TAC TIPS
We are resolving a number of cases every day and wanted to share some of the great conversations and tips we’ve had from across the country. Check back every day! Follow-up on Twitter or Facebook for a regular update.
Contributor: ACDelco’s Daily TAC Tip comes from Robert Forte and the team at ACDelco’s Technical Assistance Centre.
Meet Rob!
Since 1992, Robert V. Forte has been actively involved as a Technician, Educator and Manager within the automotive industry in Canada. Robert is a graduate Mechanical Engineering Technician and is certified with the Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists.
April 29, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Burlington, ON.
Vehicle: 2001 Volkswagen Jetta, 1.9L.
Condition: Crank, no-start.
Check fuel flow, quality and pressure. Measure voltage at glow plugs KOEO and confirm good connection. Check compression.
April 28, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Stratford, PE.
Vehicle: 2010 Smart 42 Passion, 1.0L.
Condition: DTC B1192 and B11D1.
These fault codes pertain to the passenger detection sensor within the front seat. The part is integral to the seat assembly.
April 27, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Coombs, BC.
Vehicle: 2015 Dodge Ram Promaster 3500, 3.6L.
Condition: “Rear door ajar” message in DIC.
Check for any stored codes in the BCM. Thoroughly inspect any rarely used door latch for rusty limit switch.
April 26, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Abbotsford, BC.
Vehicle: 2008 Ford F150, 5.3L.
Condition: Encoder motor fuse faulty.
Disconnect the encoder motor and re-check for short. If short remains, repair the wiring harness. If short is gone, replace encoder motor.
April 25, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Nepean, ON.
Vehicle: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado.
Condition: DTC B0012, SRS malfunction.
Follow procedure for code. Check the connector position assurance (CPA). Connector and CPA should snap together with an audible “click”.
April 22, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: White Rock, BC.
Vehicle: 2011 Buick Acadia.
Condition: Power steering rack replacement.
ACDelco provides 2 choices for rack replacement. PN 36R-0450 includes the inlet check valve which is not found on other replacements.
April 21, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Abbotsford, BC.
Vehicle: 2015 Mercedes Benz GLK250, 2.1 BluTec.
Condition: MIL “ON” with DTC P2741-00.
Confirm DTC with at least 2 aftermarket scan tools. DTC is OEM for faulty B1S1 circuit or sensor, repair as required.
April 20, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Saskatoon, SK.
Vehicle: 2011 Chevrolet Express, 5.3L.
Condition: P0109, fuel pump control module replaced.
Check and confirm integrity of connections at X101 at rear of frame. Program fuel pump module as required.
April 19, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Vankleek Hill, ON.
Vehicle: 2007 Buick Acadia, 3.6L.
Condition: Coolant leak.
Perform a cooling system pressure test and check retention. If pressure drops look for leaks at frost plugs and water pump bypass seal.
April 18, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Newmarket, ON.
Vehicle: 2006 Volkswagen Jetta, 2.5L.
Condition: Traction control fault message displayed, DTC 17953.
Follow procedure for code. Check idle stability and clean throttle body. Perform steps for basic settings.
April 15, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Orangeville, ON.
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet 3500HD, 6.6L.
Condition: Lack of power, DTC P154B level #3.
Clear code and check reset. Check intake heater operation and confirm to specifications. Follow factory reset procedure for DEF fluid level.
April 14, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Stratford, ON.
Vehicle: 2011 Land Rover Sport, 5.0L.
Condition: Rough running at start-up.
Check all modules for stored DTC’s. Measure fuel pressure and check fuel quality. Disconnect spill solenoid and retest fuel pressure.
April 13, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Barrie, ON.
Vehicle: 2011 Mazda CX9, 3.7L
Condition: DTC P1450 but no fault found.
Check gas cap, purge valve and vent solenoid for blockage. Check fuel filler neck nozzle and elbow at canister feed line for restriction.
April 12, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Scarborough, ON.
Vehicle: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, 5.3L.
Condition: Will not re-start, only at WOT.
Check long and short term fuel trim. If vehicle is running rich, suspect a faulty ground connection.
April 11, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Brockville, ON.
Vehicle: 2012 Dodge Caravan, 3.6L.
Condition: Crank no-start with DTC P0626.
Follow procedure for diagnostic codes. Check for voltage at fuel pump fuse in TIPM; jump voltage directly to pump and check running. Condemn TIPM.
April 8, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: : Guelph, ON.
Vehicle: 2013 Ford E450, 6.8L
Condition: DTC B0001.
Clear code and check reset. Vehicle will not crank if communications fault is stored. Suspect a faulty clockspring.
April 7, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Osoyoos, BC.
Vehicle: 2007 Ford Explorer Sportrac, 4.0L.
Condition: Crank no-start.
Check all modules for stored DTC’s. Measure fuel pressure and check fuel quality. Suspect a faulty fuel pump drive module.
April 6, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Golden, BC.
Vehicle: 2007 Lexus IS250.
Condition: No crank or communication.
Communications fault takes 30-minutes to reset itself. After reset check pins 14 & 6 at ALDL for resistance. Suspect a faulty APP.
April 5, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Westbank, BC.
Vehicle: 2013 Buick Verano.
Condition: DTC B101-D, RS object detection fault.
Review wiring diagram and locate main park assist module, confirm good connections. Install new module in a protective plastic bag prior to replacement.
April 4, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Midhurst, ON.
Vehicle: 2007 Chevrolet Equinox, 3.5L.
Condition: No communication with power steering module.
Follow procedure for no communications codes. Using an aftermarket scan tool may result in false DTC’s or no communication with some modules.
April 1, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Newmarket, ON.
Vehicle: 2009 GMC 250HD, 6.6L.
Condition: Aftermarket backup alarm.
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct installation connections. PIT4423H to turn off perimeter lighting feature or install isolation relay.
TAC Information
We’re listening! ACDelco’s TAC team listens because they know how frustrating it can be to get good sound advice when it comes to vehicle diagnostics.
It pays to get it done right, and fast - the first time!
That’s the objective for all of our ACDelco Technical Assistance Centre licensed technicians. To get your problem diagnosis dealt with quickly and correctly…and of course, to just be there to listen.
ACDelco Technical Assistance Centre – Diagnostic Hotline
Live Technical support via phone – available 60 hours a week!
New Rates per call! Contact the ACDelco Info-Line for further details. 1-800-263-3526
The ACDelco TAC line is fully staffed with multi-lingual technicians Monday – Friday from 8am-6pm EST, ensuring they are available to take your call (or fax, or email). English and French, our qualified TAC agents will be ready to answer your questions.
The TAC line uses the most advanced technology and current repair databases, in addition to detailed case information and data mining. Our agents have full access to common failure causes and repair procedures databases. Access to these cases can help solve the most complex requests.
Our TAC Specialists
ACDelco’s TAC line has master technicians supporting Domestic, European and Asian import vehicles. Agents have an impressive 50 years combined hands on experience and over 29 years of TAC work. The breadth of experience includes:
- Working directly with 12 vehicle manufacturers and four aftermarket suppliers
- 13 years of in class training delivery
- 22 years of exotic vehicle experience
- 7 years field experience
- 10 years working through warranty issue mitigation
- Auto body and collision repair
- Heavy-duty and military powertrain experience.
Systems Support
ACDelco’s TAC agents have a lengthy list of technical resources and databases to support your complex questions. This includes factory OE information, as well as internal technical experts, field engineers, product specialists, and technical writers for several OEM's.
Resource databases include all major all makes manufacturers. Additional repair databases include Alldata, IATN, Mitchell1, Automotive Service Profession, eSI and more.
Access to Service Technical Specialists include the following manufactures: GM, Mercedes Benz, VW, Audi, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chrysler, BMW, Volvo, Honda, Nissan, SAAB, Toyota, Hyundai, & KIA.
TAC Specialists
Agent: Robert V. Forte – Technical Assistance Lead
Robert Forte is a certified Mechanical Engineering Technician and has held a Class “A” automotive service license since 1989. He brings over 20 years of automotive service training experience to ACDelco including a diverse electrical diagnosis ability and wide knowledge of electronic diagnostic tools. A member of the Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologist, Robert started tinkering with all things mechanical at a young age with the help of his father, a European trained auto-electric specialist; he regularly restores electrical parts and systems in high end and vintage automobiles.
In 1996, Forte joined GM Canada at its ACDelco training center as a diagnostic specialist to provide technical support and training to automotive technicians. The proprietary diagnostic software and equipment required intense interaction with field engineers, installers and key marketing people, making Forte a key product specialist to car repairers nationwide.
Rob’s other attributes include working with U.S. law firms as an automotive accident and personal injury forensic specialist helping win several legal actions for quadriplegics injured in motor vehicles.
Robert also co-hosted a nationally recognized automotive radio show called “Driveline Radio” broadcasting on CKTB radio AM610 in St. Catherine’s and previously on “Guys Garage” with MOJO radio AM640 of Toronto having a total listening audience of over 100,000 listeners.
Agent: Jean Thibert
“If you don’t do any training, you will be obsolete in 8 years”.
Jean Thibert is a certified class A mechanic, with experience in the Ontario Department of Labour. He has an Inter-provincial Seal and an additional 8 years of experience as a Technical Consultant Specialist at a number of vehicle manufacturer head offices including Toyota, Mazda, Chrysler/Dodge and Suzuki. He is also a certified EEC IV & EEC V technician from Ford with an Advanced Engine Performance Diagnosis qualification for the 7.3 L DIT & 6.0 L DIT. Prior to some of this Ontario experience, he earned over 10 years of experience working in Alberta at a Ford dealership, focusing on Diesel engines.
Jean’s passion for repairs started early when he started helping his father repair and maintain his farm equipment. He made a decision to pursue being a technician and entered a trade school after hearing some wise words from his high school teacher who said: “If you don’t do any training, you will be obsolete in 8 years”. These words stuck with Jean and throughout the years he has continued to learn about new vehicle technology, taking evening Electronic Courses at Algonquin College in addition to the additional online courses and in class courses offered through his work experience as well as other all makes focuses, such as some specific gas and diesel engine diagnostic repairs for Chryslers.