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Online diagnostic training?

Cornfield creations

Cornfield creations

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I didn't know where to post this so I posted it in here. I am wanting to do more diagnostic training for work. I never went to school for mechanics. I learn by doing and since our family has owned a repair shop my whole life that is where I learned. Anyways I am in a position where I can't pick up and goto a school like wyotech or UTI. Does anyone know of an online school for diagnostics or any OBD-II training? We currently have a snap-on solus pro up-to-date and I finally got my new Fluke multi-meter. So I am ready to dig into this.
 
You will probably have a tough time finding online courses. I would check at your local parts suppliers to see if they have any training classes they provide. Napa, Checker, O'Reilly etc. usually provide some stuff but may be limited to accounts they service.
You can proabably find guys selling their old textbooks from trade schools or look on Ebay, Craigslist, etc. Believe me I haven't used mine much since I graduated :crazy:

Lastly, if you're really interested in learning but don't have a ton of time to invest in going to school, check around with some local reputable shops and see if they have any interest in you volunteering/helping out around the shop in exchange for a little hand on training. Its amazing how much people are willing to teach you when you're not asking for anything in return, it shows your willingness to learn and the level of interest you possess.
Here is one link I found real quick by doing a Google search for auto repair cd-rom
http://www.ciebookstore.com/Default.aspx
 
I think ac delco has an online training, but is it only for TSS shops? One of our bigger suppliers does seminars sometimes. So far that has been my only option.
 
Can you be more specific about what you are trying to learn. A lot could probably be learned right here. Or if we know better what you are needing to know there are enough mechanics here that we can probably provide some textbook type info to help you out.
 
Like driveability diagnosis. No-start problems, poor running, Circuit testing. Using scopes, and graphs and knowing what to look for.

I figured this would be a good place to ask. I have learned so much on this site since I found it back in 2000.
 
Cornfield creations said:
Like driveability diagnosis. No-start problems, poor running, Circuit testing. Using scopes, and graphs and knowing what to look for.

I figured this would be a good place to ask. I have learned so much on this site since I found it back in 2000.
Click to expand...

Honestly, each and every situation has to be approached differently based on symptoms, customer complaint, type of vehicle, etc. Yes, there is a common thought process typically known as Strategy Based Diagnostics which addresses some of the basic starting points from which all diag. begins.
Most important thing I have learned over the years is:
Step 1: Duplicate the problem. Have the problem current when trying to diagnose. If it means having the customer show you how to make it happen, test driving endlessly(as long as you're getting paid to) whatever just don't go chasing phantom problems.
As far as driveability goes, always keep in mind one persons description of a stumble may be another persons hesitation or another persons lack of power. Again going back to what I mentioned before, get it to act up or have someone show you exactly what it is they are complaining about.
Most diagnostic charts will walk you through the procedures of what to test but as far as understanding all of it, that just comes with time & repitition.

No starts for me always begin with what's missing: Spark, Fuel or Compression? These are always the necessary ingredients for a running engine. Problem is there are so many subsytems that can affect other things. Like an ignition lock cylinder with a bad theft sensor that triggers a fail code in the Body Control Module which in turn relays this message to the Engine Control Module and deactivates the fuel pump. Clear as mud right :crazy:

From my experience, a mentor is probably the best way to learn stuff. If you can combine some basic training with a little hands on experimenting that also makes a big deal. I learned more on the job in 6 months than I did in school for 2 years. The theory they teach is great but when you actually apply it, then you will start learning.
 
Try looking either at your local library or amazon/ebay for tech manuals and/or text books for auto related courses. The tech manuals will give you an idea as to the process of trouble shooting and following trouble trees, the text books will give explanations of concepts i.e. electrical theory. It sounds like most of what you are looking for is related to the newer computer comtrolled cars. However when learning the things you are talking about it would honestly be easier (as a teaching tool) to use a vehicle that is not computer controlled. It is more simplified and will help you get a better grasp of electrical and mechanical diagnosis. Once you have a good foundational understanding of how things work, and what is happening when they don't, you can apply that to the newer stuff and start to learn "phase 2" so to speak about how all the stuff is computer controlled but is basically the same thing as the older vehicle when you break down the components.

My best recommendation would be to get you hands on some used manual and textbooks read through them one subject at a time until you get a good understanding of the subject then go hands on to test your knowledge. Also see if you can find an old beater that has some issues to fix. Doesn't have to be something you can drive should at least have a running engine (even running poorly just get one running) then use it as a hands on teaching aid to fix the problems. Maybe have someone else come mess with it, disconnect wires, cause shorts, etc. just to get some practice. Especially today most of the issues that come into a shop are electrical in nature. You HAVE to learn to troubleshoot electrical systems but you need to start with the basics. If you aren't able to get a full vehicle to play with get a harness/fuse box/light bulb and use it as a dummy system to get an understanding of how things work (with the aid of the manuals/textbooks)
 
Yeah I have a pretty decent understanding on how electrical systems work. I have wired things from scratch, like my electric fans on 3 separate circuits using relays and thermostats. I have always enjoyed wiring. I've played on tons of junk over the years, probably the only reason I don't get burned out because they are fun and easier to work on. I am mainly just wanting to increase my knowledge of newer computer systems.

I love computers and wiring so why not combine them into what I do daily anyways?
Plus understanding where the automotive manufacturers are going with their control modules we are going to have to know anyways. Everything will eventually be going through body control modules, and simple things like window regulators are going to need to be programmed when replaced.
 
Cornfield creations said:
Plus understanding where the automotive manufacturers are going with their control modules we are going to have to know anyways. Everything will eventually be going through body control modules, and simple things like window regulators are going to need to be programmed when replaced.
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No one will ever understand car manufacturers in general, let alone where & why they are going in the direction they do. Why build cars with backup cameras, self-parking features, auto adjusting cruise control......these are features for people who DON'T know how to drive:D

As far as computer control, we are already there and have been for some time now. Window switches in the newer Chevy trucks are actually driver & passenger door modules and DO need to be programmed when replaced.
One of the biggest limiting factors in working on newer vehicles is the scan tool capability. When I worked for GM the Tech 2 scan tool actually wound up being too slow for the newer CAN-Bus communication networks and we had an inline buffer module to slow the cars information down to a speed the scanner could read :doah:
 
I am in the same position as you. My family has owned a shop for 20 years also. Now I am currently working at my uncles shop. I learned as much of the basics as I could from other techs that worked for the family. I always asked questions and watched what they were doing if I didn't have a job to do.

Now I am in the same boat diagnostic wise. I can do a lot of it but there is still plenty that confuses me. So I go to as every training that is offered by our suppliers. Such as NAPA and Bumper to Bumper.

They usually have 1 a month and is for 3 hours or so. It doesn't really go too advanced but touches on the stuff that you NEED to know.

I have been doing this because I too cannot afford to drop everything and go to a school.

Another thing I did was pick up the ASE study books from MotorAge. there is a lot of helpful stuff in those books.
 
Wyo-Tech sucks

I currently have 2 friends that went to Wyo-Tech, they are my friends and all but they didnt really learn much. What they have been telling me is that the grade is more based on participation and attendance than actual knowledge.
For 20-30 Gs they really should have gained more from this place, another friend went to UTI and he had no experience in the field, but he picked up some knowledge for sure. My opinion is that if you dont have the experience , dont sign up fork over money . You will likely have not gained much. I have been in the business for nearly 10 years, experience and working with other smart people have been the best teacher, after 7 years verifiable experience you can go and test for the ASE certifications. Get the prep books first and study. My books were published by the Delmar College training institute,10 books for i think 250 retail, but there are tons of publishers, make sure the published date is semi recent. like within 2 years. Community colleges can also be of some help in more specific training, But nothing pays better than experience backed up by certifications

Funny its being mentioned i have a test on saturday, good luck with the studies
 
Backup camera and cruise control

5280k5 said:
No one will ever understand car manufacturers in general, let alone where & why they are going in the direction they do. Why build cars with backup cameras, self-parking features, auto adjusting cruise control......these are features for people who DON'T know how to drive:D

As far as computer control, we are already there and have been for some time now. Window switches in the newer Chevy trucks are actually driver & passenger door modules and DO need to be programmed when replaced.
One of the biggest limiting factors in working on newer vehicles is the scan tool capability. When I worked for GM the Tech 2 scan tool actually wound up being too slow for the newer CAN-Bus communication networks and we had an inline buffer module to slow the cars information down to a speed the scanner could read :doah:
Click to expand...

Now now, The backup camera in my wifes Jeep is REAL fun if you're going fast enough:D Furthermore Ineed to repair my cruise in my 90 K5. Reading throught he posts I found this one on diagnostics and thought, hey this would be a good one to hyjack. Not really, I just made that last part up. But I do need some help as to where to start with repairing the cruise. It worked intermittently (sp?) before it gave up the ghost. I just found out I need take a trip next week and the cruise would be nice. Any ideas where to start? Thanks!
 
were a family buisness too ,started with my grandfather in 1933,i,m in the same boat as you,never went too school much but started working with my dad at 13 in the summer.and full time at 18.and now i,m 42.last thrusday i was invited to a napa meeting,and they offered a napa excellence program.papers are at the shop ,i think its about 50$ a month,and you go at your rate there is a wide varity of topics,and you can do as many as you want. it look well made kind off like a movie ,and you had an exam at the end off each one.there was a 800 number for help.if you want more information i can bring the papers home.
 
Your best bet is to just work on them. I'm no certified in anything, long story about how I got screwed. I've worked in dealerships for a total of 5 years, so I have met all kinds of people from all kinds of schools. Your better off finding a good scan tool and just using it.
 
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