Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training and Pico Technology Watch Full Video Episode Key Discussion Points: Two Types of Angry People Explosive: Outwardly aggressive (e.g., yelling at a cashier). Implosive: Bottled-up anger that can lead to extreme reactions (e.g., the quiet cashier who "snaps"). No One Starts at 100% Anger Anger escalates in stages—people don’t go from 0 to 100 instantly. T...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training In this episode, Matt Fanslow reflects on the recent passings of two cultural icons—Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan—and draws parallels between their careers and the automotive aftermarket industry. Both figures revolutionized their respective fields (music and professional wrestling) through innovation, perseverance, and an unparalleled connection with t...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training Matt Fanslow dives into an unexpected but fascinating comparison between Jurassic Park and the auto repair industry, exploring themes of chaos theory, unintended consequences, and the importance of foundational knowledge. Drawing parallels from the iconic film (and Michael Crichton’s novels), Matt discusses how small decisions—like cutting corners or s...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training Episode Highlights: Metal Music & Culture Matt opens with a quote from the documentary Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey by Sam Dunn, discussing how metal celebrates what society often denies and why it remains a culture of outsiders. Shares his experience attending the Summer of Loud festival with his 10-year-old son, Christian, where they saw The Dev...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training In this thought-provoking episode, Matt Fanslow draws parallels between the tragic failures of the Titan submersible and the Space Shuttle Challenger and the common pitfalls in the automotive aftermarket industry. He discusses how ignoring expert advice, dismissing data, and letting ego drive decisions can lead to catastrophic consequences—whether in d...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training In this technical deep-dive, Matt Fanslow tackles the misconceptions surrounding Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) in modern engines. Far from just a NOx-reduction tool, EGR plays a critical role in thermal efficiency, throttling losses, and combustion control. Matt dismantles common myths (like "lean burns hotter") and explains why engineers use EGR—eve...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training Key Discussion Points: Introduction & Personal Anecdote Explains his motivation for visiting a quick lube shop: to observe different shop practices and customer experiences. The Quick Lube Experience Initial Interaction: Shop employee questions the high mileage (300,000) on Matt’s Honda and suggests a possible engine replacement. Upsell attempts be...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training Key Takeaways: Survey Demographics & Limitations Skewed Representation: 62% of respondents had 20+ years of experience, while entry-level and mid-career techs were underrepresented. Geographically, responses were heavy in the East/Midwest but sparse in central/western U.S. ASE Certification Bias: 80% of respondents held ASE certifications, contrast...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training Key Takeaways: Ubuntu – What It Means Ubuntu is an African philosophy that translates to "I am because we are." It emphasizes collective success: "I succeed because you succeed." Matt discovered the concept through a documentary on the Boston Celtics. Lessons from the Boston Celtics The Celtics’ success was built on teamwork, sacrifice, and shared goal...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training In this episode, Matt Fanslow dives into listener-submitted questions, covering a wide range of automotive diagnostic and repair topics. From personal influences in the industry to technical advice on exhaust gas analyzers, catalytic converter testing, and ADAS calibrations, Matt shares his insights and expertise. 1. Who Do You Try to Emulate? Matt ref...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training Key Discussion Points: What is Reverse Benchmarking? Traditional benchmarking focuses on studying what competitors do well, but reverse benchmarking involves analyzing what they do poorly and capitalizing on those weaknesses. Two interpretations: Looking at other industries for innovative ideas (e.g., team-building activities from tech companies). Exam...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training Matt Fanslow discusses ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), which he refers to as a neurodivergent condition. He highlights the negative aspects of the condition, such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, but also emphasizes the positive "superpowers" associated with it, including hyperfocus...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training Key Points & Takeaways: The Problem: A 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee (collision repair) came in with blind spot warning and parking aid malfunction lights on. No functionality in either system post-repair. Initial Diagnosis: Verified the concern (instrument cluster lit up with warnings). Used an aftermarket scan tool (Snap-on Ultra) and found: ADAS cont...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training Should a shop use factory tools or generic J2534 interfaces for programming? What are the computer hardware considerations for vehicle programming? What are the best ways for technicians to learn more about vehicle programming and improve their skills? Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructor...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details. Contact Information Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel The Aftermarket Radio Network : https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/ R...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z website Show Notes: Introduction & Sponsor Message Sponsored by NAPA AutoTech Training – Helping shops turn general technicians into profitable team members. Matt introduces John Thornton, a highly respected instructor and presenter in the automotive industry. Early Days & Mentorship Matt and John reminisce abo...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Matt Fanslow dives into listener-submitted questions, covering: Multimeter recommendations (why he prefers insulation testers/meggers over basic DMMs). Electrical diagnostic strategies (schematics, scan tools, and stress-testing circuits). The "Flat Rate Test Drive" (a drivability diagnostic trick for load/PID analysis). Gaming picks ( Elden Ring , Assassin’s C...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech In this episode, Matt dives deep into the world of leadership, drawing an interesting parallel between basketball and the world of auto repair. In this episode, Matt discusses: The significance of March Madness and  The Shot —not the Michael Jordan moments you might expect, but  the  shot in the 1992 NCAA tournament between Duke University and th...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Matt Fanslow and Sean Tipping discuss the complexities and evolving terminology within the automotive diagnostic field, particularly regarding immobilizer systems and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). They further explore challenges related to module identification, service information discrepancies, and the tools used in modern auto repair, including...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details. Contact Information Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Key Highlights: Matt reflects on the idea of self-awareness and balanc...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details. Contact Information Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Key Topics Discussed: Blade Runner Monologue Appreciation : Matt opens...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details. Contact Information Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Introduction: Fuel trims are a common topic in professional forums, cl...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details. Contact Information Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Key Topics Discussed: The Infinite Monkey Theorem: Matt uses the analo...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech In this episode, Matt Fanslow dives into two detailed vehicle diagnostic and repair stories, highlighting the challenges and solutions involved in modern automotive repair. The episode is packed with technical insights, troubleshooting tips, and lessons learned from real-world scenarios. Key Topics Covered: 2013 Ford Edge SYNC System Connectivity Issue Problem...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Matt Fanslow recommends a variety of resources for automotive technicians beyond standard service manuals. Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details. Contact Information Email Matt: matt...