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March 17,2010
Technical Training
Have Training, Will Repair
Training today is more important than ever. Vehicles have changed drastically and technicians must keep up with all the new systems and components.
It seems that night course seminars and hands-on clinics are almost over. You will also find that many trainers from manufacturers are also doing a selling job on products when those at the sessions have come out to hear important information about their repair solutions. Attendees want to hear more about hitech items and results, and since many large companies are not doing training any more, they have to teach themselves or find other methods of learning about new components and solutions. There are private instructors and various colleges and technical schools across Canada in some of the provinces, but not all.
Technicians in dealerships have no problem getting the information they need, but independent technicians and repair shops have to look around carefully to find what they need and can afford. It’s getting tough. If you do come across a course you think you want to take, be sure it will give you all the information you’re looking for, length of the course, print guides, etc.
Start at the beginning
I’ve always believed it’s good practice to start with the basics, no matter what you intend to repair. Check all the wiring, all the diagrams, all the fuel, everything. You need to read all the instructions first and go from there to checking the Service Bulletins. Be sure to verify the customer’s complaint with him. If he says, “I have a funny noise in my vehicle,” you need to find out what the noise sounds like, where he thinks it’s coming from, and listen to it yourself. For instance, this happened to me with my neighbour who is an older gentleman. He told me his transmission shifter was jamming. So I had a look at it. I asked him that when he started his car did he have his foot on the brake when he shifted. He said no, why should I do that? I replied that if you don’t apply the brakes fully, you can’t engage the transmission… it’s a safety precaution.
If I hadn’t tried the shifter for myself, I would automatically have suggested that the transmission be checked. And in that particular case, there was nothing wrong with it! If you just listen to the customer, you don’t always get the correct picture! You have to try it yourself with your customer.
Service bulletins
Dealership technicians have constant access to Service Bulletins. Independent shops can get this information from AllData or Mitchell on Demand, but it comes at a cost. Another source is IATN. net that’s quite affordable but not quite as efficient. TBS—trouble-shooting bulletins can also be accessed at AllData and Mitchell.
Another important item for your shop is the scanner! Remember, one scanner doesn’t do everything! You need to update your scanner continuously and it’s wise to have a training session with the manufacturer of the scanner.
No more trial and error
In addition, you can get tech information from the various auto manufacturers—but at a cost! Trial and error doesn’t work well any more… many newer models cannot be diagnosed in that manner—you have to have the correct procedures to repair them.
A successful independent repair shop has skillful, educated, and professional technicians in the bays. These people must also have the fundamental skill of being able to ask good questions of the customer and to listen to him. This is a necessity in today’s business world and includes the counter person, the service advisor as well as the tech. Communication is all part of training, and training is paramount today!
Pierre Bissonnette was the technical instructor for a major aftermarket manufacturer. He holds a teaching certifi cate in andragogy – which is the art and science of helping adults, whose general education has been cut short, in their learning process. | |
Pierre Bissonnette
