Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 4

Photo from Autel

DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS

Why shops need a
diagnostic process
Using a standardized process can improve the
efficiency and accuracy of vehicle diagnosis.
by David Brierley, Editor, Fleet Maintenance magazine

R

epair work on any vehicle -
whether it is a motorcycle, a
passenger car, or a heavy duty
truck - necessitates one common
practice: diagnostics. In order to
fix the vehicle, a technician must
first know what the problem is that
needs fixing. Over the years, shops
have adopted more advanced
diagnostic technologies as they
have become available. But even the
most advanced technologies cannot
ensure a shop's success unless a
standardized diagnostic process
is implemented.

WITHOUT A PROCESS
Think about what your shop's current
diagnostic process looks like. Many
will start by immediately relying on the
technology and hooking up a scan tool
to see what codes the vehicle is reporting. Scan tools are an important part of
the diagnostic process, but not necessarily the correct first step. By neglecting to
first take actions such as replicating the
driver's concerns with the driver present,
a technician runs the risk of giving the
vehicle back without all issues resolved,
leading to a come-back or, worse, an exacerbated issue.
Using this more hodge-podge, caseby-case approach can actually slow the
diagnostic process down. Starting by
looking at what the technician thinks the
problem is can lead them away from the
actual issue, causing them to waste time
trying to fix a symptom rather than the
cause of the issue itself.
4 I Diagnostic Process I December 2020

WITH A PROCESS
Setting up a standardized diagnostic
process can be beneficial to everyone
involved. For technicians, having a set of
steps to follow for each vehicle that enters
the bay means they can think less about
what to do next and concentrate more on
finding the issue. This can allow them
to get to the root cause of the issue faster
without having to trace it back, saving
valuable time. It also allows the technician to be more thorough in their investigation of the problem, decreasing the
likelihood of a come-back or unresolved
vehicle problem.
For shop management, it means technician training can be streamlined down
to the standardized diagnostic process
as opposed to a different technique for
diagnosing each type of problem. It can
also mean a more efficient shop and fewer
come-backs, leading to increased driver
or customer satisfaction. For customerfacing shops, having a standardized process can also help management set pricing
for both vehicle diagnostics and repairs.
In the following pages, we will look in
greater detail at the importance of using a
diagnostic process and specifics on how to
get started setting one up; remote diagnostics and how this new technology can help
fleets get a jump start on vehicle repairs;
the specifics of what a proper diagnostic
process should include; getting the most
out of your scan tool; and connecting with
customers. Plus, you will find details on
the latest products that can help your shop
efficiently diagnose vehicle issues.

6 H ow to establish a step-by-step
diagnostic process

	Implementing a formal process not only 		
improves consistency in the shop, but offers
many benefits to clients as well.

8 Data from a distance
	Remote diagnostics provides fleets with actionable intelligence on vehicle system status even
before the vehicle pulls into a service station.

12 D eveloping a diagnostic
game plan

	
	
	

To be successful today and in the future,
you must understand a vehicle's systems
and components.

15 T ips for maximizing
scan tool use

	
	
	

The scan tool provides a window into what the 	
electronic control unit is seeing. Here are
some 	tips on maximizing your scan tool use.

18 B eyond the repair
	
	

Leverage scan tool documentation and
features to connect with customers.

20 Diagnostic products



Diagnostic_Process_Guide

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Diagnostic_Process_Guide

Why Shops Need a Diagnostic Process
How to Establish a Step-by-Step Diagnostic Process
Data From a Distance
Developing a Diagnostic Game Plan
Tips for Maximizing Scan Tool Use
Beyond the Repair
Diagnostic Products
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 1
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 2
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 3
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - Why Shops Need a Diagnostic Process
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 5
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - How to Establish a Step-by-Step Diagnostic Process
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 7
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - Data From a Distance
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 9
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 10
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 11
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - Developing a Diagnostic Game Plan
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 13
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 14
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - Tips for Maximizing Scan Tool Use
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 16
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 17
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - Beyond the Repair
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 19
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - Diagnostic Products
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 21
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 22
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 23
Diagnostic_Process_Guide - 24
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