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  Mechanical Feature

CARS 2003 Will Emphasize Training

Posted 9/9/2004

The emphasis will be on education at the 2003 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS), which will be held Nov. 6-8 - during Industry Week - at the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Eight technical courses and four management seminars will be presented during the convention. While the topics cover a wide range of issues, the common focus of each course - both technical and management - is to prepare service professionals for the future while meeting today's challenges.

"There is something for every member of your shop in these courses, from managers to technicians to service writers," said Bill Sauer, Identifix founder and this year's CARS chairman.

CARS is sponsored by the Automotive Service Association and is open to all industry professionals. ASA believes it is important to provide opportunities for technical and management education to meet the increasing demands of ever-changing technology. To facilitate as much participation as possible from shops in these training courses, discounted registration is available to technicians when another employee from the same shop pays the full registration fee.

When registering before the Oct. 1 "early bird" deadline, the full Congress package is $275 for ASA members. The accompanying technician registration fee is just $150. After Oct. 1, the registration fees increase to $375 for the full package and $250 for technicians.

Included with the registration fees are admission to the classes and all CARS general sessions, meal functions and receptions. CARS is an official Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week activity. Registrants will also receive credentials to attend the AAPEX and SEMA shows at no additional cost.

The following technical courses will be held at CARS 2003:

  • "Advanced Electronic Service Information"
    Instructor: Jim Linder, Linder Technical Services

    This course explores the use of the personal computer in the service bay and how to use it to access many Internet programs and online information services. Class participants will examine specific repairs that use information provided from various OEM Web sites.

  • "The Nitty-Gritty Electrical Clinic"
    Instructor: Vince Fischelli, Veejer Enterprises

    In this three-hour electrical clinic, techs will learn what to check first in the electrical system, how to check it, and what the readings should be - using only their digital multimeter (DMM). Included in the course material is a copy of Veejer Enterprises' electrical flipchart, "First Things First," a $50 value.

  • "OBD II - The Next Steps"
    Instructor: Chris Chesney, CARQUEST Technical Institute

    This class addresses the new challenges and concerns facing today's technician. Catalyst monitors will be discussed and attendees will learn how to use Mode 06 to determine diagnostic direction.

  • "Toyota Driveability Diagnostics"
    Instructor: Brad Davis, Identifix

    Attendees will learn how the engine control module (ECM) creates spark and changes timing, and what the main ECM inputs are for fuel injection control. Class participants will learn how to check the Toyota idle speed control systems and key ways to diagnose no-start conditions and driveability complaints. In addition, Toyota feedback systems - including the VF1 and VF2 terminals - will be covered.

  • "Graphing Scan Data Application"
    Instructor: Mike Joachim, Melior Inc

    This course explains the use of scan tool data capture capabilities in diagnostics. Students will participate in real-world case study examples of how to use data gathering and graphing as part of their diagnostic technique. This course is not specific to a particular brand of scan tool. It focuses on the use of gathered data to help diagnose the problem.

  • "Strategies for Electronics Systems Analysis"
    Instructor: Jorge Menchu, Automotive Electronics Services Inc.

    This class is about the way one learns and the way one deals with complex diagnostic situations and technology. Participants will examine techniques and perform exercises designed to help them maximize their existing knowledge and realize their potential. The exercises will focus on electronics, wiring diagrams and waveform analysis, and conclude with the powerful technique of color-coding.

  • "101 Fuelish Thoughts"
    Instructor: Doug Garriott, Linder Technical Services

    The fuel supply system, from the tank to the injectors, is covered in depth with "real world" testing procedures and tips. Class attendees will learn about fuel system control testing, returnless fuel system service, pattern failing injectors, performance tips and much more.

  • "Technician Procedures and Skills"
    Instructor: Craig Van Batenburg, Automotive Career Development Center

    Taking this course will help participants get organized, stay organized, know when and how to ask for help, and improve productivity and efficiency - along with lowering their stress. This class is designed for everyone, from shop owner to entry-level employee.

    Management Classes

    Management education is also an important part of CARS. Listed below are this year's courses and instructors.

  • "EPA and OSHA - A Part of Life"
    Instructor: Jessica Levy, Fun and Easy Learning

    This class will translate regulations and other information into practical language with easy-to-understand support materials. This information is a MUST for any shop.

  • "Direct Mail - Who, What, When, Where and How"
    Instructor: George Zabrecky, NWZ WORX

    This course will help shop owners attract the business they want using direct mail. Students will learn to set specific goals, convey the correct image of their shop, appeal to their target audience with their direct mail piece, and track their audience's response.

  • "Survival in the 21st Century - Increasing Cash Profits"
    Instructor: Chris Frederick, ATI

    In this course, participants will learn how to establish a profit goal model, increase shop productivity, increase average repair orders, increase parts profits and much more.

  • "Service Advising - Beyond Order Taking"
    Instructor: Kelly Bennett, Horizon Training and Management Group

    To achieve optimum customer satisfaction, service advisors must acquire the skills to communicate effectively and go beyond just filling a request. To be treated like professionals and paid like professionals, repair shops must develop systems that promote consistency of service, communicate value and allow the shop to repair the vehicle correctly on the first visit.

    Extended course descriptions, complete convention information and online registration are available at the CARS Web site (www.CARSonline.org) or by calling the ASA meetings department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 235 or 220.


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