As the technology within a car evolves, it becomes ever more important that diagnostics, and the training involved with it, develops at the same time. Delphi Automotive explains why its training programme is the complete diagnostics solution.
Today, vehicles can have up to 50 computers embedded beneath the skin, all communicating with each other through tens of millions of lines of computer code to manage interconnected systems including brakes, engine, navigation, lighting, ventilation, entertainment… the list is endless. A technician must know how these systems work individually, and how they interact. Replacing one part can affect the other if it is not diagnosed and repaired properly.
The key to servicing these technologies is being able to make timely and accurate diagnosis, and to do this, garages will need access to the right diagnostic tools, technical information, training and support. Without it, they’ll be limited in what they’re able to repair thereby limiting the potential to grow their business. With it, it’s a totally different story; they’ll be able to compete on service with the VM dealer, and have a distinct competitive advantage over other independents that don’t have the same capability.
For this reason, factors need to ensure their customers have the right level of knowledge to service the vehicle. Training and ongoing education, for both the factor and garage, is therefore critical. As a leading OE manufacturer, Delphi offers a comprehensive programme of training and support comprising leader-led training courses, a technical hotline, in-field support, webinars and online information. Typical courses include vehicle electrics, gasoline engine management, understanding emissions, hybrid vehicles and common rail diagnostics.
Having the right diagnostic tool is equally important. After all, diagnostics now touches even the most routine of service items. Take Mercedes Benz vehicles equipped with the manufacturer’s latest diesel engine – 2013 Mercedes Sprinter 2.2, for example. When fitting a new air filter, a diagnostic procedure is required to tell the ECU that it has been replaced. This then adapts the MAF sensor readings to ensure the correct air flow measurement is calculated.
With Delphi’s DS diagnostic programme, technicians are able to perform basic through to in-depth diagnostics for all makes and models. Available as a stand-alone VCI or pre- configured tablet, the feature-packed solution gives technicians the ability to read and erase fault codes, code ECUs, reset service lights and activate or adjust components.
Integrated into its DS software, Delphi’s Vehicle Technical Information combines essential maintenance and repair data with detailed technical drawings, manuals and procedures. Together with the DS, this will enable technicians to save time and money by reducing non-billable hours and improving workshop efficiency.
In addition, garages can view new emissions legislation as an opportunity for more business in the aftermarket. This legislation also requires VMs to allow the independent garage access to vehicle repair and maintenance information from their website via a common J2534 PassThru device. Using Delphi’s DS-FLASH. Pass-Thru package, garages will be able to perform dealer-level diagnostics, download software updates, reprogram ECUs and access OE technical data and service schedule information, without the need for expensive dealer-only tools.
There you have it! The keys to garage success: diagnostics, technical information and education. Working together, these three elements can help factors, and in turn garages, provide a complete solution for customers; creating value, loyalty and most importantly, profitability.
