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.
June 30, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Conception Bay South, NL.
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Impala, 3.6L.
Condition: DTC PC0035 wheel bearing replaced.
Check harness connections at corresponding wheel speed sensor. Temporarily swapped sensors. Suspect a faulty new wheel hub.
June 29, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: London, ON.
Vehicle: 2006 BMW X5, 4.4L.
Condition: ABS Warning lamp illuminated.
Check for any stored DTC’s in the ABS module. Check braking performance and confirm correct SAS reading. Suspect a faulty park brake switch.
June 28, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Toronto, ON.
Vehicle: 2010 Hyundai Accent, 1.6L.
Condition: Multiple starter replacement.
Confirm correct starter selection. Check integrity and perform a voltage drop test on all major connections from battery.
June 27, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Scarborough, ON.
Vehicle: 2012 Ford F250, 6.2L.
Condition: Multiple transmission DTC’s.
Follow diagnostic steps for P0430 and P0455. Check transmission performance in all gears; suspect a faulty valve-body.
June 24, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Calgary, AB.
Vehicle: 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, 2.5L.
Condition: OEM DTC 05784.
Road test vehicle with scanner connected and observe the CTS readings. Check heater operation and coolant level; suspect a faulty thermostat.
June 23, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Sexsmith, AB.
Vehicle: 2009 Chevrolet Workhorse W24, 8.1L.
Condition: Wiper low speed inoperative.
Check harness along door sill for damage. Disconnect wipers and follow wiring diagram for proper voltages. Suspect a faulty switch.
June 22, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Vancouver, BC.
Vehicle: 2012 Toyota Camry, 2.5L
Condition: No Crank, no start.
Check battery condition. Scan for codes and follow repair steps. Check all fuses paying particular attention to “Ignition” fuse.
June 21, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Ottawa, ON.
Vehicle: 2012 Dodge Charger, 3.6L.
Condition: No start, CAN error.
Attempt a re-initialization and attempt to start. Check G3.5 and confirm power steering operative; suspect a faulty power steering module.
June 20, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Chelsea, QC.
Vehicle: 2006 GMC C5500, 8.1L.
Condition: Lack of power after service.
Check fuel quality and pressure. Confirm proper TAC performance. Check “Power Down” switch position.
June 17, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Saint John, NB.
Vehicle: 2009 Honda Pilot, 3.5L.
Condition: Battery drain.
Measure battery draw using a ammeter. Remove one fuse at a time to isolate circuit causing draw. Suspect rearview camera.
June 16, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Surrey, BC.
Vehicle: 2008 Ford E350SD, 5.4L.
Condition: DTC P0191, fuel rail pressure.
Check harness along door sill for damage. Confirm proper fuel pressure and flow. Confirm G300 connection. Suspect a faulty FPDM.
June 15, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: New Liskeard, ON.
Vehicle: 2006 Volvo XC90, 2.5L Turbo.
Condition: Engine serial number.
Engine serial number and type are stamped on the left side of the cylinder block at the top of the mounting for the water pump.
June 14, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Amherst, NS.
Vehicle: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro,
Condition: Colder spark plug.
The manufacturer recommends precious metal spark plugs for the best performance on this vehicle. Precious metal plugs cover a variety of heat ranges.
June 13, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Lancaster, ON.
Vehicle: 2011 Land Rover Sport, 5.0L SC.
Condition: DTC P0088.
Check for cold misfires. Smoke test for vacuum leaks. Performance check IAT and ECT sensors; suspect a faulty MAF sensor.
June 10, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Parksville, BC.
Vehicle: 2015 GMC Yukon Denali, 6.2L.
Condition: Wear specification limit for front ball joints.
GM specification for checking ball joints when vehicle weight has been removed is 0.020”.
June 9, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Keswick, ON.
Vehicle: 2010 Chevrolet Silverado, 4.8L.
Condition: DTC B101D after module replacement.
Check harness along door sill for damage. Inspect under seat for water intrusion. Apply die-electric grease to module connector pins.
June 8, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Stratford, ON.
Vehicle: 2011 Ford Escape XLT, 3.0L.
Condition: Multiple ABS DTC’s.
Clear DTC’s and check which re-sets. Thoroughly check all front wheel speed sensor wiring. Suspect a faulty connection at C210.
June 7, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Mississauga, ON.
Vehicle: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe, 3.5L.
Condition: Extended cranking, P2A01.
Follow repair steps for stored codes. Road test vehicle and watch O2 sensor response. Check for and inspect all O2 sensor grounds.
June 6, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Sherwood Park, AB.
Vehicle: 2010 Ford E350.
Condition: No forward or reverse gears.
Check and repair any stored DTC’s. Check fluid and inspect pan for metal particles. Suspect a faulty transmission.
June 3, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Shelburne, ON.
Vehicle: 2006 Bentley Continental, 6.0L.
Condition: No start, no communication with scan tool.
Check and confirm adequate battery voltage present at time of cranking. Recharge and re-check battery, suspect a faulty shifter selector switch.
June 2, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Parksville, BC.
Vehicle: 2006 Hummer H3, 3.5L.
Condition: Battery draw.
Remove one fuse at a time to isolate circuit causing the draw and repair accordingly. Suspect heavy corrosion under fuse box and faulty BCM.
June 1, 2016
Thanks to our program member in: Whistler, BC.
Vehicle: 2011 Ford Fusion, 2.5L.
Condition: Brake system bleeding.
Best results for system bleeding is to use a pressure bleeder and follow manufacturers requirements to complete.
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.