coolant type is usu- down the road due to even a tiny inter- in power electronics products. Forego- ally used in the I.C.E.’s cooling system nal leak of a conductive coolant. If a PE ing conventional wire bonds (Figure on HEVs/PHEVs. With a couple of rare device is in the rear of the vehicle as on 9) between the power transistors and exceptions both systems (PE and I.C.E.) some Hondas and Fords (Figure 7) the the circuit boards, these revolutionary use separate cooling systems. The PE same fan motor that blows air across the new switching devices will bring down cooling system consists of at least one HV battery pack cools the PE device(s). the size (and cost) of power electronics. 12-volt electric pump, hoses/lines to the Make sure that system is fully functional, Th is will allow for more OEMs to elec- inverter and DC-DC converter, hoses duct work in place, airfl ow free of restric- trify their conventional vehicle lines to the MGs and a heat exchanger (Fig- tions (some use fi lters) and the blower’s w/o adding as much to the vehicle’s cost ure 5). You may see a separate heat squirrel cage itself is not caked with dust/ compared to current power electronics exchanger (another cooler near the ra- pet hair. Most models allow for the use of technology. Th at means more and more diator and A/C condenser) or the I.C.E. a scan tool to check the data PIDs for the hybrid and electric vehicles will be turn- cooling system’s radiator may have an inverter and DC-DC converter tempera- ing up for service at your repair shop as integrated but separated heat exchang- tures (Figure 8) as well as bidirectional time marches on! er dedicated to cooling the PE and MG capability to activate coolant pumps and coolant. Heat is the enemy of any PE blower motors. DAVE HOBBS is a field module. Always follow OEM instruc- trainer and training product developer for Delphi Product tions (usually a tall/sealed funnel or Future trends in PE – make & Service Solutions. He Airlift tool) when refi lling an HEV’s PE them smaller! holds ASE CMAT/L1 and cooling system to prevent any air from Until recently PE modules have used EPA 609 certifications and getting into the system. Hose leaks, seals Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IG- is an experienced hybrid instructor. Dave has been featured as an instructor in more than internal to the PE devices and faulty 12- BTs). IGBTs have allowed for the growth 15 automotive training videos. volt electric coolant pumps are common in numbers of HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs [email protected]

SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 33 TECHNICAL // DRIVABILITY

THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES is coming. What will this look like for your business?

PREPARING FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE FUTURE

SERVICE, TRAINING, TOOLING AND DIAGNOSTIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR EV REPAIR AND SERVICE FOR THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR MARKET

DAVE MACHOLZ // Contributing Editor

n case you haven’t noticed, the to assist in complex repairs, the same nology? Are my employees equipped to future of automobiles — particu- cannot be said for the independent do the required work safely? Does my Ilarly a future of electric vehicles, service sector. In order to stay ahead shop need any special electrical infra- has been a hot topic of discussion of this trend, shops will have to create structure to repair charging equipment? lately. Whether it’s here in the pages a plan to address the service, training, ICE to EV — Beginning with the of Motor Age or in the national news tooling and diagnostic considerations obvious, the main consideration is connected to a political eff ort to lower for EV vehicle repair. that the ICE has been replaced with greenhouse gas emissions, the energy an electric motor, a large, high-voltage behind transitioning from fossil-fuel in- Service considerations battery with new chemistry from the ternal combustion engines to advanced As the independent service sector be- lead-acid technology we are used to technology HEV and EV technologies gins to plan for EV service, there is often and a control unit that coordinates can be felt profoundly. The effects of a series of questions that the business the handoff between power to the this technological advance are already owner is seeking the answers to: What wheels and regeneration back to the beginning to be felt across new car are the diff erences between service of battery. This handoff is very similar dealerships and independent repair an EV vehicle and that of its internal to that of the relationship that exists facilities. While dealerships have a combustion engine counterpart? What on production hybrid electric vehi- manufacturer-supported infrastructure do I need to do to prepare for this tech- cles. While these systems have their

PHOTO: TOYOTA MEDIA 34 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM DID YOU KNOW? ¨ GET PAID MORE ASE CERTIFIED ¨ GET HIRED FIRST TECHNICIANS ¨ ADVANCE FASTER

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own unique considerations, they are the presence of high voltage when ser- a fi eld technical engineer will even visit typically not service considerations vicing these systems. Basically, if you the dealership to help the technician fi x until something major like a battery follow the common sense approach of the car. Sounds like most independent or other related component fails. Be- “reading before proceeding,” then you shops, right? Not exactly. sides these high-ticket items, these ve- will almost always be safe. Personal The independent repair market will hicles still have many of the systems protective equipment, such as high have to make significant investments we are used to servicing. One area to voltage lineman’s gloves and insulated into training and technical support to consider is that of cabin noise. Without tools, will become a necessary step to stay current and ahead of the curve. the noise of the internal combustion maintaining personal safety in the What does that investment look like? engine, small noises from the brake shop. Shops will also need to invest in For starters it means having a plan to system, such as those associated with various devices, such as safety cones, brake pads and calipers, can become to quarantine an area of a shop and a customer complaint. Other noises notify other employees and customers such as those created by wind or vi- of safety concerns while performing bration can be a concern. If you are not high voltage repairs. already familiar with analyzing noise, vibration and harshness, now may be Electrical infrastructure a good time to perform some due dili- Does your shop have the electrical in- gence and get some training. frastructure to install a charging system? The Boy Scout motto – Be pre- How will you test an HV charging sys- pared. As your longtime customers tem problem without one? While you begin to research and purchase elec- may not be performing repairs such as tric vehicles, they will certainly look to this yet, you may very well be seeing you for guidance. Do you know all you them in the near future. It might be time should about this technology? How to have a conversation with your electri- will you educate a customer when cian to make your shop EV ready. they ask you, their personal automotive expert, which charging unit to use Training and tech support in their home? Remember when you One of the advantages of working for used to read Hot Rodding magazines? a new car dealership is that when you PHOTO: FLUKE MEDIA It’s time to start doing that same kind can’t solve a problem, they have a team A MEGOHMMETER SUCH AS A of studying with EVs and advanced of experts to help you navigate the di- FLUKE 1507 or 1587 will be a staple of technology. agnosis and repair. In many instances, motor-generator testing. Safety – Safety has to be a priority in any shop setting, especially when working with high voltage HEV and EV systems and components. If you have already taken the time to establish good hybrid electric vehicle service practices in your shop, you may already be prepared for EV safety. Keep in mind that many of the voltages you will be dealing with will have the capacity to severely injure or even kill a technician. However, most manufacturers have gone to great lengths to install safety mechanisms PHOTO: OPUS PHOTO: such as high voltage isolation, service HAVING THE OPTION TO “PHONE A FRIEND” is now a reality with tech support from disconnects and contactors to prevent companies such as Opus Intelligent Vehicle Services.

36 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM DRIVABILITY TECHNICAL

send technicians to high-level training events. Training such as this is available through multiple auto parts companies such as WORLDPAC, Carquest, Advance, NAPA and more. There are also a multitude of independent service providers such as The Society of Automotive Engineers, Future Tech, ATTS, TST, ATG and others that provide specialty HEV and EV training. The key to training is setting a budget and having your techs attend regu- larly. While this is can be a significant expense, it will be necessary to stay relevant. Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines has a famous talking point on training that goes something like “What if I train our people and they leave? The better question is: What if I don’t and they stay?”

For quite a long time, tech support OPUS PHOTO: has been limited to the dealership, ACCESS TO FACTORY TOOLING or a “one size ﬁ ts all” interface such as Drew Technolo- gies Cardaq Plus 3 will be essential in diagnosing high-tech EV concerns. PHOTO: PETEPHOTO: MEIER SAFETY WILL BE PARAMOUNT when servicing high voltage EV components and will require personal protective equipment such as high voltage gloves.

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but recently companies such as Au- face that will allow tologic have emerged in the tech sup- the end-user the port arena and provided a model for ability to connect the future. In November, Autologic’s to the vehicle’s parent company OPUS announced OBD-II connec- the establishment of Opus Intelligent tor and utilize the Vehicle Support (IVS), which merged factory software several well-known organizations in subscription. Un- Drew Technologies, Autologic Diag- fortunately, these nostics, Farsight and Bluelink Diag- devices are typi- nostic Solutions to bring a powerhouse cally proprietary, of knowledge and support to the af- meaning you will termarket. OPUS IVS will offer expert need a different guidance from OEM-trained master interface for each level technicians leveraging a com- make you service NASTF PROVIDES A DATABASE of OEM service subscription bination of factory and proprietary and repair. With websites and associated costs. software and hardware platforms to this in mind, com- provide a much-needed infusion of panies such as Drew Technologies for a business that services multiple support in an arena where it has been have researched and designed inter- vehicle brands. virtually non-existent. This service faces such as the Drew Technologies While some may argue that you is subscription-based and designed Cardaq PLUS 3, which provide an af- can perform diagnostics with an af- to support the end-user in even the termarket solution to this very prob- termarket tool, I would point out the most complex of repairs. It’s not hard lem. Drew claims that this device will August 2019 Motor Age article on to imagine other organizations follow- provide factory-level OEM diagnostics Toyota Vehicle Control History. This ing Opus’ lead in this arena. on at least a dozen OEM nameplates technology provides the tool user with for a retail price of around $2,000. This information that can be essential to di- Diagnostics type of interface may be the way to go agnosing complex vehicle complaints Diagnostics are typically at the heart of any repair. With that being said, shops should have access to factory-level scan tools whenever possible. While VW, FORD FORGE AHEAD WITH ARGO’S CAR this might seem daunting to some, ac- FOR COLLABORATIVE EV COVERAGE cess to this tooling has become much easier over the years. A visit to the Na- A rapidly expanding self-driving are collaborating — or rather tional Automotive Task Force website development ﬁ rm is a key cooperating while competing as is a great starting point: www.nastf.org. component of the “coopetition” in “coopetition” — on producing a NASTF provides a database of OEM alliance formed by Volkswagen series of practical and cost-effective service subscription websites and as- and Ford to bring an autonomous EV innovations. sociated costs. Each manufacturer electric vehicle platform into the “While Ford and Volkswagen provides a framework of daily, monthly worldwide automotive mainstream. remain independent and ﬁ ercely and yearly OEM software subscriptions Established in the Steel City with competitive in the marketplace, allowing independent shops to down- just three employees in November teaming up and working with Argo load and utilize and in many cases is 2016, Argo AI this past July AI on this important technology identical to factory level diagnostics received a $2.6 billion infusion from allows us to deliver unmatched and programming. VW to augment a previous $1 billion capability, scale and geographic A factory scan tool interface along investment from Ford. reach,” says Ford President and with a suitable laptop are the next With Argo AI engineers at the CEO Jim Hackett. Read more at considerations. Each manufacturer controls, Ford and VW executives MotorAge.com/VWFord. has a preferred USB connected inter-

38 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM DRIVABILITY TECHNICAL

and highlights the necessity of factory scan tools for certain repairs. As always, as independent technicians we find a way. The way just may be easier with the right tooling and info.

Tooling When looking at tooling for the HEV and EV repairs, look no further than OE-recommended tools and equipment. It may be a surprise to some, but the actual list of required equipment for these repairs is relatively small. For most manufacturers this comes down to a good insulation meter commonly known as a Megohm- EVEN HAND TOOLS USED ON or near HV components should be rated for the job. meter, as well as a meter capable of reading very precise resistances known as a milliohmmeter. Th e Get ready megohmmeter and milliohmmeter are two of the tools that Tesla holds the majority of the EV market share, but indus- you are most likely to see when diagnosing faults within the try predictions show a massive push for EV technology that windings of motor generator units and the high-resistance, will greatly impact the automotive world. To keep your shop high-voltage wiring that carry the current for the motor gener- ahead of this trend, be sure to do what any good student does- ators. Megohmmeters are readily available through the name Put your head in the books and start learning all you can. brand electrical testing companies you are already familiar with and can be purchased for between $500-$700. Whether or not this investment may prove to be worthwhile might depend on how committed you are to these repairs as well as the frequency of these types of repairs that you might see in your shop. Th e milliohmmeter is a bit more expensive. For example, the unit specifi ed by Toyota is the Hioki RM3548 which retails for about $1,200. Insulated tools are often recommended by manufacturers. These too can be purchased through most major tool companies. PC-based labscopes – While this is not a specific hybrid/ EV tool, the labscope can be of great use in HV and EV repair. With several HV additions, this tool can provide a wealth of information. Differential probes, available through companies such aeswave.com, provide the ability to view live mea- surements from any pair of windings on a 3-phase system. Just keep in mind that if you want to view all three phases simultaneously, you will need three differential probes in order to do so. These cost is approximately $375 each.

DAVE MACHOLZ is an instructor for the Toyota T-TEN, Honda PACT and general automotive programs at Suffolk County Community College in Selden, N.Y. He is an ASE CMAT and L1 technician and holds a New York State teaching certification in vehicle repair. [email protected]

SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 39 TECHNICAL // UNDERHOOD TACKLING HYBRID ISSUES MY SHOP SEES MANY HYBRID VEHICLES THAT OFFER PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITY TO MASTER THESE REPAIRS — LEARN FROM OUR EXPERIENCES!

G. JERRY TRUGLIA // Contributing Editor 1

2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid with more than 200K on the Aclock came in with the complaint of poor power and fuel economy. Since this was the Camry owner’s fi rst time to our shop on another customer’s recommendation, I needed some detailed background information on the vehicle. After conducting an in- depth interview with the Camry owner, I uncovered some very important information. Th e hybrid owner revealed that understanding of the vehicle’s history. ence — they always set if the vehicle the 2.4L motor had recently been rebuilt is not in direct sunlight. Starting with along with other repairs that were per- Time to look for myself the most critical DTC U0293, I utilized formed. When I questioned him on why Th e next step was to perform a good look- all my SI systems (ALLDATA, Identifix, the motor had to be rebuilt, he responded see of the vehicle, concentrating on the ProDemand, and MotoLogic) to dig up stating that the motor was consuming a engine and other related parts that he any additional information that could quart of oil in 500 miles or less. stated were replaced. Th is was followed be useful. This was followed by a check I continued my questioning to find by connecting the Toyota Techstream on Google, YouTube and iATN that did out if there were any other repairs done scan tool and performing a Health Check not yield any useful “silver bullets.” to the vehicle, particularly on the high (Figure 1). As you can see from the scan What I discovered was that the voltage system. Once again, more infor- tool screenshot, there were four DTCs. Th e DTC is set when communication with mation was revealed that provided me DTCs were U0293 (Lost Communication Hybrid Vehicle Control ECU is inter- with these insights — a new high voltage with Hybrid Control Module), B1421 So- rupted. This could have been caused battery, new catalytic converter, air-fuel lar Sensor Circuit (Passenger Side), B1424 by a voltage interruption or a voltage sensor, oxygen sensor, spark plugs and (Solar Sensor Circuit Abnormal) and drop that needed to be checked. The fuel pump assembly had been installed. B2281 (“P” Signal Malfunction). DTC information listed a number of He said a repair shop near where This led me to go in for a deeper possible causes that included the wire he lives had performed all the repairs look by clicking on the specific DTCs harness, hybrid vehicle control system except for the HV battery replacement. (Figure 2 and 3) U0293 and B2281 to or the ECU. Wow, some help! It sounds The high voltage battery was replaced see if they were current or in history. like the usual list of components that by a Toyota dealer in the Bronx near his The reason that I was not concerned make for an expensive repair. job. With the information provided, I was with the other two DTCs (B1421 and I decided to hold off performing the now up to speed feeling that I had a good B1424) was based on my past experi- wiggle, jerk, feel and massage test of the

PHOTOS: G. JERRY TRUGLIA 40 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM UNDERHOOD TECHNICAL

wiring harness or performing any voltage drop testing since further investigation 2 needed to be performed. The reason that I did not perform those tests or replace any of the suggested components was that the DTC coded as a history code. I thought that I should move on to the next important DTC, the B2281, that also coded as a history code. The cause of the B2281 could be a “P” Signal Malfunction Cable information and CAN information between the main body ECU and shift lock control ECU inconsistency. Possible causes included the shift lock control, ECU or the wire harness or connector. 3 Knowing that the motor was removed and rebuilt, I thought that the codes were most likely set by the repair and were not cleared. I decided not to waste my time and the customer’s money by checking the list of the possibly defective components that may lead me nowhere.

Real or “ghost?” Th e next most logical step was to erase all the DTCs, then road test the vehicle to see how it performed, followed by performing another scan tool Health Check. with an engine that would not start states circuit voltage high, I look for an After I returned from the test drive, I in- after the test drive. The cause of the no open or short to power. In this case, I am formed the Camry owner that there were start DTC had a list such as abnormal going to look for the opposite, something some problems that I needed more time signal input from the ECM (abnormal that is pulling down the circuit voltage to check out. Th e results of the post-road engine output), Hybrid control ECU or making system voltage low. My next test Health Check were (Figure 4) P3190 ECM problem. Carefully looking at the step was once again to check the DTC Poor Engine Performance, (Figure 5) Freeze Frame for this DTC, I noticed on my information systems. In many P0A0F-204 (Engine Failed To Start) and that the high voltage battery blocks were cases, I start with Identifix since they a P0A9D-123 (Hybrid Battery Tempera- in range, so I ruled the HV battery out as do an excellent job with tracking com- ture Sensor “A” Circuit Low). I printed out a possible problem, even though the bat- mon DTC faults. Unfortunately for me, the DTC reports and explained to the tery SOC (State of Charge) was at the low there were no exact or similar DTCs hybrid owner that I would need at least end limit of 41.6 percent. The last DTC listed. Next, I performed a Google and two additional hours to diagnosis these P0A9D-123 (Hybrid Battery Tempera- YouTube search just to see if I can find problems. Th e customer agreed, leaving ture Sensor “A” Circuit Low) to check any useful information. In many cases, me the vehicle to check out so I could call could be the cause of the complaint of if something is common either one him with an estimate of the repairs. no start, low power and poor mileage or both of these websites are going to Now, that’s a mountain of problems that the owner experienced. provide me with some helpful informa- to check out and would take additional After looking up the code definition tion. The same search was performed time, so once again I held off perform- and seeing the problem indicated circuit on iATN only to find out that there was ing any testing. I moved on to see what low voltage, I suspected that the circuit nothing related to this Camry’s problem. would cause the P0A0F-204 (Engine was shorted or had a severe voltage drop Moving the search back to MotoLogic Failed To Start) that was current along issue. When I find a code definition that and ProDemand provided some good in-

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formation to read through and become more familiar with the code setting cri- 4 teria. Both SIs had useful information on specifications, but I needed to know more about how the system works, so I went into ALLDATA where I was able to find a good system description. When I am not familiar with a system, I like to read up on how the system operates and functions, so I have a complete understanding of what I am working on. Now, you’re probably thinking it’s a temperature sensor that is a basic negative coefficient, which means resistance and voltage are high when the temperature is cold and the 5 opposite when hot. You would be correct, but I needed to know the location of the sensors, how many there are, where the voltage signal goes and what is the effect. Assuming the purpose of these sensors is to provide information on battery temperature, that in turn engages the high voltage cooling fan to operate for battery cool down. After reading through the system description, I found that the HV battery uses four temperature sensors that are located on the bottom of the HV battery Understanding how the system at different locations that are similar to functions made it easy to check other Toyota hybrid HV batteries. These each resistor reading using scan thermistors vary voltage as the HV bat- data for the sensor value fol- tery temperature changes. Lower bat- lowed by double-checking the tery temperature = higher resistance reading using my voltmeter. I 6 or higher battery temperature = lower used the sensor values from the resistance. The signal from the sensors resistance chart that was in service infor- sors were not causing the problem. goes to a Battery Smart Unit (HV Com- mation (Figures 6 and 7) to compare to Now here is where it gets painful and puter) that uses the battery temperature the reading on my scan tool and meter. expensive; the SI stated if the reading is sensors information to detect the HV Now that I completed a check of scan not in specification, replace the HV bat- battery temperature levels. The sensors data, voltmeter, and ohmmeter checks, I tery. It suggested testing the connection send the detected voltage values to the was confident that the sensors were not points at the described connections hybrid vehicle control ECU. Based on the problem of this DTC. Service infor- with an ohmmeter. If all the resistance the temperature, the hybrid vehicle con- mation had suggested checking scan is 10K or higher, replace the Battery trol ECU adjusts the HV battery blower data in the HV Battery ECU - PID Temp Smart Unit. If the readings are less than fan for optimum battery cooling. of HV battery TB 1 to 4 (resistors) in the 10K, replace the HV battery. One thing to If the temperature reading of the HV HV ECU data list. If the sensors are in remember is that the Camry had a new battery temperature sensor is lower than specification, move on to the next step; Toyota factory replacement HV battery a predetermined limit (short circuit) or if not, replace the sensor. Since I triple installed recently and the battery pack is higher than a predetermined limit checked all the sensors using the test scan data readings were normal, so it (open circuit), P0A9D 123 DTC will set. that I described, I was sure that the sen- ruled out it being the cause of the DTC.

42 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM UNDERHOOD TECHNICAL

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to the Toyota dealer, I was told that the the Camry’s no start (Figure 8). So even Camry owner could submit his invoice though this vehicle had the rebuilt en- for the engine rebuild and other related gine, new converter, air-fuel ratio sensor repairs to Toyota for reimbursement if it and other components including a new met their requirements. Toyota HV battery, it came down to the The fix for this DTC was found by a good Moving on to the “no start” and tak- basics. The fix for this Camry Hybrid had understanding of the system and its ing everything into account, I went right nothing to do with the suggestions on the components along with proper testing on to basic engine testing. What do I trouble chart but rather a problem with of the circuit. The reading exceeded the normally do if an engine does not start, the basics. Look at the real problem (Fig- OE specifications that indicated that the I asked myself? Well, I would check to ure 9) — a clogged secondary converter. Battery Smart Unit was faulty. see if it’s getting air by installing a vac- Once the engine and exhaust cooled I found a used control unit in a uum gauge on a good intake port then down, I was able to start the engine salvage yard and installed it, then re- cranking the engine over, looking for and measured 1 ¼ lbs of backpressure checked the system. When using a new 3 to 5 inches of cranking vacuum. The at idle. As the engine and the exhaust or reconditioned HV battery, you must cranking vacuum test would indicate heated up, the backpressure bounced transfer over the old control section of the timing components are working — up to 4 psi as the throttle was lifted the battery case. The control section con- no broken timing belt, chain or camshaft off idle. The clogged converter was sists of the HV ECU/ Battery Smart Unit, and that the engine is getting some air. the cause for all the DTCs except for SMRs (system main relays), current sen- The next step would be to check for the P0A9D123 DTC HV ECU/ Battery sor and associated wiring. With the Bat- fuel; that is easy enough for me since I Smart Unit. If the ICE has an issue, it is tery Smart Unit replaced, the HV system have a gas analyzer. All I had to do is going to cause an HV battery issue due was back to normal and the P0A9D 123 place the exhaust probe into the tailpipe to a problem performing as designed for DTC was no longer present. and crank the engine over. If there is a charging and regeneration. Once again, reading of 2000 PPMs or more HCs com- it comes down to the BASICS! “No start” next ing out the tailpipe, it’s good. I hope this case study helps your diag- The only thing left to concentrate on Since I had enough HCs, the next step nosis and repair hybrid vehicles. Always was the “no start” issue that could have is to check for enough spark. On this en- use proper personal protective equipment somehow been connected to the rebuilt gine, there have to be at least 45 KVs to and get high voltage training before at- engine. A careful look at the rebuilt en- start and burn the fuel. Testing indicated tempting to work on any vehicle that has gine led me to believe that the rebuild that I had over 45KV, so that ruled out an HV system. Work smart, be safe! was far from a professional one. Th e en- spark. Now the only thing left is com- gine looked like a backyard mechanic pression, but before I start to remove a G. JERRY TRUGLIA, had made the repairs, since I found some spark plug, I know that I must check the ASE World Class Triple Master Technician Auto, bolts missing, wire ties holding stuff to- engine for proper breathing. You can’t Truck & School Bus, L1, L3, gether and many uncleaned engine com- get five pounds of crap out of a one- F1, A9, X1 C1, is president ponents. After a bit more investigation, I pound bag, so I removed the newly in- of Technicians Service found that Toyota would have replaced stalled air-fuel ratio sensor and installed Training and a nationally recognized trainer/ author. He founded TST to bring affordable this motor for free, parts and labor, due to my vacuum/back pressure gauge. training to fellow techs and owners. the oil consumption problem. Speaking This test would reveal the problem for [email protected]

SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 43 TECHNICAL // TECH CORNER STATISTICAL DIAGNOSTICS — PRO OR CON? WITH A GROWING DATABASE OF “KNOWN FIXES,” ARE THE DAYS OF THE DIAGNOSTICIAN NUMBERED?

PETE MEIER // Director of Training 1 ndustry Week is just concluding as I write this month’s column, and Ito be honest — it is an assignment that I should have completed before I boarded the plane to Las Vegas. Thankfully, I have an understanding managing editor and, as it turns out, the delay provided the spark of an idea that is this month’s featured topic. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Industry Week, let me explain that first. Every year, Las Vegas hosts two stellar automotive events: SEMA 2 and AAPEX. The latter is where I find myself spending the majority of my time and, let me assure you, it is all work with very little time to experience the various temptations “Sin City” may be known for. It is a time for our team to meet our various partners face-to-face and thank them for their support, while also allowing us an opportunity to meet new potential partners that will allow us to continue to bring you the best technical and management content possible. practice of solving customer problems not to come back anymore. using Google and YouTube as the pri- I think the majority of you will be Google diagnostics? mary sources of technical informa- reacting right now in one of two ways. While exploring the trade show, I met tion. The technique is simple enough. You’ll either be laughing hysterically a number of vendors off ering tool and Just “Google” the customer complaint, at the thought of approaching a repair data solutions to the industry. The see what the top-rated answers are in this way or you’ll be shaking your overall theme reminded me of a term and make the same repairs the posters head in disbelief that any professional I fi rst heard from a few good industry did. If the problem isn’t solved by the would rely on this approach to solve friends, Scot Manna and Matt Fanslow: first attempt, move on to the next most their customers’ problems. And I “statistical diagnostics.” popular repair result and try that one. would agree with either response. Re- Now, in that first conversation, Continue the process until you either lying on random sources of informa- the two were referring to the growing fix the problem or the customer decides tion and their SEO scores to resolve

PHOTOS: PETE MEIER 44 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM TECH CORNER TECHNICAL

a customer issue is no better than throwing darts at a di- 3 agnostic dart board. But is that really what is meant by “statistical diagnostics?” Consider that every time you log on to your service information source of choice, or enter in a customer complaint and repair information to your shop management system, that data is being “farmed.” The biggest example I can provide is the database collected by Mitch- 4 ell 1 and showcased in their ProDemand service information system. With more than 45 MILLION records incor- porated into these results, there is a sufficient amount of information that permits ProDemand to display a lot of potentially useful information to their subscribers. Take my wife’s car, for example. It’s a 2014 Toyota Scion and you can see from TOP INSTRUCTORS ENCOURAGE YOU to use your resources to help isolate a cause, BUT they also the initial “1Search” page encourage you to test and CONFIRM that cause before making the repair. (Figure 1), the database for her car alone contains over 5 12,000 records. Of the 12,000 entries, the system is able to highlight common repairs, DTCs and symptoms reported. What do you see from the information shown in Figure 1? I see a vehicle model that seems to be a pretty depend- able platform. The majority of the repairs listed are routine service items with brake pads and rotors making up two of the top three slots. Less than 1 percent F350, shown in Figure 2. aware of that, what conclusions could of the reported symptoms were related Yes, I know — I own a Ford “Sick-O” you draw based on the 375,000 records to a “no start” condition. Now compare (6.0-liter diesel) that has a known his- collected here? Fuel injectors made the that to my other vehicle, a 2005 Ford tory of issues. But if you weren’t already top 5 of most commonly replaced com-

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ponents and the common symptoms fix is indeed the fix your 6 results has some serious issues listed: customer needs. I had a no start, runs rough, lacks power, just chance to speak with Mitch- as examples. ell 1’s Ben Johnson while at The information can be drilled AAPEX and he is adamant down even further. Let’s explore a that, while Mitchell 1 has P0304 — Cylinder 4 Misfire DTC on one of (if not the) largest the Scion. In Figure 3, you can see database in the industry, that two common repair items were they would never lead a tech spark plugs and ignition coils. OK, for to replacing a part without a P0304 that could make some sense, first confirming that that right? Since spark plugs were the top part would indeed correct item on the list, let’s put a set in and see the concern. And ProDe- what happens. mand helps you do just that by including a section GOOGLE AND YOUTUBE SEARCH RESULTS are Not so fast called “Guided Component based more on the popularity of the content than the con- Everyone recall the phrase “pattern fail- Testing” (Figure 4). This ﬁ rmed accuracy of the “ﬁ x” they promote. ures?” It wasn’t all that long ago that we, section brings you quickly as a technician community united by to real-world testing methods you can of the information are often less than the introduction of the internet, were use to isolate (in our case) whether it is professional — many entirely inaccu- able to share diagnostic problems that the spark plug or the ignition coil caus- rate or advocating methods or repairs led us to identify issues that were coming the misfire on our Scion, a small that are totally out of line with industry mon to certain makes and models. Iden- sample of which is shown in Figure 5. practices and OEM processes. tifying these common issues led to the Statistical databases are just an- term “silver bullet fi x” — in other words, Database or SEO other tool in a good diagnostician’s if you experienced certain symptoms, Mitchell 1, iATN, Identifix, ALLDATA repertoire and not a replacement for you had a high probability of fi xing that and others have one thing in common. testing and verification. Following pattern failure with a known repair. And Th eir databases are based on real-world internet search results blindly only many of us would go after that common input from their users — professional wastes your time and your customers’ element first before committing any techs and shop owners. Th e larger the money, while adding to the infamous troubleshooting time to it. database, the more statistically accurate reputation we need to work so desper- Relying on accumulated databases the results are and that makes them valu- ately to correct. Confine your statisti- is really no different. In fact, it’s more able diagnostic resources. cal searches to “known good” sources highly organized and, I suspect, more But what about Google (Figure 6) of information and use Google or You- statistically accurate. Hence the term and YouTube? Many techs, including Tube to entertain yourself between jobs “statistical diagnostics.” Most of the top myself, have gone there looking for di- — not to help you complete them. instructors I know include a version of rection on tough diagnostic challenges. this in their classes, knowingly or un- But you may stop (as I have) after you PETE MEIER is an ASE knowingly, when they encourage techs consider what I’m going to share now. certified Master Technician to include resources like iATN and Unlike the professional sources with over 35 years of practical experience as a Identifix in their preliminary research. mentioned, the results you see after technician and educator, These, too, are widely recognized da- keying in a question on your browser covering a wide variety of tabases of “known repairs” based on of choice are not based on statistical re- makes and models. He began writing for Motor Age as a contributor in 2006 and accumulated data. cords. It’s based on SEO, or the Search joined the magazine fulltime as Technical But it is what follows that recom- Engine Optimization, of the content Editor in 2010. Pete believes in the mission mendation that often falls on deaf ears. that pops up. I’m no expert in the field, of the magazine to “advance the automotive That is the admonition to take what is but I do know that it is based a lot more professional” and provides resources to working techs around the country through learned in the research and TEST TO on popularity than the statistical accu- print, social media and YouTube. CONFIRM that the recommended racy of the material. And the sources [email protected]

46 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM THE JOURNEY OF OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE STARTS AND STOPS WITH ADVICS

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ADVICSAFTERMARKET.COM TECHNICAL // GARAGE RESOURCEFULNESS AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL

TACKLING A “NO START” COMPLAINT IS TYPICALLY STRAIGHTFORWARD — UNLESS THE “NO START” IS A TOTAL LOSS WRECK!

MIKE REYNOLDS // Contributing Editor doing a little research, the customer de- The original owner has the option to cided to buy back the vehicle from the “buy back” the vehicle for an agreed few years back, I was chal- insurance company. For those unfamil- upon value in post-collision condition. lenged by a 2013 VW Pas- iar with total loss insurance claims, the So, who would buy back a wrecked Asat TDI (Figure 1) “no insurance company offers a payment 2013 Passat? And why? start” diagnostic that gave based on what the fair market value me a run for my money. of the vehicle was pre-collision. If the Diesel-gate This vehicle has a particularly inter- owner accepts that payment, the insur- As it turns out, buy back wasn’t an un- esting story. It was involved in a fairly ance company will take ownership of familiar term for this Passat, as it was severe not-at-fault collision. The vehi- the vehicle and can then sell it with a one of the vehicles involved in the VW cle was without a doubt totaled. After salvage title to recoup some of the loss. diesel emissions scandal. As part of the

PHOTOS: MIKE REYNOLDS 48 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM GARAGE TECHNICAL

“Diesel-gate” scandal settlement, VW agreed-upon total agreed to either purchase the aff ected loss value minus the 2 vehicles from the owners at agreed buy back from the upon values, or off er a free fi x and pay- insurance company outs to vehicle owners. The owner of and what was still this Passat had originally decided to owed on the vehi- keep the vehicle, but before taking the cle (and from what payout was involved in the collision. I’m told a healthy For VW to buy back a vehicle, an ap- amount for injuries pointment had to be made with a set- sustained in the col- tlement ambassador at the dealership. lision). On top of all The stipulations for the buy back were that, something got mixed up between vehicle in a condition in which they that the vehicle needed to be “operable the insurance company and the bank could tow it close enough to the deal- under its own power” to qualify for the and after all of the dust settled the ership that it could be driven on to the buy back. It was unclear if they would owner ended up with a clean title! lot and turned in. take the vehicle with a salvage title, but At this point, the vehicle is towed the owner decided to take his chances. to our shop with the instructions to do Building a buy back The owner received a check for the whatever needed to be done to get the Sometimes working on wrecked cars

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can be a nightmare, but something about assembling a vehicle by drilling holes in the hood and securing a brand-new 4 radiator and condenser with industrial zip ties, per the customer’s request, sounds like something I would thoroughly enjoy. Unfortunately, my luck is nothing like this Passat owner’s, so I had to watch from the next bay down as another technician got that ticket. The repair mostly included suspension repair and replacement of the radiator, intercooler and condenser assembly. If I remember correctly, the condenser was needed to support the radiator, but it hadn’t been charged. There were a few damaged wires that were not repaired, as most 5 of them were for the headlights and turn signals. Once the vehicle was returned to the customer, a buy back appointment was scheduled with the dealership. On the day of the appointment, the customer went out to start the vehicle and found it as a “crank, no start.” If you caught any of my previous articles, you might already know that diesels aren’t my thing. What I don’t think I have previously mentioned is that I despise European vehicle diagnostics. So, while I didn’t get the Euro diesel ticket for the fun part of zip-tying the radiator on when it comes 6 back as a no start, you better believe I get stuck with it! After a considerable amount of complaining/sulking, I went out to crank the vehicle, which seemed to turn over evenly but not start. I would be lying if I didn’t admit to spending an excessive amount of time visually inspecting wiring and components once we got the vehicle pushed in the bay. It had left the shop running, and had only been sitting since it acted up. There were never any drivability issues during its first visit, so it seemed to me that it had to be something external to the engine and related to the collision. After exhausting myself trying to determine what the cause what was left of the hood up, and got to work (Figure 3). could have been without actually having to do any dreaded The shop I was working for at the time did not have ac- Euro diesel diagnostics, I finally bit the bullet and got out cess to VW service information. Even now, Mitchell, ALL- the scan tool. DATA and Identifix have no information on the P0016 code. Using our Snap-on scanner, I found two codes (Figure 2) Being in an aftermarket shop my entire career, I suppose that reset: 4527-P0480 Cooling Fan Control Circuit 1: Elec- I just assumed OE service information was unavailable to trical Malfunction – Cannot Be Tested At This Time; and us. Now as a mobile tech who services the newest model 4096-P0016 Bank 1: CMP Sensor (G40) Engine Speed Sensor vehicles that often aren’t covered by aftermarket SI, I know (G28): Incorrect Correlation. that the service information I needed was only a few clicks and $35 away. I could have also submitted an information Tackling the CMP DTC request, but I decided to just take the code description and Our scanner was correct when it showed “Cannot Be Tested” run with it, as it seemed pretty self-explanatory. next to our cooling fan control code, as a cooling fan had not Looking at data in the scan tool, I was able to find PIDs been installed on this vehicle. The CMP/CKP correlation for engine speed, crankshaft speed and camshaft speed code looked like the code I needed to go after. I needed to (Figure 4). They all seemed to read consistently, but I did get this dirty diesel back on the VW lot under its own power, notice that the camshaft speed would read an RPM for a few so I snipped the hood latch/radiator support zip ties, popped seconds after the engine had stopped cranking (Figure 5).

50 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM GARAGE TECHNICAL

I decided that this was likely caused than actual, especially because a cor- the collision rather than when sitting. by a delayed refresh rate in the scan relation code had set. While I might Broken timing belt – This was tool rather than something related to typically expect to see a circuit fault unlikely because the engine cranked our no start. or sensor-specific code in the instance over evenly. This engine is a SOHC inline 4 cyl- of a wiring fault, I decided not to rule Broken reluctor or damaged inder. It determines the crankshaft po- this one out. tooth – This could cause our no start sition from a sensor (G40) located on CKP or CMP sensor failure – and our correlation code; however, it the transmission side of the engine that While I might also expect to see sen- didn’t seem likely because the symp- reads from a reluctor on the crankshaft. sor-specific codes with a failing sensor, tom seemed to occur after sitting. The camshaft position is determined it seemed possible that a sensor could Engine damage that changed using a sensor (G28) under the timing fail in such a way that it could produce the clock position of the reluctor in cover that reads a reluctor on the back a weak signal that would allow the correlation to the crankshaft timing of the camshaft pulley. relation fault to set. Sensor failures can belt pulley (i.e. twisted or damaged With this information I had a list of sometimes pop up after sitting for a crankshaft, broken dowel pin) – This potential causes: while as this vehicle had. was also unlikely, as I would expect to Wiring issue – This made sense, Jumped timing – This made sense see this symptom manifest with a run- as I already knew the wiring was not because the symptom wasn’t inter- ning engine rather than while sitting. in great shape on this vehicle. It was mittent. It was running, and once I was leaning toward jumped tim- possible that something had shifted the symptom was present, it hadn’t ing or a wiring issue on this Passat. on that first cold crank and could be started since. It didn’t make sense that Looking for the next easiest test, I re- grounding out a circuit for the CKP the timing would jump either when it searched how to set up and check the or CMP. I was also able to see a speed was shut off last or immediately when camshaft timing and discovered that signal from both sensors, but the odd- it was started after sitting. The engine there were special tools involved that ity in the CMP reading made me think did not have high mileage and if the I did not have. None of the other techs that it was possible that the CMP read- timing belt had been loose, I might had the tool, and it wasn’t in our shop ing could have been inferred rather have expected it to jump timing during tools, either.

SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 51 TECHNICAL GARAGE

Is there an alternative test? 8 After striking out with information on the P0016 code, I searched some of the forums for a known good CMP/CKP waveform and also had no luck. I decided to scope the CMP and CKP anyway, hoping to fi nd a signal that would indicate a broken wire I had missed in my visual inspection. What I ended up with was what looked to me like two good waveforms from the CMP and CKP sensors (Figure 6). Using the bit of service information that I did have immediate access to, I was able to determine that to check the cam timing a special pin would need to be inserted into an alignment hole that passes through the I found it was obvious that the timing information, then we can’t fix the car. camshaft pulley and into the head and belt had jumped two teeth (Figure 7). We’re told that Google and YouTube would lock the pulley at TDC. With the I was itching to take advantage of have no place in professional auto re- camshaft locked, another tool would the fact that it was OK to skip proper pair. Realistically, it isn’t possible for need to be used to lock the crankshaft repair procedures instead of just an aftermarket all-makes/all-models pulley to the block. This tool locked the getting this junker running again. I shop to have every tool for every ve- teeth of the crankshaft pulley with an jammed a bolt in between the pulley hicle that rolls into the bays. alignment hole in the block. If the tim- and belt and rolled the engine back I believe one of the best traits for an ing was correct, the alignment marks to force the belt to jump backward. automotive technician is resourceful- on this tool would line up with marks I had to perform this process twice ness. I noticed this while paying atten- on the pulley. When setting up the to get the belt back two teeth. With tion to some of the more successful timing from scratch, there are further the belt back where I needed it to technicians I have had the opportu- steps to adjust the camshaft pulley on be, the engine fired right up and ran nity of working with. When they hit a the cam; however, I was not concerned great. I hooked the scope back up and roadblock such as not having a tool or about this because the locking bolts on snagged a known good waveform for a service information, they don’t give up, the cam pulley were tight and I didn’t 2013 Passat TDI. Printing them out on but instead, work around it. Keeping see any sign of them shifting. paper helped to visualize the jumped forward momentum is key and learn- I decided to do a Google search to timing between the known good and ing to leverage all available resources look for an image of the crankshaft bad waveforms (Figure 8). has drastically improved my diagnos- holding tool in use. The service infor- Another pack of industrial zip ties tic skillset. mation did not show the alignment had this thing back on its way to the MIKE REYNOLDS is the marks of the tool very well, but using dealership for a buyback. owner of Mobile Automotive the image I found I was pretty sure I Thinking back on this job, I used a Service Solutions in Charleston, would be able to tell if my timing was few unpopular strategies to help me SC, and an automotive off without the tool. After aligning my diagnose and repair this vehicle. It instructor at Trident Technical College. He is certified as an ASE Master cam sprocket up, I took a look at my is often hammered into us that if we Technician (A1-A9, X1) along with L1 and L3. crank and comparing it to the image don’t have the correct tools or service [email protected]

52 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM APG // AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCT GUIDE

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SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 53 APG // AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCT GUIDE

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AD INDEX

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54 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM // CATEGORY // PRODUCTS & SERVICES

TRAINING

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SEARCHAUTOPARTS.COM VOL.139.01 55 “SEEING” THE SOURCE OF UNDERHOOD NOISE ISOLATING THE SOURCE OF UNDERHOOD GROWLS AND WHINES CAN BE SUBJECTIVE, SO WHY NOT USE YOUR SCOPE TO POSITIVELY IDENTIFY THE CULPRIT?

PETE MEIER // Director of Training incorporates your scope, a pressure sen- kind of like current ramping a fuel pump sor and a good mechanic’s stethoscope. or viewing a primary ignition pattern. Isolating the cause of an abnormal noise Like many of the techniques we now And helping that process along is is a challenge all by itself. And as we age, take for granted, this one is the result of my job — learning from the best our our range of hearing diminishes — add- one tech who woke up with a new way industry has to offer and sharing it with ing to the challenge. Now put that noise of approaching an old problem. I wish I all of you. under the hood, a noisy environment knew who that first tech was so I could even when everything is working cor- properly credit his or her ingenuity, but SPONSORED BY rectly, and the challenge becomes al- unfortunately, I do not. most impossible! I do know that, like most of our ev- So what if there were a way to “see” eryday testing techniques, it has been the noise? shared from one tech to another, over There is! And it uses your scope to and over, and eventually it will be just make the noise “visible.” This technique another commonly used testing trick —

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56 JANUARY 2020 MOTORAGE.COM