News
TAC Tips for May 2016

 
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.


May 31, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Abbotsford, BC.
Vehicle:  2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350, 3.0L.
Condition:  Resetting rear brake pad sensor.
ABS module will detect a new sensor if no circuit issues exist. If harness is ok, road-test vehicle to reset.


May 30, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Burlington, ON.
Vehicle:  2009 Mercedes-Benz, 3.0L.
Condition: Knock sensor locations.
Knock sensor are located on inside bank of the cylinder heads under the intake manifold. Remove manifold to access.


May 27, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:       Trois Riviere, QC.
Vehicle:  2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, 2.5L
Condition:  DTC’s P1698 and P2181.
Follow diagnostics for all stored DTC’s. Check fuse box connector pins for corrosion. Using a dedicated scan tool, reset idle and throttle body.


May 26, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:       Fort McMurray, AB.
Vehicle:  2007 Chevrolet Colorado, 2.9L.
Condition:  DTC 0300.
Follow diagnostics for displayed DTC’s. Check and confirm good engine vacuum. Suspect MAF and crank sensors. Check sensor mounting bracket.


May 25, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Slocan Park, BC.
Vehicle:  2007 Pontiac Montana SV6.
Condition:  Battery draw.
Attempt removing on fuse at a time to isolate the circuit causing the draw and repair accordingly. Suspect a faulty VCI module if OnStar equipped.

May 24, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Newmarket, ON.
Vehicle:  2002 Suzuki XL7, 2.7L.
Condition: No crank, no start.
Try turning the crank by hand at the harmonic balancer. If engine crank shaft does not turn, suspect internal damage; check timing chain.


May 20, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:  Cornwall, NB.        
Vehicle:    2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, 3.5L.
Condition:   DTC P2A01, O2 sensors replaced.
Repeat diagnostics for any and all stored DTC’s. If P2A01 resets, tighten all pins in connectors at B1S1 and B1S2.


May 19, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:       Strathmore, AB.
Vehicle:  2013 Chevrolet Impala, 3.6L.
Condition:  DTC C0035, noise when turning left at slow speeds.
Follow diagnostics for all stored DTC’s. When checking wiring, inspect area where harness is near the control arm for chaffing.


May 18, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:       Kelowna, BC.
Vehicle:  2009 Audi Quattro, 3.0L SC.
Condition:  DTC P0491 and P0492.
Follow diagnostics for displayed DTC’s. TSB applies to this vehicle for replacement of Secondary Air System.


May 17, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Strathmore, AB.
Vehicle:  2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350, 3.0L.
Condition:  Resetting rear brake pad sensor.
ABS module will detect a new sensor if no circuit issues exist. If harness is ok, road-test vehicle to reset.

May 16, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Bobcaygeon, ON.
Vehicle:  2008 Infinity FX35, 3.5L.
Condition: Headlamps operate for flashing only, combination switch replaced.
Check IPDM and follow diagnostic steps to interrogate. Watch BCM data for high-beam command, suspect a faulty connection.


May 13, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Innisfil, ON.        
Vehicle:    2010 Chevrolet Silverado.
Condition:   DTC B0098-01 short to ground in SRS.
Check the vehicle build list and compare will shown options on scan tool. Suspect the wrong programming in BCM and SDM.


May 12, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:       Balmoral, NB.
Vehicle:  2011 Ford F750.
Condition:  ABS fault 263 and 639 Bendix brake.
Check all frame grounds. Confirm adequate system pressure. Suspect a faulty code switch.
 
May 11, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:       Concord, ON.
Vehicle:  2008 Jeep Patriot, 2.4L.
Condition:  Stall upon acceleration.
Check for stored codes in the PCM. Smoke engine for vacuum leaks, suspect a faulty APP connection.

May 10, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   London, ON.
Vehicle:  2008 BMW X5, 4.0L.
Condition:  Headlamps inoperative.
Check for fault codes. Check fuse and suspect a faulty HID module.


May 9, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Jonquiere, QC.
Vehicle:  2006 Volkswagen Jetta, 1.9 TDI.
Condition: DTC P0237, lack of power.
Check and confirm oil pressure is to specification. Check turbo performance and inspect impeller for excess play
.

May 6, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Edmonton, AB.        
Vehicle:    2012 Ford F150, 5.0L.
Condition:   No crank, no start.
Check #2 fuse and fuel pump operation. Perform an amperage draw test on the pump and repair accordingly.


May 5, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Lower Sackville, NS.
Vehicle:  2012 Audi A4, 2.0L.
Condition:  Misfire on all cylinders.
Confirm any stored DTC’s. Inspect cylinder head for heavy carbon build-up. Perform a de-carbonization and re-test.

May 4, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   St Catherines, ON.
Vehicle:      2012 Dodge Ram, 6.7L.
Condition:  No crank, no start, DTC P2509.
Check for wear on the ignition key, if worn, replace and include an ignition switch.


May 3, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Oshawa, ON.
Vehicle:  2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, 2.3L.
Condition:  Disabling vehicle for welding.
Use the appropriate equipment prior to working on vehicle. Be sure to disconnect all power sources before proceeding with welding.


May 2, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Edmonton, AB.
Vehicle:  2011 Ford Mustang, 3.7L.
Condition: Vibration while driving, transmission was replaced.
Check driveshaft for an off balance condition. Confirm all U-joints are to spec with no restricted movement. Suspect faulty output shaft bearing.


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.