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This episode’s featured guest is Mr. Matt Haugh who is the Light Vehicle Test Development Director at ASE. Matt is the lead on ASE’s upcoming credential covering Advanced Driver Assistance Systems otherwise known as ADAS. Matt joins us...

  This episode’s featured guest is Ben Cruz who is the Director of the Center for Advanced Automotive Technology (CAAT) at Macomb Community College (MCC) in Warren Michigan. Ben discusses with Scott his lengthy career as an engineer with GM which started out through an internship at the Mesa Proving grounds in Arizona. The discussion is primarily focused on the new Vehicle Engineering Technician Degree program he designed and is now being offered at Macomb. This new program will provide the graduate with additional skills which includes coding, cyber-security, artificial intelligence, and more. The demands for skills like this are coming due to the influx of advanced technologies being deployed on vehicles. Recall: 21V-215, https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCLRPT-21V215-7054.PDF -  American Honda Motor Co. is recalling 628,124 vehicles ranging from Model year 2018 - 2020. Vehicles being recalled are equipped with fuel pump modules containing impellers produced during specific periods under specific circumstances (lower density impellers exposed to production solvent drying for longer periods of time) may swell and either break or cause the pump to lock up resulting in a no-run condition. Case Study from Diagnostic Network: 2017 Ford F-150 Remote Start inoperative along with an excessive parasitic electrical load. https://diag.net/msg/m94qqw4p3of00gfkmp00d07i19 (https://diag.net/msg/m94qqw4p3of00gfkmp00d07i19) Tech Tip on QR Codes on GM Vehicles https://diag.net/msg/m77gobjc6cu5pjv482o10ylyn6/ https://gm-techlink.com/?p=9801 Industry Events: The IGO of North Carolina is hosting the Automotive Service Technology Expo in Cary NC, September 24-25, https://asteshow.com (https://asteshow.com/) MACS Training Event and Trade Show, MOBILE AIR CLIMATE SYSTEMS ASSOCIATION, September 30 - October 2, Orlando FL, https://macsmobileairclimate.org (https://macsmobileairclimate.org/) Automotive Service Association - ASA, CARS Executive Outlook, November 1, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas NV, https://asashop.org (https://asashop.org/) AAPEX - SEMA, November 2-5, Las Vegas NV, https://www.aapexshow.com (https://www.aapexshow.com/),

This episode’s featured guest is Mr. Steve Ford, A.K.A. “The Car Guy”, who joins us to provide some perspective on the state of the service industry and to take us through some of the historic changes that took place in the '80s regarding the U.S. educational system. Scott found his observations very interesting and suspects that you will as well. Recalls: GM is recalling approximately 3.4M truck chassis vehicles for pass air bag inflators. There are three separate recalls: 21V-050 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCLRPT-21V050-2792.PDF), 21V-051 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCLRPT-21V051-7073.PDF), and 21V-052 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCLRPT-21V051-7073.PDF), covering model years 2007-2012. Case Study: Bob Powell from Springfield Mass writes about a Start-Stop equipped vehicle that he recently addressed with DTC’s P3055 & P3056. Case Study link (https://diag.net/msg/m1l5uss4x29ea876do3ib2r5iu). Industry Update: The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting has been changed up for 2021 with two meetings, the virtual meeting will be held over the course of two weeks: April 12-15; 19-23 Mon-Thur both weeks. https://tmcannual.trucking.org (https://tmcannual.trucking.org) (https://tmcannual.trucking.org)The Automotive Service Association (ASA) X50 Virtual Automotive Conference & Expo will be taking place on April 30th-May 1st visit https://ASAx50.com (https://ASAx50.com) for more information.The Automotive Training Institute 2021 SuperConference is May 5-8 at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Florida Visit Autotraining.net (http://Autotraining.net) for registration information.The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) Tool Tech Event will be a combination Virtual and In-person event on May 24 - 27 in Austin Texas. Visit https://etools.org (https://etools.org) for registration. The event will be co-hosted with the Automotive Maintenance Repair Association (AMRA) and the National Automotive Service Task Force NASTF meeting.Additionally, the NASTF General Meeting Webinar will be held on Monday evening. Visit https://NASTF.org (http://NASTF.org) for more info.

Mr. David Aylor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) joins Scott Brown to discuss vehicle active safety systems and how they are assessed at IIHS. The two discuss current safety systems, their effectiveness, and expand on...

Mr. Donny Seyfer joins Scott Brown to provide an update on the National Automotive Service Task Force's (NASTF) new website, the new Service Information Request (SIR) system, vehicle security professional resources, and upcoming features for NASTF members. Recalls: 20V-746 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V746-3838.PDF) & 20V-759 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V759-6251.PDF) - Hyundai is recalling approximately 130,000 vehicles due to a potential failure of a connecting rod bearing that could result in a catastrophic event. If a connecting rod were to break, it could breach the engine block leading to a loss of propulsion and a potential vehicle fire. Nissan is recalling approximately 7,500 2020 Nissan Titans. These vehicles are subject to a short circuit within part of the engine wiring harness due to a harness assembly error. The short is internal to the wiring harness where grounded shielding within the harness could saw its way into another circuit. Case Study: Bob from Bob Powell’s Auto Repair out of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts posted to Diagnostic Network about how to perform a Manual Relearn on Chrysler and Jeep APP sensors when the scan tool fails to successfully perform this process. He provided two great examples of how crucial this step is in successfully repairing vehicles that have undergone APP or throttle actuator service. Case Study link (https://diag.net/msg/m4033i26hw4lgndk5yu1lo0fhk). Industry Update: PTEN, MotorAge, ABRN, and VehicleServicePros.com will be presenting the Vehicle Repair Virtual Training Summit starting Wednesday, January 20, offering on-demand access to 40+ training courses for 45-days at one low price. Visit vehicleservicepros.com/virtualtrainingsummit (vehicleservicepros.com/virtualtrainingsummit) to register. The 2021 Virtually Vision Training & Expo is taking place March 2-4 and March 9-11. Visit VISIONKC.COM (VISIONKC.COM) for more information. VehicleServicePros.com is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

This episode’s featured guest is Bob Pattengale, the technical systems manager at OPUS IVS (https://www.opusivs.com/). Bob has been involved with training for most of his professional career and has purposely charged himself with staying on top of the latest technology. He recently joined the OPUS IVS team after a lengthy run with Bosch serving in their technical training department. In his current role, he’s tasked with managing ADAS support for their customers. Bob and I have been colleagues for well over a decade and He recently dropped by my shop in Southern California where we sat down for a discussion on Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) service. Recalls: 20V-682 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V682-3280.PDF), 20E-026 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20E026-9188.PDF), & 20E-085 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20E085-9538.PDF) - There are a significant number of in-tank electric fuel pumps in the marketplace with potential problems. One of these recalls was first surfaced in episode 2 last year with Toyota/Lexus under recall 20V-012 potentially involving just under 700,000 vehicles. In June of 2020, Denso International issued an equipment recall potentially involving 2.1M parts under recall # 20E-026 In November of 2020, two extension recalls were issued to both of these recalls. According to those numbers, there are potentially 4.3M fuel pumps with a defect. All three Safety Recall Reports are related to Denso Fuel Pumps. Case Study: Justin, a mobile technician in Utah, discusses an issue with a 2001 Dodge 1500's P0031 code, which presents as a front O2 sensor heater failure. He explains how he was able to seek out the correct calibration by looking up the VIN and programming the PCM. Case Study link (https://diag.net/msg/m5hyh9o63rs5h61eght07f4g71). Industry Update: PTEN, MotorAge, ABRN, and VehicleServicePros.com will be presenting the Vehicle Repair Virtual Training Summit starting Wednesday, January 20, offering on-demand access to 40+ training courses for 45-days at one low price. Visit vehicleservicepros.com/virtualtrainingsummit (vehicleservicepros.com/virtualtrainingsummit) to register. The 2021 Virtually Vision Training & Expo is taking place March 2-4 and March 9-11. Visit VISIONKC.COM (VISIONKC.COM) for more information. VehicleServicePros.com (https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/) is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

This episode’s featured guest is Joe Register who is the Vice President of Emerging Technologies at the Auto Care Association. Joe is here to shed some light on the recent ballot initiative in Massachusetts which passed with extreme margins in the November 3rd, general elections extending the Right to Repair framework to address new technologies around wireless communications and more. Recalls: 20V-701 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V701-2513.PDF) - 2017 - 2018 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity. Case Study: Sam, a mobile technician in Flint, Michigan, lines out a runs through an issue with a 2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that left its owner stranded thanks to a potentially faulty set of keys. Sam explains how a decoration could have been the culprit the entire time after running through a series of resolutions. Case Study link (https://diag.net/msg/maes656fbuw77z1s476823hta5). Industry Update: Leading automotive industry organizations from across the U.S. have joined together to create a new training event, Professional Automotive Virtual Education (PAVE), which promises to be the ultimate virtual training event for automotive professionals. The PAVE Training event is powered by CARQUEST Technical Institute (CTI), Worldpac, and Worldpac Training Institute (WTI). The virtual training will take place over three days beginning Friday, Jan. 8, and will run through Sunday, Jan. 10. Shops will enjoy the best and top trainers in the industry teaching more than 30 live training sessions. Additionally, the VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo has announced its 2021 event will transition from an in-person event to a virtual event. The six-day training event will span across two weeks, consuming three days each week. The event starts on Tuesday, March 2nd, and will conclude on Thursday, March 11th. Visit VISIONKC.COM (VISIONKC.COM) for more information. Kick off the new year with an exceptional training opportunity you won’t want to miss. The Vehicle Repair Virtual Training Summit offers a broad library of 40+ training programs right at your fingertips, featuring technical and management-related content, industry roundtable discussions, and product information from leading vendors. Brought to you by the experts connected to our trusted brands – Motor Age, PTEN, ABRN, and Vehicle Service Pros – and our valuable industry partners, the Vehicle Repair Training Summit features a unique opportunity to learn about a variety of topics at your own pace. Register today for one low rate and gain access to more than 40 classes available for 45 days. https://endeavor.swoogo.com/virtualtrainingsummit (https://endeavor.swoogo.com/virtualtrainingsummit) VehicleServicePros.com (https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/) is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

This episode’s featured guest is Dr. Mark Quarto with Quarto Technical Services. Mark is a subject matter expert on advanced vehicle propulsion systems and technologies. Scott Brown and Mark Quarto discuss Tesla and review the recent Battery Day event, Tesla’s electric machines, and how they differ from the rest of the market, and also discuss Tesla as a vehicle manufacturer and some of the advantages they have over legacy automakers. The two also discuss the knowledge and skills tomorrow's technician will need to address these advanced powertrains. Recalls: 20V-512 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCRIT-20V512-9317.pdf) - 2018- 2020 Dodge Charger Police/Intercept Vehicles Equipped with Stealth Mode Rear Visibility Default View. * Case Study: Bernie, a diagnostician in Albuquerque, New Mexico, runs through a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze misfire with repeat ignition coil failures (https://diag.net/msg/m1ftl3l3oz50efood1o1jutblz). Bernie discussed how he established the issue and quickly set about finding a resolution. * Industry Update: Leading automotive industry organizations from across the U.S. have joined together to create a new training event, Professional Automotive Virtual Education (PAVE) (https://pavetraining.com), which promises to be the ultimate virtual training event for automotive professionals. The PAVE Training event is powered by CARQUEST Technical Institute (CTI), Worldpac, and Worldpac Training Institute (WTI). The virtual training will take place over three days beginning Friday, Jan. 8, and will run through Sunday, Jan. 10. Shops will enjoy the best and top trainers in the industry teaching more than 30 live training sessions.Additionally, the VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo has announced its 2021 event will transition from an in-person event to a virtual event. The six-day training event will span across two weeks, consuming three days each week. The event starts on Tuesday, March 2nd, and will conclude on Thursday, March 11th. Visit VISIONKC.COM for more information. A word from this program’s sponsor, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY: Shops everywhere are shifting into high gear with NextGear. BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s game-changing tools are now available to any shop, anytime, anywhere. So every automotive professional can tap into BOLT ON’s digital vehicle inspections, two-way texting, and advanced appointment setting tools with just a smartphone or tablet. No additional equipment is needed. Plus the SecondGear Text to Pay feature is included to NextGear customers at no extra cost. At BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, their gears never stop turning. Learn more at www.NextGearNow.com. VehicleServicePros.com (https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/) is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

This episode’s featured guest is a great friend and long-time colleague: Mark Warren. Mark is a training manager at the Worldpac Technical Institute. Scott Brown takes part in a wide-ranging discussion of topics with Mark spanning technology, education, training during COVID-19, and the power of networking. The pair also travel through the past and pay tribute to an incredible inventor, instructor, and an awesome human being: Mr. Mac VandenBrink. Mac recently passed away, but had a significant impact on the automotive trade. His accomplishments in the industry are discussed during the show. * Recalls: 20V-489 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V489-9407.PDF) - 2020 Corvette Trunk Release and BCM Reprogram. 20V-475 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V475-5390.PDF) FCA Vehicles - 3.0L Diesel Engine CKP signal lost - reprogram controller. * Case Study: Michael, an owner/technician in Clinton, Utah, shares a diagnostic quandary he experienced with a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe (https://diag.net/msg/m4q1o9uxled9nptq1ragdwvyna/). The vehicle was unable to be reprogrammed due to a server error. Michael recounted how he uses the vehicle’s built-in network breakout access point to bypass misbehaving network devices to complete the necessary programming operations. * Industry Update: Another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic: Industry Week in Las Vegas will not take place in person in 2020. AAPEX, along with SEMA, is going virtual during the 1st week of November. Visit AAPEXSHOW.COM and/or sema360.com for more information. A word from this program’s sponsor, Gray Manufacturing: Gray Manufacturing’s position as a market leader of professional shop and lifting equipment comes from the innovation and quality we demand from our American-made products. We’re still open, and our vertically-integrated manufacturing is here to support your team as you support the trucking industry during this critical time. Call us at 800-821-7320 or visit GrayUSA.com today. VehicleServicePros.com (https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/) is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

This episode’s featured guest is Professor Ken Mays from Central Oregon Community College. He is one of the principals behind a nearly $900k grant that was awarded by the National Science Foundation in 2017. This grant is tasked with studying the needs for service standards around vehicle electrification and other advanced propulsion systems. Scott Brown engages in a conversation around what the future holds for vehicle technology and what impact it will have on service. He will also discuss future grants and how colleges and businesses can work together under these programs. * Recalls: 20V-332 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V332-1472.PDF) – 2014-2017 Ford F-150s with leaking brake master cylinders. 20V-346 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V346-7731.PDF) – 2020 Mazda Mazda3 and CX-30 improper brake calipers mounting, under torqued fasteners. * Case Study: Bill, an owner/technician in Jackson, Michigan, shares a recent diagnostic dilemma he had with a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze (https://diag.net/msg/m3gx2h2ils4vyy8ljjdp5f9q6a) with the 1.4L RPO-LUV with DTC’s P0325 & P0326 both related to Knock Sensors. The vehicle also had poor performance at times. with a check engine light and intermittent poor performance. He detailed how he was able to repair the engine's upper timing chain guide bolts, re-torque them, and help the customer silence frustrating engine noises and lights. * Industry Update: Another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic: Industry Week in Las Vegas will not take place in person in 2020. AAPEX, along with SEMA, is going virtual during the 1st week of November. Visit AAPEXSHOW.COM and/or sema360.com for more information. VehicleServicePros.com (https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/) is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

In this episode of Torque Factor, Michael Ingvardsen from Nissens Automotive joins Scott Brown for a conversation about modern A/C systems and the different service challenges newer vehicles present over their predecessors. Scott also catches up with Donny Seyfer, manager of NASTF, for an update on service issues NASTF is involved with and what new features the group has in their pipeline for security related vehicle issues. * Recalls: 20V-197 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V197-6278.PDF) – Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a “police” package in which the transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated. 19V-814 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCLRPT-19V814-4342.PDF) – GM is recalling over 550,000 2019-2020 Silverado’s due to a potential fire under the seats if a collision occurs resulting in the seatbelt pretensioner activation. * Case study: Matthew Potter from Elmsdale Automotive posted “Attention to Details!” on Diagnostic Network. This case study covers a diagnostic challenge he had when performing an engine swap (https://diag.net/msg/m672e3xqhadajr31su3ob15qwe) on a 2010 Dodge Ram. * Events: ASA NORTHWEST is hosting the Virtual Automotive Training Expo (https://atetrainingexpo.com) (ATE) on August 3-6. VehicleServicePros.com (https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/) is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).  

The proliferation of electronics on automobiles over the past 30+ years will continue to present challenges for technicians well into the future. When these parts fail, and replacement parts become more difficult to obtain, what can be done? In this episode of Torque Factor, host Scott Brown talks with Jorge Menchu from AESwave and Matt Fanslow with Riverside Automotive who share how the modern technician can gain the skills needed to address these challenges head on. * Recalls: 20V-314 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V314-4001.PDF) – 135,995 Acura and Honda 2018-2019 model year vehicles are equipped with potentially defective fuel pumps. 20V-334 (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCLRPT-20V334-8125.PDF) – All 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicles built between August 2016 and June 2020. Some vehicles have experienced fires originating at the B+ pass-through post behind the driver’s seat. * Case study: Michael Christopherson, a mobile diagnostic technician, shares a recent challenge he had with a 24-year-old Mercedes-Benz and a used ECU (https://diag.net/msg/m2b2soarp2xasquwio35fjfkrv) and how he was able to use his electronics knowledge and expertise to overcome a challenge and get the vehicle back out on the road. * Training: COVID-19 and how training providers have been delivering webinar-based content. VehicleServicePros.com (https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/) is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: [email protected].