Torque Factor
Torque Factor, brought to you by Professional Tool and Equipment News (PTEN) magazine, is hosted by Scott Brown, an ASE Master Certified Technician. The show brings to the surface technical challenges and solutions in the automotive service industry through interviews with subject matter experts. Our mission: to help service professionals increase their expertise and success rate in dealing with today’s ever-increasingly sophisticated vehicles. Subjects covered will include: advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), diagnostics, driveability, OBD-II, secure gateway modules, ECM reprogramming, J2534, scan tool use, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), HVAC systems and refrigerant, R-1234yf, R-134, oscilloscopes, probes, and meters, evaporative emission control system diagnosis, fuel delivery systems, electrification, hybrid systems, the tools and equipment used in the shop, and more – essentially all things in automotive repair. Do you have a question or topic you’d like addressed? Emai...
Episodes
Friday Oct 08, 2021
Friday Oct 08, 2021
This episode’s featured guest is Mr. Matt Haugh who is the Light Vehicle Test Development Director at ASE. Matt is the lead on ASE’s upcoming credential covering Advanced Driver Assistance Systems otherwise known as ADAS. Matt joins us on the podcast to provide us with insight and background on this new offering from ASE. Matt provides us with some background information on ASE’s upcoming ADAS certification credential that ASE plans to launch in 2022. Recall: 21V-331, https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCLRPT-21V331-5686.PDFCertain 2013-2015 model year Kia Optima (QF) vehicles manufactured from July 12, 2013 through October 2, 2015 and certain 2014-2015 model year Kia Sorento (XMa) vehicles manufactured from June 17, 2013 through December 11, 2014 at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. The recall population was determined by a review of vehicle production records.The vehicles subject to this recall were not produced in VIN order. Customers seeking information about their specific vehicle will be referred to Kia’s Consumer Assistance Center or their Kia dealer. (Optima 283,803 vehicles / Sorento 156,567 vehicles) Due to suspected supplier quality deviation issue, brake fluid may leak internally inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) which, over time, can result in an electrical short circuit. An electrical short circuit in the HECU increases the risk of an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. Safety Risk Description: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire. Description of the Cause: Leaking brake fluid internally in the HECU Identification of Any Warning that can Occur: Illumination of the MIL and/or ABS warning light, burning/melting smell, smoke from engine compartment Case Study from Diagnostic Network 2013 Ford Escape 1.6L with the 6F35 Transmission where the replacement transmission with requires programming upon installation. The programming operation requires entering data printed on labels attached to the transmission and if you end up with a P163E, service information may have you running in circles. Check out the following link for more information.https://diag.net/msg/m3putz55bddhbt392h2b7i20fx Update from NASTF and Diagnostic Network on TeslaTesla Releases Diagnostic Tool to the Aftermarket – Toolbox 3 diagnostic application which provides support for the Model 3/Y vehicles is now available to the aftermarket. For more information, please see the following link:https://diag.net/msg/mqs9909srzhx4gnwcr59k68icvAutomotive Service Association - ASACARS Executive OutlookNovember 1Mandalay BayLas Vegas NVhttps://asashop.org AAPEX - SEMANovember 2-5Las Vegas NVhttps://www.aapexshow.comhttps://www.semashow.com PAVEProfessional Automotive Virtual EducationDecember 2-5https://pavetraining.com Links: Automotive Service Excellence - ASEhttps://www.ase.com This episode is sponsored in part by Induction Innovations - https://www.theinductor.comFrom the Induction Innovations team who brought you the Mini-Ductor product line you’ve come to know and trust...introducing the Special Edition Mini-Ductor Venom HP. With all the same features and benefits as the green Venom HP, this pink tool supports a cause! Your purchase of the Special Edition tool will support the American Breast Cancer Foundation. The Pink Venom HP is available for 10% off the regular Venom HP price during October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pre-order now at theinductor.com. VehicleServicePros.com is home to Torque Factor, Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, Fleet Maintenance, MotorAge and ABRN magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: podcast@vehicleservicepros.com.
Monday Aug 09, 2021
Monday Aug 09, 2021
This episode’s featured guest is Ben Cruz who is the Director of the Center for Advanced Automotive Technology (CAAT) at Macomb Community College (MCC) in Warren Michigan. Ben discusses with Scott his lengthy career as an engineer with GM which started out through an internship at the Mesa Proving grounds in Arizona. The discussion is primarily focused on the new Vehicle Engineering Technician Degree program he designed and is now being offered at Macomb. This new program will provide the graduate with additional skills which includes coding, cyber-security, artificial intelligence, and more. The demands for skills like this are coming due to the influx of advanced technologies being deployed on vehicles.
Recall: 21V-215, https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCLRPT-21V215-7054.PDF -
American Honda Motor Co. is recalling 628,124 vehicles ranging from Model year 2018 - 2020. Vehicles being recalled are equipped with fuel pump modules containing impellers produced during specific periods under specific circumstances (lower density impellers exposed to production solvent drying for longer periods of time) may swell and either break or cause the pump to lock up resulting in a no-run condition.
Case Study from Diagnostic Network: 2017 Ford F-150 Remote Start inoperative along with an excessive parasitic electrical load. https://diag.net/msg/m94qqw4p3of00gfkmp00d07i19
Tech Tip on QR Codes on GM Vehicles
https://diag.net/msg/m77gobjc6cu5pjv482o10ylyn6/
https://gm-techlink.com/?p=9801
Industry Events:
The IGO of North Carolina is hosting the Automotive Service Technology Expo in Cary NC, September 24-25, https://asteshow.com
MACS Training Event and Trade Show, MOBILE AIR CLIMATE SYSTEMS ASSOCIATION, September 30 - October 2, Orlando FL, https://macsmobileairclimate.org
Automotive Service Association - ASA, CARS Executive Outlook, November 1, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas NV, https://asashop.org
AAPEX - SEMA, November 2-5, Las Vegas NV, https://www.aapexshow.com, https://www.semashow.com
Links:
Macomb Community College E – Catalog http://ecatalog.macomb.edu/index.php
Applied Technology Department http://ecatalog.macomb.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=62&poid=7384&returnto=7692
Automated Systems Technology http://ecatalog.macomb.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=62&poid=7388&returnto=7692
Center for Advanced Automotive Technology www.autocaat.org
Automotive Technology-Vehicle Engineering Technician, Associate of Applied Science, Automotive Technology - Vehicle Engineering Technician, AAS
Episode 12 - Denso Fuel Pumps https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/service-repair/video-network/torque-factor/video/21205052/torque-factor-episode-12-bob-pattengale-on-opus-ivs-adas-service
This episode is sponsored in part by Milwaukee Tool - https://www.milwaukeetool.com
Since the company began in 1924, Milwaukee Tool has led the industry in both durability and performance. With an unwavering commitment to the trades, Milwaukee continues to lead with a focus on providing innovative, trade-specific solutions.
VehicleServicePros.com is home to Torque Factor, Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, Fleet Maintenance, MotorAge and ABRN magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: podcast@vehicleservicepros.com.
Monday Apr 05, 2021
Monday Apr 05, 2021
This episode’s featured guest is Mr. Steve Ford, A.K.A. “The Car Guy”, who joins us to provide some perspective on the state of the service industry and to take us through some of the historic changes that took place in the '80s regarding the U.S. educational system. Scott found his observations very interesting and suspects that you will as well.
Recalls: GM is recalling approximately 3.4M truck chassis vehicles for pass air bag inflators. There are three separate recalls: 21V-050, 21V-051, and 21V-052, covering model years 2007-2012.
Case Study: Bob Powell from Springfield Mass writes about a Start-Stop equipped vehicle that he recently addressed with DTC’s P3055 & P3056. Case Study link.
Industry Update: The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting has been changed up for 2021 with two meetings, the virtual meeting will be held over the course of two weeks: April 12-15; 19-23 Mon-Thur both weeks. https://tmcannual.trucking.org
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) X50 Virtual Automotive Conference & Expo will be taking place on April 30th-May 1st visit https://ASAx50.com for more information.The Automotive Training Institute 2021 SuperConference is May 5-8 at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Florida Visit Autotraining.net for registration information.The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI) Tool Tech Event will be a combination Virtual and In-person event on May 24 - 27 in Austin Texas. Visit https://etools.org for registration. The event will be co-hosted with the Automotive Maintenance Repair Association (AMRA) and the National Automotive Service Task Force NASTF meeting.Additionally, the NASTF General Meeting Webinar will be held on Monday evening. Visit https://NASTF.org for more info.
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Mr. David Aylor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) joins Scott Brown to discuss vehicle active safety systems and how they are assessed at IIHS. The two discuss current safety systems, their effectiveness, and expand on future technologies coming to the market. The two also discuss how these systems are affecting service, and when we will likely see Level 5 autonomous vehicles on the road.
Recalls: 20V-766 & 20V-768 - Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software and, if necessary, replace the Cockpit Control Module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-20.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2002-2006 CR-V vehicles. Moisture may enter the driver side power window master switch, causing the switch to fail or melt. If the switch fails, it could overheat and smoke, increasing the risk of a fire. Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power window master switch and inspect the wiring harness for damage, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is P9D.Case Study: Bernie Thompson from Automotive Test Solutions posted to Diagnostic Network a case study video that covers the diagnostics he used to surface the cause of persistence DTC P0339 and an extended crank in a 2018 Chrysler 300 with the infamous 3.6L “ERB” engine.Bernie does an excellent job of walking us through the diagnostic process and how he used the oscilloscope to identify a mechanical problem with the crankshaft reluctor. Case Study link.
Industry Update: The 2021 Virtually Vision Training & Expo is taking place March 2-4 and March 9-11. Visit https://VISIONKC.COM for more information.
PTEN, MotorAge, ABRN, and VehicleServicePros.com will be presenting the Vehicle Repair Virtual Training Summit starting Wednesday, January 20, offering on-demand access to 40+ training courses for 45-days at one low price. Visit https://vehicleservicepros.com/virtualtrainingsummit to register.
This episode is sponsored in part by Launch Tech USA.
Launch Tech USA is a leading diagnostic manufacturer, consistently releasing scan tools that keep pace with OEM diagnostic requirements. Focusing on accuracy, reliability and usability, Launch Tech diagnostic tools pinpoint vehicle issues and support definitive and accurate repair processes. From its FCA-approved X-431 Pro Line Scan Tool to DIY scan tools and high-level electrical diagnostic tools like the O2 Four Channel Oscilloscope and ADAS Intelligent Solutions, Launch Tech is committed to providing technicians with efficient and quality diagnostic tools.
Friday Jan 29, 2021
Friday Jan 29, 2021
Mr. Donny Seyfer joins Scott Brown to provide an update on the National Automotive Service Task Force's (NASTF) new website, the new Service Information Request (SIR) system, vehicle security professional resources, and upcoming features for NASTF members.
Recalls: 20V-746 & 20V-759 - Hyundai is recalling approximately 130,000 vehicles due to a potential failure of a connecting rod bearing that could result in a catastrophic event. If a connecting rod were to break, it could breach the engine block leading to a loss of propulsion and a potential vehicle fire.
Nissan is recalling approximately 7,500 2020 Nissan Titans. These vehicles are subject to a short circuit within part of the engine wiring harness due to a harness assembly error. The short is internal to the wiring harness where grounded shielding within the harness could saw its way into another circuit.
Case Study: Bob from Bob Powell’s Auto Repair out of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts posted to Diagnostic Network about how to perform a Manual Relearn on Chrysler and Jeep APP sensors when the scan tool fails to successfully perform this process. He provided two great examples of how crucial this step is in successfully repairing vehicles that have undergone APP or throttle actuator service. Case Study link.
Industry Update: PTEN, MotorAge, ABRN, and VehicleServicePros.com will be presenting the Vehicle Repair Virtual Training Summit starting Wednesday, January 20, offering on-demand access to 40+ training courses for 45-days at one low price. Visit vehicleservicepros.com/virtualtrainingsummit to register.
The 2021 Virtually Vision Training & Expo is taking place March 2-4 and March 9-11. Visit VISIONKC.COM for more information.
VehicleServicePros.com is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: podcast@vehicleservicepros.com.
Thursday Jan 07, 2021
Thursday Jan 07, 2021
This episode’s featured guest is Bob Pattengale, the technical systems manager at OPUS IVS. Bob has been involved with training for most of his professional career and has purposely charged himself with staying on top of the latest technology. He recently joined the OPUS IVS team after a lengthy run with Bosch serving in their technical training department. In his current role, he’s tasked with managing ADAS support for their customers. Bob and I have been colleagues for well over a decade and He recently dropped by my shop in Southern California where we sat down for a discussion on Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) service.
Recalls: 20V-682, 20E-026, & 20E-085 - There are a significant number of in-tank electric fuel pumps in the marketplace with potential problems. One of these recalls was first surfaced in episode 2 last year with Toyota/Lexus under recall 20V-012 potentially involving just under 700,000 vehicles.
In June of 2020, Denso International issued an equipment recall potentially involving 2.1M parts under recall # 20E-026 In November of 2020, two extension recalls were issued to both of these recalls. According to those numbers, there are potentially 4.3M fuel pumps with a defect. All three Safety Recall Reports are related to Denso Fuel Pumps.
Case Study: Justin, a mobile technician in Utah, discusses an issue with a 2001 Dodge 1500's P0031 code, which presents as a front O2 sensor heater failure. He explains how he was able to seek out the correct calibration by looking up the VIN and programming the PCM. Case Study link.
Industry Update: PTEN, MotorAge, ABRN, and VehicleServicePros.com will be presenting the Vehicle Repair Virtual Training Summit starting Wednesday, January 20, offering on-demand access to 40+ training courses for 45-days at one low price. Visit vehicleservicepros.com/virtualtrainingsummit to register.
The 2021 Virtually Vision Training & Expo is taking place March 2-4 and March 9-11. Visit VISIONKC.COM for more information.
VehicleServicePros.com is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: podcast@vehicleservicepros.com.
Friday Dec 18, 2020
Friday Dec 18, 2020
This episode’s featured guest is Joe Register who is the Vice President of Emerging Technologies at the Auto Care Association. Joe is here to shed some light on the recent ballot initiative in Massachusetts which passed with extreme margins in the November 3rd, general elections extending the Right to Repair framework to address new technologies around wireless communications and more.
Recalls: 20V-701 - 2017 - 2018 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling all 2017-2018 and certain 2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles. The high voltage battery could catch fire when charged to full or nearly full capacity.
Case Study: Sam, a mobile technician in Flint, Michigan, lines out a runs through an issue with a 2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that left its owner stranded thanks to a potentially faulty set of keys. Sam explains how a decoration could have been the culprit the entire time after running through a series of resolutions. Case Study link.
Industry Update: Leading automotive industry organizations from across the U.S. have joined together to create a new training event, Professional Automotive Virtual Education (PAVE), which promises to be the ultimate virtual training event for automotive professionals. The PAVE Training event is powered by CARQUEST Technical Institute (CTI), Worldpac, and Worldpac Training Institute (WTI). The virtual training will take place over three days beginning Friday, Jan. 8, and will run through Sunday, Jan. 10. Shops will enjoy the best and top trainers in the industry teaching more than 30 live training sessions.
Additionally, the VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo has announced its 2021 event will transition from an in-person event to a virtual event. The six-day training event will span across two weeks, consuming three days each week. The event starts on Tuesday, March 2nd, and will conclude on Thursday, March 11th. Visit VISIONKC.COM for more information.
Kick off the new year with an exceptional training opportunity you won’t want to miss. The Vehicle Repair Virtual Training Summit offers a broad library of 40+ training programs right at your fingertips, featuring technical and management-related content, industry roundtable discussions, and product information from leading vendors. Brought to you by the experts connected to our trusted brands – Motor Age, PTEN, ABRN, and Vehicle Service Pros – and our valuable industry partners, the Vehicle Repair Training Summit features a unique opportunity to learn about a variety of topics at your own pace.
Register today for one low rate and gain access to more than 40 classes available for 45 days. https://endeavor.swoogo.com/virtualtrainingsummit
VehicleServicePros.com is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: podcast@vehicleservicepros.com.
Thursday Nov 19, 2020
Thursday Nov 19, 2020
This episode’s featured guest is Dr. Mark Quarto with Quarto Technical Services. Mark is a subject matter expert on advanced vehicle propulsion systems and technologies. Scott Brown and Mark Quarto discuss Tesla and review the recent Battery Day event, Tesla’s electric machines, and how they differ from the rest of the market, and also discuss Tesla as a vehicle manufacturer and some of the advantages they have over legacy automakers. The two also discuss the knowledge and skills tomorrow's technician will need to address these advanced powertrains.
Recalls: 20V-512 - 2018- 2020 Dodge Charger Police/Intercept Vehicles Equipped with Stealth Mode Rear Visibility Default View.
Case Study: Bernie, a diagnostician in Albuquerque, New Mexico, runs through a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze misfire with repeat ignition coil failures. Bernie discussed how he established the issue and quickly set about finding a resolution.
Industry Update: Leading automotive industry organizations from across the U.S. have joined together to create a new training event, Professional Automotive Virtual Education (PAVE), which promises to be the ultimate virtual training event for automotive professionals. The PAVE Training event is powered by CARQUEST Technical Institute (CTI), Worldpac, and Worldpac Training Institute (WTI). The virtual training will take place over three days beginning Friday, Jan. 8, and will run through Sunday, Jan. 10. Shops will enjoy the best and top trainers in the industry teaching more than 30 live training sessions.Additionally, the VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo has announced its 2021 event will transition from an in-person event to a virtual event. The six-day training event will span across two weeks, consuming three days each week. The event starts on Tuesday, March 2nd, and will conclude on Thursday, March 11th. Visit VISIONKC.COM for more information.
A word from this program’s sponsor, BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY: Shops everywhere are shifting into high gear with NextGear. BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY’s game-changing tools are now available to any shop, anytime, anywhere. So every automotive professional can tap into BOLT ON’s digital vehicle inspections, two-way texting, and advanced appointment setting tools with just a smartphone or tablet. No additional equipment is needed. Plus the SecondGear Text to Pay feature is included to NextGear customers at no extra cost. At BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, their gears never stop turning. Learn more at www.NextGearNow.com.
VehicleServicePros.com is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: podcast@vehicleservicepros.com.
Thursday Oct 22, 2020
Thursday Oct 22, 2020
This episode’s featured guest is a great friend and long-time colleague: Mark Warren. Mark is a training manager at the Worldpac Technical Institute. Scott Brown takes part in a wide-ranging discussion of topics with Mark spanning technology, education, training during COVID-19, and the power of networking. The pair also travel through the past and pay tribute to an incredible inventor, instructor, and an awesome human being: Mr. Mac VandenBrink. Mac recently passed away, but had a significant impact on the automotive trade. His accomplishments in the industry are discussed during the show.
Recalls: 20V-489 - 2020 Corvette Trunk Release and BCM Reprogram. 20V-475 FCA Vehicles - 3.0L Diesel Engine CKP signal lost - reprogram controller.
Case Study: Michael, an owner/technician in Clinton, Utah, shares a diagnostic quandary he experienced with a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe. The vehicle was unable to be reprogrammed due to a server error. Michael recounted how he uses the vehicle’s built-in network breakout access point to bypass misbehaving network devices to complete the necessary programming operations.
Industry Update: Another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic: Industry Week in Las Vegas will not take place in person in 2020. AAPEX, along with SEMA, is going virtual during the 1st week of November. Visit AAPEXSHOW.COM and/or sema360.com for more information.
A word from this program’s sponsor, Gray Manufacturing: Gray Manufacturing’s position as a market leader of professional shop and lifting equipment comes from the innovation and quality we demand from our American-made products. We’re still open, and our vertically-integrated manufacturing is here to support your team as you support the trucking industry during this critical time. Call us at 800-821-7320 or visit GrayUSA.com today.
VehicleServicePros.com is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: podcast@vehicleservicepros.com.
Thursday Sep 03, 2020
Thursday Sep 03, 2020
This episode’s featured guest is Professor Ken Mays from Central Oregon Community College. He is one of the principals behind a nearly $900k grant that was awarded by the National Science Foundation in 2017. This grant is tasked with studying the needs for service standards around vehicle electrification and other advanced propulsion systems. Scott Brown engages in a conversation around what the future holds for vehicle technology and what impact it will have on service. He will also discuss future grants and how colleges and businesses can work together under these programs.
Recalls: 20V-332 – 2014-2017 Ford F-150s with leaking brake master cylinders. 20V-346 – 2020 Mazda Mazda3 and CX-30 improper brake calipers mounting, under torqued fasteners.
Case Study: Bill, an owner/technician in Jackson, Michigan, shares a recent diagnostic dilemma he had with a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze with the 1.4L RPO-LUV with DTC’s P0325 & P0326 both related to Knock Sensors. The vehicle also had poor performance at times. with a check engine light and intermittent poor performance. He detailed how he was able to repair the engine's upper timing chain guide bolts, re-torque them, and help the customer silence frustrating engine noises and lights.
Industry Update: Another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic: Industry Week in Las Vegas will not take place in person in 2020. AAPEX, along with SEMA, is going virtual during the 1st week of November. Visit AAPEXSHOW.COM and/or sema360.com for more information.
VehicleServicePros.com is home to Torque Factor, and Professional Tool and Equipment News, Professional Distributor, and Fleet Maintenance magazines. Have a topic or question you’d like discussed on a future episode? Email us at: podcast@vehicleservicepros.com.
Your Title
This is the description area. You can write an introduction or add anything you want to tell your audience. This can help potential listeners better understand and become interested in your podcast. Think about what will motivate them to hit the play button. What is your podcast about? What makes it unique? This is your chance to introduce your podcast and grab their attention.