Automotive Diagnostic Podcast

A large number of circuits on modern control modules are monitored for proper current draw. If the the amperage flowing through the circuit is incorrect, the module may shut it down to protect itself. How can we tell if this is happening or if the module has failed? 

Today Lucas Underwood joins me on the show to discuss ways WE can make the automotive industry better for everyone including technicians. Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/ Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320

In this episode I describe testing methods that will confirm a shifted camshaft in a 5.4L Ford Triton engine. Mass Air Flow Sensors- https://autodiagpodcast.com/2020/03/23/10-mass-air-flow-sensors/ In Cylinder Pressure testing- https://autodiagpodcast.com/2020/06/15/25-under-pressure/ Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320 Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Kris Lewis, Director of training for Automotive Training Group joins me on the show today to talk about what ATG has to offer automotive technicians. https://atgtraining.com/ Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/ Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320

Today's tech tip reminds everyone to check for aftermarket devices that could be causing network communication problems

Brandon & Cody join me today to inform us on the fundraiser and tool giveaway they are running for the month of October to benefit breast cancer awareness.  Brandon's website- https://www.jarheaddiag.com/ Contact Cody directly on Facebook messenger 

This tech tip explains how to utilize a very helpful live network monitor while working on Ford vehicles. 

We utilize DTC's every day as technicians to help guide towards what the control module sees as a fault. Sometimes these codes are clear and direct us right where we need to go. Other times not so much. Sometimes the definition of a code can be downright misleading. Or the manufacturer gives us very little information on how a particular code is set. In todays episode, I share my strategy I u...

This tech tip reinforces 2 vehicle issues that I've run into multiple times recently. First, how to reset the ambient temperature in certain Ford models after repair. Second, an input causing multiple modules to stay awake and draw unwanted current from the battery. 

Matt Fanslow joins me on the show today to discuss the question of accuracy vs. applicability. How accurately do you need to understand how something works to properly and efficiently repair it? Does knowing the scientific details of a certain component really help you fix the car? Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/ Facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320

In today's tech tip I explain an interesting problem that prevented a 2015 Ford F-250 from re-learning TPMS sensors. 

Today on the show I have a special guest, Natasha Smith. Natasha is a technician at a Toyota dealership in Queensland, Australia. In 2019 she won the Toyota national skills competition. We chat about the skills competition, females in the auto industry, and more! Facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320 Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

In today's tech tip I fill you in on what's necessary to perform after an ABS control module replacement on a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck. 

What happens when you get a vehicle in your bay that you've never worked on before? A component that you've never had any training on? A system that is totally unfamiliar to you, but you still have to figure it out and fix it?  Today I walk through some strategies I use to help me learn new vehicle systems & component operation, along with a case study on a Mercedes Benz convertible...

In this week's tech tip I'm sharing a case study of John Thorton (With permission) John is one of the premier automotive trainers in the industry and his classes never disappoint. Make sure to check out the links below. Automotive Seminars Website- https://automotiveseminars.com/ Video referenced in the episode- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmFozmTf7xg

Today on the show Michael LaNovara joins me to talk about being a student in an electrical engineering program, and how that knowledge transfers over to the automotive repair world. We also discuss the Pico club chapter that he operates in Southern California. This is a group of technicians that get together once a month to learn and grow their diagnostic skills.  https://www.aeswave.com/ Website-...

Today's tech tip will help out if you run into any speed density vehicle (including Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep) that runs rich & misfires. Don't get hung up on the rich codes, there are other checks to make first.   Other episodes to check out for more information- 11- Mass Air Flow Sensors 16- Speed density

In this episode I walk you through my struggles diagnosing a 2006 BMW 325I with a parasitic draw.  Inductive amp clamp- https://www.amazon.com/AC-DC-Current-Digital-Clamp-Meter-6000-Counts/dp/B07P5QKQ5L/ref=sr_1_26?crid=3SNAJI8S16VJ2&dchild=1&keywords=inductive+amp+meter&qid=1598198798&sprefix=inductive+amp%2Caps%2C252&sr=8-26 Amp hound- https://www.amazon.com/Cal-Van-Tools-74-...

Today's tech tip explains how a General motors' incorrectly oriented relay can cause circuit problems, and in this case, a lack of A/C compressor operation. Check the Facebook group for pictures.  Facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320

Today on the show PJ Walter joins me to chat about his YouTube channel,  the benefit of aftermarket training for dealership technicians, & more.  PJ's YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_HeAAKRilHUy08RwlHizoA Facebook Group-  https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320 Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

This week's tech tip is about General Motors' factory diagnostic scan tool that you can download use if you have a laptop & a J-2534 device.   https://www.acdelcotds.com/subscriptions

Today on the show John Gillespie joins me to explain narrow band oxygen sensor operation. How these sensors REALLY work. Make sure to check out the links below. The website and Facebook group will include visual aids.  CTI online- https://ctionline.com/ Automotive Technicians in Training FB group- https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=automotive%20technicians%20in%20training Website-  https://auto...

Just a quick tech tip on 2 different vehicles that both have a factory remote start systems that do not function.

Tomi Oliva from Trained by techs joins me today as a special guest. We discussed Tomi's business, what trained by techs is all about, how they began, being a mobile diagnostic technician, intermittent diagnostic strategies, & more. Make sure to check this one out! Trained by techs website- https://trainedbytechs.com/ ATG-   https://atgtraining.com/ Facebook group- https://www.facebook.com...

This is just a quick tech tip about testing voltage on a circuit while it's loaded. Open circuit voltage testing can definitely lead us in the wrong direction, especially on a circuit that requires a decent amount of amperage under normal operation.