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• Snap-on adds vehicle coverage guide to website 

  Snap-on has added an online vehicle coverage guide to its website that functions as a reference tool, allowing users to look up Snap-on software coverage.

• Sun EZ ADAS Recalibration System  

  The new Sun EZ ADAS Recalibration System has been designed to help technicians deal with the growing requirements surrounding ADAS systems. The system reduces the risk of errors in recalibrating and re-initialising vehicle components via laser measurement guides and intuitive target adjustment features. It contains a laser positioning system which, along with target position indicators and procedure, allows the technician to quickly position the targets in the locations required by the vehicle manufacturer. The system works hand-in-hand with Snap-on diagnostic tools running the latest software upgrades. The system has been designed to be used in variety of workshop spaces, and with storage in mind, thanks to its rotating cross beam, collapsible mast and small number of components. Features include integrated and adjustable rulers, multi-position lever locks and clutch brake height adjuster for precision front camera target height positioning. The Zero Stop allows precise front camera target positioning for certain marques, while the rotating cross beam allows system to be moved and set.
  
  diagnostics.snapon.co.uk/ez-adas

• Snap-on: Vehicle system scan reports 

  The complete vehicle system scan reports offered by car diagnostic tools from Snap-on help technicians to get into good practices and give their customers peace of mind. Running a pre-scan before any vehicle work is done means any hidden issues can be located and the customer can be made aware of them from the outset. The pre-scan code identification helps speed the diagnosis and repair, and when it is followed by a post-scan after work is finished, the report confirms that all concerns were dealt with properly. Snap-on offers pre- and post-scan reports for technicians who own Snap-on diagnostic scan tools, including ZEUS, VERUS, MODIS, SOLUS and ETHOS families.
  diagnostics.snapon.co.uk/vsr

• Hunter touchless alignment system  

  The Hunter Quick Check Drive is available exclusively from Pro-Align. It is a ‘drive-thru’ non-contact wheel alignment inspection system, where there is no need to attach sensors or targets, or even for the vehicle to stop. The Quick Check Drive system comprises of two slim profile units, which should be situated in the entrance to a workshop. Each of the units contains 16 lasers which are used to assess the vehicle’s total toe and individual camber measurements, and several cameras which are used to record 40-60 high-definition images of the car, helping to eradicate any fraudulent body damage claims. In order to carry out the alignment assessment, the vehicle needs to be driven between the two measurement units at a speed of between 2-10 mph. Technicians or service advisors then input or confirm the vehicle make and model details, and the system cross-references Hunter’s vehicle database to determine if the vehicle is within the manufacturer’s tolerances, or if a full 14-point alignment assessment is required. The system can take new readings every 3-5 seconds.
  
  www.pro-align.info/qcd

• Part two The good and THE GREAT  

  In part one, we looked at the start of the ‘diagnostic process.’ The first steps were customer questioning, confirming the fault and knowing the system and its function. These help the technician to build the ‘big picture’ necessary to repair the vehicle correctly.
  In this article we will look at the next four steps.
  
  Step 4: Gather evidence
  It is easy to overlook this step as many technicians think of it as the overall ‘diagnosis.’ However, once the technician understands the system, gathering evidence will provide key information. This step is normally best carried out with the use of test equipment that does not mean the dismantling of systems and components.
  
  Many technicians have their own favourite tools and equipment but this list can include (but not limited to)
  the following:
  Scan tool – It is always best practice to record the fault codes present, erase the codes, and then recheck. This means codes which reappear are still current. Remember that a fault code will only indicate a fault with a circuit or its function. It is not always the component listed in the fault code that is at fault
  
  Oscilloscope – An oscilloscope can be used for a multitude of testing/initial measuring without being intrusive. Some oscilloscope equipment suppliers are looking at systems within high voltages hybrid/electric vehicle technology. The waveforms produced by the test equipment can be used when analysing the evidence and may indicate that a fault exists within a system. An understanding of the system being tested will be necessary to understand the information. This may even include performing sums so all those missed maths lessons at school may come back to haunt you. It may take time to become confident analysing the waveforms, so be patient
  
  Temperature measuring equipment – This can include the use of thermal imaging cameras. Most systems that produce energy/work will also produce some heat. The temperatures produced vary from system to system. Examples include everything from engine misfires to electrical components, as well as air conditioning system components and mechanical components such as brake and hub assemblies. The possibilities are endless and results can be thought provoking.
  
  Emission equipment – By measuring the end result, an exhaust gas analyser can show you if the engine is functioning correctly. The incorrect emissions emitted from the exhaust help indicate a system fault or a mechanical fault with the engine
  
  Technical service bulletins – Many vehicle manufacturers produce technical service bulletins (TSBs) that are generated by a central point (usually a technical department) from the information that is gathered from their network of dealers. Some of these may be available to the independent sector either through the VM or through a third party – It’s always worth checking if these exist. They may indicate a common fault that has been reported similar to that the technician is facing. Some test equipment suppliers may provide TSBs as part of a diagnostic tool package
  
  Software updates – Many vehicle systems are controlled by a ECU. Most vehicle manufacturers are constantly updating system software to overcome various faults/  customer concerns. Simply by updating the software can fix the vehicles problem without any other intervention of repairing a possible fault. This is where having a link to a vehicle manufacturer is vital in repairing the vehicle
  
  Hints & tips – Most technicians will have a link or access to a vehicle repair forum where they can ask various questions on vehicle faults and may get some indication of which system components are likely to cause a vehicle fault
  
  Functional checks – Vehicle systems are interlinked and typically share information using a vehicle network. The fault may cause another system to function incorrectly, so it is vitally important that the technician carries out a functional check to see if the reported fault has an effect on another system. By carrying out this check the technician again is building the big picture
  
  Actuator checks – Most systems today are capable of performing actuator tests. The technician can perform various checks to components to check its operation and if the system ECU can control the component, often reducing the time to the diagnosis, by performing this task the technician can identify whether it is the control signal, wiring or component or it is sensor wiring. This function can be used in conjunction with serial data to see how the system reacts as the component functions
  
  Serial (live) data – The technician can typically review a vehicle system serial data through a scan tool. Having live data readings to refer to can help you review the data captured. Using actuator checks and viewing the serial data can also help the technician to identify a system fault
  
  Remember to record all the evidence gathered so it can be analysed during the next step in the diagnosis. We can’t remember everything. If the technician needs to contact a technical helpline they will ask for the actual readings obtained recoding the data gathered will help.
  
  Step 5: Analyse the evidence
  Analysing evidence gathered during the previous steps can take time. The technician needs to build the big picture from all the evidence gathered during the first few steps. You need to analyse the information gathered, and decide on what information is right and wrong.
  
  This step may rely on experience as well as knowledge on the product. You should take your time – don’t be hurried. Time spent in the thinking stages of the diagnosis can save time later. Putting pressure on the technician can lead to errors being made. It may be necessary to ask the opinion of other technicians. If the evidence is documented it may be easier to analyse or share between others.
  
  Step 6: Plan the test routine
  After analysing the evidence gathered it’s now time to start to ‘plan’ the best way to approach to the task or tasks in hand.
  
  The technician should plan their test routine, decide on what test equipment should they use, what results are they expecting, if the result is good or bad  and which component should they test next.
  
  Document the plan – this enables you to review decisions made at this stage in the next step. The technician may not always get it right as there may be various routes to test systems/components. The test routine may have to be revisited depending on the results gathered during testing. Documenting the test routine will provide a map.  Also, don’t forget to list the stages, as this is something that could be incorporated into an invoicing structure later.
  
  The technician should indicate on the routine what readings they expect when they carry out the system testing. This can be generated by their own knowledge/skill or the expected readings may come from vehicle information which they have already sourced. If the information is not known at the time the test routine is planned, then the test routine may highlight what information is required and what test equipment is needed. You shouldn’t be afraid to revisit the plan at any time and ask further questions on which direction the tests should take. If the plan is well documented and the technician becomes stuck at any point, they can pause the process and revisit later. Also the information can then be shared with various helplines that support workshop networks.
  
  Step 7: System testing
  The technician then follows their pre-determined plan, if it is documented they can record the results of the test(s) as they follow the routine.
  
  Many technicians tend to go a little off-piste when they get frustrated. Having the routine documented can keep the technician on track and focused on the result. If the routine is followed and the fault cannot be found the technician may have to go back to the analysing the evidence or planning the test routine. The technician shouldn’t be scared of going back a few steps, as I said previously analysing the evidence takes practice and can be time consuming, not to be rushed.
      
  Summing up
  Remember to follow the process. It is easy to be led off track by various distractions but don’t try to short circuit the process. Some steps may take longer than first thought to accomplish than others. Some distractions may be outside of your control, and it may be necessary to educate others. Practice, practice, practice. Refine the process to fit in with your business and its practices, the business could align its estimating/cost modelling to the process, being able to charge effectively and keeping the customer informed at each stage of the process.
  
  Coming up...
  In the next article I will be looking at the next four steps which are; Step 8: Conclusion (the root cause), Step 9: Rectify the fault and Step 10: Recheck the system(s). The last article in this series will indicate the final three steps and how to fit them all together in order to become a great technician and perhaps succeed in Top Technician or Top Garage in 2018.
  
  
  
  

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