Website Designed & Created by Scott "Gonzo" Weaver 2010.
GONZO'S TOOL BOX
Knowledge VIDEOS , GAMES,
TECHNICAL ARTICLES...
Dune Buggy
Car parking challenge.
Rally Racer
Biplane dogfight
golf awesome HD ---(sign in required)
Need something to do until it's quiting time....
Sky golf
 | ||||||
Governor Poker
More Funny Videos
Can you answer these car related questions? (answers below)
1/ Name the first production car to have "full" electronic/computer driven injection system.
2/ First year that trucks used a differential rather than a chain driven axle.
3/ What was the first VW to have disc brakes.
4/ The all time production car produced.
5/ Besides being the founder of Ford Motor Company.... what else did Henry Ford invent.
6/ Which manufacturer had right and left handed lug nuts.
7/ First American manufacturer to offer seat belts and air bags.
1. 74 type 4 Volkswagen 2. 1914 3. 66 type 3 4. Toyota Corolla 5. Charcoal 6. Mopar 7. Chrylser late 50's early 60's
Can do CAN:
A simple look at a complex system: Controller Area Network: CAN
Ever wonder how your cable TV comes into your home on that single coaxial cable? In simple terms… it’s like a CAN system. A good definition of a CAN system would be: High speed communication sent via data lines to and from components. Just like your cable TV, as a signal is sent down the wire from one communication device there needs to be another at the other end that can “descramble” that information and turn it into readable information. These “lines” are generally referred to as BUS lines, or Data lines.
Most of the time they are in pairs of two wires that are twisted together (less RF interference). Some manufacturers use a 2 speed CAN. One line is for low priority information such as radio, windows, etc… and a faster 2nd speed for things like transmission, theft, etc… both system moves along the same wires at the same time. What each of the “modules” that are on the BUS line do is only use the information that they are programmed to read all else is just ignored and not read by that particular module.
What to expect:
The direction of these CAN systems are not going to go away, they’re with us for now and most likely even more complicated in the future. Scanning is the key to working with these systems. Proper scanners and not just a “code reader” is the necessary tool to see these “TV” channels on your little screen (your scanner). A dealer equivalent scanner is the best way to “look” at these systems. Mode $06 is another option but one thing you don’t want to do any more is stab a wire with a test light looking for current or ground… it ain’t there.
Imagine stabbing your test light into your cable TV line. What do you think you would find there, nothing that a test light would help with. Also, I don’t advise sending voltage or a solid ground down a data line. Would you try that with that coaxial cable coming into your house, I think not..! My advice when it comes to diagnosing power windows, gauges, or for that matter just about anything these days. Get your scanner out and look for codes, look for a class 2 serial data line on your GM, read the mode $06 information, and or whatever that particular manufacturer is calling their CAN line information. These data information screens will give you the clues as to what to be looking for. The next stop is to your PC and look up the wiring diagrams. Codes are only a starting point; remember… you still have to diagnose the cause of that code and what it means.
Here is an example:
03 Cadillac DHS
If you used the driver’s side window switch the driver’s window and the passenger front window would go down simultaneously and would go up the same way. If you tried the front passenger window switch nothing happened at all. The driver’s side rear window switch from the driver’s door switch if pushed would operate both the rear windows exactly like the front set. The car was clean, well kept and had no signs of any recent damage. As far as the owner knew there was nothing out of the ordinary that might hint at a possible reason for this strange window fiasco.
Scanning the car led to several history codes that could be related and some codes that couldn’t be related to the problem, that is until I went to the class 2 serial data line information. It listed where the trouble was at… corrupted information and loss of communication on the BUS. Looking at the four door modules showed that the scanner couldn’t communicate with either passenger side modules. Using the scanner to operate the windows without having to move the switches showed no difference between the scanner and the actual window switch from the driver’s door. Pulling the prints showed that the serial data lines ran from door to door and back to the BCM. There were no obvious wiring issues to be concerned with but I did notice several slight whitish droplets dried onto the inside of the door. It looked to me like “Bondo” or sanding dust mixed with water. But the owner knew nothing of any body work ever done to the car. Opening the FPDM and examining the circuit board showed no water damage. With the data lines showing no communication with the modules and the wiring looking perfect the next best thing was to change the FPDM and RRDM (Front Passenger Door Module, Right Rear Door Module).
It worked like a charm. After replacing the modules I went back into the scanner to see if the communication had been restored, sure enough it was… another job out the door
.
I never picked up a test light like I would have on an older car and I didn’t have to pull out the old trusty tap hammer and start banging around till something moved. Using the scanner and the CAN lines showed where to go to make the repair.
History lesson:
1983 Bosch Corporation introduced the CAN system to the world as a preparation to what they saw as an increase in the automotive electrical system advancements. In 1987 the first CAN system was officially called “CAN” but it wasn’t till 1992 Mercedes Benz that a CAN system was accepted as the true first CAN system. Early GM’s had a system that could have been called CAN back in 1987 but the only references were to call the lines “data lines”. It still worked about the same way but wasn’t diagnosed the same way as we do today.
1995 GM introduced Class 2 serial data lines which run at a speed of 10.4 kbps. In 2004 Gm went to their next generation system called GMLAN (local area network) which had a 2 speed system: low 33.3 Kbps and a high at 500 Kbps. Mercedes Benz uses several BUS lines; on one car I counted 5 different CAN speeds.
Closing: With the speed and flexibility of these electronic systems the manufacturers can create in today’s cars I can only imagine how far all this information is going to go. It could be at some point in time that wiring will be a thing of the past too. Everything in the car could someday go completely wireless; modules will get smaller, faster and less likely to failure. Scanning could be done without even seeing the car in a repair shop. Just dial your cel phone to your shop of choice and a complete diagnostics could be done right then.
I know it sounds a little “out there” but just imagine what a mechanic from the 50’s would think of today’s cars.
Gonzo 2010
Diagnostics fee or Diagnostics free
This has been an issue since day one. Should we charge to diagnose the car or should the estimate be free. Let’s define an estimate first.
What is an estimate?
An estimate is a list of all the parts and labor involved in making a repair. With the possibilities of adding supplements to the original estimate if other work is deemed necessary after the initial work has started.
Ok that’s an estimate, or is it…? Let’s try this again.
What is an estimate?
It’s a guess……. With the chance that I might get it right but more than likely the final bill will be different than what was original “estimated” at.
Hmm, the two definitions are different but at the same time mean the same thing… What about the diagnostic side? Ok, how about that… that diagnostic thing.
What is a diagnostic?
It is the process in which a technician is able to determine the cause or failure of a piece of equipment, vehicle, or appliance.
Did ya get that? … One more time …
What is a diagnostic?
It is the process used to determine the root cause of a given mechanical or electrical problem that has become an issue with a vehicle, appliance or piece of equipment.
Sounds the same doesn’t it…. hmm, maybe we are getting to the real issue… MONEY
The diagnostics may take some time, may even require a few sophisticated scanners, wiring diagrams, and tools. Time is money as we all know, of course, knowledge, expertise and experience is a commodity that should always be respected no matter what field you are in. A service charge for such “diagnostics” is essential in the continuing financial stability of a shop or for that matter… any service oriented business.
Once the diagnostics has been completed an “estimate” can then be given to the customer for their approval. This should also be noted that if a “diagnostics” is preformed and the problem turns out to be “intermittent” or none exciting a fee still applies. The time has already been spent to figure out that there was nothing wrong. That brings up another touchy issue. For some reason the customer feels cheated if you charge for nothing found… now wait a minute, how was it determined that nothing was wrong… ah…the diagnostics lead to that result. Then the problem isn’t the problem anymore, it’s the time spent looking for the problem that is the problem. To ease the customer’s woes you could always give them a time table for future re-evaluations. (30 days is a good round number) Note; It wouldn’t be the first time I have diagnosed a car for a customer only to find out that their complaint is from lack of understanding of their vehicle or dare I say… their just another fruit basket behind the wheel.
Now I’m not in favor of a free diagnostics (if you couldn’t tell already) and I’m not too fond of the free estimate. If there is any “man hours” that are part of any job a “man” wants paid. If that “man” is working on a commission basis, I can assure you that he is going to rush through the “estimate” in order to get to the real money end of the job.
However a diagnostic is a totally different thing, I don’t think I could have made a living without charging for the time it takes to figure out some of the strange pr oblems I’ve encountered over the years. Some things were easy to diagnose, some took hours. But I believe it’s the standardization of a diagnostic charge that would make things a lot easier for the customers to understand the complexities of today’s problem evaluations.
If a tech couldn’t figure out a problem in a reasonable length of time … say an hour… then it’s quite possible the shop is going to be losing money if they kept him on that job. The next best thing would be to move him off that job. Put another tech on who might be able to figure out the problem in a reasonable amount of time. Of course, the shop is already behind the 8 ball, since the first tech didn’t get the job done, but in the long run… it will get done, there will be an estimate for the customer explaining the repairs needed.
I don’t know which is more of a problem, the shops out there not willing to charge for estimating… Oops I mean diagnostic time… or the customer who doesn’t feel that it’s a necessary part of the process. Then again, these are not yesterday’s cars.
It’s about time there were some standards that everyone in the industry had to go by, be it from the independent side or the dealer side. Regulation or self imposed limits as to how much can be charged across the board for various levels of diagnostics. Not to say diagnosing a bad ball joint is easier than a battery drain, no, not at all. Each field in the industry would have to come up with a balanced set of standards that those involved could agree was a fair price for that type of service. If all the independent shops charge the same fees in a demographic area it would lead to a more even playing field for the customer. Maybe, we should think about using a different term rather than “independent”… we can be independent in ownership, style, quality, etc… but put the customer’s concerns up front. If I wasn’t in the business and didn’t know where to take my car I would really would like to know that I’m getting quality work done at a fair price at any shop I went to. If there was a way to put an end to the “I can get it done cheaper down the street” escapades… my drive home would be a whole lot more pleasant than in the past. .
If that didn’t happen it then only comes down to a question of where to have the vehicle repaired at. Everyone has their favorite doctor, dentist, or restaurant. Which is probably based on location, atmosphere, or “ya just like that particular place”. Price is always an issue, and probably always will be. If you’re not getting the job done right at the shop of your choice… choose another one. How many times a day does your phone ring because you have some “price shopper” who is never coming to your shop because your price is higher than the last shop they called… even though they were referred by a friend to call you.
Maybe we should focus on better instructional classes, more information, and true manufacturer level scanners available to the independent side of the business. Sometimes too much effort is put on the “Be nice to the customer”, or the preverbal “Customer is always right” routine. The old saying; “If the customer knew what was wrong they would have fixed it themselves” still holds true today. But I’m talking about telling them what’s wrong with the vehicle, not how to fix it. With the advent of the computer age upon us the car has become a rolling updateable, flash reprogramming software jungle of information. The cost of these specialized scanners puts them out of the range of most consumers, and a lot of small shops, which, in some ways, also places the shade tree mechanic on the endangered species list.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the same line from a customer’s after I have diagnosed a problem. “Well, I could have done that myself, I would have looked there for the problem if I had the time, and I don’t know why you’re charging me for something so simple. You should give a break on the price because it was so simple. “Hey, I’m a regular customer I should be getting a discount.” My usual answer is… “So if you knew what was wrong, why did you bring it to me to figure it out?” And, I’m not sure that other professional people you deal with such as a doctor, dentist, or the grocer…etc… is going to give you a discount just because you shop with them on a regular basis.
Common sense, the largest lacking component in all of these situations… In my opinion, once common sense is removed from the conversation “stupid” takes its place. I wonder if I could estimate how many times this has happened… maybe so… but I better think about diagnosing it first…
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
That shade tree is getting old
Is it fair to say that the shade tree mechanic is a thing of the past…? I think so, that is if we are talking about today’s modern cars that we all drive and depend on, and we are trying to get a car repaired by your next door neighbor who is “pretty good at fixing cars”. But, that doesn’t mean you won’t see a 68 Camaro or a Model T up on blocks in some guys’ garage. I think that will be there for a long, long time.
The American shade tree mechanic is now an “antique”. Years ago it wasn’t uncommon that a relative in the family was known as the “guy” to go to if you had car problems. In some instances that shade tree relative still exists. But don’t count on it being the norm these days. Today’s cars are so complicated and so much more electronically advanced that you’re not going to be able to repair them without a lot of expensive equipment. Which, by the way, depending on the type of vehicle…. might even be as obsolete as the cars themselves. The one thing to keep in mind is that the manufacturers ambition is to sell cars, the independent shop or in this case the “shade tree mechanic” is trying to make the car last longer. Which is counterproductive to what the manufacturer is trying to do. So it makes sense that technician has a hard time keeping up with the changes. In other words … why else would the manufacturer be so hesitant about handing out the latest greatest scanners and tools required to maintain their cars. (self preservation)
This is probably the leading factor in the evolution of the shade tree mechanic. Not to say the early pioneering shade tree mechanic didn’t come up with some innovative way to repair or improve on an existing technology. He did, and that could happen even in our modern times. However, it’s not wrenches and screwdrivers anymore, it’s laptops and software. Tuning a car with timing light was yesterday, going through a crank angle relearn procedure with a scanner is today. Hey, that’s the times, that’s the way it is. For me, I’m an old salt of a mechanic now, back in my younger days I would grab a dwell meter and a timing light along with my specially sized screwdrivers specifically designed to get into those tight distributor housings and carburetor’s adjustments. I would listen to the engine; let it tell me what to do. Sometimes you would have to make a little tweak or slight adjustment from the “factory” numbers to compensate for a weak cylinder or internal part wear. You might even have to adjust for altitude or octane. There was always something to do under the hood that made the mechanic essential to be there rather than behind a computer screen. The day of the adjustable engine parameters for the sake of argument… have gone into the history books. The computer has taken over and there isn’t much use for those old tools and techniques today. I still keep them in a drawer near the bottom of my tool box. Each year they keep getting shoved further and further back into a corner. Oh, probably someday I’ll get them out, knock the dust off of them, get all nostalgic and tell those old war stories to that young tech standing next to me. I’m sure he probably looks a lot like I did when I was his age. All that young, fresh attitude, eager to learn and wanting to know more and more about cars. He probably looks a lot like me when the old mechanic I learned the trade from pulled out his “growler” and showed me how to test generators with it. (Now am showing my age….)
Let’s face it, change is a good thing. Cars will always evolve and become more and more sophisticated than they are now. Can you imagine the cars of say… 30 years from now?? Customers, or should we call them “vehicle occupants” of the future still will need some sort of service performed on their mode of transportation.
The idea that cars will drive themselves is still a possibility. Will the cars of the future run on something other than fossil fuel… sure why not, we’re almost there with the hydrogen systems. Will car accidents be a thing of the past …. Good luck with that one. Could it be that the car can fix their selves… maybe, maybe not, but… who’s to say… it’s all in the future…when we get there, we’ll be able to answer those questions.
My personal take on all this new fangled electronic-self driving-accident avoidance-fix it themselves vehicles is quite simple…..man made them. They’ll break….they always do, nothing last forever. Even Mother Nature hasn’t grown anything that hasn’t died, so I guess the same holds true with the shade tree mechanic. Sooner or later he will pass into the history books.
Don’t give up on those wrenches too soon though…. We’re not quite there yet. But I would suggest that you keep one eye towards the future. It’s coming…..
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Growing Alligator skin
If there is one thing I find hard to deal with in this topsy turvy world of the auto repair business is the way some people will react when they are at the repair shop. It’s the way they conduct their selves at the shop when it comes time to get their car repaired.
Over the years I’ve been praised, and degraded. I’ve been called a saint and I’ve been called the devil (or worse). I’ve heard the shouting and the stuff I probably wasn’t suppose to hear (walls don’t always block sound you know). After awhile you’ve heard it all before, and the attitudes that you see at the front desk become a part of the daily grind. Coping with all this is what I call; “growing alligator skin”. I try not to take things so personal, I’ll let the alligator skin handle it, and then take off my protective coat before I get back home to the wife and kids.
What gives with the need for such a thing as “alligator skin”? I believe there a several factors inherent to the automotive industry that brings on this crocodile coat of protection.
Mistrust of the automotive repair world in general is what I believe is the number one factor. But what brings on that mistrust? … Is it the incompetent mechanic? I doubt that is always the case. Is it the money out of their pockets which they were not expecting when they drove down the road to the repair shop? I believe it’s more in the hands of the unknowing consumer who reads and watches to many evening news reports on the unscrupulous business practices of the few out there that really are rip offs and not the normal operations of countless decent shops in this country.
If you tie that into the other part of the equation it starts to make some sense. What is that other part? … The customer, their car, and what they do or don’t do with their family transportation.
As I try to tell my customers; “Maintenance on a new car doesn’t do much to the value of the car or its current condition. It’s when it’s older and the miles are creeping up that all the previous maintenance pays off”. The inevitable degrading condition of the car doesn’t happen all at once, it takes time and miles for that to happen. And, sometimes some old failures will cause new failures to occur.
“General Maintenance” isn’t a guy in the Army reserves… it’s something we all need to do. But it is almost always overlooked. And a lot of times we will avoid or put it off, till it’s too late. That’s when the raised voices or mistrust starts at the service counter and that alligator skin becomes a necessity again.
Of course, there are always those TV scammers that will try to tell you they have the latest greatest product to aide in the diagnosing of your vehicle. And let’s not forget about the internet and the “wonderful” sources of information out there that the customer will no doubt inform you about when they show up with a complaint.
I’m sure there are doctors, lawyers, and many other professional trades that know who’s the best and the worst in their field. We sometimes here about those on the evening news, just not as often as the car repair business seems to be focused on. But cars are needed by everyone, no matter what the condition. Think about it, you may not need a lawyer tomorrow morning to get to work, but I’ll bet you need your car.
Educating the customer should start from the time they sign on the dotted line and purchase their vehicle. No recourse is given to educate the new owner on what needs to be done in the future with their new found horsepower. It’s up to the owner to deal with the maintenance issues and any repairs that come up. I personally have never bought a car and had the salesman walk over to me and mention… “Now you know, you’ll need to set some money aside for general maintenance and the usual break downs.” But without the needed “know-how” the car is left to its own demise and the maintenance is left for another day. So, once you add up all these factors there is only one thing that is going to happen at the repair shop….a disgruntled owner with an issue about their car.
Now we are back to the original problem, how do you deal with all of this? Start with a bit of Alligator skin, be prepared for the customer to tell you their life story about their car. They’re going to tell you what they think no matter what you say or do. Let them get it out and keep your alligator skin intact. Stay calm, but professional.
Most of the time, if you explain the diagnostic procedures and the results of the repair in terms that they can understand. Things will go a lot smoother. Sometimes I might have to go thru it a few times but it’s worth the effort.
So the key to this whole ordeal is to do a good job, be prepared to back up what you do with an explanation that can be understand by the typical driver. As long as you do that you can keep your wits about you and you won’t lose too much skin for your efforts. But keep in mind; it can be a little rough around the water’s edge. You may have to stand your ground and make your point known. Keep it as calm as possible and explain as best as possible.
These issues usually don’t apply to the person who keeps up with their maintenance schedules or comes in on a regular basis. They understand the need and respect the work you do. It’s the ones that only show up when their car has reached the water’s edge and can’t go an inch further without falling into the crocodile infested water. They will stammer around trying to find a way to get their car repaired without stepping off into the deep end and risk losing money, time, and their temper. We’ve all been there… and we can all understand the problems involved.
Let’s not forget….. Explaining things can only go so far. You don’t want to have to resort to their tactics… that’s not good business.
But, remember one thing, the customer is still dealing with an alligator… and they can bite back if they’re not careful.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
