A recent situation prompted this topic - the hodgepodge of electronic underhood service equipment available today. Because my business, Linder Technical Services, provides technician support training, fuel injection services and local auto repair consisting of underhood analysis services, this issue has become painfully clear to me. Never has there been such a mixture of parts and service equipment as today!

There are 15 to 20 handheld lab scopes and 10 to 12 scan tools alone in this offering.

Now the problem doesn't really lie in the actual equipment, but in the support and ongoing training that I would classify under the heading of "utilization training." Most suppliers do not offer ongoing utilization training support for these units. Sure, some claim to service this need, but in reality most simply send an out-of-town expert to conduct a one-evening pop-and-pretzel briefing on the tools. But is that enough to operate a unit that often has 350 features? Not really.

Now before the smoke clears and the equipment makers and reps start toward Indianapolis to burn the family dwelling, you need to understand that I don't blame these guys at all for this problem. I realize the profit margin and actual sales commission on these small handheld products that cost less than a complete engine in the family sedan. And I realize you can't move in with someone who really doesn't understand the total operation of the product and who would much rather play softball in the evening than listen to a spiel on a new product or tool.

SO, whom do we blame for this growing problem? I'm not prepared to say at this time, but please read on and maybe you can pick that someone to blame!

A few evenings ago I conducted a technician training class at the Gasoline Alley Indianapolis training facility that was attended by 18 service technicians. I asked the group to bring in their handheld scopes and current probes for some "hands-on" the following evening. The next evening I observed we had seven different lab scopes in class and five different current probes. Note: I didn't have the nerve to ask how many different scanners they owned at this point! Now the blunt of the problem is most of these units have an extremely deep learning curve and all fully expected me to show them the total operation and function of their latest service tool purchase that evening.

Every tool did something the other tools wouldn't do. And every tool had some function that it should do and wouldn't! Some of the probes and test leads worked well with a high frequency problem (such as a shorted fuel injector), while others worked poorly with high frequency problems and missed actual operation (due to over filtering for better visibility). Needless to say by the end of the evening I had experienced total frustration!

A number of thoughts rolled out of my mind the following morning:

Some tool rep had sold the product and run away! (Someone to blame.) Most had not unwrapped the owner's manual! (Someone else to blame.) Many of the products flat didn't do what they expected! (Blame the designer.) A few were incomplete from the factory! (Beats me!) Some techs didn't know why they bought the tool? (Blame yourself.)

Allowing this frustration to soak in on my drive to work, I called a short company "round table meeting" with my employees. It always helps to at least share some of the frustration, doesn't it?

During our meeting we decided as a group we would attempt to help our students by putting together a set-up sheet for many different pieces of equipment. The information we compiled would be given to our attending shops to aid in the set up and operation of their latest purchases. (In this case, it was lab scopes and current probes, although we have since expanded the information to include scan tools.)

Now, since we have decided to be proactive instead of reactive, I have researched this issue and offer the following cure for the disease:

First of all, if you are reading this article and decided you have the dreaded "can't make my tool do tricks," it is really your fault! You bought it, now either get over it and let it share a drawer with the other stuff that you can't make work or get with the program and make it work for you!

Some tips:

• First and foremost, prior to buying the tool make sure the rep will and has worked with you and the tool.
• Make sure the rep can, in fact, use the tool himself.
• Study your purchases well; don't just buy the product based on color.
• Look for others with the tool that can form a user group.
• Check the Internet for a user group that can share tips and operational problems.
• Only buy what you need - and do it one at a time.
• Return it promptly if it doesn't perform as promised.
• Get with your area vocational school and local technical college or training centers and ask for a "tool time" meeting once or twice per month.
• Ask your area tool vendors for assistance in this project.

There are many "support" organizations out there to help these situations, but ALL require some involvement from you!

The iATN Web-based group is just one of these technician support groups.

Spend some time with the manual and tools that came with your unit, use the tool daily and learn the product.

Jim Linder is owner of Linder Technical Services, an automotive technician support facility in Indianapolis. For more information on these topics, call (317) 487-9460, or visit his Web site at http://lindertech.com.

RATE THIS ARTICLE What do you think of this article? Your input will help AutoInc. develop additional articles on this subject. Share your thoughts! Your name Your e-mail address

MOST ACCESSED ARTICLES Fuel Injection Service, Not Just Cleaning The Art of Extraction EGR Systems: Operation and Diagnosis Proactive Target Marketing:_Rethinking Your Business Strategy Engine Performance: HO2S Diagnostics MOST E-MAILED ARTICLES Developing Employee Potential How Critical Thinking Can Help Your Business How to Diagnose the Ford Glow Plug What to Look for When Shopping for the Right Shop Management Software Putting a Price Tag on Complaints

AutoInc. Web Site | ASA Web Site | USA Today Misses Clean Air Mark | Fleeting Thoughts | Refinishing Nightmares | Designing Your Own Tech | Tech to Tech | Tech Tips | Shop Profile | Net Worth | Stat Corner | Chairman's Message