MATTE BLACK AND BLUE PREMIUM TOOL CARTS
KTI75152 NEW Premium 4 Drawer Cart
500 lb Capacity
+ 4 locking drawers and roller bearing slides
+ Locking hinged lid
+ Integrated UL® Power Strip
+ Integrated pry bar & long tool holder
+ Durable powder coated finish
+ 5”x 2” swivel casters KTI75153 NEW Premium 7 Drawer Cart
750 lb Capacity
+ 4 locking drawers and roller bearing slides
+ Locking hinged lid
+ Integrated UL® Power Strip
+ Integrated pry bar & long tool holder
+ Durable powder coated finish + 5”x 2” swivel casters
COVER STORY
22 Brake it till you make it: Selling brake service tools
Brake service has never been more complicated, but modern brake tools don't have to be.
EXCLUSIVE
AAPEX/SEMA Editor's Picks
Our editors’ top picks for new products that caught their eye at the 2024 AAPEX and SEMA shows.
Sneak Peek
Brand new products from Cal-Van Tools, TEXA USA, GripEdge Tools, and more.
The top requested products from technicians and shop owners, based on inquiries from PTEN magazine.
Taking a closer look at products from Mueller-Kueps, Eppco, GEARWRENCH, and Streamlight.
Editor’s Note Coming in 2025...
Scott Brown discusses AI in automotive systems, fuel, emissions monitoring, and diagnostics and service.
Tales from the Road
Starting a new route in a new state can be challenging, but this Cornwell dealer knew just how to adapt.
Show Me Your Truck Hal Holbert, Independent
Go Sell Something
Alan Sipe covers the basics of making a sale.
Driving Sales
Products that will help your bottom line. VIDEO:
Looking to stock your truck? Here are the top 10 most viewed products of November 2024.
VEHICLESERVICEPROS.COM/55242643 PHOTO GALLERY:
In case you missed it — check out these pictures from AAPEX 2024 in Las Vegas.
VEHICLESERVICEPROS.COM/55242352 ARTICLE:
Women in Auto Care announced the winners of their 2024 awards, recognizing eight women for their service to the industry.
VEHICLESERVICEPROS.COM/55241369
Rueben Meyer, Mac Tools
EMILY MARKHAM EDITOR Emily@ VehicleServicePros.com
Coming in 2025...
New year, new articles – let’s talk what’s new in 2025.
Is anyone else just as floored as I am that it’s almost 2025?
It seems like it wasn’t that long ago our team was getting ready for all the tool shows in February, and now we’re preparing to do the same all over again. Twenty-twenty-four has been a wonderful year, but honestly, I’m ready to move on so we can share the exciting updates that we have in store for Professional Distributor next year.
TIME FOR A REFRESH
Every year, we reevaluate the articles and product sections to ensure our content is best serving you. In 2025, we’ll have some new articles while saying goodbye to a few as well.
First up, this issue contains the last Go Sell Something article from Alan Sipe. Sipe has been an amazing part of the PD team for many years, but it’s time for him to put his pen down and enjoy his time with family and friends. In place of Go Sell Something, we’ll be introducing a new article series, Tool Dealer 101, written by Brian Falhgren. Falhgren is a recently retired distributor with a vault of knowledge he’s looking forward to sharing with all of you.
Next, we’ll be adding a tool truck-centric article, The Truck Stop. This will cover everything
from cleaning and maintenance to layout considerations, customizations, and more.
And lastly, we’ll be adding a Pro Tips column featuring tips and tricks from all of you on how to best run your business.
THANK YOU!
Before I wrap up my final editor’s note for 2024, I want to make sure you all know how grateful our team is to you. Thank you for chatting with us at shows, sending us emails about the articles we’ve written, letting us know that, “Hey, I know that guy!” on our Facebook posts, sharing your stories with us so that we can share them with this community, offering us advice and guidance on how to keep improving PD, and welcoming us into this impressive and resilient industry.
We know the long hours you work; we see the extra miles you put in for your customers; we understand the frustrations of dealing with problems outside of your control as a small business owner; and we watch as you keep moving forward anyway.
Here’s to all of you and the herculean effort you put into making 2024 the best year yet – the same effort I know you’ll put in to make 2025 even better. Happy New Year from the PD team. Cheers!
Published by Endeavor Business Media, LLC
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Printed in the U.S. Volume 32, Number 8; December 2024
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the USA. Copyright 2024 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopies, recordings, or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the publisher. Endeavor Business Media, LLC does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person or company for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever. The views and opinions in the articles herein are not to be taken as official expressions of the publishers, unless so stated. The publishers do not warrant either expressly or by implication, the factual accuracy of the articles herein, nor do they so warrant any views or opinions by the authors of said articles.
SNEAK PEEK
Welcome to Sneak Peek!
This section features recently introduced automotive tools and equipment. See new products even before automotive technicians read about them in PTEN magazine.
DESIGNED FOR QUICKSERVICE LANES
The 182-pc Quick Service Toolset + Next S4 Cart from Sonic Tools is specifically designed for quick service and quick lube technicians. The set consists of three medium foam inlays to keep tools in place and assist in productivity. When combined with the NEXT S4 Cart, the set includes 1/4” and 3/8” ratchets and sockets, screwdrivers, combination wrenches, hex key sets, lights, 1/2” ratchet and impact sockets, protective wheel sockets, a tire pressure gauge, pliers, and utility tools. The optional NEXT S4 Cart is built for Sonic’s Quick Service Toolset. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
COMES IN A BLOW-MOLDED CASE
The Mac Tools 98-pc Master Bit Set, No. SMXVHT98B, features a full range of bit drivers. The bits are made of S2 steel for added durability, and the sockets have a high-polish chrome-plated finish for corrosion resistance. The entire set is packaged in a blow-molded case that makes the set easy to transport and keep organized. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
COMES WITH 3 NOZZLE ACCESSORIES
The Ingersoll Rand H3111 Cordless Heat Gun features two airflow speeds up to 10cfm, variable heat control settings up to 1,022 degrees F, and a dual-speed slide switch. It includes flat, concentrating, and spoon reflector nozzle accessories to direct heat where it’s needed. It has a twist-disconnect nozzle ejector for quick attachment changes without handling hot parts. The H3111 has a lay-flat design for handsfree use, only weighs 1.4 lbs, and is compatible with the company’s IQV20 batteries.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
RECORDS TORQUE APPLIED TO EACH LUG NUT
The TorqVault from Digitool Solutions is a torque wrench that can record the torque applied to each lug nut, allowing the results to be printed on an invoice for the customer. To prevent over-torque, the wrench will show a red light if the operator goes past the torque value. The wrench will allow 2 percent over torque but nothing under torque. If the torque spec is 80 lb-ft, the wrench will allow 84 lb-ft. With a wireless range of 100’, the wrench will cover many of today’s tire stores, says the company. It also comes with a torque checker.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
CONVERTS FROM LOWPROFILE CREEPER TO ROLLING WORK SEAT
The Ergochair ERGO-SCOOT, No. 5160118, from BendPak features adjustable risers that allow it to convert from a low-profile creeper to a rolling work seat. Its widediameter wheels allow the seat to travel over rough surfaces easily and are made of thermoplastic rubber for chemical resistance. The spring-loaded backrest has an adjustment angle of 0 degrees to nearly 60 degrees. The backrest and seat are padded for comfort and are covered in non-slip, abrasion-resistant, textured vinyl. Locking pins can adjust the seat height from 14” to 18” off the ground, and heavy duty ballbearing swivel casters create a stable platform regardless of seat position.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
REQUIRES NO ADDITIONAL LEVERAGE
The Lisle Corporation Truck & Trailer Brake Spring Tool, No. 39980, removes and installs rear drum brake return springs. It features slotted ends that hold the springs at the correct work angle. The tool’s bolt can be adjusted for three spring sizes. It requires no additional leverage against a solid surface during spring installation.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
NOZZLES MEET/EXCEED OSHA STANDARDS
The Flexzilla X3 11-pc Blow Gun Kit , No. AG1211FZ, from Legacy Manufacturing, features an ergonomic gun body for maximum comfort and control which reduces operator fatigue. A variable flow trigger regulates air volume precisely with maximum flow. The modular accessories system allows the Flexzilla blow guns to be customized for extension length and tips needed for various jobs. Flexzilla blow gun safety nozzles are labeled to meet or exceed OSHA standards.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
INCLUDES USB-C CABLE AND WALL ADAPTER
The M12 Top-Off Power Supply and Charger, No. 48-59-1211, from Milwaukee Tool, pairs with any M12 battery and provides 15W of power to charge personal devices. The power supply can provide up to 50 percent faster personal device and M12 battery charging with a bidirectional USB-C port, according to the company. It can also be used to power all M12 Heated Gear. The power supply comes with a USB-C cable, a USB-C wall adapter, and a 5-year warranty.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
PROVIDES 50 SECONDS OF FIREFIGHTING PROTECTION
The E50 Fire Extinguisher from Element is 80 percent smaller and discharges for five times longer than a traditional extinguisher, says the company. The E50 provides 50 seconds of clean agent firefighting protection that disrupts the chemical chain reaction by altering oxygen molecules to prevent fire from using the oxygen while allowing people to continue to breathe it. It’s non-toxic, noncorrosive, and eco-friendly. The extinguisher doesn’t expire and doesn’t require maintenance or inspection.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
AVAILABLE IN 7 COLORS
The USB-C Rechargeable Penlights from Maxxeon feature 300 lm of bright white light and is now available in seven different colors: black, red, orange, green, blue, pink, and silver. They are available as a mixed display 12-pack, which includes two of each color and a USB-C charging cable. Each penlight has a rugged aluminum body and includes three bite caps for handsfree use. The lights have both spot and flood beams and are dust and waterproof to 3'. At 300 lm, the lights can run for 45 minutes, and at 150 lm, they can run for 1 hour, 30 minutes.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES POCKET-SIZED DESIGN
The RLink J2534 from TOPDON is engineered to be an all-in-one diagnostic solution and is pocket-sized. It is compatible with OE software across more than 13 brands, delivering OEM-level diagnostics, programming, and coding at an accessible cost. With support for CAN FD and DoIP protocols and compliance with J2534 and D-PDU standards, it covers a wide array of modern vehicles. The RLink features a Driver Management System that allows users to access TOPDON technologies.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
TIPS MEASURE ONLY 1/32” THICK
The Dent Fix Equipment Panel and Trim Removal Tool Set, No. DF-614, features a heavy duty slim tip that measures 1/32” thick and applies targeted leverage in tight spaces, making it ideal for removing door panels, dashboard pieces, and exterior trim. The tools are made out of high-strength steel, resist corrosion, and include a contoured grip and thumb channel to reduce the risk of slipping.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
INCLUDES LOW-PROFILE POCKET CLIP
The Ultra-Thin Series Knives from Al Mar Knives by SUNEX Tools feature a thin and lightweight design for everyday carry. Its stainless steel handle includes a pocket clip while maintaining a slim profile. The knife is available with a 2.7”, 3.1”, or 4” talon-style blade made of D2 steel with a hardness of HRC 59-60. The Ultra-Thin Series also uses ceramic bearing assist for opening and a frame lock to keep the blade in position.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
CURING AREA OF 15 SQ FT
The Killer Tools Shortwave Infrared Curing Lamp (2400W), No. ART2400, features a 2400W twin-lamp that uses shortwave infrared to penetrate down to base metal and cure paint, primer, and more from the inside, without heating the surrounding air. This lamp has a 2400W output that cures surfaces in about 15 minutes. The tool has a curing area of 15 sq ft, as well as a temperature and timer adjustment for handsfree operation. It also has a durable base with locking casters.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES FLEXIBLE CREPE PAPER BACKING
The Norton Premium Automotive Masking Tape is optimized for the paint masking process, delivering sharp paint lines and protection in collision repair applications including spray-paint preparation and high-temperature painting. The tape offers a special rubber-based adhesive for a variety of surfaces such as painted metal, rubber, and glass, enabling clean removal after bake cycles of up to 248 degrees F. Additionally, the tape features a specifically designed, flexible crepe paper backing making the application process easier by enhancing visibility and conformability to curves and contours without tearing. Compatible with water-borne and solvent-based paints.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES 7’ JUMP STARTER CABLES
The Associated Equipment KwikStart ProHD Jump Starter, No. KS401, features a heavy duty 22Ah sealed AGM battery and a 12V 600mA internal charger that can provide a peak amp output of 1700A and 360 cold crank amps. The KS401 features 7’ replaceable cables, the longest in the industry according to the company, with plastisol-coated 400A steel clamps. A digital LED display provides state of charge readings, and a built-in digital voltmeter can be used to perform light diagnostics. The jump starter is made in the USA of U.S. and global components and comes with a 1-year warranty.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES OVERSIZED, INKFILLED SIZE MARKINGS
The 14-pc RPT E-Star Socket Set , No. ES14S, from GripEdge Tools, is designed to replace standard E-Star tools and features bidirectional geometry that the company says provides up to 50 percent more torque on new fasteners and up to 400 percent more torque on damaged fasteners than traditional designs. The sizes include E4, E5, E6, E7, E8, E10, E11, E12, E14, E16, E18, E20, E22, and E24, and each socket has oversized and ink-filled size markings. The sockets are forged from CrMo steel and have nickel-chrome plating for corrosion resistance.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
USERS CAN RECORD DIAGNOSTIC SESSIONS
The Navigator TXB 2 from TEXA USA is a latest-generation vehicle interface specifically developed for the bike and marine environments. The processor used makes it fast and powerful, allowing quick and precise processing of the data from the control units, in PassThru mode also. The TXB 2 features Bluetooth technology and a new USB-C socket that the company guarantees will provide a faster connection and an optimized data download. Its hardware features make it compatible with all the current protocols and its integrated 16-pin CPC connector allows the use of all the BIKE diagnostic cables. Users can record the diagnostic session while moving.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES 8,000 LM MAX OUTPUT
The Coast XP40R Rechargeable Dual Power Flashlight features five modes: medium, high, low, Turbo, and MoonGlow. It has a max beam length of 754' and a maximum output of 8,000 lm. It includes a real-time display screen that shows what mode the light is in and how much runtime is left in the battery. It can double as a power bank to recharge other devices via its USB-C port. The XP40R is rated IP54 dust-resistant and water-resistant and comes with a lifetime warranty. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
DESIGNED TO REDUCE REPAIR TIMES
The Steck Manufacturing Hold-a-Rotor Tool Kit, No. STC71000, is designed to hold automotive and light truck disc brake rotors in place. The kit comes with a green plug that fits 12mm wheel mounting studs and a red plug that fits 14mm studs. The plugs are made from a super-duty durable polymer and are made in the USA. Each plug easily slips on and off studs one-handed to secure the rotor to the hub face.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES LOCKING SWIVEL CASTERS
The Mobile Tool Cart , No. JDI-MBS1-TC, from JohnDow, is designed for mobility and convenience, keeping tools organized and within reach. The cart features locking swivel casters for easy maneuverability and a durable black powder-coat finish. With over 3’ of width and nearly 2’ of depth, it provides storage space including a two-sided pegboard for additional tool organization.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
COMES WITH 5 REPLACEABLE LENS COVERS
The 500 lm Rechargeable Paint Gun Light , No. ATD-80460, from ATD Tools, features five color temperature settings ranging from 2700K to 6500K. It’s designed to fit paint guns with OD nozzle sizes from 27mm to 41mm. An optional motion-sensing mode turns the light on or off with a double-wave gesture. It comes with five replaceable clear polycarbonate covers to keep the lens clean and bright. The light is IP65-rated for dust and water resistance and IK07-rated for impact protection.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
DRIVER BIT FEATURES PRECISELY MACHINED HEAD
The M16 x 1.5mm CV Joint Driver Bit, No. 20200, from Schley Products is designed to aid in the removal of CV joints on various vehicles, such as Audi, BMW, and VW vehicles. The joint driver is engineered to be used in all standard-size air hammers and is precision machined with M16 x1.5M threads. The driver bit’s head fits snugly into the bolt’s hexagonal socket, ensuring a secure grip during installation or removal. Additionally, the driver bit can be used with a pneumatic air hammer, making it efficient for CV joint removal. The driver is 8.75” long.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
PRY BARS WITH STRIKING CAPS
Heavy-duty pry bars made from high carbon alloy steel that are forged and heat treated for strength and durability
Great for demolition, repostioning equipment, industrial, and heavy-duty automotive work
Bent tips for ease of access and the strike protection hard capped handles are ergonomically designed for comfort, secure grip and robustness
Black oxide finish for corrosion resistance
Individual sizes included: 12", 17", 25", 31", 36" and 45"
#853-6ST
6-PIECE PRY BAR SET
Also available in 5-piece set, 3-piece set, and individually.
FEATURES SIX LIGHT MODES
The NEBO CurvBeam 600 Flex Headlamp features a curved 180-degree floodlight that provides a diffused beam, allowing the wearer to use their peripheral vision and avoid the dark shadows and over-lit areas associated with traditional spot headlamps. It has six light modes and a max output of 600 lm. It uses a hybrid power system that can operate using the included rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries as backup. The headlamp has a rearpositioned battery to redistribute weight away from the forehead and is made from impact-resistant polymer, rubber, and aluminum. It’s also IPX4 water-resistant.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES STAINLESS STEEL FLIP LID
The 41” x 23” JSC773 Rolling Tool Cart, No. JSC773-HHC, from Matco Tools, is made in the U.S. and features a fully welded unibody double wall construction. The cart’s stainless steel flip-up lid is resistant to damage from chemicals while handling up to 200 lbs. The cart includes a standard ergonomic push handle, four 6” x 2” casters that can bear 600 lbs, a TuBar lock that provides security against forced entry, a builtin lockable pry bar/screwdriver storage that will fit 42” pry bars with up to 9” handles, a bumper system to protect vehicles, and 24 holes for pry bars or screwdrivers with six for the large handles.
INCLUDES 216-POSITION RATCHET
The 1/4” Drive, 52-pc, 6 Point, Shallow & Deep, SAE & Metric Chrome Socket Set, No. SK01300-216P, from SK Tools, is made out of heat-treated chrome vanadium steel with SuperKrome high-polish plating for durability and corrosion resistance. The socket sizes include 4mm to 14mm and 5/32” to 9/16”, and the tools included are a 1/4” drive 216-position ratchet, 2” and 6” extensions, and a universal joint. The sockets feature a SureGrip drive design that drives the side of the fastener for increased strength and preventing rounding, and each socket has visible size markings and color-coded rings. The set is packed in an EVA foam storage tray.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
LUBRICATION-FREE MOTOR REQUIRES NO OILING
The AIRCAT 3/8” Orbit Low Vibration Lube Free Orbital Palm Sanders, Nos. 6700-6-338 and 67000-6-338CV, feature a double-sealed, lubrication-free motor that prevents dust contamination of the air motor and eliminates the need for oiling. To ensure user comfort, the sanders use a smooth-design throttle lever, ergonomic housing, and an anti-vibration motor that reduces vibration levels to 0.8m/sec2. The orbital sander weighs in at 2 lbs with a 4.3” profile, while the geared sander weighs in at 3.4 lbs with a 4.5” profile.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
INCLUDES 36” USB-C CHARGING CABLE
The Cal-Van Tools 2 in 1 Digital Tire Gauge with Pen Light, No. 85110CV, features four units of measure tire gauge modes: psi, bar, kPA, and kg/cm2. It uses a backlit LCD screen and has a pressure range of 3-150 psi. The LED flashlight has two modes, 90 lm and 180 lm, and can be recharged using the included 36” USB-C charging cable. The gauge contains two magnets for easy storage or handsfree operation.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES 9 BUILT-IN LEDS
The DeWalt 20V MAX XR 3-Speed High Torque 1/4” Impact Driver & Kit is engineered for the demands of the pro with a max torque of 2,500 in-lbs, making it DeWalt’s highest torque impact driver based on rated max torque. Users can maximize their productivity, DeWalt says, with up to 63 percent faster driving, a noload speed of 0 to 3,800 rpm, nine built-in LEDs, and three-speed mode select power through tough jobs.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
DESIGNED FOR SERVICING HOSE CLAMPS AND FASTENERS
The CTA Tools Extra Long Flex Driver with 1/2” Sq. x 1/4” Hex Adapter, No. 8851, features a durable, flexible cable designed for accessing tight areas to service hose clamps and other fasteners. Its 1/4” square drive end and 1/4” Hex adapter make it versatile enough to function with any socket or bit. The handle is made of molded composite plastic and rubber, providing an ergonomic grip during extended use. The tool has an overall length of 24”.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES SPECIALLY HARDENED TEETH
The 6” TwinGrip Pliers, No. 82 01 150, from KNIPEX Tools, are forged from high-grade, oil-hardened chrome vanadium electric steel with specially hardened teeth on the gripping surfaces. A pinch guard prevents users’ fingers from being caught, and the pliers use three push-button adjustments that stay in place with a click of the button. The front jaw design grips stripped screws while the optimized side jaw with opposing teeth grips round, square, and hex fasteners. The slim head design allows users to operate the pliers in confined spaces while retaining front and side gripping capacities of 1/8” to 5/8”.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
MONITORS 11 POLLUTANTS AND CLIMATE FACTORS
The Plymovent AeroGuard Air Monitor features a wide range of air sensors that monitor 11 pollutants and climate factors. The AeroGuard’s LED ring allows users to focus on a specific contaminant, and the device comes with seven calibration settings, including custom calibration of the dust sensor. It includes a free mobile app for iOS and Android devices that allows users to access data and insights from the AeroGuard. Users can also access a comprehensive web portal for additional data viewing.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
MOST WANTED
Do YOU stock it?
The following products are among the most requested tools and equipment from recent issues of PD 's sister publication, PTEN. Perhaps you've already received requests about some of these items. Take a closer look at stocking them.
A Removes, cleans, and installs new snap rings
The All-In-One Tool Kit from Just Clips is designed to remove, clean, and install new snap rings on impact wrenches. Each kit contains Snap Ring Pliers with universal swivel tips for 1/4” to 1” impacts; a ClipKey; a snap ring installation tool; and six sets each of Milwaukee and Original style snap rings. The kit is made in the USA. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” on VehicleServicePros.com
AD Extends to 50’ length
The Lincoln Industrial Air Hoses, Nos. 72N3850, 72N1250, 72H3850, and 72H1250, are the first to be PFAS-free. Crafted with a light design for seamless handling, these hoses are available in 3/8” and 1/2” models. Each model extends to 50’ length, providing adaptability for several applications. This air hose features a kinkresistant build, ensuring easy management when storing. The 72N3850 and 72N1250 are OE on Lincoln 837553 and 83754 reels. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” on VehicleServicePros.com
B Vehicle parasitic draw monitor and memory saver
BThrough a simple OBD-II port connection, the PPDRAW from Power Probe helps technicians monitor parasitic draw and serves as a memory saver during battery replacement. The PPDRAW delivers up to 10A of continuous current, while its graphing mode displays voltage and amperage as a waveform. With wireless connectivity, users can view and record data using the Power Probe Link app. Its USB-C rechargeable high-capacity lithium-ion battery provides hours of monitoring, and its TFT multi-color display offers hi-def visibility. It features an adjustable current output alarm and auto power-off settings for customizable usage. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” on VehicleServicePros.com
C 20-hour runtime in eco mode
The Philips Xperion 6000 Under Hood LED Work Light from Lumileds comes with a motion detection switch for handsfree operation and a telescoping mount to fit it under most vehicle hoods. With 32 high-intensity LEDs, the Xperion 6000 can produce up to 1200 lm for up to three hours or 120 lm for up to 20 hours. A rechargeable lithium battery, ABS rubber grips, and IP54 rating for dust and water make this tool reliable, durable, and easy to move. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” on VehicleServicePros.com
E Includes magnetic direct mounting
The 27-pc Zyklop Pocket Set 3, No. 8009, from Wera Tools comes with bits, sockets, a 75mm universal holder, and an extension. The magnetic direct mounting simultaneously turns the 3/8” ratchet into a bit ratchet screwdriver with 1/4” bit mounting. As the head is lockable at 0 degrees, 15 degrees, and 90 degrees, the tool can be used as a ratchet or a ratchet screwdriver. The fine toothing with 72 teeth allows for a low return angle of 5 degrees. The holder has 12 bits integrated into the handle.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” on VehicleServicePros.com
F Chrome plated for rust protection
The Ascot Supply Metric Long Combination Open End Wrench Sets are available as an 11-pc set, No. 313-09511, or a 15-pc set, No. 313-09515. Each wrench is chrome plated for rust protection and is constructed with an open-end grip, an offset box end, and an ergonomic I-beam handle. The 11-pc metric set includes 8mm and 10-19mm, while the 15-pc adds 9mm, 20mm, 21mm, and 22m. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” on VehicleServicePros.com
I Includes anti-slip dial
The 9-pc Snap Ring Pliers Set, No. 48-22-6539, from Milwaukee Tool features a durable, damage-resistant all-metal dial that switches between internal and external modes. The dial is antislip and is designed to make it easier to convert the pliers when working with both internal and external snap rings. The included adaptable storage rack optimizes drawer space by including a detachable handle to either fit in tight spaces or carry on the go. The storage rack also includes magnets and hang holes to hang vertically when drawer space is limited. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” on VehicleServicePros.com
G Angled 15 degrees to protect against accidental contact
The Soft-Shock Mallet from Dent Fix Equipment is designed to apply a strong striking force and avoid damaging parts. The mallet is intended for use on automotive materials susceptible to marring, cracking, and pinching. The tool’s rubber housing reduces damage to delicate surfaces, while the non-Newtonian fluid filler is engineered to compress and dissipate force. The steel shaft is angled 15 degrees to protect against accidental contact, and the non-slip grip ensures safety and control. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” on VehicleServicePros.com
H Features a red beam
The SLAYER Red from Coast is a rechargeable and waterproof light. The aluminum frame easily fits in pockets, and a removable metal clip allows users to keep the light secure. It has four modes: high, low, Turbo, and MoonGlow. MoonGlow is a low-energy eco beam ideal for blackout conditions and when extended run-times are critical. In this mode, the flashlight can run continuously for 55 hours. Turbo mode shines 1,000 lm at 360’. The red beam is intended for low lighting in close proximity. Two magnets at the front and back of the handle provide a handsfree lighting mount. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” on VehicleServicePros.com
J Features long arm design for reach
The 26-pc SAE and Metric Long Arm Hex Key Sets, No. 98526BL and 98526L, from SUNEX Tools are made from CR-V steel and designed to last. Featuring both metric and SAE hex keys, the sets cover a wide spectrum of applications. The 98526BL features a ball end design that offers an increased entry angle of 25 degrees, providing increased access for intricate tasks. The long arm design of both the 98526BL and the 98526L allows users to access confined spaces. Chamfered edges guide the key into fasteners, ensuring a smooth, quick fit. The sets come in a color-coded caddy. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” on VehicleServicePros.com
We saw a number of products introduced at the AAPEX and SEMA shows again this year. Here are some new tools and equipment selected by our editorial staff that piqued our interest.
Innova Electronics
Comes with mirror, magnet, and hook attachments
The Innova Electronics 3381 AudioEnhanced Inspection Camera features a 2.8” LCD display and IP67 waterproof camera capable of capturing images and videos with 720p native resolution and interpolated resolutions up to 1080p. The 39” semi-rigid camera cable has eight LEDs, which can be controlled with a touch of a button. Users can record videos with voice commentary, capture stills, flip the screen, and zoom up to 2x. The camera includes a 4GB TF card and magnet, hook, and mirror attachments for the probe.
Editor’s Note: The 3381 comes with a 39" stainlesssteelcameracablethathasadjustable LEDs and a variety of attachments thatmakeitusefulforbothdiagnosticand non-diagnostic tasks.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
2024 EDITOR'S PICKS
Cal-Van Tools
Compatible with disc and drum brake systems
The Cal-Van Tools Universal Brake Bleeder Adapter, No. 24630CV, features powder-coated adjustable arms that move vertically and horizontally to securely fit on any brake fluid reservoir with an opening diameter of 1”-2.76”. The adapter is compatible with both disc and drum brake systems and has a 90-degree rotating coupler for easy access. It includes a conical rubber seal made from EPDM rubber and a knurled adjusting collar that provides an air-tight seal. The adapter has a maximum holding pressure of 50 psi.
Editor’s Note:Introduced earlier this year, this adapter features a low-profile design and 360-degree swiveling quick-connect fitting. It fits a wide variety of master cylinders on both foreign and domestic vehicles.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
OPUS IVS
Features integrated AI chat support
The OPUS IVS DrivePro 2 Plus is designed to be a diagnostic platform that the company says offers 100 percent brand coverage. Users can access their own OE software through MyCarDAQ or pre-existing OE applications through the tool’s Farsight mode. The DrivePro 2 Plus allows users to access direct communication with brand-specific master technicians as well as integrated AI for instant repair suggestions and troubleshooting. It features up to 16GB of RAM, an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor, and is 5G capable. It comes in a rugged, drop-tested body.
Editor’sNote:TheDrivePro2boasts100percentcoverage,accordingtothecompany, andit'scontainedtoahardytabletbuilttowithstandthedailydamagethathappensin ashop.IthasanumberofoptionsforOEsoftwareandsupport,makingitadaptable. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
Midtronics
Diagnoses batteries in 2 minutes or less
The Electric Vehicle 12V Battery SafetyPower Diagnostic System, No. xLVS9000, from Midtronics, features SafetyPower Diagnostics powered by MDX-AI. The system is designed to ensure xEV service readiness for emerging vehicle systems, battery types, and new points of battery failure. It diagnoses batteries in two minutes or less and charges as fast as possible through continuous battery monitoring. Pass/ fail thresholds enable all EV inspection strategies.
Editor’sNote:WithEVsonlygrowingmorepopular,havingtheabilitytofullyservice them is going to be critical for shops. This system's speed makes it extra helpful. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
SmartSafe Handheld tread depth laser detector
The SmartSafe Tire Tread Depth Examiner, No. TTM313, is a handheld tread depth laser detector with a measurement accuracy of up to 0.1mm. The structural design does not limit the measurement to the chassis height. It uses a line laser to scan the entire tread surface and supports two modes: full tread surface measurement and single groove measurement.
Editor’s Note: Precision is always welcome in a shop, and it's hard to get more precise than this tool's laser detector. Tire service is nearly universal across shops, but the tools certainly are not. Plus, it's as easy to use as it is to carry.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
GripEdge Tools
Features corrosion-resistant coating
The GripEdge Tools 62-pc Master
R.P.T. Hex & Star Driver Set, No. MHST62S, features Rounding Prevention Technology that the company says provides up to 50 percent more torque on new fasteners and 400 percent more torque on damaged fasteners. The set includes hex, star, tamper-proof star, and E-star hex bit sockets made from precision-machined S2 steel. Each bit has a corrosion-resistant coating and oversized, ink-filled markings for identification. The set comes in a durable case with a foam organizer.
Editor’s Note: This set has a unique bidirectional design that allows users to work with new or damaged fasteners. With 62 piecesinthisset,usersareofferedversatility and usability for various applications.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
Wiha Tools
Features custom foam tray compartments
The 158-pc Overlanding & Adventure Kit in Rolling Tool Box from Wiha Tools is custom molded with foam tray compartments that ensure a secure fit for the tools. Included in this kit are a variety of hand tools, precision tools, and specialty tools. The tools are organized in a hard case that protects against moisture, dust, and impacts. Each tool has a dedicated position for storage and organization. Screwdrivers have SoftFinish ergonomic grip for additional turning power and comfort. Pliers and cutter grips are oil and solvent-resistant, while impact bits include exact-fit precision-machined tips. Coming soon.
Editor’s Note:TheRollingToolboxoffers storage,protection,andversatilitywithits watertight case, custom foam tray compartments, and wide range of tools.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
Autoland Scientech Includes coverage for Asian, domestic, and European vehicles
The iSCAN NX from Autoland Scientech can read and clear fault codes, perform service resets and component activations, and has live data streaming and data parameter graphing functionality. It features two Wi-Fi cards to connect to the internet and VCI simultaneously. It covers Asian, domestic, and European models, as well as some trucks. It includes bidirectional controls and ECU adaptation, coding, and programming, and it can act as an integrated J2534 Pass-Thru device. The iSCAN NX also features a locking kickstand and QR code scanner. Coming soon.
Editor’s Note: The NX comes with a lithium-ionbatteryandquadcoreprocessorfor reliable daily use. It includes on-demand support and can be used as a standalone Pass-Thru device.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
MUELLER-KUEPS Sensor Tap Series
Features six cutting edges designed to make it easy to cut through heat-tempered steel.
APPLICATION
With the Mueller-Kueps Sensor Tap Series, users can restore the thread on NOx sensor holes, temperature and oxygen sensors, and particle filters without damaging the exhaust system.
ORIGIN
These taps were created because current taps are not reliable. Usually, they have a one-time use and then you need to buy another one. Another reason is that the risk of damaging the thread is too high, which could lead to costly replacements of the exhaust system.
STORAGE AND DISPLAY
These taps are shipped in a see-through plastic outer sleeve. Each one comes separate except for the kit, which comes with two taps in a plastic outer sleeve.
MANUFACTURING SPECS
Made in Germany from high-quality steel. It weighs about 0.1 lbs per tap.
SELLING POINTS
• Enables customers to restore threads on sensor holes efficiently without compromising the exhaust system, ensuring highquality repair work.
• Offers a wide range of sizes to accomodate most applications, making it a versatile tool for various automotive needs.
• Manufactured in Germany using high-quality materials to provide a long-lasting tool.
• Six cutting edges enhance the cutting efficiency, allowing for smooth and quick thread restoration even through heattempered steel.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
• Multi-faceted construction: The triple threat combination of six cutting edges, highquality steel, and double coating makes it a breeze to cut through heat-tempered steel and provide professional thread restoration.
• Versatility: The range of available sizes makes the Sensor Tap Series suitable for both light and heavy duty diesel engines, increasing its utility across different repair scenarios.
• Ease of use: The super short tap design allows for easy maneuvering in confined spaces, making it user-friendly.
• Precision and reliability: The integrated guide pin ensures precise threading, minimizing errors and ensuring reliable results.
• Cost effective: By providing a durable and efficient tool, it reduces the need for frequent replacements or replacing the exhaust system, thereby saving costs in the long run.
EPPCO Eco-Grip Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves
Designed to give users more grip in both wet and dry environments thanks to a patented raised texture surface.
APPLICATION
The Eppco Eco-Grip Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves are used for engine maintenance and repair, tire and brake repair, and auto body work.
ORIGIN
Created as a need to ecologically dispose of single-use (disposable) glove products.
STORAGE AND DISPLAY
Gloves are sold as M/L (100 count) and XL/XXL (90 count). There are 10 boxes per case.
SELLING POINTS
Disposable gloves are used by most vehicle repair technicians. Eco-Grip o ers users the benefit of rapid breakdown of a used product in landfills.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
The gloves help for a fast and easy clean-up and protect the health and safety of a technician’s skin and hands. They protect from toxic chemicals, solvents, and thinners. They are more durable than standard nitrile gloves so they use fewer gloves to save money.
MANUFACTURING SPECS
Made in Thailand from biodegradable nitrile. Eco-Grip gloves are 7 mils thick, 9” long, and made from high-quality commercial strength nitrile material. Eppco’s added ingredient allows for the rapid decomposition in landfills.
per box
PRODUCT IN FOCUS
GEARWRENCH GWSMART07
The diagnostic tool offers three years of free software updates.
APPLICATION
Full OBD-II functions: I/M readiness, read and clear trouble code, read freeze frame, on-board monitor test, O2 monitoring test, component test, in-use performance trackingcompression ignition engines; diagnostic functions: auto-scan, read ECU information, read/clear diagnostic trouble code, live data, freeze frame, bidirectional control (actuation test), reset and relearn; advanced function: topology mapping, ADAS calibration, ECU configuration, o line programming: Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, o line coding: BENZ, VW, AUDI, SKODA; 38 reset functions: A/C relearn, auto fuel ratio settings, ABS bleeding, ADAS calibration, airbag repair, battery management system reset, clutch adaption, diesel particulate filter reset, ECU configuration, EEPROM reset, exhaust gas recirculation relearn, electronic pump activation, electronic parking break reset, FRM reset, gear learning, gearbox match relearn, reset control unit, steering angle sensor reset, seat calibration, speed limit relearn, supplemental restraint system reset, start/stop reset, suspension relearn, window initialization, throttle relearn, tire upgrade programming, TPMS reset, transporte mode, variable geometry turbochargers relearn, headlight relearn, HV battery reset, injector coding, instrument cluster, key programmer, language change, oil light reset, and power balance
To watch a video demonstration of this product, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/55141881
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
• GWSMART07 offers full bidirectional control with live actuation testing
• Features 38 vehicle reset/relearn functions including throttle matching, ABS bleeding, TPMS reset, and topology mapping
SELLING POINTS
• The GWSMART07 offers three years of free software updates
• Offers a complete two-year warranty
• Has an innovative built-in Wi-Fi system that easily connects the device to vehicles in seconds without needing nearby networks
STORAGE AND DISPLAY
• Case pack quantity: 5
• Pack dimensions: 12.36” L x 4.02” W x 10.71” H
• Blow-molded case holds tablet and dongle, packed in carton box
ORIGIN
As cars evolve, diagnostic tools are essential to technicians to help e iciently diagnose and solve problems under the hood and are needed for even the most basic of repairs. However, competitor models are expensive and require annual and weekly costly so ware updates that many new technicians starting out in their careers may not be able to a ord. GEARWRENCH is breaking those diagnostic rules with our new diagnostic tools that o er free so ware updates and a complete twoyear warranty at an a ordable price point.
STREAMLIGHT Stinger 2020 S
The Stinger 2020 S offers multiple charging options and a robust design for daily shop use.
APPLICATION
The Streamlight Stinger 2020 S features an ergonomic flat design that enables technicians to hold the light in their hand, under their arm, or even in the crook of their neck without losing their grip or hold. The light is perfect for a wide variety of uses, from inspecting under the hood to making repairs or checking fluid levels.
ORIGIN
The Stinger 2020 S is the next generation of the Stinger 2020, which revolutionized the idea of a super-bright, rechargeable light. This newest model was developed in response to demand for charging options that energize both the light and a backup battery simultaneously, ultimately providing a longer run time.
SELLING POINTS
• Like the original Stinger 2020, the Stinger 2020 S is an extremely powerful work light featuring up to 2,000 lm and 25,000 cd. Multiple mode levels allow users to select varying intensities for applications that require less intense light.
• This new Stinger 2020 model, which is powered by a single rechargeable Li-ion battery pack, features charging options that power both the light and a backup battery at the same time for full work shifts. The frequently requested PiggyBack Charger is compatible with this Stinger 2020 S model.
• It features an on/off head switch with a battery status indicator and an easy-to-use mode selector switch.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
• The Stinger 2020 S battery can be charged inside the light with existing Stinger chargers or via a snap-in PiggyBack charger, ensuring auto technicians will never be without a spare battery during a day’s work. The PiggyBack charger allows technicians to simply pop one battery out of the light and insert a freshly charged one with no downtime.
• The light’s mode selector switch eliminates the need to cycle between modes with each use, saving time between each task.
STORAGE AND DISPLAY
The light is shipped in an individual full-color graphic box for display on a counter or shelf with six units per corrugated master pack. If space allows, mounting a light in a PiggyBack charger with a second battery installed helps to show this requested model. Note that the product will not be charged unless there is an electrical source.
MANUFACTURING SPECS
• The Stinger 2020 S is powered by a single Stinger 2020 S 5,200mAh protected Li-ion rechargeable battery pack that is rechargeable up to 500 times and can be charged inside the light with existing Stinger chargers or via a snap-in PiggyBack charger.
• On high, the Stinger 2020 S delivers 2,000 lm, 25,000 cd, a 315m beam distance, and a 2-hour run time. On low, the light offers an extended run time of 24 hours with 100 lm, 1,200 cd, and a 70m beam distance. Strobe mode runs for 3.25 hours.
• The light is made from premium-quality aluminum alloy. It features a BOROFLOAT glass lens that is gasket-sealed. The light measures 7.69” and weighs 12.2 oz.
• The Stinger 2020 S is IPX7-rated and is waterproof to 1m for 30 minutes. It is also impact-resistance tested to 2m.
• Available in black, the Stinger 2020 S comes in three versions: No. 78201 –includes a 120V PiggyBack charger, No. 78202 – includes a 120V Stinger charger, and No. 78200 – includes only the light with no charger.
SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE
The new light has an MSRP that ranges from $230.00 to $332.63, depending on the configuration. Each model comes with Streamlight’s limited lifetime warranty.
FOR MORE I NFORMATION
Contact Streamlight Customer Service at 1-800-523-7488 or cs@streamlight.com.
Meyer says he was looking for "something different" when he signed on as a distributor.
Photo courtesy of Rueben Meyer
BRAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT: Selling brake service tools
Brake
service has never been more complicated, but modern brake tools
don’t
have to be.
By Griffin Matis, Associate Editor
There are two things that a vehicle needs to do: go and stop. If a vehicle won’t drive, it’ll probably need to be towed and serviced. If a vehicle won’t stop, the problems are much, much bigger than paying for a tow truck. Brake service is one of the most routine tasks for automotive technicians, but it’s also one of the most important things they do.
Mac Tools distributor Rueben Meyer says that he sells brake service tools “at least every two or three days out of the week” on his route in Watertown, South Dakota. With nearly six years of experience as a distributor and a decade or three in the racing industry, Meyer is more than familiar with the importance of brake service. For the most part, he says, selling brake tools isn’t much different from selling other kinds of tools. Other than specifics like two pins versus three pins, the basics still apply – find out what your
customer is struggling with and offer a tool as a solution.
“Some are going to be basic, some are going to be more advanced when you’re thinking about brake service tools,” says Eddie Lisle, sales manager for Lisle Corporation. “For one instance, brake caliper hangers -well, all you’re doing there is you’re just hanging the disc brake caliper on the hanger, out of the way during service, and you’re just keeping tension off the brake line, so you’re literally just hanging it there. It’s simple, but
something more advanced would be an ABS code reader.”
THE BIGGEST UPDATE TO BRAKE SERVICE
The role of diagnostic tools in brake service may be the most noticeable change for a lot of technicians. Although the functions vary from scan tool to scan tool, basic brake service functions should be fairly standard across platforms.
“One of the big changes we’ve seen is the need for a scan tool, depending on the vehicle and the manufacturer, for doing things like brake pad life resets and caliper retracts,” says Justin Fisette, senior product marketing manager at OTC. “I know on a lot of vehicles’ rear electronic parking brake, if you don’t use a scan tool, you can severely damage the winding mechanism that locks in that part and brake. And they’re expensive, they’re usually $500, $600 a piece to replace one.
“The scan tool procedure is super quick, less than a minute, versus if you’re going to manually or mechanically disassemble, it takes a long time, and there’s a risk of damage,” Fisette says. “It seems like every job these days requires at least a scan tool to be by your side just in case you run into something that’s unfamiliar or requires a procedure that a scan tool has to do.”
THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB
As Fisette explains, a lot of experienced technicians may be used to using whatever they have on hand when it comes to the physical tools needed for brake service. While that can produce serviceable results, it’s not going to be anywhere near as safe or efficient as it would be with brake-specific tools. Take the caliper hanger mentioned earlier, which is a surprisingly simple and cheap tool for nearly any technician.
“People are funny and say, ‘Well, I
can do the job with a C-clamp!’” says Lisle. “Well, you could, but it’s not really the right tool for the job. It’s going to take you a lot longer. That’s where our tools come in handy, and other specialty tool companies’ [products].”
Brake service tools come in many forms outside of simple hangers and scan tools, of course. Lisle Corporation’s Speedy Brake Pad Spreader, No. 24300, and Dual Piston Brake Caliper Compressor, No. 25750, use a simple cocking-style mechanism, while others offer ratcheting mechanisms or levers. The options are nearly endless, but the important thing is that purpose-built tools offer a lot more than improvised ones.
“The big thing is, for one, efficiency,” Fisette says. “If you’re trying
to use tools that aren’t specifically designed for this type of job, you may end up spending more time [and] time is money, especially for a technician. ...so [using the correct tools] helps ensure that the job is done correctly, efficiently, and quickly. It helps prevent damage to other vehicle systems or components, and then, of course, it helps prevent comebacks so the vehicle doesn’t get a mile down the road and suddenly another code is thrown or a driveability issue comes up because of these interconnected systems.”
BREAKING DOWN BRAKE SALES
For distributors looking to move more brake products, Meyer says to keep asking your customers questions and
Selling brake tools is a lot like selling most tools, Meyer says: the customer comes first.
Photo courtesy of Rueben Meyer
•
•
•
• Industry-Leading Power • Effective on Totally Dead (0.0V) Batteries • USB-C Charging, Includes Charger
checking in with them frequently. “Keep an eye on what your customers are doing when you walk in the door,” he says. While it’s easy to look past something as routine as brake service, it can be an excellent opportunity for a sale. Meyer gives the example of walking into a shop and seeing technicians pumping a vehicle’s brake to perform a conventional brake bleeding as a chance to introduce a brake bleeder machine that can make their jobs easier and faster.
“If you’re bleeding brakes, the right tool can save a lot of time,” CalVan Tools Vice-President of Sales and Marketing Matt Kenny says. “Adapters that fit a multitude of vehicles are a great tool, as there are a lot of different master cylinders and having to have 20 different tools can make brake service expensive. For example,
the Cal-Van Universal Brake Bleeder Adapter, No. 26430, is an all-in-one brake bleeder adapter.”
IT’S NOT ALL SUNSHINE
Depending on where your customer base is located, they may need different types of brake service tools. Kenny says that environmental factors can make all the difference in a technician’s dayto-day needs.
“In particular, the Brake Line Bending Tool, No. 76110CV, has been great because it allows people to bend tubing on vehicles, and especially when you’re in the north ... where you have significant snow or weather and you have a lot of salt on the ground, you end up with a lot of corrosion on brake lines,” Kenny says, adding that CalVan’s Master In-Line Flaring Set No. 165, has had similar positive feedback
Photo courtesy of Rueben Meyer
from technicians. “Flaring tubing is a job that these guys are always doing ... and we tried to make it easy so that people could do these kinds of things on the vehicle and not have to do them on a bench.”
Frozen or stuck caliper pins are another familiar problem for the shops dealing with salt and snow. Something like OTC’s Brake Caliper Pin/Bolt Remover Set, No. 7302, would be a smart choice for a shop that sees a lot of corrosion on their customers’ vehicles. Unlike a chisel or punch, the remover won’t risk damage to the caliper or surrounding components.
DIFFERENT MARKETS, DIFFERENT NEEDS
While shops in high humidity areas may not need to break through the corrosion that shops in snowy environments are dealing with, they will be dealing with issues like moisture getting into the brake fluid. This is where a tool like OTC’s Brake Fluid Tester DOT 4 comes in handy.
“Anytime you do a brake job, open it up, test the fluid real quick, make sure that it’s not compromised, that salt water and that really humid air hasn’t started to corrode the stainless steel lines or the rubber lines that maybe the vehicle owner isn’t feeling yet, but it’s an opportunity for the shop to provide greater service,” Fisette says.
STAYING ON THE CUTTING EDGE
Another piece of advice from distributor Meyer is to simply stay up to date. Whether it’s with the industry, manufacturers, new releases, your customers, or something else related to the job, it’s important to keep up with any changes or opportunities that may arise. He says that with so many tool company YouTube and social media pages, today’s tool distributor needs to be ready for when
a potential customer starts asking about a new tool video or company’s product launch.
“Make sure you use what’s available to you,” says Lisle. “For instance, when we come out with new tools, we release a quick 30-second video just demonstrating how the tools are used quickly. Sometimes, it gives technicians peace of mind, like ‘Oh, yeah, I can do that,’ or ‘That doesn’t look too hard.’ So I think having videos that someone can quickly watch in 20, 30 seconds, it really helps sell tools. If there’s videos available, try and use them.”
CHANGES COME FROM THE TOP
Meyer specifically advises keeping up with any dealerships along your route – if there’s a new brake tool that OEMs are recommending their technicians
use for optimal performance, then chances are that another shop is going to need that tool soon, too. Likewise, if an experienced tech asks you for a specific tool, it can be beneficial to pick up an extra or two for the truck to recommend for the next time someone needs it.
He also recommends checking in with your more experienced technicians; are there any tools that the newbie keeps borrowing? Are they struggling with anything a better piece of equipment would help them with? Are they seeing more drum brakes or disc brakes lately?
“From a distributor’s perspective, it’s asking a little bit more and digging deeper; ‘How are you receiving a brake job, and are you looking for other service opportunities to ensure that vehicle is roadworthy?’” Fisette says.
A new era for technicians
AI in automotive systems, fuel, emissions monitoring, and diagnostics and service.
By Scott Brown, Technical Editor
In recent times, the automotive service industry has seen a significant transformation powered by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). These technologies are revolutionizing the way vehicles are controlled, monitored, diagnosed, and serviced. From enhancing powertrain efficiency to ensuring emissions compliance, AI-powered systems have become an integral part of modern vehicles. However, as these intelligent systems become more popular, automotive technicians will need to evolve their diagnostic approaches. This article shares my perspective on why technicians need to cultivate a deeper understanding of these technologies to realize success in the service and repair market.
AI THEN AND NOW
Did you know that AI has been operating on modern vehicles for at least a decade now? Figure 1 shows how ANNs are used to predict cylinder fill on a 2012 production vehicle. During the development of advanced engine designs with variable camshaft timing, lift, etc., engineers had to find solutions to better predict cylinder fill across a complex set of variables, and AI was a solution that worked out for some. Because of this, when you are engaged in a repair on any system these days, you should always refer to service information for the proper resets and relearn procedures. If you don’t, you’ll likely end up leaving the system relying on old or adapted calibrations that may negatively affect your service/repair.
Figure 1 — Fueling strategy using ANNs Photo courtesy of Scott Brown
Additionally, AI has also been in play on climate control systems found in Toyota vehicles for many years now, and I’m sure that there are other applications out there as well.
Today, AI now has many uses across multiple industries including aviation where predictive maintenance has had a positive impact on unexpected downtime. Additionally, the airline industry is using AI along with augmented reality to aid service personnel in training and in carrying out service and maintenance operations. However, there is still deep concern around AI replacing many human-oriented processes. In fact, I’ve been witnessing discussions within the professional automotive service and repair environment about the possibilities, both positive and negative. From my perspective, many are considering the wrong question. Instead, we should be asking ourselves: how can we practically leverage AI and use it as a tool?
I entered this industry over 40 years ago, and I have seen many changes. In my professional opinion, AI is bound to surface remarkable opportunities and is poised to positively change workflow operations and help the next generation of technicians achieve success in their field. Technicians will always be needed to perform the work, but when it comes to navigating complex challenges, AI can help guide technicians by providing a pathway to success. No doubt that there is a concern about how AI will replace humans, which in many situations is true. However, I strongly believe that those who refuse to use AI are more likely to be replaced than those who do.
AI AND ADAS
If you take a deep look into what Tesla is delivering to the market as Full Self-Driving (Supervised) FSD, you will see their systems using inputs from many sensors such as cameras, sonar, and data from inertial measurement units (IMUs) to localize the vehicle to its immediate and future environments. It does this by identifying and classifying objects, assessing volumetric space, measuring, and monitoring changes in distances to hazards in real time, predicting and planning, and executing vehicle behavior (Figure 2). I own two of these machines and I am absolutely amazed at what this technology has been able to accomplish. If you have not been able to witness this level of vehicle performance, I highly recommend having a look. I was honored to deliver a keynote at an event earlier this year in San Diego, California, and I wanted to create a short video demonstrating the vehicle’s performance (youtu.be/ YroyzqmgVrI).
In this video, I requested that the vehicle drive me from my shop’s private driveway in Claremont, California, to a Tesla center 7.5 miles away in Upland. The vehicle performed every maneuver without any input from me. When it arrived and pulled into the driveway at the Tesla center, I disengaged and then prompted the vehicle to perform an “Auto Park” operation. After watching the video, I think you will be able to see the power I am referring to (Figure 3).
The sensor suite on my oldest Tesla (2018 Model 3) has eight cameras looking outward and a forward-facing radar sensor, which is no longer being used to support
Figure 2 — AI object detection and classification inference
Photo courtesy of Scott Brown
the vehicle’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) operations. The vehicle is also equipped with 12 ultrasonic sensors placed around the front and rear perimeters of the vehicle. That vehicle has been able to drive from one driveway to another destination 40+ miles away performing all the dynamic driving tasks a human driver would normally need to perform. I also have a 2023 Model Y (which was used for the previously mentioned video) that has one less forward-facing camera, no radar or ultrasonic sensors, and the vehicle can deliver outstanding driver-aid support. However, this vehicle is equipped with Tesla’s “Hardware 4” autopilot computer, and as of this writing, Tesla has not unleashed the full power of this new hardware suite yet. It is still developing based on the power capabilities of the previous hardware suite.
OTHER USES FOR AI
Personally, I have used AI in many ways such as asking an AI application questions about a technical document that was written way above my knowledge level and having it provide answers. In this example, I was able to develop a deeper understanding of what one vehicle manufacturer’s requirements are for vendors producing modules with CAN transceivers, what the performance requirements are when adverse vehicle conditions exist such as voltage drops, ground faults, and more, and how they are to behave when those thresholds are exceeded. To me, this was quite
remarkable because it streamlined my learning pathway, helping me bridge the gap between my current knowledge level and the level the document was written for. I have bought technical papers in the past with the same goal of increasing my knowledge but struggled to really understand and obtain what I was looking for.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND DECISION-MAKING
Automotive service and repair are tough businesses and require skilled and knowledgeable personnel to deliver the right client experience in addition to providing competent service. In fact, your front office staff is likely finding that they spend a ton of time educating the client about why a particular repair needs to be performed and how complex the process is to complete with long-lasting results. Sometimes explaining how this stuff works can be daunting, and this is where an application like ChatGPT can help. My front office staff uses ChatGPT to create communications to help with consumer education. We typically prompt the AI to help by using phrases like “explain in less than 20 words” or “explain for the average motorist.”
It is no secret that the service and repair industry is deeply reliant on skilled technicians who have the knowledge, experience, and dedication to keep vehicles on the road. AI can serve as a reliable ally in this mission, presenting technicians with valuable insights that can guide their
Figure 3 — Tesla FSD demonstration video
Photo courtesy of Scott Brown
decision-making process and can keep their situational awareness working at an elevated level.
Imagine a scenario where a technician meets a complex issue where a solid diagnosis cannot be achieved. In such instances, a professionally trained AI can rapidly analyze historical data, similar case studies, and relevant technical information to provide potential solutions. This does not undermine the technician’s ability; rather, it enhances their problem-solving ability by offering a broader perspective. This allows for the technician to effectively prioritize their diagnostic strategy.
Imagine another scenario where the technician has a vehicle with intermittent communication failures. The technician can prompt the AI to provide specific details on a particular communication bus they want more information on. The smart AI system provides a summarized report having connector numbers, pinout details with images, part numbers, visual part locations, normal signal patterns, and more. I think you can see where I am going with this.
Moreover, AI-powered tools can help in streamlining the repair process. Real-time data analysis can help technicians find the root cause of a problem more efficiently, especially on a carline they may not have a lot of experience with, effectively reducing errors and minimizing the time a vehicle spends in the shop. By making informed decisions using these expert systems, technicians can deliver higher quality service resulting in higher customer satisfaction.
A PATHWAY TO INCREASED PROFITS AND SUCCESS
In the world of business, efficiency often translates to profitability. Repair shops are no exception. Incorporating AI into daily operations can positively
affect the bottom line by helping with both internal and external communications, marketing, and more. AI can help your technicians write more concisely about their services resulting in a higher level of consumer comprehensibility.
As AI makes its presence felt in the professional service and repair marketplace, culturing trust between technicians and AI systems becomes incredibly significant. Technicians should view AI as a supportive tool that augments their skills, not as a replacement. This means investing in training and education to ensure technicians are well-versed in AI applications and are confident in using its capabilities to their advantage.
Furthermore, AI systems should be designed with transparency and explainability in mind. Technicians should have a clear understanding of how AI arrives at its conclusions, allowing them to confirm recommendations and make informed decisions confidently. Building this level of collaboration between humans and AI will be the key to harnessing the technology’s full potential.
If you’d like to see an example of how an AI robot is responding to certain technical questions, head on over to diag.net and have a look.
SCOTT BROWN is an ASE Master Certified L1 Technician and has over 37 years of professional service industry experience. He is an independent shop owner in Southern California and is engaged at various levels within the industry. He has a deep understanding of the challenges technicians experience at the service level and is continuously striving to move the industry forward through education and networking. Brown founded Diagnostic Network (diag.net) after 22 years of service at iATN, where he retired as company president in 2018. SBrown@VehicleServicePros.com
Hot to go
With the painted flames blazing on the sides of this truck, technicians always know when this distributor has arrived.
By Emily Markham, Editor
After an accident left his last truck totaled, independent tool distributor Hal Holbert knew exactly what he wanted – a better truck than the one he had before. Though funnily enough, that truck was the same model as his previous one – a 2005 C5500 Chevrolet Kodiak.
Holbert and his wife drove down to Georgia to pick up the new truck, but even during the interim of losing his last truck and getting his new one, Holbert never stopped working.
“I’ve got a 2002 Denali and a trailer, and I went and did business,” Holbert says. “I didn’t stop. Not one day.”
Luckily for the distributor, no damage was done to any of his inventory other than the packaging of the products. The only casualty of the car accident was his printer.
CUSTOMIZATIONS INSIDE
Prior to Holbert owning the truck, it used to belong to another distributor. Though the independent has left many of the customizations the same, such as the custom oak shelving, he’s also added his own unique touches to the truck.
The biggest addition is the snack station he installed. The station is filled with different kinds of beef jerky, snack cakes, energy drinks, sodas, water, and more.
“I go to a lot of shops that [it] takes 30 minutes for [the technicians] to go out and get something to drink or eat,” Holbert explains, “so I have snacks when they want one. I don’t make a lot of money on it, but I do it for convenience. I try to take care of [my customers] really well.”
OUT-OF-THE-BOX ORGANIZATION
Holbert hits up a variety of customers in and surrounding Knoxville, Tennessee. From tire, body, car, truck, and industrial shops to construction companies, trailer shops, docks, junkyards, and more, the distributor notes that he does as much with a single truck as some distributors do with three.
To accommodate all these customers and make sure they get everything they need, Holbert likes to fully display the products on his shelves.
“I try to display everything,” Holbert says. “I open it up so they know what they’re looking at and that way they can pick it up and see how it works and … if it’ll do what they want [it] to do.”
He also lets them take the tools back into the shop to test them. This often leads to a sale.
HIS TRUCK, HIS WAY
At the beginning of his 22-year career as a distributor, Holbert worked for a flag. Unfortunately, working for a flag meant abiding by their rules for truck design, so Holbert made a promise to himself that if the opportunity ever came up, he would do things his way.
After leaving the flag and becoming an independent, Holbert finally got his chance. He had a design all planned out, and one of his customers helped him bring it to life. Holbert created a flame design for the exterior of his truck as well as adding stickers for all the vendors he carries so everyone knows what he stocks. He’s finally got his truck, his way.
Hal Holbert Knoxville, Tennessee
Top Left- Once he became an independent, Holbert and a customer of his got to work on a custom truck design. Top Right- The unique design includes stickers indicating what brands are available on the truck. Middle LeftHolbert says that if he doesn't have the tool a customer needs on his truck, he'll find it and have it ready by the next week. Middle Right- Holbert likes that his desk wraps around him so he can easily interact with customers on the truck. Bottom Left- Holbert removes products from boxes so his customers can see and feel them before buying them. Bottom Right- To keep tools easy to find, Holbert has a shelf for everything: pliers, wrenches, Torx bits, and so on. He further organizes them by company and size.
truck
GO SELL SOMETHING
That’s a wrap
In this article, we cover the basics you need to make the sale — planning, preparing, demonstrating, and more.
By Alan Sipe, Contributing Editor
If my calculations are right, this is about my 50th Go Sell Something column — and my last. It’s been great, and I’ve enjoyed cooking up these articles. I hope maybe I’ve helped a few of you close a deal or three.
I have to take a moment and thank my editor Emily Markham (she makes it look like I can spell and know where the commas go), the big cheese Kylie Hirko (Endeavor Executive VP) and my great friend and Endeavor sales manager extraordinaire Cortni Jones, for hanging in there through one odd topic after another.
Starting with the next issue, Go Sell Something will be replaced with Tool Dealer 101, which I am sure will be packed with a load of great ideas.
So...one last time!
PLAN
I know it is a bunch of work and takes a lot of time, but plan every day, every stop, and every customer interaction.
You’re not just riding around in your cool truck for the fun of it, so make the most of it. Their time is valuable and so is yours. Make each visit worthwhile.
PREPARE
Now that you have planned where and who you will be calling on, prepare for each interaction as if it’s really important — because it is. That tech you don’t do a great job presenting to today could be buying a gigantic box from your competitor tomorrow. What product will you be talking about and why does it fit that technician’s job?
DEMONSTRATE
Demo. Demo. Demo. The old saying that a presentation without a demonstration is just conversation was true, is true, and will be true forever. Remember you’re selling many products that are available from other dealers and retailers. You must do a great job selling this prospect that not only is your product
Photo courtesy of Staci Effertz
great but that you are the best place to buy it: availability, knowledge, warranty, convenience, credit … (your good looks). Try using the feature, advantage, benefit method to make the deal.
Feature: What it is.
Advantage: What it does.
Benefit: What it does for them.
TRIAL CLOSE
After every two or three benefits, ask your prospect how they like the product so far in some way. How will it fit their job? Do they see how it will help them? If you just go through all the features, advantages, and benefits and don’t trial close along the way, how will you know which feature/benefit is not to their liking if they say no?
ASK FOR THE ORDER
Closing a deal should be easy for you and feel easy for the prospect. Nobody enjoys the car salesperson pushing hard for the deal right now or the timeshare person warning that the price could go up at any time.
Most times a simple yes-yes question does the trick.
• Would you like both the screwdriver and nutdriver set today?
• I have a new one on the truck, should I get it for you?
• Which color will your new storage system be, red or green?
Also…not to be rude, but when you ask for the order shut up! Give your prospect time to think, time to process your offer, and time to say yes. And for goodness’ sake, don’t get nervous, break the silence, and offer some discount for them to go with it now. In most cases, they were going to say yes, and you just gave up 5-10 percent of your revenue for nothing. The first one to speak loses.
DON’T DISCOUNT
Except with promotions, do not get in the habit of discounting. This is a slippery slope, and if you get accustomed to lowering your prices to get the orders, your customers will expect it too. Then you’re in real trouble. Give them some merch or inexpensive tool you have handy to close the deal. I’ve always said that there are no better marketing aids in the tool business like hats and t-shirts. Remember that a 10 percent discount on a $10,000 toolbox could easily equal a 25 percent reduction in your gross profit at a 40 percent margin…it ain’t pretty.
GET NEW CUSTOMERS
Good customers come and go, and that’s just the way it is in business. Always be cultivating new business. Maybe it’s
an old customer who got PO’d or the good customer of your competitor. Keep talking and showing them what’s new. Sooner or later, your competitor will make a mistake or break a promise, or they may forget what they were mad at you about, and you want to be their first-choice replacement.
SAY THANK YOU
Every call, every day, every time, thank your customers for their business and tell them how much you appreciate them. Everyone likes to feel important and appreciated. And finally, thank you all for reading my sales thoughts and ideas, I hope they helped. Take care and go sell something!
ALAN W. SIPE has spent the last 42 years in the basic hand tool industry including positions as president of KNIPEX Tools North America, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Klein Tools, manager of special markets at Stanley Tools, and sales manager at toolbox manufacturer Waterloo Industries. Currently, Sipe is the owner of Toolbox Sales and Consulting, a company specializing in sales strategy, structure, development, and training. alansipe@gmail.com
Eliminate Chaos & Clutter in the New Year with the ORIGINAL socket tray invented by Hansen Global
Organize tools by style and size for easy identification
Secure regular, deep and semi-deep sockets all on one tray.
All trays are molded from rugged ABS plastic to shrug off grease chemicals and other debris and come with a lifetime guarantee
3 row trays available in ½”, 3/8” and 1/4” drive
2 row trays available in red, gray, orange and green
DRIVING SALES
Battery & Electrical Service Tools
Battery & Electrical Service Tools
The battery is the heart of any vehicle, giving it the power it needs to get out on the road. Battery and electrical service tools are an integral part of a technician’s toolbox, and it’s your job to make sure your truck is stocked with the latest products to keep your customers well-equipped.
BUILT-IN CUTTER FOR INSULATED WIRE
The In-Line Wire Stripper, No. 19150, from Tool Aid automatically adjusts to strip 8-30 AWG PVC insulated wire. Built-in cutters on the stripper can cut through 10-30 AWG PVC insulated wire. The stripper includes a pressure adjustment slide for fine-tuning, and an adjustable strip length guide for quick, repeat stripping. The in-line style allows use in tight and recessed areas.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
DESIGNED FOR HIGHAND LOW-VOLTAGE ENVIRONMENTS
The PQ345 PicoBNC+ 1400V Differential Probe Kit from Pico Technology can handle signals ranging from EV batteries and inverters to 5V digital communications networks such as CAN. It connects seamlessly with PicoScope 4425A oscilloscopes with up to three probes usable at once. Designed for both high-voltage and low-voltage environments, it also offers smart probe interfacing for easy probe configuration, powered probes that don’t require batteries, and status lights and probe checking for instant identification of connected probes.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
CHARGES LEAD ACID AND LITHIUM BATTERIES
The Bosch BAT6120-US High-Power 12V Battery Charger and 120A Power Supply is a multi-functional battery support solution for automotive shops. It functions dependably as an efficient and fast battery charger for lead acid and lithium batteries, or as a 120A continuous power supply. The BAT6120-US can update charging characteristics via USB, offers a large four-color LCD, and is ideal for operating on a desk, bench, or floor, and is also wall-mountable. For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
ALLOWS FOR EASIER INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL
The ARES 3-pc Spring Loaded Universal Joint Magnetic Spark Plug Socket Set, No. 11080, includes three 3/8” drive magnetic spark plugs in 14mm, 9/16”, and 5/8” sizes. Constructed of high-quality chrome vanadium material with a chrome plated finish for rust and corrosion resistance, each spark plug socket features a springloaded universal joint design that prevents the joint from becoming loose. This design allows for easier placement of sockets on hard-to-reach spark plugs, and interior magnets retain and protect spark plugs for easier installation and removal.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” on VehicleServicePros.com
SUITABLE FOR 12V AND 24V PRIME MOVERS
The Intelli-Start Industrial Jump Starter, No. PJ-IS3000, from Projecta is capable of starting 12V 12L gas and diesel vehicles and all 24V gas and diesel vehicles. Suitable for 12V and 24V prime moves, buses, and industrial machinery. This model has a LifePo4, allowing Projecta’s patented Rapid Recharge Technology to work. This RRT allows the vehicle that was jump-started to recharge the unit within 40 seconds after it is started. Users have unlimited jump starts without putting the unit back on its docking station for recharging.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
INCLUDES MOST COMMON TOOLS FOR EV SERVICE
The KNIPEX Tools 12-pc 1000V Insulated Electric Vehicle Set, No. 9k 00 80 168 US, contains the following insulated tools: 9-1/2” insulated lineman’s pliers, 4” slotted screwdriver with 5/23” tip, 4” Phillips screwdriver, 7” long nose plastic pliers, flat nose plastic pliers, long nose pliers with cutters, long nose 40-degree angled pliers with cutters, gripping tweezers, Electronic Super Knips, and three selfclamping slip-on caps in 80mm, 100mm, and 110mm lengths. Each tool has been individually tested to a dielectric strength of 10,000V AC and provides a safety buffer of ten times the permitted maximum limit of 1,000V AC. The tools come in a lockable, shock-resistant plastic case.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
DOUBLE-INSULATION FOR ADDED PROTECTION
The Cementex Fully Insulated & Flexible Inspection Mirror uses the company’s proprietary insulating material and doubleinsulation for safety. The 1000VAC/1500VDC tool meets OSHA, NFPA 70E, and CSA-Z462 rules and regulations. The mirrors come with a protective cover to keep the glass safe from scratches and damage while in storage or transit. It’s available with two flexible handle lengths, 12” or 25”, and with a 2-1/4” round mirror, 3-1/4” round mirror, or a 2-1/4” rectangular mirror.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
MANUAL MODE WITH ADJUSTABLE TIME
SERVICES AND TROUBLESHOOTS BATTERY CONDITIONS
The E-XTEQ DCBS Mobile, No. EZ-0268-A, is a diagnostic and charge battery station that features built-in diagnostic functions to service and troubleshoot battery conditions, including state of charge/state of health. It can perform IR, CCA tests, true reserve capacity, and automatic load test and charge acceptance functions, as well as functioning as a Constant Current Constant Voltage power supply. It also offers a clean, consistent power supply for vehicle ECU reflashing.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
The Battery Charger and Analyzer, No. 6021AGM, from Associated Equipment is designed to provide 6V, 12V, and 24V charging capabilities for vehicle batteries including AGM and EFB. The charger also has a manual mode with the ability to adjust the time up to 180 minutes, safety features, as well as safe start and auto restart in the AGM setting. Additionally, the charger performs an automated load test and automatic surface charge removal and will notify the user if the battery is out of the parameters for conducting the load test.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES CUSHIONED NON-SLIP HANDLE
The Insulated Nut Drivers SAE, No. CH06-I, from Gray Tools are individually insulated and tested to ASTM F1505 standards. The drivers feature a cushioned non-slip handle, as well as an orange top insulation layer, and a second yellow layer that serves as a visual safety indicator. When using the drivers, users have protection for up to 1,000V.
JUMPSTARTS BATTERIES AND INFLATES TIRES
The V2200Air Jump Starter and Air Compressor from TOPDON is a combination jumpstarter and tire inflator. It offers a 2200A peak current, allowing it to start engines up to 8L gas or 6L diesel in two seconds. Its air pump can inflate a vehicle’s tires in under three minutes and has six modes for other types of inflatables. The V2200Air also features a 400 lm light for illuminating the surroundings and can be used as a power bank to charge personal devices as well.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
DRIVING SALES
Battery & Electrical Service Tools
WORKS WITH VT750LCD VOLTAGE TESTER FOR EV TESTING
The Power Probe INT500 Insulation Tester and Multimeter allows technicians to assess the integrity of insulation in wiring and components, crucial for the safety and performance of EVs and ensuring gasoline vehicles’ electrical systems remain reliable. When used with Power Probe’s VT750LCD Voltage Tester, it also enables technicians to accurately measure and diagnose voltage levels in both types of vehicles, aiding in identifying issues quickly. This versatile diagnostic tool is designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and precision when maintaining and servicing both EVs and traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
MAGNETIC DESIGN HOLDS SPARK PLUG
The Mac Tools 13-pc Magnetic Spark Plug Socket Set, No. MSPSS-13PC, features a magnetic design that helps securely hold the spark plug. Sockets are knurled for easy turning by hand and feature a highpolish chrome-plated finish for corrosion resistance. This set features four standard sockets, four universal sockets, three extra deep sockets, two thin wall sockets, and a heavy duty blow-molded case to keep the sockets organized.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
OFFERS UP TO 10,000A/5,000A
The Vanair Start-All Jump-Pack 12/24V delivers 10,000A and 166,500 joules to start any vehicle you’re operating. At only 18 lbs, it’s the perfect power partner. With 12V and 24V capabilities, it offers unrivaled power and versatility. Built-in Protect-All technology protects against reverse polarity, low voltage, short circuit, overheating, over voltage, and open-clamp situations. The unit also offers device charging capability and 500 lm of LED light.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
LisLe Corporation CurrentLy pays royaLties to over 120 individuaLs.
Lisle has been in business for over 110 years and for over 40 years have been working with individuals on an award or royalty basis. If you have an original tool idea which others may need, we have a procedure to evaluate your idea.
Respond now to request an idea disclosure packet.
P.O. Box 89 • Clarinda, IA 51632-0089 712-542-5101 • Fax 712-542-6591 www.lislecorp.com/about/program
OFFERS COMPLETE TEST REPORT WITH CUSTOMIZABLE PRINTOUTS
The DHC BT2300 PLUS is a cloud-ready battery service station that can perform real load tests and automatically upload results to the cloud. It offers a complete test report with a customizable printout, a four-color LCD display with an easy-to-read interface, VIN scan, power supply for ECU programming, and field upgrades via USB or Wi-Fi. It can also perform 12V lead-acid, EFB, AGM, VRLA, and LFP battery charges and features “SET-N-GO” automatic testing/charging procedures. It includes a 10’ heavy duty detachable cable and a roll of printing paper.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
SMART CHARGING STATION FEATURES LCD SCREEN
The DeWalt EV 240V Charger is equipped with a 25’ high-grade UL-certified cable and delivers up to 46 mph of charge. The current can be adjusted from 12A to 40A, while the smart charging station features an easy-to-read LCD screen and is compatible with all SAE J1772 EVs. The charger features a heavy duty protective cage, keeping it safe from scratches and dents in rough environments. The charging gun is engineered with a rubber anti-slip grip to resist any impact while maintaining a comfortable charging experience. The charger has 10 safety features, including overvoltage, overcurrent, overheat, overcharge, and surge protection.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
DRIVING SALES
AUTOMATIC WIRE STRIPPER, NO. 48-22-3083
The Automatic Wire Stripper, No. 48-223083, from Milwaukee Tool features a one-handed stripping application for quick, clean cuts through 80-20 solid and 1022 stranded AWG wire. The tool is designed to cleanly strip up to 1” in a single squeeze and the built-in cutter is located in the center of the tool for optimal leverage for cuts through copper wires. Additionally, the molded grip handles offer users added comfort for all-day use.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES 21” CABLE REACH
The 12V Jump Starter and Power Supply, No. JNC305, from Clore Automotive is designed to provide reliable service to a wide variety of passenger vehicles, featuring 1,000A of power with 300A of jumpstarting capability. Additional features include a 21” cable reach with full-size clamps, a USB power port, an LED worklight, and UL2743 compliance for operator and equipment safety. The JNC305 can start most V6 engines and features the ability to jump-start totally dead batteries, according to Clore. In order to keep the user safe, the JNC305 has reverse polarity protection, back-feed protection, over-voltage protection, short circuit protection,and overheat protection.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
• TORQUE ADJUSTMENT RANGE OF 5 – 100 IN-LBS.
• LCD SCREEN FEATURES LIVE AND PEAK MODES
• AUDIBLE AND VISUAL INDICATORS WHEN DESIRED TORQUE IS REACHED
• RUBBERIZED HANDLE IMPROVES ERGONOMICS FOR ENCHANCED COMFORT AND GRIP REDUCING HAND STRAIN AND FATIGUE
• PHOSPHATE COATING ON BITS AND SHAFT
FEATURES A 15” TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY
The Lincoln Electric Velion DC Electric Vehicle Chargers are designed with industrial-grade components to deliver fast charging speeds. The Level 3,150kW DC fast charger exceeds 75 percent domestic content and is engineered to exceed 97 percent uptime with an output of up to 1,000V/150A and 500V/300A, with a charging efficiency of 95 percent. The chargers operate within the temperature range of -31 degrees F to 122 degrees F, delivering reliable performance in a wide range of operating conditions. It features a 15” touchscreen display, three tactile navigation buttons, an overhead status indicator light, and a 12’ cable.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
MADE FROM FORGED CARBON STEEL
The Electrical Connector Pliers , No. 37990, from Lisle Corporation feature narrow knurled tips that provide extra grip when removing connectors in tight spaces. The tool is designed to remove many single and double connectors found in cars, trucks. The tool is 8” long and made from forged carbon steel for extra strength and durability. A spring in the handle allows the user to work one-handed, and dual materials grips add additional comfort.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FITS SMALL, TOP POST, AND SIDE POST BATTERIES
The CTEK Comfort Connect, Nos. 56-260, 56-261, 56-329, allows technicians to quickly and easily reach well-hidden batteries in the vehicle. CTEK offers three different sizes depending on the type of battery terminals: No. 56-260 for smaller batteries, No. 56-261 for top post batteries, and No. 56-329 for side post batteries. There is no need to hassle with battery clamps every time, just permanently mount Comfort Connect on every battery that needs charging and easily charge and maintain the batteries after use for prolonged life.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES 2-GAUGE JUMPER CABLES
The 12V/24V 4400 Peak Amp Portable Jump Starter & Power Supply, No. DSR166, from Schumacher Electric features an internal charger that provides 4,400 peak amps, with two internal highoutput AGM batteries that deliver 525 cold cranking amps for 12V systems, and 350A 24V systems. The full jump pack includes an easy-to-use digital display to check battery percentage, 2-gauge jumper cables, an on/off switch, and reverse hook-up warnings for when a battery is connected incorrectly. Each jump starter also functions as a portable power source with a 12V DC power outlet and a 2.1A USB port to charge and run mobile phones, tablets, or other accessories.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FOUR-IN-ONE JUMP STARTER
FULL RANGE OF ACCESSORY TEST LEADS
The Electronic Specialties Pro Auto Test Lead Kit, No. ELS200, includes a full range of accessory test leads designed for automotive, heavy duty, and marine electrical troubleshooting. The extra sharp test leads have an extended length of 64”, and each accessory test probe connects with the main test lead via straight banana plugs. The kit includes four back probes, which double as wire piercers using the included adapter heads. These are used to back probe intact electrical connectors, or tap smaller gauge wires for live readings. The included crocodile clips open wide enough to clip onto battery posts for ground connections. The cable/insulation piercers can be used to tap live readings on large gauge wires.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES INTERCHANGEABLE BLADES
The 14-pc Insulated Screwdriver Set from Dynamic Tools includes interchangeable blades, featuring a variety of Phillips, Torx, and slotted tips. Each tip is precisionmachined for an exact fit and have easyto-read identification for quickly selecting the appropriate tool for the job. The blades fit securely in a high-visibility, cushion-grip handle, which is VDE tested for protection against electrical shock up to 1,000V. For precision screwdriving needs, a plastic cap can be attached to the bottom of each screwdriver blade instead of using the cushioned handle. A 1,000V voltage tester is also included in the set for checking electrical sources. Roll packaging is provided for convenient storage and carrying.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
The One Jump Starter, No. JTC4250, from Lokithor, is a four-in-one jump starter, battery tester, car charger, and power bank. It has a peak current of 4,250A and can jump-start engines up to 10L and 8L diesel engines. It functions as a tester for 12V lead acid batteries, providing state of health, internal resistance, load test, and other data, and it can save the results. It also works as a battery charger, maintainer, desulfurizer, and as a trickle/float charger. It features type C two-way 60W fast charging for charging multiple devices at once. It also has a 300 lm LED light.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
FEATURES A MOVABLE FACE FOR OFFSET VIEWING
The Titan Professional Tools 22” Insulated Flexible Inspection Mirror, No. 71101, features a 2” diameter, a movable face for offset viewing, and a flexible handle and shaft for access to hardto-reach places. It also retains its shape for repeated use. The round, double-insulated tool is tested to 10,000 VAC and rated for use up to 1,000V AC and 1,500V DC when working on live parts. This high-voltage inspection mirror complies with ASTM F1505 and IEC 60900 standards.
For more information, click on “PD e-inquiry” at VehicleServicePros.com
Starting over
Starting
a new route in a new state can be challenging, but
this Cornwell dealer knew just how to adapt.
By Elli Carder, Assistant Editor
It can be hard to find your groove and build a rapport with customers as a new dealer, but what about when you’ve already been in the business and you’re starting over somewhere new?
Cornwell Quality Tools dealer Gabe Felix had been in the automotive industry for around 20 years, starting as a body shop owner and transitioning into the world of mobile distribution in 2019, when he and his wife, Amanda, uprooted their lives in California and moved to Utah. With a completely different, somewhat downsized route and new customers at every stop, it felt a little like “starting over,” Felix says.
“It was kind of a weird feeling,” he explains. “I’m a seasoned dealer, but at the same time, my first time out I was like, this is brand new to me.”
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As daunting as it was, Felix has managed to fit well into his new route in Utah, a win he attributes to his reliability and the importance he places on building relationships with his technicians.
KEEPING IT REAL
Back in 2021, we sat down with Felix to talk about his truck, and he shared his secret to navigating the industry: building relationships. Now, three years later, he continues to encourage others to do the same.
One effective method to building those relationships comes from being reliable. He never misses a stop on his weekly route but is sure to communicate with his technicians if things come up.
“You gotta keep it real with them,” Felix explains. “I don’t like playing with smoke and mirrors. I keep it honest. If I make a sale, I make a sale. And if I don’t, I don’t. You’re still building a relationship, so it doesn’t matter.”
For Felix, this outlook shapes every encounter he has with his customers. When he sees the same
technicians every week, he puts in the effort to get to know them, their shops, their interests and needs, as well as their personalities.
“If you’re going to be in this business long, you end up making friends and relationships,” Felix says. “The tools become secondary in some cases.”
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Aside from the relationships Felix maintains with his technicians, he takes pride in the partner he’s chosen to help him keep his truck running: his wife, Amanda. When he’s helping a customer in the back, she can run the computer or check customers out.
The extra set of hands has allowed the pair to condense their work week to around three and a half days, giving them more time to spend together as a family. It's also given Felix the chance to invest more time with his technicians.
“A lot of guys ask me, because they know we ride together, if it’s worth it, and the answer is yes,” Felix says. “You can effectively see more people, handle more people, and spend quality time with more people. We make a pretty good duo.”
REINVESTING IN THE FUTURE
When approached by new dealers, the biggest piece of advice Felix gives them is to invest in their business. The best way to do this, Felix says, is by keeping a well-stocked truck. It can be daunting to spend money, especially when you’re starting out, but without a product, you can’t make a sale. Felix is running his third truck on a new route, but through all the change, he’s kept the same credo when it comes to inventory.
“Don’t be scared to reinvest your money into the business. It’s going to take a minute for it to self-sustain,” Felix advises. “The reality of it is [that] if it’s not on your shelf, [technicians] aren’t going to buy it.”
Felix and his wife Amanda work together to run their truck and keep their customers happy. Photo courtesy of Gabe Felix
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• 70/65/30 Charging Amps
• 205 Amp Crank Assist
• Digital Meter: Amps, Volts, Time, Mode
• Dead Battery Override Switch
• Manual Mode w/Adjustable Digital Timer (5-180 Minutes)
• Overcurrent & Wrong Voltage Setting Safety Features
• 6 Volt Charge Setting Used For 12 Volt Float Mode at 13.3 Volts
AGM/EFB SPECIALTY CHARGE MODE
• Battery Fault Indicator
• Auto Restart in AGM setting
BATTERY TESTER
• Automated Load Test
• Automatic Surface Charge Removal
• Battery Out of Parameter Notification & Override Capability During Load Testing
• Displays Active Voltage, Max-Voltage, Min-Voltage, Approximate CCA
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HRoadmap to repair
Finding your final diagnosis is simple – trust your process, look at all the angles, change your approach if needed.
By Emily Markham, Editor Emily@VehicleServicePros.com
aving a standard diagnostic testing process in your shop does three things:
• It keeps everyone on the same page – everyone is following the same initial steps and performing the same basic tests.
• It helps prevent misdiagnosis –with everyone following the process put in place, no technicians will be cutting corners or making assumptions about the vehicle.
• It makes conversations with customers easier – you can tell them exactly the process that is taking place to examine their vehicle.
But what happens if you’re following the steps, performing all the right tests, and things just don’t seem right? In our first article, Chris Martino walks us through a repair that really put his diagnostic process to the test.
“Trust your process,” Martino says. “Don’t deviate even though something may be unbelievable. These vehicles are only machines and follow simple rules when broken down to their base systems.”
Once you’ve gone through your initial process, you may have a diagnosis in mind. However, even if you do think you have the answer to why a vehicle was towed into your shop with a dead battery, your conclusion may not be right.
In our second article, Brandon Steckler urges you to open your mind
to the many possibilities of what may have caused that vehicle to end up in your shop. Going back to the example of the vehicle with the dead battery, Steckler creates a list of questions to ensure you’re looking at this problem from every angle.
• Is the battery just old and expired?
• Is there a parasitic drain present, killing the battery?
• Is the alternator charging?
• If not, why? Is there a voltage drop elsewhere in the battery charging circuit?
“I always choose to take the diagnostic path that yields me the most information for the least amount of time or energy invested,” Steckler explains.
Similar to Steckler’s view of diagnosing from different angles, our final article looks at the similarities and differences that come with making the same repair on two different vehicle types – an internal combustion engine vehicle and an electric vehicle.
Though some parts of your process may stay the same, Craig Van Batenburg notes that there will come a point where the knowledge from your “12V brain” won’t match up with the knowledge from your “high-voltage brain” and you’ll have to deviate your diagnostic approach.
As you flip through this guide, we hope you find ways to strengthen and improve your diagnostic process.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
Build and trust your diagnostic process
We’ve all encountered that vehicle that comes from another shop. The one where it seemed every time the right decision could have been made, the technician turned left.
By Chris Martino
Today, I want to tell a different kind of story. It all started as any other day. I was on the road doing some mobile diagnostics and programming when I received two text messages from a shop I do some work for occasionally. The messages were screenshots of some codes and pictures of some scan data (Figures 1 & 2).
Looking at these pictures, I could see that the vehicle in question was a Land Rover that had codes for Cylinder No. 5 injector circuit — open, and a Cam Position Sensor B Circuit range/ performance code.
This was followed by a phone call
from the shop owner. The vehicle was a 2018 Land Rover Discovery owned by a childhood friend of his. According to the shop owner, the vehicle owner noticed the vehicle was running poorly and decided to get it scanned. The shop he took it to made the decision the timing was off and recommended the engine be rebuilt. The vehicle owner approved the repair, and the shop sent the vehicle to a local engine rebuild shop.
The truck was at that rebuilder for a few weeks. When the vehicle owner called to check in, the rebuild shop relayed that they were having issues making the truck run correctly. They scanned it and sent the screenshots to
the vehicle owner. The vehicle owner sent them to his friend, and then they made their way to me.
The repair shop (my client) then asked me to go to the engine rebuild shop and give them some direction — as they seemed lost with this Land Rover.
These vehicles need special tools to set the timing chains up correctly, and not using them can cause the engine to be out of time. I told the shop that I would go and check cam/crank correlation with a scope to verify timing and go from there.
THIS SHOULD NOT BE THAT BAD
I arrived at the engine rebuild shop. The vehicle was outside and someone was working on it. I could see the tech had the spark plugs all out of the driver‘s side bank. This was going to be tough to work on. I started speaking with the tech and more of the story began to emerge.
After the engine rebuild, they had the “camshaft code” that would not clear and the fuel injector No. 5 code that would not clear. When they inspected the No. 5 injector, they found it damaged and the internal wiring was exposed. They replaced the injector, but nothing had changed.
They asked me if I could check the operation of the cam sensor because they replaced it, but the code would not clear. I happily hooked up my Pico 4425a digital storage oscilloscope, removed the fuel control fuse, and cranked the vehicle. I saw a healthy pattern. I explained to them that this only meant the cam sensor worked. It won’t tell me the camshafts are in time unless I reference all the sensors.
The tech also stated that it was still running rough, and he could not get rid of the injector code. I hooked my scope leads to the fuel injector, cranked the vehicle, and saw no signal.
I have learned the hard way that you need to verify your test equipment functionality each time you use it. I connected
Figure 7 — On the left of the HPFP you can see the HPFP rod, and on the right, you can see the spring. In the middle, you can see the hole where seven gallons of fuel drained out of the high-pressure system.
Photo courtesy of Chris Martino
to battery positive and saw the scope display 12V — this meant my ground reference was good, my leads were good, and my scope was operating correctly. I hooked the lead to injector No. 4, cranked the engine, and saw a beautiful pattern.
ASSESSING THE BIG PICTURE
Ok, stop. This is where you need to take a step back and look at the entire picture. This vehicle is at an engine rebuilder shop — post-engine rebuild. This engine was out of the vehicle. In layman’s terms, stuff was messed with. This injector harness goes to the back of the engine, joins up with the main harness, and terminates at the ECM in the left side cowl panel. I need to check these wires to the injector.
Assessing the ECM is simple for this vehicle. I consulted an ALLDATA diagram and saw that the No. 5 fuel injector terminates at pins 26 and 27 (Figure 3). According to the diagram, they are a twisted pair and should be simple to locate. Using an ohmmeter, I found the ignition wire had no continuity and the control wire was shorted to the ignition wire. This made no sense.
I was only asked to come to the shop in an advisory capacity. I advised the shop to check the harness for damage and repair anything they found. If they needed any help, I would only be a phone call away.
FAST-FORWARD TWO WEEKS
I run a mobile ADAS, diagnostics, and programming company. I also have a brick-and-mortar location for jobs that get to be too much for the road. I was at the shop and a tow truck pulled up with a very familiar Land Rover on the back. I called the original shop that contacted me. They informed me that the rebuilders gave up and the vehicle owner asked him if he could figure it out (which means I get to figure it out).
I got the vehicle in, cranked it up,
and it ran...barely. It filled my entire shop with white smoke. It felt like it was running on only a few cylinders. It also had an extended crank. A code scan from Launch Tech's X-431 Torque Link showed many more codes that were not there before — most notably a fuel rail pressure circuit, charge air pressure circuit, and injectors 1, 3, and 5 circuits. We decided to go after the fuel fail pressure fault first. Checking a diagram, we saw that the fuel rail pressure sensor and MAP (charge air pressure) sensor share a VREF (5V) signal (Figure 4). Upon checking, the 5V reference source was not getting to either sensor,
but it was coming out of the ECM (more broken wires). We checked the main harness and could not see where the rebuild shop opened it up. There also did not appear to be any apparent damage to it either. We started at the firewall grommet and removed a couple inches of tape. We found the green VREF wire broken. A simple fix of the wires now brought power to those sensors.
LIKE MAGIC, NEW ISSUES APPEAR
We then cleared the codes and started the vehicle. The extended crank was gone, but it still felt like it was running on only a few cylinders. Another code
Figure 1 — This picture came from the engine rebuilder. It seems they are dealing with an injector circuit and cam sensor/timing issue.
Photo courtesy of Chris Martino
Figure 2 — Here we have some more data provided from the engine rebuilder. A quick glance suggests the timing is ok, but this data could be misleading. Do those camshaft timing PIDs say the same thing? I need to check this for myself.
Photo courtesy of Chris Martino
DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
scan showed cylinders 1, 3, and 5 still open circuit. Hooking up the scope showed no signal coming from the ECM during cranking.
We cleared the codes again while the scope was still connected and cranked it again to see if the computer was shutting the coils down. Nothing ever came out of the computer. This makes no sense. This issue was not there two weeks ago, and as far as I can tell, the engine and harness appear to be in the same condition.
We pulled the ECM connector and checked continuity to the injectors. All the wiring checked fine. The injectors each had about 1.8 ohms, which is perfect for this vehicle. For some reason, the computer was not controlling the injectors. A check of the powers and grounds to the ECM was fine. We had no choice but to diagnose this as a faulty ECM. We called the repair shop, and the vehicle owner approved the replacement of the ECM.
The brand-new ECM came in a few days later. We installed it and ran through the programming process with Topix Cloud DDA. The process went smoothly — until it asked me to start and run the vehicle. I cranked the vehicle, and the starter would not turn. It made a weird sound like the starter was binding or the engine was seized.
LET’S NOT GET LOST IN THE SAUCE
Rolling the engine over with a Snap-on 1/2" Drive Impact Socket on the front crank pulley showed the engine was seized tight. It seemed hydro-locked. We removed all six spark plugs and started to roll the engine over again. The engine moved freely. Cylinder No. 5 was completely full of fuel (Figure 5) — followed by cylinders No. 1 and No. 3 having a decent amount in them. I had my tech roll the engine over in the suspect to measure the stroke and compare
them to the good cylinders. Luckily, they all moved the same and there were no bent rods.
Let’s recap — so far we have found damage in the wiring harness, damaged electronics in the ECM, and now three fuel injectors. We let the shop owner know the next batch of our findings,
got it approved by the vehicle owner, and ordered three new fuel injectors. We pulled the injectors out to replace them and saw that the O-rings and seals had not been replaced. For those of you not familiar with this engine, this is a direct-injected engine — the fuel injectors run through the
Figure 3 — This OEM ECM wiring diagram sheet shows the fuel injectors are in the harness as a twisted pair and the control as well as the IGN wires are right next to one another in the ECM connector. Photo courtesy of Chris Martino
Figure 4 — The OEM ECM wiring diagram sheet shows the fuel rail pressure sensor and MAP sensor share the same VREF circuit. This green/white wire would be a good thing to check for damage.
Photo courtesy of Chris Martino
valve cover. This engine, just to remind you, has been rebuilt. The rebuild shop never replaced the Teflon seals — these are single-use only! That’s a big no-no. We pulled all the injectors out, replaced the seals and O-rings, and installed the three new injectors.
With that much fuel in the cylinders, we decided an oil change was needed to get all of the fuel out of the crankcase. We popped the drain plug and out came seven gallons of fuel. This could have been caused by the stuck open fuel injectors, but I wanted to be sure. This engine uses two high-pressure (HP) fuel pumps mounted on the side of the engine. I have seen this style of pump fail before and leak fuel into the crankcase, causing fuel trim issues and misfires. Diagnosing this condition can be difficult. Most of the time you must rule out everything else
Figure 5 — Fuel shooting from cylinder No. 5 as the engine is being turned over by hand.
Photo courtesy of Chris Martino
DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
and be left with only the fuel pumps as the remaining fault.
STAYING ON TARGET
I had the assumption that one or both pumps were leaking directly into the crankcase — how can I test that? These pumps are driven from a separate cam by the timing chain on the right lower side of the engine.
The pumps are fed pressure from the in-tank pump and should hold around 60 psi and rise to 90 psi when cranking (Figure 6). Once the engine starts to turn, the pumps will develop high pressures. I left the drain plug out of the oil pan and turned the key on. Nothing dripped out. I tapped the starter button and then quickly shut it off, and fuel started running out of the drain plug. One or both pumps were leaking into the crankcase.
For those of you keeping a tally of the diagnoses:
• Damaged wiring in the main harness
• Damaged drivers in the ECM
• Three faulty injectors
• Three more sets of injector seals
• Two high-pressure fuel pumps
Another phone call to the shop and an approval from the customer meant the pumps were on the way. I took all the undercoverings, starters, and fuel lines out. I then popped out the pumps to find one that looked OK, but the other one came out without the spring and piston (Figure 7). There’s the fuel issue. I fished out all the broken parts and installed the new pumps.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE
Once filled with fresh oil and a filter, I was able to start the vehicle. It started right up and ran relatively well. There was a ton of white smoke coming out of the exhaust due to all the old fuel burning off. After all the smoke cleared (pun intended), I checked the codes again.
SYSTEM PRESSURE 4.5 BAR - 65.3 IBF/IN2
STARTING PRESSURE 6.3 BAR - 91.4 IBF/IN2
There were codes for misfires on cylinders 4, 5, and 6, and cam correlation codes (the same ones it came in with) (Figure 8). All signs pointed to the timing being off on one bank. I let the shop owner know where we were at, and he asked me to prove the timing was off. I usually like to do this the easy way: cam/crank correlation, but I decided to get fancy and used the PicoScope WPS500x in-cylinder pressure transducer. My plan was to take a capture of each bank and overlay them. An in-cylinder pressure waveform, in my opinion, can be the best way to visualize individual valve events without taking anything apart. I am not a guru at this. I leave the high-end deciphering work to my friend Brandon Steckler. However, I was always good at playing “one of these things is not like the other.” We hooked the in-cylinder transducer up, saved the captures, and put them in an overlay program (Figure 9). You can clearly see that there is a difference from side to side.
LET’S DOCK THIS SHIP
What is off and by how much? I’m going to let you in on a secret; it doesn’t matter in this case. Does knowing that the intake cam is off 33.67893245 degrees change the fact that this brand-new chain will have to be reset? Nope. My diagnostic urge has been fulfilled, and I am now able to report the final findings to the customer.
Could the hydro-locked engine have caused the chain to jump? Maybe. The bank causing the code was on the same side as the completely full cylinder. This vehicle had the engine so diluted with fuel that it may have caused the tensioners not to hold pressure and allow the chain to jump. Could the chain not have been set up correctly at all? Again, maybe. There is no way to prove that. When I was at the rebuilder’s shop originally, I asked if they used the proper tools to assemble the chain, and they responded that they did. I have no reason to doubt them. I can only speak to where the diagnosis led me.
Figure 6 — Fuel pressure spec shows 56.3 psi for holding and 91.4 psi for starting pressure.
Photo courtesy of Chris Martino
Figure 8 — After the HPFP replacement, the only codes left were timing and misfire codes. They all seemed to be on one bank though, so I checked the timing bank to bank.
Photo courtesy of Chris Martino
I reported my findings to the shop owner, and he relayed them to the vehicle owner. The vehicle owner was done with the vehicle at this point — he was
probably mad at himself for not taking it to his friend from the beginning. He asked that we put the vehicle back together and he was going to call it a loss and trade the
vehicle in for something less troublesome and complicated. We reassembled the vehicle and drove it back to the repair shop, and aside from the flashing check engine light, it didn’t drive half bad.
Is there a moral to this story? I don’t know. I can tell you that I trust my diagnostic process. When I had to make a call — no matter how bizarre and unbelievable it was — I felt confident.
I can relay that to you, build your process — trust your process. Don’t deviate even though something may seem unbelievable. These vehicles are only machines and follow simple rules when broken down to their base systems. Don’t discount the human factor; humans are fallible and can really mess things up whether we want to or not. And sometimes, after all this, you will have a good story to tell for years to come.
Figure 9 — This picture shows banks Nos. 1 and 2 overlayed on one another. If the timing was dead on, the valve events would be indistinguishable, bank to bank. You can clearly see there is an issue here.
Photo courtesy of Chris Martino
ANALYSIS
Diagnosing from different angles
A conclusive test result is like a home run, but multiple test results that tell the same story? That’s more like a grand slam.
By Brandon Steckler
I’ll be the first to tell you that being a technician under pressure to get the job done quickly is not a stress-free position. This intensity is multiplied tenfold when you factor in the flat-rate pay scale for a technician (a concept I disagree with wholeheartedly).
With that, many will jump at the opportunity to draw a diagnosis from a single piece of data that correlates with an exhibited symptom. However, I urge you to step back and revisit the vehicle from a different angle.
STEPPING STONES
As I’ve mentioned many times before, I always choose to take the diagnostic path that yields me the most information for the least amount of time or energy invested. I joke about this as my being inherently lazy. But the truth is it’s just more logical and efficient to conduct testing in this manner.
This is best discussed by way of example. Assume a vehicle was towed into the shop with a dead battery. Some may choose to conduct a capacitance test with the devices we typically implement at a multi-point service check (Figure 1). A failure would be a reason for most technicians to replace the battery. I agree with that approach, but we can’t stop there. There are still a few unanswered questions that must be pursued. The goal? To not fix the symptom but to fix the root cause of that symptom. In plain English, what caused the dead battery? Below are just a few questions that come to mind:
• Is the battery just old and expired?
• Is there a parasitic drain present?
• Is the alternator charging properly?
• If not, why? Is there a voltage drop elsewhere in the battery charging circuit?
Eliminating those above possibilities in logical order would mean beginning with the easiest test and concluding with the most difficult or most time-consuming test. That is, of course, if the customer approves the diagnostic time.
Although this is just a quick example of what I’m trying to portray, let’s follow through with an actual case study. You’ll see, had the tech not pursued the root cause of the issue, a lot of money and heartache would’ve been invested.
INITIAL APPROACH
A vehicle was brought into the workshop with the complaint of “MIL illuminated.” Upon retrieving the vehicle
and preliminary evaluation with the scan tool, the technician discovered a DTC, P0304-cylinder No. 4 misfire was set in history (Figure 2)
A road test of the vehicle was conducted, and the engine was run throughout the entire operating range. The technician did note some slight misfire/ driveability concerns exhibited mostly during idle conditions. Considering she is still in the driver’s seat, the tech thought it best to monitor the fuel trim activity as it is a clear reflection of combustion quality or lack thereof, as well as an indicator of what type of misfire may be exhibited (like an ignition fault, an injection fault, or an engine mechanical fault) (Figure 3).
The misfire was felt at the time the fuel trim was monitored and the lack of compensation allowed the technician to determine the fault was unlikely to be
Figure 1 — A capacitance tester is commonly used to quickly evaluate the condition of a battery. However, I have witnessed many “pass” a failed battery. Capacitance is simply one characteristic of a battery’s performance.
from the ignition system or the fueling system. This put an engine mechanical concern at the top of the list of suspected root-cause faults. Again, all from the driver’s seat.
The PCM’s misfire data was then monitored to determine if cylinder No. 4 may be the cylinder responsible for the driveability fault (Figure 4). The data PIDs concur that cylinder No. 4 is registering misfires. Although misfire detection software is much more reliable than in years past, it is not foolproof. Misfire data is just another piece of the diagnostic puzzle.
A relative compression test was conducted, and the results did not reflect a significant loss of compression (Figure 5). Although this seems contradictory to an engine mechanical fault diagnosis, we must keep in mind that a loss in compression isn’t always the result of an engine mechanical fault. The relative compression test is limited to only indicating if and how well the cylinder can harness and squeeze its contents.
GENERALIZED TESTING
As the technician eventually made her way beneath the hood to continue her diagnostic path, she noted an alarming, rhythmic noise resonating from within the engine compartment. This raised a few questions:
• Could the noise be from cylinder No. 4?
• Could the noise be related to the misfire?
• Could the noise be a different problem altogether?
• How can we determine where the noise originates from?
The above questions are indeed very logical, and I urge you as diagnosticians to consistently question yourself as you proceed through an analysis. The questions you ask should determine the tests you follow up with. The test results should answer the questions.
Implementing the mechanic’s stethoscope will allow her to pinpoint the noise with relative ease and help her decide how to proceed (Figure 6) Again, the takeaway is the test being performed is a bit more involved than just sitting in the driver’s seat with the scan tool, but it was justified as time well spent and it will definitely bring her closer to a conclusive diagnosis.
The engine noise was analyzed with the stethoscope from beneath the hood and the noise was loudest at the
cylinder head area of cylinder No. 4. This answers one of the above questions. However, it doesn’t necessarily indicate if the noise is from the valve train or the piston and rod assembly of cylinder No. 4.
The tech then chose to implement a pulse sensor and oscilloscope. The same stethoscope was used to locate the noise, however, instead of pumping information into the tech’s ear, the stethoscope was connected to the pulse sensor. The intensity of the generated pulse signal
Figure 2 — Preliminary data like a DTC scan can help determine where to begin a diagnosis but should only be used as a piece of the diagnostic puzzle.
Figure 3 — Monitoring fuel trim during a misfire is a great way to preliminarily determine the type of misfire being exhibited. Each type of misfire (spark, fuel, engine-mechanical) will generate a different fuel trim response. An engine mechanical fault doesn’t typically cause a large shift in fuel trim compensation.
Photo courtesy of Brandon Steckler
ANALYSIS
will correlate with the noise occurrence and location. The pulse was not only visible but indicated the noise occurred twice per engine cycle (Figure 6). This puts a valve train noise at the bottom of the list of root causes since the camshaft turns once per engine cycle.
The vehicle was hoisted to allow access to the bottom-end area and noise was obvious in this area of cylinder No. 4 as well and equally as intense. The results of this test corroborate the noise is not likely to be in the valve train but internal to the engine block.
PINPOINTED TESTING
Considering the questions above, if we could temporarily eliminate the cause of the misfire, we could find an answer to all of them simultaneously. Considering this vehicle’s configuration, access to the COP ignition coils is easily obtained.
As the engine idled and the noise was exhibited, the COP of the suspect cylinder No. 4 was disabled. By unplugging the coil, a consistent misfire would definitely occur, but the bigger takeaway is since no combustion is taking place, the noise also vanished. What’s the point? The noise is not likely to be between the crankshaft journal and the main bearing cap, meaning that the noise is likely between the No. 4 piston and wrist pin or the connecting rod bearing and crankshaft journal. The cost of repair will vary depending on which fault is present. All the questions above can be answered if we take the analysis just a little bit further. With that, another set of questions comes to mind:
• Can the engine-mechanical fault be determined without disassembly?
• What test result may help draw that conclusion?
Some logical thinking is required to answer these questions, but there is a test that may help put the final nail in the coffin and deliver a diagnosis we
can be confident in speaking about with the customer. Because low-end engine noise is present, we do have to consider the collateral damage that may be taking place. Again, the idea is to give the customer the most accurate diagnosis possible so they can make a sound decision about whether the repair of this fault is right for them financially. Keeping the trend of analysis without disassembly is the theme of this article. By placing that same pulse sensor on the
dipstick tube, the tech obtained data that accurately depicts the conditions within the crankcase of the engine. She cranked the engine over several cycles and a pattern was noticed. The pattern indicated an increase in crankcase pressure once per engine cycle.
With some research of the firing order and adding an ignition sync on a second channel of the scope, the tech was able to correlate the rise in crankcase pressure with the top-dead-center (TDC)
Figure 4 — Misfire data can help determine when a misfire is present and which cylinder is responsible. This is especially tactful when a correlating misfire DTC is not present.
Photo courtesy of Brandon Steckler
Figure 5 — A relative compression test is a quick and easy way to determine engine/cylinder integrity.
Photo courtesy of Brandon Steckler
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ANALYSIS
6 — Using a pulse sensor in combination with a stethoscope and coupling it to an oscilloscope can offer a visual representation of the “noise” we hear. This can be correlated with different data (like an in-cylinder compression waveform) to help determine the source of the noise, its frequency, and specific events occurring. This capture from an unrelated vehicle demonstrates a worn and noisy exhaust valve rocker/cam
of cylinder No. 4, our suspect cylinder (Figure 7). This is an indicator that the surface between the piston assembly and the cylinder walls has been compromised. This one piece of data prevented the attempt at repair that could have been a lot of money and time invested without even addressing the collateral damage created by the engine noise we would be attempting to rectify. This would certainly be a bad day for the technician,
the shop, and the customer.
This final piece of data allows her to approach her service advisor and alert the customer of the bad news — or is it really good news? Regardless of whether the engine-mechanical fault is contributing to the misfire, the cost of repair makes engine replacement the only logical option. This customer must decide whether to get rid of the vehicle or invest in the replacement of the engine.
The takeaway from this case study is that all of this was obtained from data that is easily accessible, takes minutes to obtain, and requires no disassembly whatsoever. The technician got paid handsomely for honest testing that gave the customer a pinpoint engine-internal fault diagnosis without the associated cost of traditional disassembly/inspection. Although that would be the next step, the customer is aware and will be able to anticipate what is to be found upon disassembly and inspection, and that is worth something.
The next time you face making a tough call about something as expensive as an internal engine mechanical failure, don’t panic, and don’t guess. Implement multiple tests in a logical succession and you will find yourself placing multiple arrows in the same target. This will increase your level of accuracy many times over, decrease your applied diagnostic time by minimizing disassembly, and establish confidence in you that makes your job as a diagnostician very rewarding. That’s something we should all be proud of.
Figure
lobe.
Photo courtesy of Brin Kline | Trained By Techs
Figure 7 — This rhythmic pulse in the crankcase indicates blow-by of one cylinder. A very expensive fault to repair. This was obtained by measuring pressure changes at the dipstick tube and correlating them with an ignition sync. It required no disassembly whatsoever. This is an unrelated vehicle with an 8-cylinder engine.
Photo courtesy of Brandon Steckler
EV DIAGNOSTICS
Switching your brain to EVs
How to train your driveability mind for the electric vehicle world.
By Craig Van Batenburg
Iwas teaching a class in Montreal, Canada, and the department head wanted a class on pure electric cars. This was sometime in 2013. I went to work writing an outline for the class. In no particular order, I listed all the components used in an EV that were similar to a hybrid vehicle.
One by one, I added the EV side that related to the hybrid’s DC-DC converter, inverter, drive motor or motors, high voltage cables, detection systems for high voltage leaks, electric air conditioning compressors, Li-ion cells, modules, cooling systems, and more. I had never been asked for a class that excluded the internal combustion engine (ICE).
In 2013 hybrids were the dominant technology. I started my high voltage training company, ACDC, in the year 2000. A lone Honda Insight was the subject matter. As I made sense of this transition, I said in the classroom, “ACDC will make sure your 12V brain is well developed. Then we will create a high-voltage brain to use along with it. Where the two brains match up, the learning is easy, but sometimes ACDC will break the connection between the two, so your 12V brain is not used on a high voltage system.”
We still use that thinking today. It is 2024 and the ICE is no longer needed if a person, school, city, or company wants to change fuel sources. In 2013, that possibility was very limited. Change was happening then but ever so slowly, from all ICE to hybrids and now pure electric vehicles. In a technician’s lifetime, that change is fast. As a result, we must change our diagnostic approach.
A NEW APPROACH TO DIAGNOSING VEHICLES
As the class in Montreal was getting closer, I removed all references in my handouts to hybrids and added in all things EV.
Let us take a “no start” in a typical ICE-powered modern car or truck. In this case, the car gets towed in and the customer is not with the vehicle. This may be a new customer that does little preventive maintenance. You have no service records, and the service advisor sold one hour of diagnostics. You are already in a tough position. The work order has only “No Start” written on it. This is the way the shop operates. It is not technician-centered.
What do you do? You grab four tools. In your bag, you add a scan tool and a 12V jump box, an OBD-II breakout box, and a DVOM. You get in and
plug your break-out box into the DLC with the meter connected to pins 16 and 4. Before you try to crank the car over (KOEO), you check the voltage of the 12V battery. It reads 10.7V. No need to add more codes, so you locate the 12V battery. If you are lucky, once you open the hood, it is in plain sight. Attach the jumper box, get back in, and gather any codes. Make a PDF of the codes. Now you try to crank over the engine. It cranks over and will not start.
Basics again. Fuel? Gauge says just over a quarter of a tank. Clear the codes and try to start again. No start. Read the codes it has generated. Shut it down, back in the shop looking up service information. The clock has been ticking and you have 25 minutes left. Ten minutes on the computer. Back outside for a general look at the entire car. Needs tires, the oil is dark, the wipers
Nissan Leaf that will not charge on a Level II EVSE. Photo courtesy of ACDC
Once you know the car was recently purchased as a no-start and sat for two years makes the job very different than a “no start” that happened yesterday.
Now let us replace that same scenario from before with an eight-yearold Nissan Leaf EV. Out the door you go with a scan tool, a 12V jump box, an OBD-II break-out box, and a DVOM. Using your break-out box you read 10.7V at the 12V. You locate the 12V battery under the hood, connect the jumper box, and get back in. Scan the EV for any codes in “Power-On” mode, the EV equivalent of KOEO. Make a PDF of the codes. Now you try to go into “READY.” No READY light. The range says just over 30 miles left. Clear the codes and try to start again. No READY. Read the codes it has generated. Shut it down, back in the shop looking up service information. The clock has been ticking and you have 25 minutes left. Ten minutes on the computer. Back outside for a general look at the entire car. Needs tires, the oil is dark, looks like you are in the same boat.
are torn, the usual stuff. Back inside with the service advisor. Time is up. No need to push it into the service bay. You get another job to work on. Does this sound familiar?
In another shop, the diagnostic work can start with the customer coming over
before the work begins with their service records for a discussion about their car history and a quick look at the car while they are there. The one hour now can be used to sell the actual time and parts needed. There needs to be a fee before the tech gets deeply involved.
The technician and the service writer must get together and form an alliance on how to handle these situations. An old-fashioned system and new electric vehicles require a new approach. Once you are off to a better start, the triad (customer, shop, and technician) must all feel that their concerns are understood. The success of the repair requires that all three parties have their goals met. The shop needs to make a profit. The customer will return the next time service is needed. The technician knows it will not come back for the previous concern as the root cause was fixed. How do we get there?
A THREE-WAY PARTNERSHIP
The technician ultimately does the work. The car owner is a partner in all this, and they need to know that and should be encouraged to participate. That starts
Checking a Nissan Leaf at a DC charging station. Photo courtesy of ACDC
A no-READY light on a Nissan Leaf (simulated). Photo courtesy of ACDC
EV DIAGNOSTICS
with a great website that explains what the shop needs from them. Set up a time to sit down with each new customer and get the information you need. It can still be in written form, but an electronic device will be faster for keeping records. Complete a history of their vehicle’s service, repairs, recalls, accidents, and the personal information they are willing to share. Make sure the tech has access to that data. Establish a realistic fee after a 15- to 30-minute interview and a cursory look at the car. The tech can do a visual and scan check while the service advisor interviews the owner. “Who is the decision maker?” is a fair question to ask. Once the customer agrees to the fees and your process, he or she signs the work order, and the real work begins. Up to this point, you have every reason to charge a fee for what I call “intake and inspection” to get the customer to join the triad or find another shop.
Let us go back to the Leaf. It was towed in. The customer’s spouse drops the kids with a relative and picks up his wife. They were told to bring what
they have for service records and that they will need to remove their personal belongings from the car. They are at your shop now cleaning out their car. How much better would this help the technician? These electric vehicles will not be easy to repair. Even with some great training, the list of what can keep an EV from going into “READY” is not the same as an ICE. No more getting the 12V starter motor to crank the ICE. No more spraying “starter fluid” in the intake. The list goes on. Where do you start? A history of the EV is worth the time. That “intake and inspection” fee is designed for that purpose.
In the intake process you need to know:
• Condition of overall health of the EV
• Salvage title?
• Bought at auction?
• How many owners?
• How long have they owed it?
• Are all the recalls done?
• Too much rust?
• Unsafe to drive (bald tires)?
• Most of the service records are brought in
• Was it worked on by someone else for the same problem?
• How cooperative is the owner?
• Are you equipped and trained for this job?
• Do you need to learn and this job will help?
Once the above questions have been answered, and the owner is willing to pay you to find out more, the technician is now ready to spend the time needed to look at this Nissan Leaf.
SUMMARY
If you are a technician who stays away from modern cars and trucks, this switch from ICE to EV will be very difficult. Most likely, you can stay busy for a long time, taking care of what you know. No problem with that.
On the other hand, a well-trained tech who loves to learn and finds new systems exciting will love the future. Retraining your 12V brain is possible — no matter what your age.
This breakout box (see arrow in upper right corner) helps in fixing a grid charging issue.
Photo courtesy of ACDC
PRODUCTS
2.0 GHZ QUAD-CORE PROCESSOR
The Icon T8 Intelligent Diagnostic Scanner from Harbor Freight has a 2.0 GHz quad-core processor for lag-free operation and wireless vehicle communication capability. The scanner is compatible with 1996 and newer domestic, Asian, European, and exotic vehicles. Additional features include an 8” touchscreen, wireless OBD-II scanning, a holder for a stylus, and a flip-out stand located on the back of the scanner. It also comes with a heavy duty storage case with hinge pins that can be removed to convert the case into a tool tray.
THE NEXT DIAGNOSTIC ASSISTANT FROM SNAP-ON
APOLLO+ from Snap-on is a diagnostic assistant, ready with guidance and industryleading capabilities for every repair — from the routine to the mysterious. Technicians can’t afford to be slowed down looking for the best place to start. APOLLO+ is by their side for every vehicle they see in their bay, ensuring they have everything they need to get through the job. Fast-Track troubleshooting saves time with every code by providing the user with filtered information specific to the vehicle they’re working on. All this from the only US-based company designing, engineering, and supporting professional diagnostic products from the ground up.
COVERS NISSAN, HYUNDAI, KIA, AND GENESIS VEHICLES
The EZDS Zenith and G-Scan Software Updates are the second major update for the company in 2024 and are comprised of two updates. The first update enables Central Gateway access for Nissan vehicles among other enhancements to the software. The second update enables users to access the Secure Gateway Access control modules for multiple 2023-2025 Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles for Zenith users with Z5, Z7, or G-Scan tools.
AUTOMATICALLY COMPENSATES FOR NONLEVEL FLOORS
Hunter Engineering’s Ultimate ADAS system is designed to eliminate errorprone manual layouts common to static ADAS calibrations. Ultimate ADAS combines Hunter’s standard-setting alignment technology with a guided target placement system for around-the-vehicle coverage. Gimbal-mounted lasers are the key component, replacing the inexact guesswork for strings, plumb bobs, and tape measures to cut setup time by 70 percent for certain procedures. The gimbals’ onscreen guidance provided by Hunter’s WinAlign software increases target placement precision by automatically compensating for non-level floors, monitoring for placement errors, and confirming accuracy with laser measurements each step of the way. Ultimate ADAS is currently exclusively available to Honda and Acura dealers, with availability set to expand.
COVERS MORE THAN 150 CAR MANUFACTURERS
The GEARWRENCH GWSMARTBT is a bidirectional diagnostic tool that operates through an app on the user’s smartphone. It features full bidirectional control and can perform live actuation tests, 23 vehicle reset and relearn functions, throttle matching, ABS bleeding, TPMS reset, and more. It also offers live data mapping, freeze frame capturing, and coverage for more than 150 car manufacturers. It includes free lifetime software updates as well as a complete twoyear warranty.
FEATURES A 10” HI-RES DISPLAY
The Bosch ADS 625X features a 10” highresolution display, charging stations, and more. The ADS 625X tool includes advanced OE-level vehicle coverage that supports scanning, live data access, and complete bidirectional functions. Wireless VCI gives technicians the freedom to move through the bay and stay connected to the vehicle. The 625X performs full system scans with Quick-Scan and performs all-system DTC scans under 60 seconds. Additionally, the 625X has coverage for domestic, Asian, and European vehicles as far back as 1976.
PRODUCTS
FEATURES 11’ LONG TUBE
The Vividia BD-5030i Borescope from Oasis Scientific is a semi-rigid USB borescope with a 0.19” diameter probe head and an 11’ long tube. It is equipped with both a front and side camera on the head and is designed to integrate seamlessly with the “USEE” Camera app (available on iPhone, iPad, and Android). Users can switch between both cameras and adjust their LED brightnesses within the app. Pictures and videos can be saved to connected devices.
ADDS ANNOTATIONS AND KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS
The PicoScope 7.1.39 Automotive Software Update from Pico Technology introduces an array of new features to the PicoScope platform. The update includes the ability to add annotations to explain or highlight specific events on the graph, both advanced and basic sets of keyboard shortcuts, a 10BASE-T1S Guided Test, and a 10BASE-T1S decoder for visualizing communication packets in numerical and voltage forms. The 7.1.39 update also introduces enhanced power measurements and math channels, command-line batch file conversion, bulk downloads with the Waveform Manager, improved language support, free-text search in the Waveform Library, enhanced import filtering, and updates to guided tests.
GENERATES CUSTOM COLLISION REPAIR RECOMMENDATIONS
The industry’s first AI solution for collision repair planning, asTech Insights analyzes the results of a pre-scan and then automatically generates custom collision repair recommendations to help users build a comprehensive repair plan in minutes. Users can maximize the value of every repair and ensure every vehicle returned to their customers is fully restored to pre-accident conditions.
FEATURES POCKET-SIZED DESIGN
The RLink J2534 from TOPDON is engineered to be a pocket-sized all-in-one diagnostic solution. It is compatible with OE software across more than 13 brands, delivering OEM-level diagnostics, programming, and coding at an accessible cost. With support for CAN FD and DoIP protocols and compliance with J2534 and D-PDU standards, it covers a wide array of modern vehicles. The RLink features a Driver Management System that allows users to access TOPDON technologies.
HAS ONBOARD MICRO AIR COMPRESSOR
The Smoke Pro Air from Redline Detection comes with its own onboard micro air compressor, eliminating the need to connect to air lines or inert gas. By eliminating the need for shop air or inert gas tanks, technicians can quickly diagnose, locate, and repair leaks anywhere, anytime. Smoke Pro Air improves the accuracy of repairs and eliminates comebacks by verifying that difficult-to-find component leaks are repaired accurately the first time, the company says.
SERVICES AND TROUBLESHOOTS BATTERY CONDITIONS
The E-XTEQ DCBS Mobile, No. EZ-0268-A, is a diagnostic and charge battery station that features built-in diagnostic functions to service and troubleshoot battery conditions, including state of charge/state of health. It can perform IR, CCA tests, true reserve capacity, and automatic load test and charge acceptance functions, as well as functioning as a Constant Current Constant Voltage power supply. It also offers a clean, consistent power supply for vehicle ECU reflashing.
INCLUDES YEAR OF FREE SOFTWARE UPDATES
The MOTO Mini from CanDo takes the global coverage of the MOTO Pro and breaks it down to market-specific coverage, making it ideal for shops working with American, European, or Asian motorcycles and powersports vehicles. Packaged in a 7” Android tablet, OE-level software, including full bidirectional controls, calibrations, and special functions are included, as are all necessary cables and one year of free software updates.
TESTS FROM 20’ AWAY
Exair’s Ultrasonic Leak Detector (ULD) is a handheld instrument designed to help locate the source of leaks in a compressed air system. With this tool, testing the various unions, pipes, valves, and fittings of a complete installation can be done at distances up to 20’ away. The ULD can detect the vibrations of high pressure gases, creating an audible sound through supplied headphones as well as indicating intensity via front-facing LED display as it moves closer to the leak origin. Adjustments can be made to filter out background noise with “+” or “-” buttons for fine-tuning sensitivity. The updated ULD offers an increased ability to detect leaks in hard-to-reach areas while complying with the IEX 61326-1 standard.
FEATURES AUTOMATIC VIN READING
The i70BT Automotive Diagnostic System from Foxwell is a diagnostic scanner with Wireless VCI Foxlink I. It inherits the same Foxwell advantages in car fault diagnostic tech, such as multiple manufacturer coverage, service functions, and accurate test data, making it ideal for busy garages or workshops. The i70BT supports all system diagnoses as well as oil reset, EPB, SAS, and 35 service functions. Users can run bidirectional tests and perform automatic VIN readings. Additionally, the i70BT supports CAN FD/DoIP, has a wireless connection, and features one-touch update.
EASILY DISASSEMBLES FOR STORAGE
The Autel MaxiSYS IA700 ADAS Calibration Frame System features a modular, compact design that can be quickly disassembled for transport or storage. It uses a robotic crossbar with six high-definition tracking cameras and includes advanced features such as wheel alignment pre-checks, optical positioning, and unlevel floor compensation. The IA700 also includes the Guided ADAS application, which allows users to calibrate recently released vehicles that aren’t yet covered by Autel software.
FEATURES A 3.5” DIAGONAL DISPLAY
The ANSED Diagnostic Solutions HD Digital Video Scope Kit w/ 3.9mm Articulation Camera Probe, No. DVSK39ART, lets the user look back up to a full 180 degrees. The monitor is an easy handheld unit weighing less than 9 oz., has a 3.5” diagonal display, a hi-def resolution of 1280 x 720, and takes photos and videos. The Articulation Probe is 1m (approx 36”) long and rated IP67 for dust and fluid. The DVSK-39ART Kit includes an 8G SD mini card and a USB cable for charging, all in a hard plastic carrying case.
EQUIPPED WITH WINDOWS 11
The Axone Nemo Plus from TEXA USA is equipped with the Windows 11 operating system. The tablet features an Intel N100 processor, 16 GB RAM, and 250 GB SSD storage. It can connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 modules for connection to the TEXA vehicle interfaces. A built-in camera allows the user to capture details during maintenance operations and create reports that can be given to customers or sent to technical assistance.
PRODUCTS
IP67 CERTIFIED, DUST AND WATERPROOF
The Duralast Wi-Fi Borescope, No. 89-001, features a high-resolution, multiple-aspect camera (1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, and 640 x 480) with adjustable LED lighting. It has an independent Wi-Fi signal that can connect to a phone or other device. Users can take high-resolution videos or pictures in areas like cylinder heads, gas tanks, and diesel injectors. The lens and cable are IP67 certified, dustproof, and waterproof in up to 3’ of water for up to 30 minutes. Its 58” cable is flexible yet rigid enough to give users access into hard-to-view areas. The compact camera is only 6mm in diameter, allowing user access to small areas. It has a mobile app for both Android (2.3 and up) and IOS (6.0 and up) devices.
OFFERS EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE
The Matco Tools Maximus 5.0 diagnostic scan tool is ideal for master technicians. Engineered with advanced technology, the Maximus 5.0 is designed to deliver a combination of automotive intelligence, quick navigation, and ergonomic handling for optimal efficiency. Offering a new intuitive user interface, a larger touchscreen, increased memory, and extended battery life, the Maximus 5.0 comes fully equipped and is available with carline (No. MDMAX5CL) or carline and heavy duty software (No. MDMAX5CLHD).
MANUAL MODE WITH ADJUSTABLE TIME
The Battery Charger and Analyzer, No. 6021AGM, from Associated Equipment is designed to provide 6V, 12V, and 24V charging capabilities for vehicle batteries including AGM and EFB. The charger also has a manual mode with the ability to adjust the time up to 180 minutes, safety features, as well as safe start and auto restart in the AGM setting. Additionally, the charger performs an automated load test and automatic surface charge removal and will notify the user if the battery is out of the parameters for conducting the load test.
SHARES RESULTS WITH CUSTOMERS VIA TEXT
The DHC BTW350 is a wireless battery and electrical system tester that conducts tests via Bluetooth connection to the DHC app on a smartphone or tablet, which then displays real-time results. The app-based interface is not limited by cable length, and it allows users to edit and save customer and shop information as well as share test results with customers through text or images. It supports 6V and 12V batteries and includes 12V and 24V system tests. It comes with a 12-month warranty.
PERFORMS STATIC AND DYNAMIC CALIBRATIONS
The Rotary Mobile ADAS Calibration System is designed to offer shops a quick and cost-efficient way to perform static and dynamic calibrations and resetting of ADAS correctly with fewer physical targets. The portable system features a 75” 4K HD monitor that creates digital non-scaled vehicle targets, 360-degree motion casters, accurate laser positioning of machine to vehicle via Bluetooth technology, step-by-step guided frame adjustments to reduce errors, and offers software versatility for users to choose an OEM or MCS Windows-based tablet. The system is also customizable with four different levels to choose from.
TECHNOLOGY ENABLES 10X FASTER VEHICLE SCANS
Designed and engineered with cutting-edge technology, the X-431 Throttle V from Launch Tech USA delivers a combination of automotive intelligence, quick navigation, and ergonomic handling for optimal efficiency. As the most powerful automotive scan tool in the X-431 family, the X-431 Throttle V provides fast performance for optimal efficiency during diagnostics and vehicle repair. With access to X-431 FIX and CODE ASSIST carline repair information, the diagnostic repair process can effectively and accurately be accelerated with confidence.
