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
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
In this episode of Torque Factor, Michael Ingvardsen from Nissens Automotive joins Scott Brown for a conversation about modern A/C systems and the different service challenges newer vehicles present over their predecessors. Scott also catches up with Donny Seyfer, manager of NASTF, for an update on service issues NASTF is involved with and what new features the group has in their pipeline for security related vehicle issues.
Recalls: 20V-197 – Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a “police” package in which the transmission shift cable lock clip may not be fully seated. 19V-814 – GM is recalling over 550,000 2019-2020 Silverado’s due to a potential fire under the seats if a collision occurs resulting in the seatbelt pretensioner activation.
Case study: Matthew Potter from Elmsdale Automotive posted “Attention to Details!” on Diagnostic Network. This case study covers a diagnostic challenge he had when performing an engine swap on a 2010 Dodge Ram.
Events: ASA NORTHWEST is hosting the Virtual Automotive Training Expo (ATE) on August 3-6.
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.
Monday Jun 29, 2020
Monday Jun 29, 2020
The proliferation of electronics on automobiles over the past 30+ years will continue to present challenges for technicians well into the future. When these parts fail, and replacement parts become more difficult to obtain, what can be done? In this episode of Torque Factor, host Scott Brown talks with Jorge Menchu from AESwave and Matt Fanslow with Riverside Automotive who share how the modern technician can gain the skills needed to address these challenges head on.
Recalls: 20V-314 – 135,995 Acura and Honda 2018-2019 model year vehicles are equipped with potentially defective fuel pumps. 20V-334 – All 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicles built between August 2016 and June 2020. Some vehicles have experienced fires originating at the B+ pass-through post behind the driver’s seat.
Case study: Michael Christopherson, a mobile diagnostic technician, shares a recent challenge he had with a 24-year-old Mercedes-Benz and a used ECU and how he was able to use his electronics knowledge and expertise to overcome a challenge and get the vehicle back out on the road.
Training: COVID-19 and how training providers have been delivering webinar-based content.
VehicleServicePros.com 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 May 28, 2020
Thursday May 28, 2020
In this episode of Torque Factor, Bob Gruszczynski, retired OBD communications expert from the VW Group of America, joins the show to discuss all-things OBD. Topics discussed include: Monitors, in-use performance testing (IUPT), positive kinetic energy reporting (PKE), electric vehicles and energy sources, P, B, and C codes, the future of DTCs, unified diagnostic services (UDS), 3-byte DTCs, regulations, and more.
Recall: 20V-144 – affecting over 121,000 Volvo vehicles with downgraded AEB; 19V-298 – approximately 94,000 Acura and Honda vehicles with defective timing belts
Industry update: PTEN magazine and Diagnostic Network partner by supporting the new Disaster Support user group, a group designed for members to coordinate with peers in response to disasters like the current COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19: How training providers have been delivering web-based content.
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.
Wednesday Apr 22, 2020
Wednesday Apr 22, 2020
In this episode of Torque Factor, Dirk Fuchs, technical training manager with ZF Aftermarket, joins Scott Brown to discuss vehicle electrification and how training and certification can benefit the industry. Fuchs discusses the current European Electric Vehicle Expert certification, titled ECE-100, and introduces the training program that ZF has developed for BMW and the aftermarket.
Jeff Del Rossa, founder and CEO of ProMAXX Tool, joins the show to discuss metallurgy science, broken fasteners, and how his unique products help technicians solve difficult broken bolt scenarios.
Brown catches up with Holly Wolfe and Donny Seyfer at the 2020 Vision Hi-Tech Training and Expo as they provide an update on what’s happening with NASTF.
Recall: 19V-761 – GM Truck platforms, All 4WD with 3.08 GU4 rear axle and the 5.3L L83 engine. 2014-2018 Silverado/Sierra 1500, 2015-2020 Tahoe/Yukon, and 2015-2020 Suburban. Inadvertent braking causing severe pull to right or left.
Case study: Diagnostic Network presents a case study on identifying and repairing a misfiring 2001 Lexus with a scope and a current probe.
Industry update: PTEN magazine and Diagnostic Network partner by supporting the new Disaster Support user group, a group designed for members to coordinate with peers in response to disasters like the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
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.
Wednesday Mar 25, 2020
Wednesday Mar 25, 2020
This episode of Torque Factor featured guest Gangolf Feiter discusses the secure vehicle interface, telematics, and the extended vehicle, as well as what this entails for service professionals in the future.
Recall: 19V-060 – Various Honda/Acura vehicles with fuel pump failures from 2015-2019 model year vehicles.
Case study: Diagnostic Network presents a case study and service caution on FCA vehicles and magnetoresistive camshaft trigger wheels.
Employment: Jay Goninen, president and founder at FindaWrench.com, talks about how they help technicians prepare resumes and find great careers, as well as how they help shops find great technicians.
Industry Update: PTEN and Diagnostic Network partner to launch the Disaster Support user group which is designed for members to coordinate with peers in response to disasters like the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
Monday Feb 17, 2020
Monday Feb 17, 2020
This episode of Torque Factor, featured guest Paul Baltusis discusses OBD-II and Mode $06.
Recalls: 19V-654 – Nissan 2018-2019 model year vehicles. Back up camera disablement; NTB20V-012 – Toyota Lexus vehicles. Premature fuel pump failure, fuel pump impeller properties issue.
Case study: Diagnostic Network demonstrates how voltage drop testing was used to identify and solve multiple symptoms on a 2003 Chevrolet Corvette.
Education: Steve Ford, the “Car Guy,” goes in depth on identifying and relating to the next generation of industry professionals, as well as offers some interesting suggestions on making progress.
Upcoming industry events.
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.
Wednesday Jan 15, 2020
Wednesday Jan 15, 2020
In the inaugural episode of Torque Factor, featured guest Peter Coll, vice president of Neutronics, discusses all things R-1234yf refrigerant.
Recalls: NTB19-064B – Nissan Rogue. ADAS false activation forward automated emergency braking; 19V-645 – General Motors. Enhanced EBCM software for vacuum deficiencies due to failing mechanical vacuum pumps.
Case study: Diagnostic Network covers using a prove and lab scope to locate intermittent shorts cause by in-tank electric pump circuit on a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban.
NASTF update: Donny Seyfer, manager, NASTF, discusses the Ford IDS scan tool; programming errors with ECMs; and GM service website issues.
Education: Steve Ford, the “Car Guy,” discusses automotive education issues.
Upcoming industry events.
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.