Electric Vehicle Specialist Training VW Group Vehicles

Electric Vehicle Specialist Training VW Group Vehicles

Electric Vehicle Specialist Training VW Group VehiclesElectric Vehicle Specialist Training VW Group Vehicles – drive your business onwards.

“Hello, It Mrs Jones here. I’ve got rid of my Diesel Golf and I’ve Bought and ID3. Are you guys OK to help me fix a problem with it? The battery seems to have gone flat.” 

How are you going to handle the phone call in to your reception?

This call can strike fear into the heart of the unprepared garage, and lead to more questions. The unprepared garage may invite Mrs Jones to take a trip to the dealer, as they don’t know anything about electric VW Group vehicles. This is a huge mistake and a missed opportunity.  

Mrs Jones’ problem might just be the 12 volt battery, but how will you know unless you’re trained and prepared?

Specialist Training on VW Group Vehicles

Through attending a hands-on technical training course, aimed specifically at the VW Group vehicles, you could be the go-to VW specialist in your area, being a EV prepared garage business. The EV prepared garage will know what questions to ask and what to do when the vehicle arrives. 

Low voltage charging systems on an EV don’t have an alternator – they have a DC to DC converter. Do you know how to test and diagnose this system? This is where the fault with Mrs Jones car could be. 

The High Voltage battery can be charged via a DC rapid charge or an AC Fast charge, or an AC granny charger. Do you know how to test and diagnose these charge systems? This is where the fault with Mrs Jones car could be. 

The onboard charger takes the AC input and flips it to DC to charge the main battery. Do you know how to test and diagnose this system?  This is where the fault with Mrs Jones car could be. 

The AC system plays a big part in thermal management of battery, drivetrain and charging. It may include a heat pump and use a high voltage compressor.  Do you know how to test and diagnose this system?  This is where the fault with Mrs Jones car could be. 

Electric Vehicle Specialist Training VW Group Vehicles will help you fill the knowledge gap and offer a highly professional service to your customers.

With EV, everything is different. Prepare for the flood while the tide is out.

The engine is different, the transmission is different, the brake system is different, the fuel source is different, the low voltage system is different, the heating and air con is different, servicing is different. Make this difference work to your advantage.

The harsh reality is, whatever your personal position on electric vehicles, they are coming and you need technical training to take advantage of the opportunity.

Find out more about the Electric Vehicle Specialist Training VW Group Vehicles at the link: https://techtopics.co.uk/electric-vehicle-volkswagen-group-vehicles/

The Electric Vehicle Training Solution For VW Group Specialists.

We’re offering our unique 3 day, VW Group specific, Electric Vehicle Training course which will help you become the EV prepared garage in your area.

Using the most popular VW MEB platform (VW ID3, ID4, ID5 & ID6, Audi Q4 e-tron, Q5 e-tron, Seat Cupra Born, Skoda Enyaq), you will be trained and ready to take advantage of the business opportunities that the electric revolution will present to VW Group Specialists.

Read all about VW Groups road to zero strategy here: https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en

Course places are strictly limited. Ideally, you have an IMI EV level 3 or IMI EV level 4 certificate, be working on VW group vehicles and be willing to take advantage that the EV revolution presents.

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 17: David Massey – Continuing the Legacy

We’re delighted to share this episode with you as we introduce to the podcast, Mr David Massey. Dave, son of industry legends Frank and Gene Massey, is the director and boss of ADS Automotive, a trusted specialist VW and Audi garage based in Preston. James and Dave...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 16: Darren Darling

James is delighted to be joined by the awesome Darren Darling, founder of The DPF Doctor. Darren shares how he accidentally stumbled into the motor trade as a teenager, survived on £27.50 a week, and eventually built a global network of emissions diagnostics...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 14: James Dillon

Your usual host James Dillon is taking his turn in the hot seat as he is interviewed by HR specialist, previous podcast guest and this episode’s host Jennifer Webb. James delves into what he was like at school, uncovers the roots of his passion for mechanics and...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 13: Service Advisors with Jay Wheatley

James is joined by previous podcast guest, business coach and mentor, Jay Wheatley from Absolutely Automotive. This time the spotlight is on the pivotal role service advisors play in the automotive industry. Jay has used his extensive experience of working in the...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 12: Jason Bowden

In this episode, highly successful Diagnostic Specialist Jason Bowden, from Bowden Auto Services in Torbay, joins host James Dillon to talk about the business end of automotive diagnostics. Jason has developed his expert automotive diagnostic services business over...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 11: Andy Crook

In this episode, James welcomes Andy Crook, a long-time friend and other half of the famous dynamic duo. James and Andy met at Snap-On where they ran training courses and engaged in public speaking events as a pair. Together they discuss Andy's early days in the...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 10: Jim Lang

James is joined by web expert Jim Lang from Garage Services Online for this episode. The pair dive into the intricacies of running a successful garage business in the digital age. They discuss the importance of having an effective website that not only attracts...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 7: Andy Savva The Garage Inspector

In this episode, James is delighted to be able to chat with Andy Savva - The Garage Inspector. Andy shares his wide ranging and extensive experience of running a garage business and his mission in helping other garage businesses be the best that they can be. Wherever...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 8: Alex Lindley

In this episode of The Harmonic Motion Podcast, James Dillon interviews Alex Lindley, Managing Director at Lindleys Autocentres and Director of Garage Hive. They discuss Alex’s journey in the automotive industry, the evolution of Lindleys Autocentres, and the...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 26: Opinions from Master Technicians

We welcomed another group of our Master Technicians into the TT podcast studio whilst they were here at Technical Topics for the Advanced Electronics course. James, Eugene, Steven, Callum, Malc and Frazer chewed the cud on specialising vs general repair, being clear...
ODIS VW Group Diagnostic Tool

ODIS VW Group Diagnostic Tool

ODIS VW Group Diagnostic Tool

There are many independent garages and technicians who specialise in the repair and diagnosis of VW Group brand vehicles VW, AUDI, SEAT, SKODA .

These very popular brands have wide range and complex diagnosis, repair and maintenance needs which can be best met by technicians and garage who are are using the ODIS VW Group Diagnostic Tool.

The system is called ODIS. This system incorporates 6154 (for diag) and ELSA PRO (for information & research). ODIS is the same system that the VW Group Dealer uses, and therefore gives the independent tech and garage access to the same functions.

The ODIS VW Group Diagnostic Tool includes adding/coding keys, replacing ECUs and control units, performing software updates, accessing technical bulletins (TPI) as well as having access to the full workshop manuals and the wiring diagrams.

Using the ODIS VW Group Diagnostic Tool brings extreme confidence when the garage or technician is dealing with both customer enquiries over the phone and when dealing with complex vehicle problems.

Technicians who use the ODIS system, tend to fix more cars faster than those who use Snap-on, Bosch, Autel and Topdon diagnostic scan tools, as the ODIS system contains all of the latest content, works to the manufacturers specific communication protocol (meaning MUCH less chance of ‘bricking’ a control unit).

The ODIS software is notoriously difficult to use, as the design is not at all intuitive, the button-ology, the menus, accessing functions and information isn’t obvious, therefore it is highly recommended to attend a hands-on training course to learn how to do this.

A good ODIS training course will show you how to achieve the outcomes you want, quickly and accurately. This will help you to fix more cars faster.

There is no doubt that ODIS is very powerful diagnostic resource and can complete every function the workshop and the technician require.

Please find a link to a training course here: https://techtopics.co.uk/odis-diagnostic-system-training-for-vw-audi-seat-skoda/

How Do I Access the ODIS Diagnostics System ?

The ODIS system can be download from the relevant ERWIN website. You will need to set up an account for the country that you are in. This is free of charge for Europe.

Installing the diagnostic software is relatively straight forward. You just need to ensure that your laptop or PC meets the minimum requirements as set out on the website.

You will also need to use the correct vehicle communication interface, which you can buy directly from the VW Group to guarantee fault free use, and to be able to access the free of charge technical helpline run by the VW Group.

Here is a link to the VW Group websites where you can download the software for free:

https://erwin.volkswagen.de/erwin/showHome.do

Setting up an ERWIN login is free and instant. Once you have done this, you can then apply for a dealer number.

To be able to install the software (installation requires a license file, which again is free of charge once you have an ORGID) you’ll need your ORGID. Then you’ll generate a free license from ERWIN, and the installation can be completed.

You will need to set up an account and get an ORGID ( an independent dealer number). The forms required to do this are on ERWIN, or are available from your in-counntry distributor.

The ERWIN website will contain the most up-to-date contact details, so be sure to use this.

ODIS ORGID Contact List

Do I need a specific diagnostic interface or VCI or can I use Passthru?

ODIS DIAGNOSTIC TRAINING

Whist is it possible to use a PassThru (J2534) interface to retrieve basic fault codes and data, and to communicate with emission related control units  it is recommended that the genuine 6154a VCI is used when configuring ECU’s or programming.

Here’s the situation according to Bosch “J2534 pass-thru reprogramming is only required for emissions based ECUs (eg. Powertrain, Engine, Transmission, Throttle Controller) and is mandatory on all vehicles from model year 2004 and forward. Additional support of reprogramming Chassis and Body ECUs will be dependent on each individual manufacturer’s reprogramming application software capabilities.”

This means that controllers other than Powertrain, Engine, Transmission, Throttle Controller aren’t mandated by legislation to be suported by Passthru, and may infact be damaged in attempting programming or updating.

Source: Bosch J2534 info

Bearing in mind the cost of a ruined ECU, using anything other then the genuine VCI doesn’t make sense.

Do not be tempted to buy a VW Group diagnostic interface from an unathorised outlet. There are a huge amount of cloned hardware interfaces out there. A high proportion of techs who damage vehicls and brick ECUs are found to be using a cloned ODIS which was bought from an unauthorised outlet. Some rogue sellers are including a laptop which comes with non-standard software too. This is a recipe for disaster.

VW Group run a helpline function, free of charge, to genuine tool users. This helpline is for when you get into trouble diagnosing, repairing, programming or coding a vehicle. The support team can remote control into your laptop to help solve any problems you are having. If you aren’t using the approved hardware, the helpdesk will not be able to offer any help. For this reason alone, the genuine ODIS 6154a VCI is a must.

Do I Need A Training Course Before I Can Use This System? 

We would heartily recommend that you plan to come on a training course to ensure that you get the best from the system, to save time in your workshop and on you work flows and to ensure that you can fix more cars faster. The small investment in training will pay a big dividends back. Remember, people that don’t know what they’re doing end up damaging ECU’s, and you don’t want the stress of that.

A short hands on course at a top quality, professional training centre, like Technical Topics in Bridgwater, Somerset will ensure that you fix more broken VW Group cars and faster.  The course will cover installation, updates, fault finding, trouble shooting, wiring diagrams, workshop manuals, software updates, key programming, ECU coding and much, much more. The course comes complete with a training manual.

A good training course will be run by Master Technicians. It will be based in a proper training centre. There will be classroom sessions as well as workshop sessions. You will get hands-on time with a demonstration vehicle. The course will usually run for two days.

Here’s a link to a good ODIS Diagnostic System training course: https://techtopics.co.uk/odis-diagnostic-system-training-for-vw-audi-seat-skoda/

Is there online training available for ODIS Diagnostics System?

Not yet.

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 17: David Massey – Continuing the Legacy

We’re delighted to share this episode with you as we introduce to the podcast, Mr David Massey. Dave, son of industry legends Frank and Gene Massey, is the director and boss of ADS Automotive, a trusted specialist VW and Audi garage based in Preston. James and Dave...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 16: Darren Darling

James is delighted to be joined by the awesome Darren Darling, founder of The DPF Doctor. Darren shares how he accidentally stumbled into the motor trade as a teenager, survived on £27.50 a week, and eventually built a global network of emissions diagnostics...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 14: James Dillon

Your usual host James Dillon is taking his turn in the hot seat as he is interviewed by HR specialist, previous podcast guest and this episode’s host Jennifer Webb. James delves into what he was like at school, uncovers the roots of his passion for mechanics and...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 13: Service Advisors with Jay Wheatley

James is joined by previous podcast guest, business coach and mentor, Jay Wheatley from Absolutely Automotive. This time the spotlight is on the pivotal role service advisors play in the automotive industry. Jay has used his extensive experience of working in the...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 12: Jason Bowden

In this episode, highly successful Diagnostic Specialist Jason Bowden, from Bowden Auto Services in Torbay, joins host James Dillon to talk about the business end of automotive diagnostics. Jason has developed his expert automotive diagnostic services business over...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 11: Andy Crook

In this episode, James welcomes Andy Crook, a long-time friend and other half of the famous dynamic duo. James and Andy met at Snap-On where they ran training courses and engaged in public speaking events as a pair. Together they discuss Andy's early days in the...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 10: Jim Lang

James is joined by web expert Jim Lang from Garage Services Online for this episode. The pair dive into the intricacies of running a successful garage business in the digital age. They discuss the importance of having an effective website that not only attracts...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 7: Andy Savva The Garage Inspector

In this episode, James is delighted to be able to chat with Andy Savva - The Garage Inspector. Andy shares his wide ranging and extensive experience of running a garage business and his mission in helping other garage businesses be the best that they can be. Wherever...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 8: Alex Lindley

In this episode of The Harmonic Motion Podcast, James Dillon interviews Alex Lindley, Managing Director at Lindleys Autocentres and Director of Garage Hive. They discuss Alex’s journey in the automotive industry, the evolution of Lindleys Autocentres, and the...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 26: Opinions from Master Technicians

We welcomed another group of our Master Technicians into the TT podcast studio whilst they were here at Technical Topics for the Advanced Electronics course. James, Eugene, Steven, Callum, Malc and Frazer chewed the cud on specialising vs general repair, being clear...
Using The BMW Dealer Diagnostics System ISTA Genuine

Using The BMW Dealer Diagnostics System ISTA Genuine

Using The BMW Dealer Diagnostics System ISTA Genuine

There are many independent garages and technicians who specialise in the repair and diagnosis of BMW Group vehicles. Solving complex problems on these BMW vehicles is made much easier when technicians are using the BMW Dealer Diagnostics System ISTA Genuine.

The BMW system, which incorporates ISTA (for diag) AIR (for information & research) and KeyReader (for service reception) can do exactly the same functions that the BMW Dealer can do. This includes enabling keys, replacing ECUs and control units, performing software updates, accessing technical bulletins (PUMA) as well as having access to the full workshop manuals and the wiring diagrams.

Using the  ISTA system leads to extreme confidence when the garage or technician is dealing with both customer enquiries over the phone and when dealing with complex vehicle problems.

Technicians who use the genuine BMW diagnostic system, fix more cars faster than those who use Snap-on, Bosch, Autel and Topdon diagnostic scan tools, as the genuine BMW system contains all of the latest content, works to the manufacturers specific communication protocol (meaning MUCH less chance of ‘bricking’ a control unit).

The BMW Geniune ISTA software is a little bit tricky to use, and therefore it is highly recommended to attend a hands-on training course to learn all of the ‘how-to’ information. A good ISTA training course will also show you how to avoid the pitfalls of using the dealer diagnostic system

The BMW Dealer Diagnostics System ISTA Genuine is very powerful and can complete every function the workshop and the technician require.

Please find a link to a training course here: BMW ISTA GENUINE Dealer Tool Training Course

How Do I Access the BMW Dealer Diagnostics System ISTA Genuine?

The BMW Dealer Diagnostics System ISTA Genuineis can be download from the BMW AOS website. You will need to set up an account for the country that you are in. This is free of charge for Europe.

All international sites (including the USA) lead back to the German site (and the language is selectable for your preference).

Installing the diagnostic software is relatively straight forward. You just need to ensure that your laptop or PC meets the minimum requirements as set out on the website.

You will also need to use the correct vehicle communication interface, which you can buy directly from the BMW Group to guarantee fault free use, and to be able to access the free of charge technical helpline run by the BMW Group.

Here is a link to the BMW website where you can download the software: https://aos.bmwgroup.com/

Do I need a specific diagnostic interface or VCI or can I use Passthru?

Whist is it possible to use a PassThru (J2534) interface to retrieve basic fault codes and data, and to communicate with emission related control units,  it is recommended that the genuine ISTA VCI is used when configuring ECU’s or programming.

Here’s the situation according to Bosch “J2534 pass-thru reprogramming is only required for emissions based ECUs (eg. Powertrain, Engine, Transmission, Throttle Controller) and is mandatory on all vehicles from model year 2004 and forward. Additional support of reprogramming Chassis and Body ECUs will be dependent on each individual manufacturer’s reprogramming application software capabilities.”

This means that controllers other than Powertrain, Engine, Transmission, Throttle Controller aren’t mandated by legislation to be supported by Passthru, and may in fact be damaged in attempting programming or updating.

Source: Bosch J2534 info

Bear in mind, the cost of a ruined ECU, which may happen when using anything other then the genuine VCI. This will cost more than the price of the genuine interface. So it just doesn’t make sense not to use the genuine ISTA.

Do not be tempted to buy a non-genuine BMW ISTA interface from an unauthorised outlet. There are a huge amount of cloned hardware interfaces out there. A high proportion of techs who damage vehicles and brick ECUs are found to be using a cloned ISTA which was bought from an unauthorised outlet. Some rogue sellers are including a laptop which comes with non-standard software too. This is a recipe for disaster.

BMW Group run a helpline function, free of charge, to genuine tool users. This helpline is for when you get into trouble diagnosing, repairing, programming or coding a vehicle. The support team can remote control into your laptop to help solve any problems you are having. If you aren’t using the approved hardware, the helpdesk will not be able to offer any help. For this reason alone, the genuine BMW VCI is a must.

Do I Need A Training Course Before I Can Use This System?

We would heartily recommend that you plan to come on a training course to ensure that you get the best from the system, to save time in your workshop and on your workflows and to ensure that you can fix more cars faster. The small investment in training will pay a big dividends back.

Remember, people that don’t know what they’re doing end up damaging ECU’s, and you don’t want the stress of that.

A short hands on course at a top quality, professional training centre, like Technical Topics in Bridgwater, Somerset will ensure that you fix more broken BMW cars and faster.  The course will cover installation, updates, fault finding, trouble shooting, wiring diagrams, workshop manuals, software updates, key programming, ECU coding and much, much more. The course comes complete with a training manual.

A good training course will be run by Master Technicians. It will be based in a proper training centre. There will be classroom sessions as well as workshop sessions. You will get hands-on time with a demonstration vehicle. The course will usually run for two days.

Here’s a link to a good BMW ISTA Genuine Diagnostic System training course: https://techtopics.co.uk/bmw-mini-diagnostic-system-training/

Is there online training available for BMW ISTA Genuine Diagnostics System?

There is no substitute for a hands-on training course, but if you can’t make it to a professional training centre, online learning is the next best thing.

Technical Topics have an online BMW ISTA course. Signing up for the course give you 12 months access to all of the course modules.

Head over to the Technical Topics website to get enrolled on ISTA online training https://techtopics.co.uk/product/bmw-ista-air-aos-online-training/

 

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 17: David Massey – Continuing the Legacy

We’re delighted to share this episode with you as we introduce to the podcast, Mr David Massey. Dave, son of industry legends Frank and Gene Massey, is the director and boss of ADS Automotive, a trusted specialist VW and Audi garage based in Preston. James and Dave...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 16: Darren Darling

James is delighted to be joined by the awesome Darren Darling, founder of The DPF Doctor. Darren shares how he accidentally stumbled into the motor trade as a teenager, survived on £27.50 a week, and eventually built a global network of emissions diagnostics...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 14: James Dillon

Your usual host James Dillon is taking his turn in the hot seat as he is interviewed by HR specialist, previous podcast guest and this episode’s host Jennifer Webb. James delves into what he was like at school, uncovers the roots of his passion for mechanics and...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 13: Service Advisors with Jay Wheatley

James is joined by previous podcast guest, business coach and mentor, Jay Wheatley from Absolutely Automotive. This time the spotlight is on the pivotal role service advisors play in the automotive industry. Jay has used his extensive experience of working in the...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 12: Jason Bowden

In this episode, highly successful Diagnostic Specialist Jason Bowden, from Bowden Auto Services in Torbay, joins host James Dillon to talk about the business end of automotive diagnostics. Jason has developed his expert automotive diagnostic services business over...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 11: Andy Crook

In this episode, James welcomes Andy Crook, a long-time friend and other half of the famous dynamic duo. James and Andy met at Snap-On where they ran training courses and engaged in public speaking events as a pair. Together they discuss Andy's early days in the...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 10: Jim Lang

James is joined by web expert Jim Lang from Garage Services Online for this episode. The pair dive into the intricacies of running a successful garage business in the digital age. They discuss the importance of having an effective website that not only attracts...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 7: Andy Savva The Garage Inspector

In this episode, James is delighted to be able to chat with Andy Savva - The Garage Inspector. Andy shares his wide ranging and extensive experience of running a garage business and his mission in helping other garage businesses be the best that they can be. Wherever...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 8: Alex Lindley

In this episode of The Harmonic Motion Podcast, James Dillon interviews Alex Lindley, Managing Director at Lindleys Autocentres and Director of Garage Hive. They discuss Alex’s journey in the automotive industry, the evolution of Lindleys Autocentres, and the...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 26: Opinions from Master Technicians

We welcomed another group of our Master Technicians into the TT podcast studio whilst they were here at Technical Topics for the Advanced Electronics course. James, Eugene, Steven, Callum, Malc and Frazer chewed the cud on specialising vs general repair, being clear...
What is the difference between a mechanic and a Master Technician (or a Master Mechanic)

What is the difference between a mechanic and a Master Technician (or a Master Mechanic)

The Master Technician

The Master Technician (and a master mechanic) is a highly advanced automotive vehicle technician who will be employed in an independent automotive repair workshop or in a dealership. A Master Technician (and a master mechanic) is a higher ranking employee than a mechanic. This seniority is due to their training being more advanced and at a higher level.  The diagnostic and fault finding skills of the Master Tech are also at a much higher level. Other mechanics will usually refer vehicles and repair jobs that they cannot solve to the Master Tech.

Master Tech’s will achieve the title and qualification of after 5 years or more of practical experience and after they undergo a programme of technical training at level 4. The award is made after successful completion of an Accredited Assessment process.

The typical subject matter areas that a Master Tech will train on are detailed below:

Master Technician

Check out our Master Tech training programme at the following link: https://techtopics.co.uk/master-technician-training-program/

Diagnostic Techniques

which is fundamental to proving the root causes of a fault, to get a fix first time and to fixing more cars faster. Using the #4rights process (measuring the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, with the right tool), this module ‎ensures that the Master Technicians diagnostic process is absolutely on point.

Advanced Electronics

are at the heart of the vast majority of automotive control systems, from Adaptive Cruise Control to Vehicle Networks. This highly engaging training course will take you through both key components and principles involved in managing and controlling a wide range of systems. Master Technicians get hands on with transistors, resistors, integrated circuits, mosfets, logic boards, single circuit control microprocessors, flashing and programming, coding, brushless DC motors, AC controllers, IGBT’s and a whole load more. All of these things will be directly relatable to the advanced diagnosis of automotive systems.

Advanced Diagnostics

the oscilloscope is at the heart of the Master Technicians diagnostic tool set.  The oscilloscope diagnostics will enable rapid and accurate diagnosis of the system under investigation, be that a Flexray Network or a Microwave Distance Sensor. This course will make the difference between diagnosing faults and not! This highly practical course will take the Master Tech through our unique approach to fault finding a wide range of systems, such as Diesel & Petrol Engine Management, Ignitions, vehicle networks and a vast array of other vehicle components. We will build your skills, knowledge and experience to an advanced user level.

Advanced PEMS and DEMS

enable the Master Tech to keep up with the car parc, which is skewing towards petrol as a dominant fuel system, along with hybridisation (electric motors and petrol engines). Diesel fuel systems are focused on reducing NOx, particles and other noxious emissions with AdBlue, High and Low Pressure EGR. Therefore, being able to effectively diagnose a wide range of engine management faults is a critical skill for a technician. Faults can be engine mechanical (timing and quality) fuelling (too much or too little or at the wrong time), ignition or emission controls (Cat, DPF, AdBlue, EGR) or any one of a number of sensors.

Personal and Business Plans

are key to achieving the Master Tech’s goals, both from a business operations as well as a continuing personal development perspective. This module is very highly rated by our participants, as it really helps to shape short term tactical planning to improve personal effectiveness and improved operational efficiency with the attainment of longer term and wider personal and business strategic goals.

Vehicle networking & body systems

include communication technologies such as single wire LIN, sensors with SENT protocol, CAN Bus, FlexRay, and MOST. With the advent of Car Servers and Body Domain Controllers test, measurement and diagnosis takes a very different route. The ’60 ohms’ test for network testing is very outdated and can lead to misdiagnosis. The modern Master Tech has to have an in-depth understanding of these technologies and how they are critical to the function of the modern joined-up motor vehicle and the various control systems.

Customer Service, Communication & Coaching

Effective communication is an amazing skill that can deliver benefits in your personal and professional life. Relating to customers, be that technically when they are describing a fault for the first time, or when they are coming to collect a vehicle post repair, is a key element of the Master Technicians job role. And, it is often said that that fixing the customer is a bigger part of successful business than fixing the vehicle. Becoming an highly effective communicator will change the Master Techs world for the better. It will help them in their role and in their relationships with fellow team members, in coaching others and in excelling in delivering highly effective customer service.

OEM Diagnostics, Coding Programming & PassThru (J2534)

With the continual advance of vehicle technology, ‘dealer level’ diagnostics is fast becoming a necessity in the modern workshop. Coding, programming, known faults, configuration, wiring diagrams and component locations are critical success factors. This course looks into several dealer tools, their compatriot dealer portals as well as the options that Pass Thru present. Whether you’re using dealer tools already or you’re starting on your journey of discovering the immense benefits dealer tools (and their information portals) can bring a garage repair business, this module will deliver invaluable information regarding the successful implementation of dealer diagnostics in the garage business that you work in.

ADAS & Autonomous Technology

The self-driving vehicle is threatening to be upon us, but however long fully autonomous vehicles take to arrive, the plethora of self-driving technology is ever growing. The systems required to facilitate self-driving are fitted to many vehicles now, and they require a subtly different approach to service, diagnosis and repair. Understanding these systems in isolation and then being informed and equipped to deal with them as a joined-up, autonomous vehicle is the aim of this course. ADAS, Side Assistance, Lane Assist, Brake By Wire, Steer By Wire, V2V, V2x and much more besides are covered on this session.

Electric Vehicle Diagnostics and Repair Level 4

This Electric Vehicle course goes much, much deeper than Level 3 and examines diagnosis and repair, including working on live systems. Subjects covered include: Motor/Generator, IGBT, PWM, Faults affecting, milliohm and megger testing, resolvers, DC-to-DC conversion, LV and HV systems interrelationships, Scan Tool & Scope Diagnostic Techniques, Connecting to the ‘grid’, charge systems function & operation, HV battery function, operation, diagnosis & repair. Our EV Level 4 Advanced course will take existing L3 qualification holders to the pinnacle of EV qualifications & understanding, resulting in a Level 4 qualification and a greatly expanded understanding of EV technology. A 3 day, hands-on course with in course assessments.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems

The management of heating and cooling is one of the most rapidly advancing areas of vehicle technology, which means the knowledge and understanding of it has become critical to avoid costly mistakes and misdiagnosis. Intelligent thermal management, reversible systems with heat pumps, electrically driven compressors, split controlled heating systems and other such measures are now employed to manage power units, occupants, emissions as well as high voltage battery and charging systems. Knowing the systems design function and operation, understanding the test and measurement steps as well as service and maintenance routines are all covered in this module.

Accredited Technical Assessments

We’ll have worked throughout the entire programme to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding. There are six assessment tasks, 5 practical and an online ‘quiz’.  You will have been highly coached and fully prepared to tackle the tasks. Tasks include customer liaison, technical diagnosis x 3, apprentice coaching and the quiz. Due to the comprehensive nature of our courses and preparation, we have a very (read very, very) high first time pass rate. Upon successful completion of this session you will join the very exclusive Master Technician ‘club’, and all of the hard work and effort will have been worth it.

They also have to sign up to and comply with a set of Motor Industry Professional Standards. Follow the link to check these standards here for https://tide.theimi.org.uk/membership/professional-standards

The Master Technician Programme is aimed at senior technicians who would like a defined, structured route of education, training with the top level accredited qualification outcome. The training programme is suited to technicians operating in the motor industry at a minimum of level 3 with at least 5 years post qualification experience.

Technical Topics can help technicians achieve Master  Technician status through a programme of learning and assessments. We are the UK’s leading provider of Master Technician Certified Training and Accreditations. Our unique programme offers technicians a development route to becoming a highly qualified, top-tier technician.

If you would like to take the next step on your career ladder, come an join us on our Master Technician training programme.

Sign up at the following link https://techtopics.co.uk/product/master-technician-training-plan-sign-up/

 

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 17: David Massey – Continuing the Legacy

We’re delighted to share this episode with you as we introduce to the podcast, Mr David Massey. Dave, son of industry legends Frank and Gene Massey, is the director and boss of ADS Automotive, a trusted specialist VW and Audi garage based in Preston. James and Dave...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 16: Darren Darling

James is delighted to be joined by the awesome Darren Darling, founder of The DPF Doctor. Darren shares how he accidentally stumbled into the motor trade as a teenager, survived on £27.50 a week, and eventually built a global network of emissions diagnostics...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 14: James Dillon

Your usual host James Dillon is taking his turn in the hot seat as he is interviewed by HR specialist, previous podcast guest and this episode’s host Jennifer Webb. James delves into what he was like at school, uncovers the roots of his passion for mechanics and...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 13: Service Advisors with Jay Wheatley

James is joined by previous podcast guest, business coach and mentor, Jay Wheatley from Absolutely Automotive. This time the spotlight is on the pivotal role service advisors play in the automotive industry. Jay has used his extensive experience of working in the...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 12: Jason Bowden

In this episode, highly successful Diagnostic Specialist Jason Bowden, from Bowden Auto Services in Torbay, joins host James Dillon to talk about the business end of automotive diagnostics. Jason has developed his expert automotive diagnostic services business over...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 11: Andy Crook

In this episode, James welcomes Andy Crook, a long-time friend and other half of the famous dynamic duo. James and Andy met at Snap-On where they ran training courses and engaged in public speaking events as a pair. Together they discuss Andy's early days in the...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 10: Jim Lang

James is joined by web expert Jim Lang from Garage Services Online for this episode. The pair dive into the intricacies of running a successful garage business in the digital age. They discuss the importance of having an effective website that not only attracts...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 7: Andy Savva The Garage Inspector

In this episode, James is delighted to be able to chat with Andy Savva - The Garage Inspector. Andy shares his wide ranging and extensive experience of running a garage business and his mission in helping other garage businesses be the best that they can be. Wherever...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 8: Alex Lindley

In this episode of The Harmonic Motion Podcast, James Dillon interviews Alex Lindley, Managing Director at Lindleys Autocentres and Director of Garage Hive. They discuss Alex’s journey in the automotive industry, the evolution of Lindleys Autocentres, and the...

Harmonic Motion Podcast Episode 26: Opinions from Master Technicians

We welcomed another group of our Master Technicians into the TT podcast studio whilst they were here at Technical Topics for the Advanced Electronics course. James, Eugene, Steven, Callum, Malc and Frazer chewed the cud on specialising vs general repair, being clear...