CRACKING THE EUROPEAN DATA SAFE BY KARL SEYFERT Some European vehicle service information may seem ‘locked up,’ out of the reach of independent techs. But most of it is accessible, if you’ve got the right combination.

ccess to service information for many of the available sources of service in- European vehicles has never formation on European vehicles. While been as easy as it is for domes- much of that information can still be found tic or Asian vehicles. European in conventional sources like books, manuals vehicles have never represent- and CDs, we’ll show you that there’s at least Aed a majority on our roads, which may ex- as much information to be unlocked else- most. Internet-based versions of these plain why they attract less attention from where. Let’s get started. products are also available, providing 24- our domestic tool manufacturers and data hour access to the very latest service infor- suppliers. Also, some European vehicle Books, CDs & Online Resources mation, late-breaking TSBs, wiring dia- manufacturers (no names, please) have de- Traditional service manuals, brought to you grams and labor guide information, without veloped a reputation for being rather stingy by information specialists like Motor In- ever inserting a disk. with their service information. It’s been their formation Systems, Mitchell1 and Robert Bentley Publishers is the fac- view that all vehicles produced by a given Haynes, continue to be an excellent source tory-authorized source for service manuals manufacturer should be serviced by that of diagnostic and service information for on and vehicles. Manuals manufacturer’s franchised dealers. And if all European vehicles. These companies also for all of the other major (and minor) Euro- vehicles are being serviced by the dealers, offer information in the CD format. Motor pean vehicles are also offered. Many Bent- there’s no reason to distribute the informa- also offers its e-tech on CD, which ley manuals are available in either print or tion to the aftermarket. features an Internet-style browser, intelli- CD format. The VW and Audi literature on While this may be how they operate in gent search function and the ability to print the current Bentley CDs is identical to the Europe, it’s very different in this country. enlarged images. VAG VESIS (Volkswagen) and AESIS (Au- U.S. vehicle owners enjoy the option of tak- CD-based information systems compile di) information that’s provided to dealer ing their vehicles to an independent or a traditional service manuals, service bulletins techs. The CDs also link to technical bul- dealer for service, and many choose inde- and other pertinent information in a single letins. Bentley is now featuring online dis- pendents. Our vibrant aftermarket service set of disks that’s updated quarterly. Mo- cussion forums, which allow you to commu- industry requires full access to all of the in- tor/ALLDATA, ALLDATA and Mitchell nicate directly with the folks who prepare formation necessary to service and repair On-Demand are the primary suppliers of the manuals. the European vehicles on our roads. service information in this format. If your Robert Bosch Corp. makes many of Things are certainly better than they once shop specializes in import vehicles only, the underlying parts and systems found on were, but there’s still room for improve- subscriptions can be tailored to provide only European vehicles. Bosch publishes a range ment. This article provides an overview of the information you need and will use the of books and pamphlets, designed to ex-

42 December 2003 no reason for one person to attempt to solve a difficult diagnostic problem all by himself, especially when someone else may have already wrestled with (and solved) the exact same problem. The International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN) started out just a few years ago with a few hundred members. Today there are almost 48,000, and the average member has 21 years of experience. If you do the math, the collective years of experience of the iATN membership has exceeded the one million mark. In addition to the ongoing exchange of information and opinions, sponsoring iATN members can search over 500,000 items (TechMails, web forum posts, moderated live discussions, waveforms and other tech- nical images), all within the iATN Knowl- edge Base. And this isn’t even counting the 320,000-plus replies to TechMail help re- quests that are also available to sponsoring members. Information of interest to Euro- pean repair techs represents a healthy per- centage of these resources. The Bimmer Tech Group is an interna- tional, e-mail-based discussion/resource group made up of professional BMW tech- nicians from around the world. As a techni- cal resource group, it’s dedicated to pooling its expertise and seeking to enhance techni- cal knowledge, skills, professionalism and competence as regards to the repair, mainte- nance and diagnosis of BMW automobiles. Discussions related to BMW technical prob- lems, repair trends, diagnostic techniques, and other BMW-related topics are welcome. To join the Bimmer Tech Group, you Photos: Karl Seyfert Photos: must be a professional BMW service spe- plain the operation and repair of these sys- on engine management, air bags, specifica- cialist with at least four years of BMW ex- tems, as well as other important automotive tion data, service schedules, ECM pin data, perience and/or BMW factory training. topics. The blue Bosch Automotive Hand- antilock brakes, etc. Information on all ma- You must also be willing to make a com- book may be small, but its nearly 1000 jor European vehicle manufacturers for the mitment to participate and contribute to pages are filled with essential information 1979-2002 model years is included. An an- group discussions. explaining some of the automobile indus- nual subscription, with updates in the The Luxury Motor Vehicle Informa- try’s most challenging subjects. Each Bosch spring and fall, assures that you’ll always tion System offers independent Mercedes- book is edited by the same technical experts have the latest available European service Benz service information. It was developed who design and build the company’s auto- information. for professional automotive technicians net- motive and diesel systems and components. Schiff European Automotive Litera- working through multiple Internet mailing Bosch books and manuals can be purchased ture is a source for owner’s manuals, parts lists. This group of technicians specializes in directly from the company, or through the catalogs and workshop manuals for Euro- repairing vehicles manufactured by Mer- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) pean vehicles. The company appears to spe- cedes-Benz from 1992 through current bookstore on the SAE website. cialize in manuals for older and sometimes models. Membership includes access to ex- Autodata offers several books on engine obscure vehicles. So if you’ve agreed to do a tensive technical information on these vehi- management systems, including European restoration job on a 1961 Isabel- cles worldwide. In addition, U.S. and Cana- vehicles. The European manual is a com- la, Schiff can provide you with an original dian members have access to a toll-free prehensive source of information on engine factory manual to make the job go a bit technical call-back hotline. On-site training management systems for European in- smoother. Finding the necessary parts on vehicle systems, diagnostic information troduced or revised from 1986 through might be another matter. access and other subjects is also offered. 1995. The manual deals specifically with the fuel and ignition systems under the control Independent Online Info Sources OEM Websites of the engine management system. A very positive benefit of the Internet is its In 2001, the EPA proposed changes to the EuroInfo on CD is the company’s CD- ability to link people with similar interests, 1995 Service Information Rule to ensure the based product, which includes information regardless of geographic location. There’s aftermarket had all the necessary service in-

December 2003 43 CRACKING THE EUROPEAN DATA SAFE formation and diagnostic equipment needed •Long-term: $0 to $2500 mat that may be understandable to the to perform emissions-related repairs on ve- As of the completion of this article, Volks- OEM’s dealer techs, but is difficult for oth- hicles with On-Board Diagnostics (OBD). wagen and Audi are not considered to be in ers to decipher. Some call it a steep learning Earlier this year, the EPA Administrator compliance with these guidelines, as infor- curve. Our best advice here is to investigate signed the Service Information Final Rule, mation on their websites is being sold on a the sites of interest to you. Some give you which amends and finalizes the 1995 regula- per-document basis. also offers the the option to tour the site, or you may wish tions requiring the availability of emissions- per-document option, with no short- or mid- to try the one-day access option for a more related service information for the automo- term option, and a long-term subscription in-depth examination. This should give you tive aftermarket industry. The amendments charge that does not meet EPA guidelines. a better idea of whether there’s enough val- will provide access to this information by Volvo is currently charging for information ue to be found there to warrant shelling out making it publicly available via the Internet. access on a per-model basis. The EPA is for an access subscription for your shop. According to the EPA, the Final Rule “working with” these manufacturers to bring Additional information about the OE sites will: (pricing, features, etc.) can be •Make the full text of emissions- found at the NASTF website. related service and training infor- mation available via the Internet. OEM Diagnostic Tools •Provide aftermarket equipment A great deal of diagnostic and ser- and tool companies with the infor- vice information is no longer con- mation necessary to develop equip- fined to the pages of a book or a ment with vehicle reprogramming website. It’s embedded in the diag- capabilities. nostic tools we use to fix today’s ve- •Make enhanced diagnostic in- hicles. A further stipulation of the formation available to the aftermar- EPA Final Rule is to make manu- ket scan tool manufacturers. This facturer-specific diagnostic tools will result in more scan tools being available for sale to the aftermar- made available to the aftermarket at ket. So if you want to use the same a reasonable cost. scan tools dealer techs are using, •Make manufacturer-specific di- get your checkbook ready. Unlike agnostic tools available for sale. the information access charge •Require manufacturers to pro- guidelines, there are no restric- vide any supplemental OBD tech- tions on what the OEMs can nical information necessary to per- charge for their manufacturer-spe- form emissions-related repairs. This “diagnostic library” might have been considered state cific tools. In most cases, you’ll be •Require service information of the art 30 years ago, but it hasn’t been touched since. asked to pay the same price the from heavy-duty vehicle and engine The pace of change in the vehicle manufacturing and re- dealers pay for these tools. Since manufacturers. OBD systems will pair industries demands that you maintain and constantly these tools were originally intend- be required on heavy-duty vehicles upgrade your diagnostic information resources. ed for a relatively small audience and engines by 2005. (the manufacturer’s dealer net- To read the full text of the Service In- them into compliance. Charges on the work), don’t expect them to be cheap. formation Final Rule, refer to the EPA’s BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Saab websites If your shop specializes in a single make, vehicle service information website at are within EPA guidelines. having the OEM tools may be cost-effective www.epa.gov/otaq/vehserv.htm. So what do you get for your money when for you. One Mercedes-Benz specialty shop Beginning prior to the signing of the Fi- you sign up for access to these sites? The surveyed for this article has purchased the nal Rule, the Automotive Service Associa- minimum EPA requirement is access to all factory Star diagnostic computer, which pro- tion (ASA), vehicle manufacturers, the EPA emissions-related information on 1996 and vides full vehicle data access and bidirec- and other interested parties have worked to- later OBD II-compliant vehicles. As you are tional functionality, plus incorporates a data- gether under the auspices of the National certainly aware, it’s very difficult to deter- base of schematics and other information. Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) to mine what information is “emissions-relat- Other OEM diagnostic tools, such as the ensure independent repairers have the same ed” and what is not, since modern vehicles BMW GT1, offer similar capabilities. Tool service information as new- dealers. operate via a complex blend of many inter- ordering requirements vary from one manu- The OEM websites are now online. An acting systems. The transmission control facturer to the next. You may be required to up-to-date matrix of information about these unit talks to the engine control unit, which order tools through your nearest dealer, or sites can be found at the NASTF website talks to the ABS and SRS control units, and through a third party supplier like SPX. Ad- (www.nastf.org). The EPA can’t dictate the so on and so forth. Consequently, many ditional diagnostic tool information can be OEMs’ business practices, but it did estab- OEMs are providing access to all service in- found on the NASTF website, as well as on lish guidelines regarding fair and reasonable formation for 1996 and later vehicles. Some the individual manufacturer websites. charges for access to online service informa- are going a step further than that, extending tion. The guidelines divide access into three coverage backward to include pre-OBD II Aftermarket Tools categories: short-term (24 hours), mid-term vehicle information. The EPA Final Rule also requires the OE (30 days) and long-term (365 days). Guide- It’s beyond the scope of this article to manufacturers to make enhanced diagnos- lines for access charges are as follows: provide a point-by-point analysis of each of tic information available to aftermarket scan •Short-term: $0 to $20 the European OEMs’ websites. In some tool manufacturers. This information will al- •Mid-term: $0 to $300 cases, the information is presented in a for- low them to construct scan tools with capa-

44 December 2003 CRACKING THE EUROPEAN DATA SAFE

sion coding can also be accomplished. It’s the only aftermarket tool to access adapta- tion procedures similar to the factory tool, according to Snap-on. For VW and Audi, Snap-on offers 1991- 2002 coverage. All engine, transmission, ABS and air bag systems are supported. Up to 35 additional on-board systems are sup- ported on models so equipped. Datastream recording and playback is also offered, as well as oil and service light resetting proce- dures. An Expert Mode provides advanced diagnostic factory tool capabilities. Earlier this year, Vetronix formed an al- liance with ETAS, a Robert Bosch spin-off. Vetronix has not previously offered diag- nostic tools for European vehicles. Howev- er, ETAS has a selection of tools that have been in use in Europe for some time. As CDs and DVDs are a popular delivery soon as these tools are modified for use on method for European vehicle service the European vehicles found in the U.S. information. Unlike printed material, If you’re just getting into European ve- market, Vetronix and ETAS have promised disks can be updated on a more fre- hicle repair, you may already own to make them available for sale to the after- quent basis, to correct inconsisten- some of the diagnostic tools and infor- market here. One tool to watch for from cies and add new information. A mation you’ll need. For example, Snap- this alliance is the KTS 650, a PC-based di- subscription to one of the major on now offers European vehicle diag- agnostic tool. service information systems should nostic cartridges for its venerable line OTC does not currently have a Euro- be considered a normal cost of do- of scanners. Plug them into your exist- pean cartridge for its Genisys diagnostic ing business, just like the conven- ing scanner and you’re ready to go. tool, but we’ve been assured that one will tional tools you need to do your job. be available soon. We were given a demon- bilities that are similar to those found in the stration of a preproduction unit at the re- Some shops with factory scan tools such the OEM tools, then make them available to cent AAPEX convention, and it looks like it Mercedes STAR System or the BMW GT1 the aftermarket at a reasonable cost. Prior will provide a wealth of diagnostic informa- still find the iSCAN to be useful for their di- to these requirements, many aftermarket tion on the major European vehicles. OTC agnostic work. diagnostic tool manufacturers were forced has steadily added features and capabilities Autoland Scientech offers the Vehicle to “reverse engineer” their products be- to the Genisys since its introduction, and Diagnostic System (VeDiS). A European cause all or part of the original source infor- the addition of European vehicle diagnostic cartridge includes coverage for diagnosis of mation was not readily available to them. capability represents another step in the major systems on Audi, BMW, Mercedes- The exception was tool manufacturers with right direction. Benz, Volkswagen and Volvo vehicles. The a relationship with an OEM to provide Several smaller tool manufacturers and D91 (offered by Baum Tools as the iSCAN) manufacturer-specific diagnostic tools to its distributors have been offering European and D51 tools are also available. Autoland franchised dealers. diagnostic tools and information to their cus- launched its own website this year, and con- Snap-on offers Mercedes-Benz, BMW tomers long before the larger tool and tinues to market its products in this country and VW/Audi cartridges for its MT2500 equipment companies decided to enter this through selected distributors. and MTG2500 scanners. The BMW soft- segment of the market. Baum Tools has Autodiagnos offers the hand-held Multi- ware provides coverage for 1988-2002 provided specialty tools to the aftermarket Tester pro. A previous Autodiagnos tool, the models, including gasoline and diesel en- for European vehicles since 1959. Today, Multi-Tester plus, was very similar to the gines, electronic transmissions, throttle along with a complete selection of specialty scanner Autodiagnos supplied to Volvo ser- controls, air bag systems and antilock brake hand tools, Baum offers the iSCAN, with vice techs. The Multi-Tester pro is designed systems. Technicians have access to de- coverage for Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, for advanced diagnostics of modern automo- tailed engine, transmission and electronic Porsche, Volvo and Volkswagen, as well as tive electronic systems on Audi, BMW, systems codes and data, and can use Snap- Asian vehicles. For example, 1988-2001 Land Rover, Mercedes, Volkswagen and on’s optional Snap-Link PC interface soft- BMW systems covered include Engine (gas Volvo vehicles. Its large display reduces the ware to send BMW vehicle data via e-mail and diesel), Transmission, Climate Control, need for frequent scrolling. It can be easily to a Snap-on technical hotline for addition- ABS, SRS, Instrument Cluster and EWS updated to many car models simply by al diagnostic support. Synchronization. On Mercedes-Benz, BA- changing a software cartridge and adapter. The Mercedes-Benz scanner software SIC, PRO and MASTER software versions An “open system” approach allows it to com- provides 1992-2001 model engine cover- are offered, with escalating capabilities. municate with multiple vehicle models, us- age, and can perform bidirectional actuator Over eight years of development have gone ing OEM protocols, standardized OBD II tests on most systems with many of the into designing and updating the iSCAN’s and CAN buses. same capabilities of the factory tool. Cover- European and Asian vehicle software. A di- Assenmacher Specialty Tools offers age of many other vehicle systems is in- agnostic hotline for troubleshooting and an assortment of diagnostic and service re- cluded, and ECU module replacement ver- hardware technical support is also offered. set tools for Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz

46 December 2003 CRACKING THE EUROPEAN DATA SAFE

If your shop isn’t computer-equipped and Internet- ready, you’re missing out on a wealth of online service Don’t worry, books and service manuals won’t be going and diagnostic information for European vehicles. For ex- away any time soon. To suit a range of uses, some pub- ample, the EPA has required the OE manufacturers to lishers offer diagnostic information in computer-based maintain websites to deliver emissions-related service or conventional printed formats. Which would you rather information on their OBD II-compliant vehicles. Many also have your heirs argue over when you’re gone, a wall of provide a greater range of information. service manuals or a box of CDs and DVDs? and Volkswagen vehicles, including the new KWP-2000 protocols (2001 and later be especially helpful a few years after the ar- Hellion VW/Audi diagnostic tool and Re- Teves Mk.60 ABS and numerous 2002 and ticle was originally published. Other trade triever scan tool. Assenmacher also offers a later modules). magazines offer similar online services. wide selection of specialty hand tools for ACTIA Corp. offers PC-based diagnos- Some of the European OEMs have en- these vehicles. tic tools, a pass-though tool for BMW and tered the world of trade publications as Carsoft offers a PC-based on-board di- an additional adapter for the older 20-pin well. They recognize that the aftermarket is agnostic system for BMW and Mercedes- underhood connector. When fully imple- a major source of parts sales, as many of Benz vehicles. To briefly summarize the ca- mented, ACTIA promises full access to all their vehicles are being serviced and re- pabilities of the Carsoft software, it offers systems, with GT1 functionality, linked to paired at independent shops. Providing vendor and parts info for all control units, the factory website. At present, it accesses service information to the aftermarket in reads all stored DTCs, provides repair infor- engine (DME) and transmission (EGS) sys- these publications assures that their vehi- mation to nearly every stored fault, performs tems. cles are repaired properly, regardless of DTC erase and Service interval reset and where the work is done. And just maybe has the ability to save DTC test results, print Trade Magazines you’ll remember where the information diagnostic reports to explain repairs to cus- Trade magazines, like the one you’re holding came from and reward the dealer with tomers and save diagnostic test reports for in your hand, continue to be an excellent some of your parts business. customer files in an integrated database. A source of service information on European StarTuned, a quarterly publication from full diagnostic allows all test results to ap- vehicles. MOTOR’s annual import car issue Mercedes-Benz, is aimed directly at after- pear together with all the registered faults gives you the latest scoop on the technology market techs and shops that service the and repair instructions on one screen. behind Europe’s newest offerings. And peri- company’s vehicles. The free publication Ross-Tech markets software (VAG- odic forays into the world of European vehi- includes service information and dealer COM) that turns your laptop or PC into a cle repair serve to supplement the informa- listings, interspersed with advertisements VAG emulator for VW/Audi vehicles, and tion you collect from other sources. The from the company and its suppliers. Check new PC/laptop-based software is available Service Slants column frequently includes with your M-B dealer for StarTuned sub- for BMW vehicles. VAG-COM is the only information on late-model European vehicle scription information. Volkswagen and aftermarket VAG tool that has a database quirks, so you’ll be ready when these vehi- Volvo also offer publications designed to of more than 7000 fault-codes and measur- cles are no longer covered by the manufac- serve the needs of the aftermarket tech. ing-block texts. VAG-COM can use the turer’s warranty. Your local dealership parts department is new 7-Digit PIN/SKC codes to match new It’s no longer necessary to keep a stack of your point of contact for further informa- keys in all immobilizer-equipped VW/Au- magazines piled up in the corner for future tion about these publications. di/Seat/Skoda models. It also allows you to reference. All of the information found in simultaneously view, log and graph three the last several years of MOTOR can also be Hotlines groups of measuring blocks. VAG-COM al- found online at www.motor.com. A compre- No matter how good you are, surely there so can access all control modules that re- hensive index will help you find the informa- will come a time when you’re unable to di- quire proprietary VAG modes running the tion or article you’re looking for, which can agnose and repair a problem vehicle.

48 December 2003 CRACKING THE EUROPEAN DATA SAFE

Rather than beat your head against a wall, SAE membership still makes sense for au- with information on cutting-edge automo- the most time- and cost-effective solution tomotive service techs because it provides tive technology. may be to enlist the help of an automotive access to the latest information on automo- Robert Bosch has certified several hun- hotline. Identifix, the most recognized tive design and service. Among other dred automotive repair businesses in the name in hotlines, is staffed by more than 30 things, SAE membership entitles you to a U.S., and Mexico as Bosch Service factory-trained technicians who each spe- subscription to Automotive Engineering In- Centers (BSCs). Certification is a rigorous cialize on tracking, diagnosing and repair- ternational, a monthly publication filled process involving an ongoing commitment ing problems on just one make. Each tech- to service equipment and training. In addi- nician averages over 9000 calls per year on tion to the prestige your business will enjoy that make. Service Information Providers when it attains BSC certification, you’ll gain Identifix also offers three other diagnos- access to Bosch service information and ex- ACTIA Corp. tic services: Repair-Trac, Diagrams-Online 574-264-2373 clusive training opportunities. and Direct-Hit. Repair-Trac is a 24-hour, www.actia.com call-on-demand voice databank of proven ALLDATA Technical Training fixes for hard-to-diagnose “pattern failures” 800-697-2533 Because they represent a smaller portion on cars with 50,000-plus miles. These fixes www.alldata.com of the U.S. automotive population, training were compiled from over one million ser- Assenmacher Specialty Tools opportunities for European vehicles and vice calls to the Identifix repair hotline. 800-525-2943 systems have always been more difficult to More than 20,000 vehicles from 1988 www.asttool.com come by. Utilizing the information sources through 1998 are covered. Autodata Publications, Inc. outlined in this article will increase your Diagrams-Online is an on-demand, 24- 978-562-9511 odds of learning about European vehicle hour service that provides techs with more www.autodatapubs.com/usindex.htm training opportunities available in your than 40,000 high-quality diagrams by fax. Autodiagnos area. Additionally, you may wish to consult Distributed by: Ohio Diagnostics Domestic cars from 1988 through 1998 and 330-668-1518 www.trainingfortechs.com, a website domestic light and imports from 1994 www.ohiodiagnostics.com devoted to providing up-to-date informa- through 1998 are covered. Autoland Scientech USA tion on training. More than 245 training Direct-Hit, recipient of a 2003 MOTOR 512-336-5152 companies have registered on Training For Top 20 Tools award, provides online ac- www.autolandscientechusa.com Techs, and membership for technicians is cess to diagnostic and repair information. Automotive Service Association free. Member techs are notified by e-mail The Carline Specialists at Identifix have 800-272-7467 of training meeting their criteria that’s helped technicians solve over 2 million www.asashop.org coming to their area. repair problems since 1987. From their Baum Tools Unlimited, Inc. experience they designed Direct-Hit to 800-848-6657 Past Experience help you get the job done faster and re- www.baumtools.com Once you’ve found a piece of information or duce the frustration that comes with fix- Carsoft Onboard Diagnostic System learned something new, the most important ing cars. Rather than working through 760-438-5870 thing you can do is make sure it will avail- www.carsoftusa.com your problem over the phone, Direct-Hit able for use in the future. Take the extra Identifix directs your diagnosis by walking you 800-288-6270 time to keep records of your repairs. It through a troubleshooting process. www.identifix.com might be something as simple as a spiral Mitchell1 notebook kept in your toolbox. Every time Professional Associations 888-724-6742 you figure out the answer to a tough prob- An excellent way to grow your automotive www.mitchell1.com lem, write it down. You may not be able to knowledge is to join an automotive associa- Motor Information Systems remember all of the pertinent information tion. For example, the Automotive Ser- 800-4A-MOTOR six months or a year from now, but you vice Association (ASA) gives you the op- www.motor.com should be able to remember where you portunity to meet and interact with other OTC stashed your notes. Life’s too short to learn technicians and shop owners. ASA spon- 800-533-6127 hard lessons twice (or three times). sors the annual Congress of Automotive www.otctools.com If you have the inclination, take the time Repair and Service (CARS), which offers Robert Bosch Corp. to share what you’ve learned with others. two days of automotive technical and man- 708-865-5200 This can be done informally, the next time www.boschservice.com agement seminars, in conjunction with the you get together with your buddies to talk Ross-Tech, LLC AAPEX convention. ASA also publishes a 215-361-8942 shop, for example. On a broader scale, if you monthly magazine, AutoInc., which in- www.ross-tech.com want to contribute to the global knowledge cludes technical articles. Schiff European Automotive Literature base, help your fellow techs by participating The Service Technicians Society 888-789-6882 in the forums and/or e-mail lists on iATN. (STS) was formed in 1996 by the Society www.schiffeuropean.com What goes around, comes around. The tech of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to make Snap-on Diagnostics you help today just might be able to help a positive impact on vehicle service. Due to 877-762-7664 you out of a jam tomorrow. And if he can’t, insufficient membership numbers and bud- www.snapondiagnostics.com it’s a good bet someone else will. get concerns, the SAE International Board Vetronix of Directors has decided to transition STS 800-321-4889 www.vetronix.com Visit www.motor.com to download to a program office. a free copy of this article. Despite the untimely demise of STS,

50 December 2003