Automotive Diagnostic Podcast

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. 

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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

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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.

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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. 

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Automotive S...

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.  

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S...

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? 

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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. 

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Autorescue tools- h...

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.

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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/

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Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

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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/

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

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

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. 

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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/

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

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

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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/

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

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

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S...

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/

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Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

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

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

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

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/     

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...

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

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/

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E...

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...

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...

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/

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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/

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

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...

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...

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/

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Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

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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/

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Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

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

A...

We talk a lot about networking and communication faults on this show, but today's focus is when 2 modules share info between themselves and not the scan tool,  but a problem exists within in that communication. How do we determine if it's a network, software, module, or input issue? Listen to get some tips and tricks from real cars that we've seen recently. 

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Today on the show I share some tips on programming ZF 9-speed TCMs/Transmissions after replacement in Jeep and Chrysler vehicles. We'll touch briefly on the usage in Honda, Acura, & JLR vehicles as well. I'll describe the various scenarios you can run into when programming these modules including when used parts are installed/mixed in with OG. 

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SJ A...

Brendan Sorensen joins Tomi and I on the show this week. Brendan is from Brisbane, Australia. He works for TAT- The Automotive Technician, a network of technicians sharing knowledge, information and experience. We chat about why Tim-Tams are Tomi's new favorite food, AI in automotive, and more. Check out their website below-

https://www.tat.net.au/

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Please make sure to check out our sponsors!
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This week on the show I share challenges with incorrect control modules and keys when doing mobile programming. I'll share some tips to finding the correct part numbers and if we can determine whether the used module will work or not. I'll also share a brief case study on a 2010 Prius that won't go into park. 

 Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

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

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

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

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SJ Auto So...

Vasko and Clayton Join Tomi and I this week all the way from Australia! We chat about what's going on in automotive on that side of the planet and discuss Tomi's trip. 

PS- I'm out of town and didn't bring a mic to record the intro/outro!  

Expanding on the topic from last week's episode on tips for determining if a vehicle is immobilized or not, this week I touch on the car exhibiting a crank-start-stall symptom. While an immobilizer system CAN cause this in some vehicles, there are several other possibilities as well, and today I'll share my thought process on working through this type of problem. 

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Quite often we get called into shops for a vehicle that does not start or starts but does not continue to run and it's a perceived immobilizer issue. Sometimes it is immobilized for various reasons, but frequently, there is no actual issue in the immobilizer system, only a lack of understanding how it works normally. Today I share some helpful tips for identifying where you problem is and if the Immo system is active or not. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

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

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

This week on the show Mario Rojas of Super Mario Diagnostics joins us to share his personal journey of taking a step back from the spotlight of the automotive world to focus on his family and his faith. This is an open and honest conversation about challenges that many people in our industry face. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

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

Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

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

This week on the show I share some key diagnstic tips on diagnosing CAN bus faults! So much of our diagnostic work centers around communicaiton faults, and we've developed an efficant way to get to the source of the problem quickly. Join me to learn how to do the same!

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

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Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

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

...

Andre McDonald joins me on the show today to share his path from automotive technician to working for the rocket compony Blue Origin. We talk about the struggles and challenges of dealer life and the transferable skills gained in the automotive world. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

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

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Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

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

Automotive Seminars- https://automotiveseminars.com/

L1 A...

This week on the show Chris Lawson and Dean Sharpe join me on the show. Chris (returning guest) from Technician Find helps connect auto shops with technicians. Dean is a tech-turned owner in the San Diego area. We chat about what a good shop looks like and what you should look for as a tech when interviewing. We'll also explore the transition from tech to business owner and everyhting that comes along with that. 

https://www.technicianfind.com/

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

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

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Today on the show I share my process for diagnosing a single module commuication failure. What to check for, what pitfalls to avoid, and some helpful tricks I use to be confident in my diagnosis. 

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/

Nollan Worrell joins Tomi and I on the show today. Nollan is a trainer with the Rivian technical trades program. He'll share he journey from working at Toyota to the role he's in today, along with some knowledge about Rivian and EV's in general. 

Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/

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

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Email- STmobilediag@gmail.com

Please make sure to check out our sponsors!

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

Automotive Seminars- https://a...

This week on the show I share a case study from a 2017 F-150 3.5L that is a crank- no start. The problem ends up being intermittent in nature and ends up starting for us during test both times we visit it, but we take a unexpected turn that ends up leading us to 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- h...