Automotive Diagnostic Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Sean Tipping

A space to explore the diagnostic & technology side of automotive repair. We discuss tools, techniques, & ideas to sharpen your skills. We'll also interview experts in the automotive field. 

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359: 2019 Subaru Impreza No Communication Diagnostic
#359
Yesterday at 8:00 PM

This week on the show, I share a diagnostic on a 2019 Subaru Impreza that has communication codes setting in the ABS module for several other modules on the car. The scan tool can talk with those modules, as well as the ABS. The ABS has been replaced with the same issue. Listen to find out the cause. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ A...


358: P2101 Cadillac Escalade Case Study
#358
Last Monday at 12:00 PM

This week on the show I share a case study on a 2016 Cadillac Escalade with a 6.2L that sets a P2101 in the ECM along with intermittent network issues. Are these 2 problems related? Listen to find out!

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

L1 Automotive Training- https://www.l1...


357: Prius Start-Stall... Or No-Start?
#357
06/28/2026

This week on the show I share a case study on a 2015 Toyota Prius that seems to run then stall, however it's actually not running at all. if you are familiar with Toyota hybrid powertrains, you know where this is headed. If not, you'll learn how these operate and what to look for. Either way, listen to find out the cause of the no start!

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure...


356: Diagnosis Of An Uncommon No-Start Condition
#356
06/15/2026

Last week we ran into a no-start condition that you don't see every day... but twice in the same week. Listen to find out the cause and diagnostics you can perform to pinpoint this issue. Vehicles mentioned, 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, 2002 Honda Odyssey, & 2007 Ford Mustang. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

L...


355: Kia 2.4L P0010 Diagnostic
#355
06/08/2026

This week on the show I share a case study on a 2016 Kia Optima 2.4L that's setting a P0010 in the ECM after multiple components have been replaced, including the ECM. This is a common code for these vehicles and they have multiple failure points in this system. This car turned out to be something more interesting than the typical fault. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our s...


354: Subaru Eyesight Model Code Error
#354
06/01/2026

This week on the show I share a case study on a 2017 Subaru Legacy that sets a Model judgement error code in multiple eyesight cameras. Are all 3 cameras wrong for the vehicle? Am I missing something with programming? Or is something else the issue? 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/


353: (Throwback) Be Brave Enough To Suck At Something New With Justin Morgan
#353
05/24/2026

I'll be out of town for the holiday weekend, so I'm re-airing one of our most popular episodes form 4 years ago with Justin Morgan. We chat about a number topics including a great lesson to keep trying new things even though you may have to start out a beginner level. 

Have a great Memorial day!

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ A...


352: 2018 BMW 640i No Crank, Coolant In A Place You Wouldn't Expect
#352
05/17/2026

This week on the show I share a case study on a 2018 BMW 640i that does not crank and has no relevant codes. We ended up getting the vehicle towed to our shop and during our diagnostics, we fond coolant in a module you might not expect. Listen to find out the solution.

 Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.c...


351: ADAS Warning Lights With No Codes
#351
05/11/2026

This week on the the show I share 4 examples of vehicles we got called in to look at ADAS warning lights that did not have any connected diagnostic trouble codes (or at least not in the traditional sense) and what we did to resolve the issue on these systems. 


 Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/


350: 1 Million Download Special!
#350
05/04/2026

This week on the show is slightly different, as we hit 1,000,000 downloads for the podcast this past week! I share my thoughts on the journey up to this point. 


Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

L1 Automotive Training- https://www.l1training.com/

Autorescue t...


349: The Agent Wave Is Coming
#349
04/26/2026

PJ Walter and Tomi Oliva join me on the show today to discuss how advancements in AI & Agent technology are changing the world as we know it. Are you ready for what's coming?

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

L1 Automotive Training- https://www.l1training.com/

...


348: Steering Angle Sensor Challenges
#348
04/19/2026

This week on the show I share 2 case studies from the last week. Both are steering angle sensor relearns that won't complete, or won't correct the issue. First is a 2008 Volkswagen GTI that had the battery disconnected and won't learn the steering angle basic setting afterwards. The second is a 2021 GMC Terrain that has an off center steering wheel no matter what relearn or alignment procedures are performed. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

P...


347: Module Bench Testing
#347
04/12/2026

This week on the show I share some tips and tricks on bench testing control modules as a diagnostic method. See the link below for the bench harness mentioned in the show. 

https://autorescuetools.com/products/obd2-to-ecu-bench-harness?_pos=1&_sid=eeef572b4&_ss=r

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.c...


346: Tesla Model Y Charging Disabled Diagnostic
#346
04/05/2026

This week on the show I follow up on the 2021 GMC Yukon from last week's episode along with a diagnostic on a 2021 Tesla Model Y that's not charging. See the links below for more details. 

HVIL Training doc- https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2014/SB-10052449-4313.pdf 

Service mode document- https://service.tesla.com/docs/Public/ServiceMode/service_mode_user_guide.pdf

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sur...


345: GM Global B VIP Architecture
#345
03/29/2026

This week on the sow I share a case study on a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali that had a new serial data gateway module replaced. This vehicle has GM's Global B or VIP Architecture, which presents new challenges for technicians when installing and programming control modules. Listen to hear the pitfalls you may run into and which vehicles it applies to. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!


344: GM MOST Diagnostic
#344
03/23/2026

This week on the show I share a case study on a 2017 Cadillac CT6 with no audio or display screen. This vehicle uses a copper wire MOST system that has unique diagnostic method. See the link below for more detail. 

https://diag.net/msg/m4fyw8nk9sugsj0ylwk7krbwkw

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/


343: Can You Make Your Own Software?
#343
03/15/2026

This week on the show I share my recent experiences in building custom software for use in my business and how you can do the same with AI tools. You don't need to be an expert coder or programmer, you only need to have a problem to solve and be able to explain it clearly. Listen to find out more.

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!<...


342: Keyless Access Module Registration, How Hard Can It Be?
#342
03/08/2026

This week on the show I share my struggles trying to register a keyless access control unit in a 2018 Acura RDX. We've done many of these modules on other Honda's and Acura's before with no issues. This car however throws us a curve ball. Listen to here the solution. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive S...


341: Blind Spot Angle Verification
#341
03/01/2026

This week on the show I share our experiences with calibrating blind spot modules/sensors on vehicles that have been in a collision. In addition to the standard radar calibration, the physical mounting angles of the sensor must be measured and adjusted if damage occurred. Listen to hear our solution to measuring both the vertical and horizontal angles.  

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

S...


340: Skill Agility
#340
02/22/2026

Today on the show I share my thoughts on the value of being agile in your skillset, not just when it comes to fixing cars, but with adapting to the rapidly shifting technology tools that are now available. Where am I spending my time and effort right now to learn the skillsets I need for the future? How adaptable do we need to become? 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to c...


339: Tomi Oliva On Technician Recruitment
#339
02/15/2026

Tomi Oliva joins me on the show today to talk about technician recruitment. We have both recently hired new technicians and discuss the process of finding talent in the automotive space. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

L1 Automotive Training- https://www.l1training.com/

Autorescue tools- h...


338: TDC-ish
#338
02/08/2026

This week on the show I share a case study on a 2013 Ford Escape with a 2.5L engine that has some odd symptoms that end up reminding me of a vehicle I diagnosed a couple years back. Both these Escapes ended up having the same issue. Listen to find out what it was and how you can diagnose and/or avoid causing this problem.

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to...


337: BMW X1 Parasitic Draw Diagnosis Throws Me A Curveball
#337
02/01/2026

This week on the show I share a case study on a 2017 BMW X1 that has a large draw that's killing the battery (6amps!) I take my usual approach to a "network staying awake" problem, but don't get to the conclusion. The issue forced me to take a different approach to find the solution. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://s...


336: Nitrogen Air Suspension Service
#336
01/25/2026

This week on the show I share some information on nitrogen filled air suspension systems found in Stellantis vehicles, as well as other brands such as GM & Volvo. I'll discuss the equipment, tooling, service procedures, along with some obstacles I've run into along the way. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/


335: Does This Module Need Programming?
#335
01/19/2026

Do I need do program this control module if I replace it? Can I program a used one? 2 questions we get everyday doing mobile programming. Today on the show I'll share with you some tips and tricks to efficiently finding out if the module in questions needs programming or other steps. I'll also discuss used module programming as well. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!


334: Why Do Nissan/Infiniti Coils Melt Down?
#334
01/12/2026

This week on the show I share an issue that I've seen on several Nissan/ Infiniti vehicles were the ignition coils repeatably melt down, causing a no start. We'll address the root cause and speculate a little on the "why" behind this brand specific fault. See this episode for my first discussion on secondary windings that are wired to the positive side of the electrical system. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make s...


333: Reflecting on 2025 & Looking Forward To 2026
#333
01/04/2026

This week on the show I share my thoughts as we wrap 2025, and look forward to the next year. Last year this time I recorded an episode on goal setting, and know I have a whole year of data to look back on to see what went right, what went wrong, and how to adjust for the future. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

S...


332: Parasitic Draws Are Just Network Problems In Disguise
#332
12/21/2025

Today on the show I share my thoughts on diagnosing modern parasitic draw concerns and how so many seem to shift/overlap into network diagnostics. So much so that I have shifted my process and mindset when diagnosing them. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

L1 Automotive Training- https://w...


331: Gratitude for 2025 With Tomi Oliva
#331
12/15/2025

Tomi and I wrap up 2025 talking about what he's grateful for this year and what drives him in the future!

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

L1 Automotive Training- https://www.l1training.com/

Autorescue tools- https://autorescuetools.com/     


330: And All Through The Shop, Not A Creature Was Stirring... Expect For This Hungry Mouse
#330
12/08/2025

This week on the show I share an interesting issue on a 2019 Toyota Corolla where the HVAC controls stay operational after the key is left on, and also how rodents keep us on our toes by creating unique problems. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

L1 Automotive Training- https://w...


329: Ford Programming Update
#329
11/30/2025

Ford programming software (IDS/FDRS/FJDS) recently underwent a change in the method of subscription and access. What's the updated cost? What changed about the access? What challenges have we faced during this transition? Listen to find out


328: Why Won't This F@%$'n Key Program?! Vol 2
#328
11/23/2025

Round 2 of why won't this F@%$'n key program?! I did an episode a year ago about attempts programming keys and the challenges we face doing mobile. Today I share 2 more vehicles that we dealt with recently- A 2017 Toyota Camry and a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. Both had pre-existing issues that presented no issues to the customer, but presented major obstacles for us when attempting to program keys. 

Vol 1- https://autodiagpodcast.com/2024/11/24/283-why-wont-this-f-key-program/

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

E...


327: Strategic Part Replacement
#327
11/17/2025

Today on the show I share a thought process that I've been adding into my diagnostic decision making. We weigh the value of any test method we perform- How much time/effort/cost does a test require? How much does it tell me/how many things does it eliminate? When faced with a time consuming, difficult, (and often intermittent) diagnostic challenge, should we consider that a part replacement is the cheapest AND most effective test that we could perform? Is this the best value for the customer while at the same time freeing up our time for more productive...


326: Matthew Elder
#326
11/10/2025

Matthew Elder joins Tomi and I on the show this week. Matthew is a technician out of Texas, He is just beginning his path in the automotive diagnostic world. We'll share advice for being successful, Tooling options, & finding a good shop. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

L1 Automotive T...


325: Not Charging, No Power Steering, Stalling, & No Codes... This Sounds Familiar
#325
11/01/2025

This week on the show I share a case study on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. Not charging, no power steering, idle surging, stalling at idle, no heated seats or rear defrost... All this and NO codes anywhere. A strange problem for sure, but it seems oddly familiar to a vehicle I diagnosed back in 2020. See the link below if you want to check that one out. 

https://autodiagpodcast.com/2020/07/06/28-everyone-can-use-a-silver-bullet-once-in-awhile/

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.c...


324: Did You Try Unplugging It & Plugging It Back In?
#324
10/25/2025

We often deal with strange control module issues- codes, warning lights, communication faults, or reduced functions. While the causes are numerous for each individual situation, one thing that may "fix" the issue is a battery disconnect or capacitive discharge. I'll share 3 vehicles today where a CAP discharge was the fix for strange problems. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.c...


323: How To Turn $6 into $10,000 (I Know, That's Click-Bait)
#323
10/21/2025

For real though, I'll share my favorite 6 dollar diagnostic tool that can make you a ton of money if you understand electrical fundamentals. I'll cover why I like it so much in day-to-day diagnostics and some lesser known uses as well. Listen to find out what it is... 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- h...


322: Ford As-Built Challenges
#322
10/13/2025

This week on the show I share some struggles with Ford module programming, specifically with the as-built data from Ford's server being incorrect and what you can do to overcome it!

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

L1 Automotive Training- https://www.l1training.com/

Autorescue tools...


321: The Value Of Asking The Right Question The Right Way
#321
10/06/2025

This week on the show I expand on the topic of utilizing LLM's and AI within automotive diagnostics after conversations with people based on last weeks episode. I talk about the value of prompting (asking the right question the right way) and also how being an expert in a particular topic makes the utility of these tools significantly better. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!


320: How I'm Using AI Tools In My Business Right Now
#320
09/29/2025

Today on the show I share my current thoughts on AI and LLM usage in the automotive repair space as of September 2025. Where are these tools most useful for me? What do you need to know to make the most out of them? What are some of the potential pitfalls? 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

Facebook Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/223994012068320/

YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@automotivediagnosticpodcas8832

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

SJ Auto Solutions- https://sjautosolutions.com/

A...