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.
March 31, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Merrickville, ON.
Vehicle: 2005 Cadillac SRX, 3.6L.
Condition: Gas cap blows off.
Correct ACDelco replacement cap is GT303. If condition persists check vent valve or tube for obstruction.
March 30, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Woodbridge, ON.
Vehicle: 2010 Ford E350 Super Duty, 6.0L.
Condition: Battery Draw.
Suspect a faulty under-hood SJB (Smart Junction Box). Substitute with a known good part to confirm repair; new SJB does not require programming.
March 29, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Mount Pearl, NL.
Vehicle: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, 4.8L.
Condition: No crank, multiple BCM codes.
Clear codes and check battery voltage. Scan BCM for communication codes. Suspect a corroded module under driver seat.
March 28, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Midhurst, ON.
Vehicle: 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, 4.8L.
Condition: No crank, multiple BCM codes.
Follow diagnostics for stored trouble codes. Communication codes could indicate a faulty module. Check under driver seat for water intrusion.
March 24, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Osoyoos, BC.
Vehicle: 1999 Infinity QX4.
Condition: Poor brake performance after pad replacement.
Confirm emergency brake adjusted to specifications. Check ABS relay and suspect a faulty proportional valve.
March 23, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Golden, BC.
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Corvette, 6.2L.
Condition: DRL activation.
DRL’s are made active by updating the BCM with software that includes that option. Go to TIS2WEB for further assistance and file information.
March 22, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Westbank, BC.
Vehicle: 2006 Chrysler 300, 3.5L.
Condition: Persistent misfire.
Smoke test to confirm no vacuum leaks. Use alignment tool procedure to confirm proper valve timing, check belt.
March 21, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Midhurst, ON.
Vehicle: 2011 Ford F250, 6.2L.
Condition: No crank, DTC P161A.
Follow factory procedure as outlined in the repair manual for all stored DTC’s. Test and suspect the Run / Start relay.
March 18, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Fox Creek, AB.
Vehicle: 2008 Ford Focus, 2.0L.
Condition: No crank, good battery.
Check starter activation at start relay in under hood junction box. Confirm fuse #8 is intact and scan for stored trouble codes in all modules.
March 17, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Turtleford, SK.
Vehicle: 2009 Audi A6, 3.0L.
Condition: DTC P0391 and P0392.
March 16, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Prince Albert, SK.
Vehicle: 2012 GMC Sierra 3500HD, 6.6L.
Condition: DTC C1115, MIL “ON”.
DTC describes poor brake control switch performance. Check circuit and connectors; replace switch if no fault found.
March 15, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Kamloops, BC.
Vehicle: 2010 Infinity, G37X.
Condition: Battery drain, 0.22A observed.
Isolate drain to under-hood or under-dash fuse boxes. Remove one fuse at a time to further isolate circuit causing the drain. Suspect a faulty IPDM.
March 14, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Ayr, ON.
Vehicle: 2011 GMC 2500HD. 6.6L.
Condition: DTC P140A, front EGR bypass valve replaced.
March 11, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Upper Sackville, NS.
Vehicle: 2010 Dodge Journey.
Condition: Power windows and locks self-activate.
Check for any stored DTC’s and repair prior to proceeding. Check all major battery and ground connections. Suspect a faulty TIPM.
March 10, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Thetford Mines, QC.
Vehicle: 2006 BMW X5, 4.4L.
Condition: Alternator replacement.
Follow factory procedure as outline in the repair manual. Prepare the vehicle to lower the front differential to gain access to mounting fasteners.
March 9, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Paris, ON.
Vehicle: 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche, 5.3L.
Condition: Clicking upper engine noise.
On those engine equipped with “Cylinder On-demand”, replace lifters with updated versions. Replacing the plastic guides is strongly recommended
March 8, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Charlottetown, PE.
Vehicle: ACDelco Gold series battery.
Condition: VPG designation.
ACDelco batteries are among the best in the business. The VPG designation refers to our Professional Gold series with a provision for external venting.
March 7, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: North York, ON.
Vehicle: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.
Condition: Stabilitrac lamp “ON” will not extinguish.
Vehicle stabilitrac comes on with each key cycle. In order to de-activate the system, the stabilitrac switch must be depressed for at least 3-secs.
March 4, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Rogersville, NB.
Vehicle: 2013 Sprinter, 3.0L.
Condition: DEF reset procedure.
Using a factory compatible scan tool, use adaptations to reset DEF monitor and relearn the fill level sensor. No manual reset is available.
March 3, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Thornloe, ON.
Vehicle: 2006 Dodge Charger, 3.5L HO.
Condition: Timing belt replacement using ACDelco TCKWP295B / D.
The ACDelco timing belt kit for this vehicle may or may not include the hydraulic tensioner. Kits that contain the tensioner end in “D”.
March 2, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from: Orillia, ON.
Vehicle: 2009 Porsche Cayenne “S”, 4.8L.
Condition: DTC P2181, MIL “ON”.
DTC describes poor cooling system performance. Check coolant level to specification and replace thermostat.
March 1, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from: Calgary, AB.
Vehicle: 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2.4L.
Condition: Lack of power, no DTC’s.
Check engine vacuum. Confirm crankshaft and cam signals are in synch. Check valve timing and oil condition. Suspect blocked catalytic.
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.