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INFORMATION FOR THE RECOGNIZED REPAIR INDUSTRY Q DECEMBER 2008 Q VERSION 8, ISSUE 15 Q AIRCHECKTEXAS.COM RECOGNIZEDREPAIR INSIDE Automotive Evolution EVOLVING INDUSTRY In Today's Digital world, how is your shop keeping up with the growing automotive trends? Keeping pace with the evolving industry TECHNOLOGY Next-Gen Scan Tools Don’t let your money fly out the tank RECOGNIZEDREPAIR Evolving Industry In today’s digital world, how is your repair business keeping up with the fast paced world of automotive engineering. PAGE 30 10 Technical Resources 10 AIRCHECKTECH 10 Repair Resources ASA Contacts Emissions Repair Training Repair Data On-Line 20 Automotive Tool Technology 30 Automotive Evolution tm 20 The "Ready-or-Not" Test Tool 30 Compounding Emissions In Today's Digital world, how is your shop keeping up with the growing automotive trends? Innovative ways to incorporate scan tools to enhance OBDII testing and improve customer satisfaction. 21 CarChip Pro ® Is your business keeping up with the fast paced world of automotive engineering? 40 Consumer News 40 It’s Easy Being “Green” 40 Keep your money from flying out the tank! INFORMATION FOR THE RECOGNIZED REPAIR INDUSTRY Q DECEMBER 2008 Q VERSION 8, ISSUE 15 Q AIRCHECKTEXAS.COM AirCheckTech Resources10 COMING SOON COMING SOON Visit us online at www.airchecktexas.com for the launch of our new repair section, aimed exclusively at providing online automotive resources to the Recognized Repair Industry. On our site, you’ll not only be able to find links to other automotive websites, but you’ll be able to see what educational resources you have available in your area, such as free seminars or community sponsored automotive outreach events. And in 2009, stay tuned as we launch our online training series, complete with streaming videos and training tips. With your continuing support and participation in the Recognized Emissions Repair Program, we are working toward bringing education and automotive awareness to your shops and your technicians. Ronnie Heselmeyer, Automotive Repair Specialist Texas Department of Public Safety Automotive Service Association (ASA) For repair training and other automotive class information contact: ASA of Texas Charles Parker, Executive Director 329 Mack Hollimon Dr Kerville TX 78028-6636 Phone: (830) 896-6842 Fax: (512) 692-1923 cparker@asatx.org / www.asatx.org ASA Austin Area Dell Shaw Doug Scales Body Shop 2707 S 1ST ST Austin, TX 78704-5453 (512) 443-6464 shop (512) 442-2252 fax dell@dougscales.com ASA Dallas Scott Blair Barry's Automotive 4101 Forest Lane Garland, TX 75045-6818 (972) 494-3650 shop (972) 272-6145 fax _barry_@msn.com ASA El Paso Area Dwight Wallum Wallum's Paint & Body 1505 S Midkiff Rd Midland, TX 79701-8563 (432) 686-0317 shop (432) 620-9922 fax dwallum@marshill.com ASA Ft Worth Area David Markovic Chambers Automotive 716 Secretary Dr Arlington TX 76015 (817) 274-0469 shop (817) 460-235@sbcglobal.net ASA Houston Area Glenn Young, AAM Young’s Automotive Center 6117 Ridgemont St Houston, TX 77087-2011 (713) 641-1594 shop (713) 643-9738 fax glennyoung@asatx.org Repair Data On-line OBDII Technical Resources www.epa.gov/obd www.obdii.com www.obdiicsu.com www.obd-codes.com www.sierraresearch.com Technical Service Bulletins (TSB's) www.OBDclearinghouse.com www.nhtsa.dot.gov Diagnostic Repair Information www.alldata.com www.Diagnostichotline.com www.iatn.net Emissions Parts Information www.acdelco.com www.automotix.net www.edelbrock.com www.rockauto.com www.siaelec.com www.partsvoice.com www.usedpartscentral.com www.usedpartslive.com www.volition.com Diagnostic Tools Information www.aeswave.com www.autologicco.com www.autotap.com etools www.freeautomechanic.com www.obd2.com www.vetronix.com www.scantool.net Automotive Maintenance Information www.carcare.org www.helminc.com (Service manuals) servicemycar CARB Exemptions Information California Air Resources Board (CARB) www.arb.ca.gov New & Used Auto Information www.autosite.com www.edmunds.com ASE Study Guides & Cert Information www.asecert.org www.motor.com www.motorage.com Automotive Service Associations www.asashop.org www.nastf.org www.automobile.sae.org Emissions Repair Training Austin Area Austin Community College (512) 223-7542 40 Hr Course Dan Petit, Petit Technical Services Hi-Definition Diagnostic Waveform Training. ASE-Examined L-1 Educator. Curriculum/ educational software developer and author of 14 automotive tech books. Office: (512) 834-2141 Cell: (512) 470-6844 DFW Area Eastfield College 3737 Motley Dr Mesquite, TX 75150 (972) 860-7100 40 Hr Course Tarrant County College Continuing Education (817) 515-4217 40 Hr Course Houston Area TDJ Events Automotive Training P O Box 924371 Houston, Texas 77292-4371 Phone: (713) 725-1895 Fax: (713) 957-9441 Email: jenny@tdjautotraining.com website: www.tdjautotraining.com National Trainers Kevin McCartney Provides emission related technical training throughout the country, including Texas. He worked in research for California emission programs and served as a Master trainer for California's advanced level emission instructors. He can be contacted at crashh@prodigy.net or (209) 873-1155 “G” Jerry Truglia A.T.T.S. Inc. 10 Lupi Plaza Mahopac, New York 10541 Phone: (845) 628-1062 Fax: (845) 628-9109 Email: gt@attstraining.com website: www.attstraining.com INFORMATION FOR THE RECOGNIZED REPAIR INDUSTRY Q DECEMBER 2008 Q VERSION 8, ISSUE 15 Q AIRCHECKTEXAS.COM 20 20 "Ready-or-Not" tm Test Tool 21 CarChip Pro® AUTOMOTIVE TOOL TECHNOLOGY The "Ready-or-Not" Test Tool tm Innovative ways to incorporate scan tools to enhance OBDII testing and i m p r o v e c u s t o m e r s a t i s f a c t i o n . Article provided by the manufacturers of “Ready-orNot”tmTest Tool The "Ready-or-Not" tm test tool can be used by technicians to determine if an OBDII vehicle is ready to receive an OBDII test (U.S. Patent # 7,012,512). One of the biggest complaints that shops receive after repairing an OBDII vehicle is "Why can't you retest my car now?" and this is always followed by "Just drive my car? How will I know when it is ready?" The "Ready-or-Not" tm test tool solves this problem! The device simply connects to the vehicle’s OBDII port, and indicates if or when the vehicle is ready for an OBDII test. The device can be loaned to a motorist and left in place, and the motorist instructed that when the device beeps or the "Ready" light goes on, the vehicle is ready to be retested, reducing "ping-pong" to the shop to check if the vehicle is ready. The tool comes programmed and ready to use, but also includes software and cable in the event the user wishes to change the default configuration (default configurations for each state are included with the device). "Ready-or-Not" tm has the following features: 1. "Ready-or-Not" tm has six individual readiness monitor lights on it to indicate the status of the monitors that may be not ready. If the light for a monitor is off, the monitor is not supported, if it is red the monitor is "NotReady" and if it is green the monitor is "Ready". This feature can be helpful to technicians trying to quickly check if a vehicle is ready for testing and, if it is not ready, which monitors still need to be run. 2. If the vehicle is “Not-Ready”, the red NotReady light will be illuminated. If the readiness criteria have been met, then the green “Ready” light will be illuminated and the speaker will chirp approximately once a minute. "Ready-or-Not" tm can be easily set so that it indicates that it is ready when any number of monitors are Not-Ready. How does a shop benefit? Shops could use the "Ready-or-Not" tm test tool to do a quick check of a vehicle to determine if it is ready to receive an OBDII test, without the hassle of connecting the vehicle to an emissions analyzer or having to use a complicated scan tool - which in the long run will save you and your customer time and money. Anyone working in the shop, even a receptionist can use the "Ready-or-Not" tm test tool, it is that simple to use. The "Ready-or-Not" tm test tool is a versatile tool that shops can use to enhance OBDII testing and improve customer satisfaction. For more information please contact ScanTool.net at www.ScanTool.net and look under "Products" - "Scan Tools", or call 866923-1870. "Ready-or-Not" tm Test Tool www.ScanTool.net or call 866-923-1870 Want more information on repair tools or technology? Visit www.airchecktexas.com and look for us in the AirCheckTech section. We are making it more convenient for you to get the most up-to-date repair resources for your growing repair needs. Automotive Tool Technology CarChip Pro® Imagine having a simple way to ascertain how your car or your client's car will perform during emissions testing at an authorized test station - before the actual test. CarChip Pro (www.carchip.com) by Davis Instruments is a tiny, low-cost, easy-to-use device that will make pre-emissions testing simpler and more accessible to both automotive shops and car owners. It requires no installation beyond plugging it in, and immediately begins to diagnose the car's engine performance as well as emissions readiness. Being able to correct any emissions problems before testing will save consumers time and money, and give automotive shops a competitive edge in service provision. CarChip Pro will also diagnose engine trouble codes, turn off check engine lights, alert drivers when they exceed self-set speed and brake limits, provide an accident log, and monitor the driving habits of new drivers. Although it is about the size of a 9-volt battery, CarChip Pro packs a mighty punch in value to both consumers and automotive professionals. CarChip Pro plugs into any 1996 or later model vehicle via the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) port. (OBDII ports were federally mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, for emissions controls and are required to be within three feet of the steering wheel, under the dash in the passenger compartment, and be in view and easily accessible.) Once plugged in, CarChip Pro immediately begins recording the vehicle's operating parameters. Unplug it, connect it to a standard PC with the supplied CarChip desktop software and USB cable, and get reports of the car's engine performance as well as the driver's behavior, trip logs, and emissions readiness. CarChip can monitor up to four of 23 different engine parameters at once, in addition to vehicle speed and braking. CarChip Pro provides an "Emissions Readiness" test under the CarChip Tools menu. The CarChip readiness test includes an oxygen sensor rating, catalyst condition, and nine other tests to verify a vehicle's readiness for emissions testing. Any malfunctions can be identified and repaired before the vehicle is tested. The California Air Resources Board reports that fifty percent of the total emissions from vehicles are the results of emissions related malfunctions (reported in "Facts About OBDII Systems Jan 2001). Most vehicle owners are eager to do their part in maintaining clean air and maximiz- 21 Technology Records Emissions, Saves Money and Lives Article provided by Davis Instruments ing fuel efficiency, even when emissions testing is not required, so consumers are very interested in this emissions data. Saving Shops and Consumers Money One of CarChip Pro's features is that it diagnoses emissions readiness and engine performance while the vehicle is being driven under normal driving conditions and not just while being tested in an emissions center. CarChip Pro records vehicle performance by time and date stamp every time the vehicle's ignition is turned on. Vehicle trouble codes and descriptions are recorded in the Trouble Log so that even a non-professional can understand the problem. CarChip Pro records up to 300 hours of continuous driving-time data before overwriting the oldest trip records. If the vehicle's "Check Engine" light comes on, CarChip Pro will provide the trouble code, a "snapshot" of engine parameters at the time, and best of all, allow the user to turn the light off. drugs, alcohol or violence but the family car. Teens have the highest crash rate per mile traveled of any age group. The problem is worst among 16 year olds, whose limited driving experience and immaturity often leads to risk-taking. (In fact, studies performed by the National Institute of Health show that the risk assessment areas of the frontal cortex of the brain do not fully develop until 25 years of age.) The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety www.iihs.org recommends that the number one thing parents can do to reduce the risk of their teen being involved in a fatal auto accident is to become more involved in monitoring their teen's driving habits. While no parent can ride along every time their teen drives the car, every parent can simply plug in a CarChip. CarChip provides parents with a way to track driver performance as well as the ability to put an audible alarm in the vehicle when speed limits (as set by the parent) are exceeded or heavy braking and hard accelerations occurred. After downloading driving data, CarChip's Trip Log highlights excessive speed and severe braking in red, making risky driving patterns very clear to teens and parents. In the event of an accident, CarChip records second-by-second speed and braking input and vehicle performance 20 seconds prior to an impact in an Accident Log. CarChip Fleet Pro® for Business Owners CarChip Fleet Pro provides business owners and Fleet Managers with an easy way to monitor vehicle performance, detect maintenance issues and implement driver safety programs. CarChip Fleet includes the additional capabilities of wireless downloads and GPS tracking to help Fleet Managers keep track of their vehicles and drivers. Automotive professionals know that worn spark plugs or a faulty oxygen sensor can reduce fuel mileage as much as 30 - 40% (see AAA Alert: "The Five to Waste Gas"). With CarChip Pro, users can actually keep an eye on spark plugs and oxygen sensors, as well as track fuel mileage and costs. Diagnostic reporting is provided through easy-to-read charts and graphs in the CarChip desktop software. CarChip Fleet Pro® is available on-line at www.carchip.com For more information on CarChip please visit www.carchip.com or call toll free, Davis Instruments Customer Service at 1- 800-678-3669 Saving Lives and Tracking Accidents The number one killer of teenagers in the U.S. is not INFORMATION FOR THE RECOGNIZED REPAIR INDUSTRY Q DECEMBER 2008 Q VERSION 8, ISSUE 15 Q AIRCHECKTEXAS.COM 30 EVOLVING INDUSTRY In Today's Digital world, how is your shop keeping up with the growing automotive trends? To the average driver, the loss of fuel economy by 10% may not be noticed until the second or third tank of gas; however the loss of 20% fuel economy is more likely to get immediate attention due to the rising price of gas. There is a direct correlation between increased exhaust emissions and increased fuel consumption. Higher emissions outputs equates to a reduction in fuel efficiency and when this occurs, the polluting motoring public ignites a domino effect, compounding emissions outputs, in other related industries. Article by: Dan Petit Petit Technical Services Auto Technical Advising & Curriculum 7COMPOUNDING EFFECT ON EMISSIONS Think about how the increase in fuel consumption impacts the refining industry and the emissions outputs by those refineries and how having to transport additional fuel creates more exhaust emissions by the shippers and transporters. And to bring this back full circle, the emissions created by manufacturers having to produce more catalytic converters and oxygen sensors to replace those ruined by insufficient services or delayed MIL illumination due to compound-complex emissions software strategies. And because automotive technicians have the capacity to instantly reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, these are some of the reasons that our jobs as well equipped and well trained technicians is a critical mission economically, environmentally and ethically. Understanding the basic laws of elementary physics; Having the proper equipment to diagnose today's vehicles; and Proper training to put it all together. Accurate automotive diagnostics have elements of these common threads. However, what sets a good tech apart from a great tech is the consistent and systematic use of these elements. Understanding how a component works isn't good enough if you're not working with the right diagnostic tools. High tech diagnostic equipment falls short of its full potential without effective training. Striking a balance between how much you know, getting a hold of the right equipment and continuing your education to keep pace with new vehicle technology is a serious challenge that plagues the automotive repair industry and the financially stressed customer. WHERE WE ARE TODAY Let's face it, the latest models rolling off the showroom floor are mobile computer processors hundreds of times faster, cleaner and smarter than their predecessors of 5 years ago. Car manufacturers pride themselves in using smart technology aimed at reliability and keeping the check engine light off. But what happens when the MIL is on and that customer is at your shop for repairs? Add to that less discretionary funding for repairs because of rising fuel costs and you've got a scenario where your customers don't have room for service priority errors. I estimate that 30% of your potential income or earnable flag hours go right back out the front door, because technicians aren’t adequately trained at performing accurate and thorough diagnostics. Once a good tech realizes that there IS a proven diagnostic system available - “good” diagnostics can turn to “very good” diagnostics and “very good” diagnostics evolve into “great” diagnostics in just a few short months. We've seen processors grow from OBDI, OBDII and now explode with CAN, but has the repair industry kept up? In today’s digital society, customers have the expectation that you will be able to fix the problem, fix it quickly, for a price that's affordable and not have to come back until their next oil change. COMMON THREADS OF DIAGNOSIS After having spent the last seven years researching the "common threads" of automotive diagnostics, I’ve concluded that there are three essential elements to effective diagnosis: Sample of Hi-Definition Diagnostic Waveforms. INFORMATION FOR THE RECOGNIZED REPAIR INDUSTRY Q DECEMBER 2008 Q VERSION 8, ISSUE 15 Q AIRCHECKTEXAS.COM 40 by ASE 40 It’s Easy Being “Green” Keep your MONEY CONSUMER NEWS Keep your MONEY from flying out the tank! When it comes to your car, here’s a few tips motorists can use to prepare their vehicles for emissions testing that can save time & money. Ignoring the signs. The check engine light is a warning sign, so don’t ignore it. If your check engine light is on, take your vehicle to a qualified emissions service facility and have it diagnosed and serviced before the inspection. Additionally, never ignore a flashing check engine light as this type of warning is an indication of engine misfiring which could result in a damaged catalytic converter. Insufficient Diagnostics. Receiving a complete and thorough diagnosis will help you target problematic areas which saves motorists time and money. Insufficient diagnostics not only costs the consumer, but also results in comebacks for repair technicians. Unfortunately, this step is often times overlooked and subsequently kicks off a series of unneccessary repairs. Throwing parts at your car. Let’s say that your check engine light is on and you’ve got an EGR Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). Do you automatically replace the EGR? No. In fact, the problem could lie in any number of spots within the entire EGR System. So to avoid spending money on unnecessary parts or repairs, get a proper diagnosis by a qualified automotive repair technician. Drive 100 miles. There is NO required mileage to drive a vehicle in order to set the monitors back to READY. Your vehicle has a specific “DRIVE CYCLE” and conditions that it must meet before it can check all the systems. Which means a 2005 Ford Taurus drive cycle will not be the same as a 2005 Nissan Sentra, so simply driving 100 miles is not a “one size fits all” solution to getting your vehicle Ready for inspection. Preventative Maintenance. Proper vehicle maintenance is the first step in ensuring that the vehicle operates efficiently and avoids major breakdowns. A poorly maintained vehicle not only produces excess emissions, it increases the cost of ownership and fuel efficiency. It's Easy Being "Green" Motorists can do their part to help the environment by practicing a few 'earth-friendly' car care habits, note the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It all comes down to timely vehicle maintenance and non-aggressive driving. Here are specific suggestions from ASE: Slow down. Speeding and hard accelerations waste gasoline. Use cruise-control on highways to maintain a steady pace. When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands. Lighten up. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight. Don't pollute. Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze/coolant, and old batteries properly. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government. Keep the engine running at its peak-a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%. Replace filters and fluids as recommended by the owner's manual. Get pumped. Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned. Under-inflated tires waste fuel by forcing the vehicle's engine to work harder. Moreover, properly maintained tires last longer, saving you money and lessening the burden at landfills. Know your limitations. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians' credentials. ASE-certified professionals have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning. Don't try this at home. Your car's air conditioner should be serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. The air conditioners in older vehicles contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which can be released into the atmosphere through improper service. Instant karma. In addition to helping the environment, routine maintenance will help your vehicle last longer, get better gas mileage, and command a higher resale price. Pretty cool. Gas Saving Tips for Your Auto These conservation tips will not only save gasoline, they'll help extend the life of your vehicle. Monitor tires. Under inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel. Remove excess weight. Less weight means better mileage. Consolidate trips and errands. Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon. Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. But turn the air conditioning off in stopand-go traffic to save fuel. Keep your engine "tuned up." A well-maintained engine operates at peak efficiency, maximizing gas mileage. INFORMATION FOR THE RECOGNIZED REPAIR INDUSTRY Q DECEMBER 2008 Q VERSION 8, ISSUE 15 Q AIRCHECKTEXAS.COM Texas Department of Public Safety Vehicle Inspection & Emissions PO Box 4087, MSC 0543 Austin TX 78773-0543 w w w. a i r c h e c k t e x a s . c o m or call 1-800-493-5486 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID AUSTIN TX PERMIT NO. 1265 INFORMATION FOR THE RECOGNIZED REPAIR INDUSTRY Q DECEMBER 2008 Q VERSION 8, ISSUE 15 Q AIRCHECKTEXAS.COM RECOGNIZEDREPAIR INSIDE Automotive Evolution Keeping pace with the evolving industry 10 Technical Resources 10 AIRCHECKTECH 10 Repair Resources ASA Contacts Emissions Repair Training Repair Data On-Line 20 Automotive Tool Technology 20 The "Ready-or-Not"tm Test Tool Innovative ways to incorporate scan tools to enhance OBDII testing and improve customer satisfaction. 21 CarChip Pro ® Is your business keeping up with the fast paced world of automotive engineering? 30 Automotive Evolution 30 Compounding Emissions 40 Consumer News 40 40 In Today's Digital world, how is your shop keeping up with the growing automotive trends? It’s Easy Being “Green” Keep your money from flying out the tank!