ON THE INSIDE Monthly Meeting - asahoustontexas.com Talk March 2015 (2... · daily business...

How To Find Us

Automotive Service AssociationHouston ChapterPO Box 925007

Houston, TX 77292-5007

Need info about ASA?Call one of the board members on page 3

or contact Nancy Adkins, ASA Administrator

[email protected]: 713-862-7654

Volume 30 No. 3March 2015

ON THE INSIDEPage 3 President’s Corner

BG Products Field Trip

Officers and Board

Page 4 Customer Service

Page 5 Expect Partly Sunny Skies for the Houston Auto` Repair Business

Page 6 February Meeting Summary

Page 8 ASA Associate Members

Page 9 Advantages of ASA Membership

1 Training Spring 2015

Page 12 Tool Talk

January Raffle Items

Page 14

The ABC’s of Battery Replacement

February Raffle Items

Fratelli's Ristorante1330 Wirt Road • Houston, TX 77055

Dinner: 6:30 p.m. Meeting: 7:00 p.m.$10 member $15 non-member

Monthly MeetingMonthly MeetingMonthly MeetingTuesday, March 10, 2015

Sponsored by:

A Publication of the Automotive Service Association – Houston, Texas

ASA of Houston has many talented, successful and veryknowledgeable shop owners. At this meeting members

can pose questions to the panel of their peers aboutbusiness practices and experiences. This round robin

discussion of issues and solutions will benefit ourdaily business success. Bring your questions and concerns. Thisis a favorite meeting that will prove to be fun, engaging and

highly beneficial for each shop owner and associate.

The Brown Bag Panel Discussion

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.asahoustontexas.com

ASA Houston - Shop Talk March 2015

ASA Houston - Shop Talk

Officers & Board2014 - 2015

PresidentKarolena SerratosProfessional Auto [email protected]

Past President - Social CoordinatorJohn Ferrata IIINLine [email protected]

Vice President – Director of TrainingMario RodriquezMario’s [email protected]

TreasurerJay MeirExcel Automotive [email protected]

Secretary John MillerFreedom Automotive Service, [email protected]

EditorJohn MillerFreedom Automotive Service, [email protected]

Director of MembershipChris NewhouseRay's Auto [email protected]

Director of SpeakersChuck StasnyHouston [email protected]

Regional ASA State Direct 2 Kathryn van der PolAdolf Hoepf [email protected]

BoardCindy Herzing, Accurate Auto CenterKevin Spencer, A&B Auto Electric, IncRay White, S&S Auto ServiceMark Deschner & John Goins – Education Liaisons San Jacinto Community College

PRESIDENT'S CORNERreetings Fellow Shop Owners and Associates!G

I would like to extend a special thank you to Jay Meir for arranging last month's speakers, Charles Weiner, CPA and Michelle Kuypers with Seed of Success for our Important 2015 Tax Updates and How to Best Use Quick Books meeting sponsored by National Transmission.

This coming month your chapter will present a “Brown Bag” session. The members can ask a panel of their piers question and the responses will include input from those panel members and the audience. This is a great tool to share what we have learned through practical experience during our combined hundreds (maybe thousands) of years in business.

Our shop recently had the pleasure to tour both of BG Product's manufacturing facilities in Kansas. We were extremely impressed with their quality standards and personnel. You can check out my full review below in Shop Talk.

Just as a quick reminder the ASA Board Meetings are open meetings so join our board the first Tuesday of each month at IHOP (6508 Washington Avenue, Houston, 77007) at 7:30 pm. We, as a board, rely on hearing from the general membership as to what the needs and wants of the organization are—from speakers to events to training.

Have an idea for Shop Talk, but do not know how to exactly to compose an article to fully express your idea? Reach out to any ASA Board Member for assistance! Visit for contact information. http://www.asahoustontexas.com

Karolena SerratosASA Houston Chapter President

March 2015

BG PRODUCTS FIELD TRIPBy Karolena Serratos, ASA Houston Chapter President

Many of us sell BG Products. We all know they are great products—beneficial not only for the shop, but really the customer and their vehicle too. Our technicians and Service Advisors know because of BG Boot Camp and because magical tokens appear at the bottom of each can. But how much do you really know about the company? This year our shop took a field trip to BG Products to learn more about their company and processes; so as staff we could have a better understanding of what we stock on our shelves.

In 1971 seven World War II veterans came together with the goal of selling superior quality automotive products and created BG Products. The gentleman already had experience in the automotive industry and designed their company to reflect their noble ideals of creating products which benefitted everyone involved—from the company who produced them, the distributors who sold them, the automotive facility who used them and the consumers and their vehicles who directly receive their positive impact. This vision has not changed over 44 years, and seeing their operation first hand I highly doubt it ever would change.

BG Products manufacturing processes are mind blowing from the Supply Chain perspective, as they have built a near perfect mixture of the older mass manufacturing ideals and newer theorems of lean and just-in time manufacturing into their systems.

The favorite portion of the tour for the technicians was to hear and speak to the chemist in the Research and Development department. Shane and his team go above and beyond when it comes to creating or modifying a formula. They go to extremes to project variables and replicate possible environmental factors, which

Continued on page 4


March 2014ASA Houston - Shop Talk

March 2015

could add to break down of the chemical properties in the vehicle fluids. Seeing there was a state-of-the art lab behind the product reinforced the trust of care that goes into making each BG Product can.

The real second place was the BG Products workshop. For those of you that used to have the really old waiting room video with Dr. John—it was filmed in this workshop. Our technicians enjoyed speaking with them about tools (and the need to sometimes invent new ones), how they test the products and the different BG Products equipment like the new transmission machine with the LCD screen.

BG Products is a company that is constantly improving and

never letting quality come in second. All of BG Products are U.S. Made. They even make sure their wood pallets, cans, bottles and other items are U.S. Made.

My father has always said, 'only sell what you believe in—people know when you have their best interest in mind'. This trip gave our staff the pride of doing business with BG Products that they in turn reflect to our clients. If you cannot make the trip to Kansas I highly encourage you and your staff to learn more about BG Products so you can have more to share with your customers. Especially nowadays, people like doing business based on relationships. For more information about BG Products visit, https://www.bgprod.com/about/technology/.

BG PRODUCTS FIELD TRIP Continued from page 3

CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM THE “OTHER SIDE OF THE COUNTER!”

or most of us, we run our day on Fauto pilot and probably have forgotten what it is like to be on

the “other side of the counter!” Automotive challenges are stressful enough. Locating and dealing with a repair facility can push a customer over the edge.

I broke a tooth and “had” to find a dentist. Decided to go to a customer of our shop. Made appointment. When I got to the office – I requested to speak to the dental assistant so I could describe my major anxiety about dentists. They took me back and still did not take the time to listen to my concerns. Even the dentist did not take the time to listen to my concerns. She just kept on digging in my mouth. – Do we do this when our customers are trying to explain their car issues?

She and told me “diagnosed the issue”what I needed. Even had to “upgrade to a premium product” and told them to give me a quote. Went to pay and it was $480 more than quoted! Said the original quote was for standard crown –not the upgrade that I needed. Even though the admin was standing right there. – How often does this happen? customer comes in for an oil change only to hear they need $400 worth of brakes. Then at check out it is more than originally quoted?

In pain both from my wallet and my tooth, scheduled an appointment to

return. Missed appointment. No one called me from the dentist office. Set another appointment – missed that one also. Again no reminder or follow up to missed appointment. – Our customers pay for a big repair. Do we call and follow up? See how their vehicle is doing?

Finally go in to get my permanent crown installed. Tried to explain my anxiety about dentists and again no one listened. Dentist rushed through the procedure while discussing with her staff she has a lunch date to get to. – Do we ever “rush through the communication with our customers?”

Not happy. Said I would never go back. Told several people about my horrible experience but did not tell the dentist. We all know that if a customer is unhappy they will tell 10+ people.

So what did I learn and how can I apply this to my own business:

1) Take the time to listen to the customers concerns. Do not jump in, start explaining and Poo-Pah the emotional side to their automotive concerns.

2) Get a complete quote of what the vehicle needs. Understanding the importance of budgeting. Safety, Preventative Maintenance (if you don't do this soon will cost more $) and then maintenance. If you have

to go over – even by $1 call your customer. And have all the information to back up the additional cost.

3) Follow up with your customers. Especially the special cases. See how the vehicle is doing. Ask for feedback on how your shop can improve.

4) When delivering the vehicle to the customer, take the time to answer any questions or concerns. Offer to show the customer the issue or replaced parts. Be aware of the “chatter in your own shop” and what customers hear.

Yes I found another dentist. There are numerous of them in my area. My new dentist listens, takes the time, follows up and genuinely cares. Which is why his office is always full of customers/clients.

So my experience at the dentist has taught me a lot about customer service on the other side of the counter. In an era that it seems like genuine customer service is becoming extinct like the dinosaurs – there are those who make it a point to go over and beyond.

There is a lot of competition out there. Where can your shop improve on

Customer Service?

https://www.bgprod.com/about/technology/


March 2015

ecently, I had the opportunity to Rhear some experts discuss the economy and future of

Houston. I was curious, especially considering the 60% drop in the price of oil in recent months about what they had to say. Reflecting on their observations, I have some ideas how the auto repair business will fare in 2015.

First, a recap. One of the experts I heard was Steve Forbes who spoke to a large crowd at Houston Baptist University. He pointed to the fact that 2014 was a year of turmoil around the globe except for the United States. Considering the Ukraine crisis, the ongoing war in Syria, the expansion of the Islamic State in Iraq, that the economies of Germany, Brazil, Greece and Japan are sliding into recession, the United States is doing much better. Forbes predicts that 2015 will not be any less traumatic in terms of world turmoil and could be even much worse. Forbes, however, cautions that even though the United States is doing better than much of the world that “it's nothing to boast about. Our monetary policy, our tax policy, and our healthcare system are holding us back.”

But what about the collapse of the oil market? The falling price of oil is due in large part to Saudi Arabia's decision last November to maintain its current level of production in spite of weaker demand and high oil reserves and production around the globe, especially here in the United States. In 2013, the United States became the number one producer of oil in the world. The price of oil was $107.00 in June but by December it was $54.00, hit a low of $45.29 and is now at $52.78 per barrel. There are many theories why Saudi Arabia opted to maintain its high production levels. Personally, I think there is truth to all of these:

1. In the early 1980s when we had another oil glut, Saudi Arabia cut production and lost 14 % market

share. It was a bitter lesson for them as it took 10 years to regain their market position.

2. They fear Iran. At $100 plus per barrel for oil, the Iranian government can afford to spend massive sums to develop nuclear weapons. Saudi Arabia as the leader of Sunni Islam worries about a nuclear capable Shi'ite Iran. Forbes believes Saudi Arabia will do anything to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

3. Saudi Arabia wants Vladimir Putin to feel the pinch. Russia is and has been a longtime ally of Iran and a major oil competitor.

4. Saudi Arabia wants to curb and stop ISIS. The Islamic State has been able to grow its movement based upon seizing oil fields and revenues.

5. Hurt the United States' fracking industry. Dr. Bill Gilmer, director at the Institute for Regional Forecasting said at a Heights Chamber luncheon that Saudi Arabia has always been known as the “swing producer,” meaning that when oil supply exceeds demand, they have traditionally been the player willing to turn off the “spigot,” but they are now no longer interested in being the swing producer and would prefer to see the U.S. be the swing producer. Gilmer says it's much messier for the U.S. to “turn off” the fracking spigot than Saudi Arabia. Gilmer recalled the old Texas saying, “They're too many people at the soup spoon.”

Whatever the Saudis' reasons, there are certain consequences for Houston's economy. The good news is that with cheaper oil, people have more money in their pocket. They will shop more, drive more and that will be good for business.

But the lower price of oil has already resulted in layoffs. Hundreds to thousands of engineers, geologists, production managers will lose their jobs as the upstream oil market shrinks. This will affect basic services such as our business, but there is a silver lining.

When oil prices are low, Gilmer says that the chemical industry booms, in particular, the producers of ethane gas that becomes ethylene, polyethylene, PVC and other plastics. Five new chemical plants are under construction. Two are in Baytown, one in Lake Charles and two in Freeport. These plants are a 50 billion-dollar investment and will create thousands of construction jobs over the next two years. Expect, Gilmer says, the machine shops on the east side of town to boom, if they are not already.

Oil booms and oil busts are something as Houstonians we are all accustomed to. Gilmer says unequivocally that this will not be a repeat of the early 1980s which was a terrible time for Houston. At that time, we had a savings and loan crisis, a real estate crisis and an oil crisis all at once, creating the perfect storm. Rather, we will see slower growth in the west side of Houston and construction boom east of Hwy 59.

The amazing fact about Houston is that it has remained the number one city for growth of the largest 13 metropolitan cities since 1969!

So what does this all spell for the auto repair business in 2015?

1. Job growth will continue at a slower rate. We will still see record numbers of new customers in our shops. Instead of a 100,000 new people moving to town, it may only be 35,000. Houston is continuing to grow.

2. We shall struggle to find qualified technicians. When you realize all the construction opportunities that our city offers to builders, pipe fitters, welders, plumbers,

EXPECT PARTLY SUNNY SKIES FOR THE HOUSTON AUTO REPAIR BUSINESS By Kathryn van der Pol

Continued on page 6


March 2015

electricians, machinists etc., we are competing with all these industries for employees.

3. Shops in the west side of Hwy 59 may see business stagnate if layoffs happen as Gilmer predicts. Repair shops on the east side of town should continue to grow at a record pace as employment opportunities grow.

4. Gentrification of some neighborhoods such as the Heights will slow down. Real estate prices may decrease city-wide by August. Currently, Houston's real estate market is 20% over the national average. This is due to the small inventory of homes for sale. This will correct itself as more units are

built and if fewer people move here.

5. People will drive more with lower costs of fuel. That means more oil changes and opportunities for services.

Overall, if 2014 was a good year for your business, 2015 should be about the same and maybe a little better at least until October. If oil prices haven't recovered to the $70.00 per barrel level by end of summer, we may be in for some rain clouds in the fall.

If your shop is in a community affected by large numbers of layoffs, tighten your belt. And my last piece of advice is to always be looking for better people. Even if you don't hire them now, build your bench strength. Remember the Boy Scout motto. Be Prepared!

Donated and created by KUKUI

Check out the ASA Houston Website

www.asahoustontexas.com

With shop locator function that can help motorists find your shop!

EXPECT PARTLY SUNNY SKIES... Continued from page 5

RECAP OF ASA FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGome of us got into the auto repair business because we Slike to fix cars, and others of us to make money but I don't think many of us were really prepared for the

business bookkeeping part of the business. Our meeting last month pointed out that our accounting software is as important as our scanner and accuracy in recording and documenting our expenses is just as important as properly repairing a car.

Charles Weiner Michelle Kuypers, CPA and a QuickBooks expert with , reviewed some of the tax law Seeds of Successand accounting techniques that we must master to be successful in our business.

Each speaker stressed the importance of keeping accurate records and documenting everything. According to Charles it is not good enough to list a lunch as lunch with client, you have to specify which client and what you talked about (client retention, new business, etc.) The same holds true for a vehicle mileage log. You must list the date, mileage and purpose of the trip.

We also learned that unless we have “audited” financial records we have to file a form with the IRS stating that we will be expensing, rather than capitalizing, expenditures up to a certain dollar value. The cap for this varies, but is limited to $500 for most small businesses.

We also learned that the cap for expensing build repairs or improvements is limited to $10,000 or 2% of the purchase cost of the building, whichever is less. That means if your building cost you $300,000 you can only expense $6000 in that year. As we all know it doesn't take much to add up to that figure.

Tax law changes, often retroactively, and it is important to know what the latest rulings are for many decisions we might make. For instance last year congress passed the “Tax Increase Protection Act” on December 19th to cover the 2014 tax year, and that rule expired on January 1, 2015. One provision of the law was to allow a $500,000 accelerated depreciation on capital expense such as new equipment or vehicles under section 179.

The impression left was that using a professional to do the books might save a lot of money and time dealing with the IRS.

Michelle demonstrated some of the short cuts available in QuickBooks, and personally I have been using the program for 20 years and didn't know a lot of them. When importing from a credit card account such as American Express you can preset expense accounts for vendors in the vendor center and have your import automatically go to that chosen expense account.

Again, Michelle stressed the importance of accurate and complete entries. Each entry, according to her, should have; who, what, when, how much and what account.

Running a successful shop today is much more than fixing cars and your ASA understands the importance of bring the members information about not only the technical side of the business but also the management side. If you have any suggestions of topic you would like to see presented please contact a board member or send an email to [email protected]





March 2015

1127 West 34th Street


March 2015

A+ Transmissions Corp, Office (*)Dennis [email protected]

AAA TexasSteve van [email protected]

Admiral Linen UniformBarry [email protected]

A-Line Auto PartsBobby Fulmer, Sterling [email protected]@arnoldoil.com

Automotive Training Institute (*)Jim [email protected]

BAP-GEONTim Nuber713-227-1544 [email protected]

BG ProductsLubrication SpecialistDan [email protected]

CarQuest Auto PartsDavid Lara [email protected]

Chastang FordJimmy [email protected]

Christian Brothers (*)David [email protected]

Dependable Payment ProcessingMallika [email protected]

Great American Business ProductsJulie [email protected]

HCC - Automotive TechnologyMichael [email protected]

J.A.M. DistributingMyrl [email protected]

Jasper Engines & Transmissions (*)Ed Nesbitt [email protected]

KukuiTodd [email protected]

M&D (Magneto & Diesel)Engine Parts-Fuel Injection-TurbochargersJim [email protected]

Main Auto PartsTyler [email protected]

Matrix LubricantsRussell [email protected]

Meadowbrook Insurance (*)Dan [email protected]

Mitchell 1(*)Monnie [email protected]

MotorAge Training/Advanstar Communications (*)James Hwang(310) [email protected]

MTF EquipmentJim [email protected]

NAPA Auto PartsRalph [email protected]

National TransmissionRudy [email protected]

Omega Transactions CorporationKevin Burke, Bruce [email protected]

O'Reilly Auto PartsJeremy [email protected]

Performance Radiator (*)Amie Alvarado, Joe [email protected]

SafeguardMike Ratchford281-537-8074 [email protected]

San Jacinto CollegeMark Deschner [email protected]

Shop Management ServicesR.O. Writer Sales [email protected]

TransAct Merchant Solutions, Inc.Joe [email protected]

Wahlberg-McCreary, Inc.Al Lindell, Randy [email protected]

XL PartsMike [email protected]

Zurich Insurance (*)Woody [email protected]

(*) National Members

Houston ASA Associate MembersContact your local ASA Houston Associate members for products and services.

Ask about ASA Member only discounts available from these Associate Members.






































March 2015

C Frequent communication through Face book, faxes, emails, and our monthly publication, Shop Talk.

C ShopTalk educates with pertinent information: current issues, latest skills, tools, and training classes

C Monthly meetings for learning to grow your business by getting advice from the more experienced shop owners and knowledgeable guest speakers

C Learning how to deal with our rollercoaster economy from the shops with integrity

C Networking with vendors

C Discounts (1-3%) for parts from certain vendors

C Premium rates for many other automotive services, including All Data and many others listed at www.asatx.org.

C Team together to prevent our City and State government from passing unfair/detrimental taxes and license requirements. ASA of Houston was a key player in Houston's Ordinance 8, and in getting HB500 passed in Austin, lowering your 5% franchise tax to 2.5%.

How to Join ASA of HoustonCall State ASA at 800-272-7467x126 or register on line. www.asatx.org

Shop Owner Advantages to Joining ASA of Houston

C Frequent communication through our Web site, Face book, faxes, emails, and our monthly publication, Shop Talk

C Shop Talk educates our members with pertinent information: current issues, latest skills, tools, and your training classes. As a new Associate Member, you are given a chance to introduce yourself and your services in an article up to half a page in Shop Talk. Your company's educational articles are most welcomed. Please submit by the 19th of each month to our editor John Miller, [email protected]

C Shop Talk is emailed and/or mailed to approximately 300 shop owners and posted on our state and local Face book pages. As a member, your name and contact info are on the back inside cover, and often enough, our members use the services of those listed. Even more, your ad draws our readers to you.

C Monthly meetings are golden opportunities to develop relationships with your customers and to meet Advantages to Joining ASA Houstonotential shop owner customers.Associate

C Sponsoring a monthly meeting gives you free front page advertisement in Shop Talk and information placed in the prior, current, and post monthly issues which equates to 3 months of exposure.

C Teaming together to prevent our City and State government from passing unfair/detrimental taxes and license requirements that affect our industry

How to Join ASA of HoustonEmail Nancy at [email protected] or pickup a

membership packet at a monthly meeting.

Associate Advantagesto Joining ASA Houston

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March 2015


March 2015

MARCH

March 11 - CarQuest - Import EVAP Systems

March 12 - CarQuest - Import EVAP Systems

APRIL

April 7 - BG Products - Boot Camp

April 8 - BG Products - Boot Camp

MAY

May 5 - O'Reilly - Diagnosing the Top Toyota/Lexus Engine Performance Problems (English)

May 13 - CarQuest - Domestic Vehicle Programming

May 14 - CarQuest - Domestic Vehicle Programming

MEETING INFORMATION:

CarQuest

Location: La Quinta Greenway Plaza; 4015 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX, 77027

Email for further [email protected]

Import EVAP Systems 3/11/2015 (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)3/12/2015 (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

This course will cover the operation and diagnosis of modern import evaporative emission systems. Most import manufactures use similar evaporative emission systems strategies that use engine off pressure pumps that monitor the amperage of the pump to determine the size of the leak. This will be covered in detail. However, Toyota, Honda, and a few European manufactures are using some very unique complex evaporative emission system strategies for on board testing. Technicians will gain valuable knowledge about how these systems really work, how to properly test these systems accurately, and learn a few testing tips and tricks. Additional coverage will include Hyundai/Kia, Mazda, BMW, and other import manufacturers.

Instructor: Glenn Young

Domestic Vehicle Programming 5/13/2015 (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)5/14/2015 (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

This course will cover programming processes (all modules audio-body-engine-etc) for Domestic Vehicles as well as locating flash update information and availability. Obtaining and entering PIN information during a

programming or reprogramming procedure and the tools required will also be covered. Case studies relating to vehicles with programming related issues will be included. Don't get caught at the end of the reflash, learn the finishing touches here. Discover the importance of software “fixes” and how to quickly determine whether you need to replace a part or a program. J2534 processes and the OE processes will be compared throughout the class so you can make an informed tool choice.

Instructor: Glenn Young

BG Products

Location: BG Product Training Center - 8703 Fallbrook Drive, Houston, TX 77064

For more information, Call (800)-580-0024.

Contact your BG Rep or fax your information (Business name, Phone, BG Rep, Attendee Name, Title, and Date of seminar) to (405)-603-2430 before the date of your selected seminar. You can also register online at www.bglsi.com

BG Boot Camp (9am-3pm)

This seminar will make you money! We will discuss: ● Technical Reasons for Maintenance ● Sales and Marketing Techniques ● Product Demonstration - How BG Products Work ● And Much, Much, MORE!

Instructor: Dan Butler

O'Reilly Auto Parts

Contact local O'Reilly sales representative for reserving a spot.

-One Tech Shop $309.99

-Two Tech Shop $519.99

-Multi Tech Shop $659.99

TRAINING SPRING 2015

Thank you ASA for the opportunity to prepare the Shop Talk newsletter. It is a pleasure to be

associated with your organization. The income gained from this work enables me to spend time in

my ministry work around the globe.

Please let me know if I can be of service to your business with graphic design services.

Dan Tidwell, Tentmaker Graphic [email protected]

THANKS TO ASA


http://dan-helen.wix.com/tentmaker


I just got my Power Probe IV from one the tool trucks and have to say that I am impressed with the improvements that they have made. The Power

Probe IV still maintains all the great features that we all like from the Power Probe III, but now they have added a large full color Hi-resolution LCD display screen that is visible even in bright sunlight. The newly added Min/Max feature is great for catching intermittent voltage spikes and drops in electrical circuits, and also for voltage drop testing. Another newly added feature is the Injector Mode testing, in this mode you simply connect to the computer controlled side of the injector and the Power Probe IV will give you a digital display of the injector millisecond on-time, the inductive kick voltage, the ECM ground voltage, and the injector supply voltage all in one easy to read screen. It has a Frequency Counter Mode that can be used for tests where frequency or pulse width are needed, such as MAF sensors, wheel sensors, and so on. In the Peak to Peak Mode the Power Probe IV can be used on any AC voltage signal where a Peak to Peak voltage measurement is required. Overall I am very satisfied with my new Power Probe IV and would highly recommend it to anybody from a beginner to a Master Technician with many years of experience.

TOOL TALK By Mario Rodriguez

Jasper:Key Chain with metal bottle openers for all

4 Tee ShirtsMat

2 tumblers2 coffee mugs

3 special spice seasonings14 caps

Box of golf ballsFlashlight

Leather Portfolio2 Jasper metal multiple key holders

A-Line Auto Parts:Tote bag6 caps

2015 calendars

Chastang Ford:Power Stroke caps

Ford capsTool kit

Traveling mugFlashlight

National Transmissions:$50 gift card to Home Depot

Performance Radiator:Box of gloves

Winner of ASA Houston Horse Choking Wad:Redman Automotive

ASA Houston Awesome SupportersJanuary Meeting Raffle Items

THANKS TO OUR ADVERTISERS

We wish to thank the following for supporting ASA of Houston by

advertising in Shop Talk.

KukuiCarquestJ.A.M.

Motor CenterBG Products

NAPA Certified Auto Repair

XL PartsO’Reilly

Jasper Engines

We would love to talk to you about advertising your business in Shop Talk. For more information, contact Nancy

Atkins, at: ASA Administrator

[email protected]

Power Probe IV



March 2015


Automotive technology has progressed to the point where even the most basic job can lead

to unexpected complications. Who would think that just changing a battery could get you in trouble?

In a recent case we changed the battery on the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder because the owner was being conscientious and didn't want problems from a 4 year old battery in his car. No big deal. Right? Except when the battery was replaced the ABS and VSC lights were on.

After a bit of research we learned that the steering angle speed sensor loses its programming when the battery is disconnected. Fortunately we had he necessary equipment to reprogram that sensor. This could create some serious complications with customers if the shop is not prepared to properly service the car, doesn't use the right equipment, or doesn't have the right scanner to reprogram lost data.

After a bit of digging in IdentiFix we uncovered several possible booby-traps in battery changes.

~ 2009 Acura RL will probably end up with the power windows needing to be reset

~ Late model BMW's have to have the new battery “registered” with the computer on the car and the type of battery learned.

~ 1998 Town and Country vans can lose the programming to the A/C control panel and it will have to be relearned.

~ Jaguar can end up with heat on one side and A/C on the other.

~ Mercedes will need the power windows programmed and the steering angle reset as well as a better than average chance that the security system will need to be relearned.

~ A Prius will need the Hybrid control reset and a Camry may have immobilizer issues.

~ Volkswagen after 2006 creates a lot of problems for a simple battery swap. The anti-theft may need to be reset as well as the steering angle, power window controls and throttle body idle. If you can't do this it will mean a tow to a shop that can.

This is far from a complete list cars that will have possible problems after the battery is disconnected. Many need the auto up function on the windows reset, some need a special code to reactivate the radio, some need the compass, Satellite radio and all the driver preferences and memories reset. The best advice is to check your particular vehicle requirements BEFORE taking the cables loose.

Also check to see if your car requires a radio security code to be entered when the battery is changed. For most cars it is a card placed in the owner's manual. Honda's all require this coded to be entered to get the radio to work and many VW's will need it too. If you don't have the code you will have to pay a dealer to reset the radio for you.

In most cases using a “battery Saver” can eliminate problems such as needed to recode the radio, windows and computers but while a lot of problems can be avoided with a battery saver tool some makers recommend that you do not use one; Mercedes, Volvo and BMW do want you to use one on many models.

Whether you are a professional tech or a do-it-yourselfer it's easy to get into trouble on today's cars.

THE ABC'S OF BATTERY REPLACEMENT By Kevin Spencer, A&B Auto Electric

A-Line Parts5 caps

Car Quest:3 Goodie Bags with $25 gift cards

Chastang Ford:Insulated cooler bag

2 caps

National Transmissions:2 Valentine boxes of Chocolates

$25 gift card to Olive Garden$25 gift card to Red Lobster10% Transmission Discount

Winner of ASA Houston Horse Choking Wad:S & S Auto Services

ASA Houston Celebrates Our Supporters

February Meeting Raffle Items

Contact your O’Reilly representative for complete class information. O’Reilly Clinic Hotline 1-800-283-1702

All Real World Training instructors have multiple ASE certications and years of experience as technicians and/or shop owners. Individual instructor information is available upon request. Customized training packages are also available.

We know that your busy lifestyle makes it difcult to nd time for training – but you know you must

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Each online seminar includes:

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• Personalized certicate of completion

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ON-DEMAND TRAINING


March 2015

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