OUTSIDE THE BOX DIAGNOSTIC ALTERNATIVES If you feel like you're being overwhelmed with diagnostics that are out of your range of ability to keep up with or if the equipment is just too expensive to purchase and maintain, you are not alone! Most technicians and shop owners are in the same boat. There are some alternatives to consider. 3. Remote Programming (Fig 12) Module Programming: Drew Technologies Electronic module programming still goes on as THE most overlooked and underperformed procedure in the independent aftermarket auto repair market. 4 out of 10 modules in the average vehicles have a software update waiting to address a customer complaint. Many shop owners take the 3 monkey approach - "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" when it comes to this opportunity. While we realize the process of programming electronic modules has a fairly steep learning curve and can require a healthy investment of tools and accesses to OEM software download websites, there are good alternatives that don't include towing the vehicle to the dealership. 1. Mobile Techs (Fig. 11) Figure 12: Drew Technologies has a solution for repair shops that are not ready to jump into the module programming world just yet. The RAP (Remote Assist Program) is a J2534 universal pass through programming tool that includes an electrically clean battery maintainer, technician's interface display and internet modem that allow the tech in the repair shop to follow the directives of the Drew Tech programming expert on the phone who programs modules on vehicles in your shop from Drew's remote location. Don Smith at Elite Electronics 4. Co-op Arrangement a. This process simply requires networking with a few like-minded shop owners who each purchase a couple of (different) OEM scan tools and agree to share the use of their tools with other shop owners. If one repair shop can't afford to purchase ALL the factory scan tools required to service most makes and models, could five shop owners who share tools accomplish this? The answer is yes! b. Fleet / Franchise repair shops (Christian Brothers Automotive for example) have been doing this for many years. If there are 5 Christian Brothers Automotive shops in one large metro area, chances are the group as a whole for that area has all the OEM scan tool bases covered. Figure 11: Mobile technician businesses like this one specialize in assisting repair shops that do not have the level of factory diagnostic scan tools and module reprogramming equipment to perform certain operations. 2. Friendly Competitors Who Flash (sublet labor potential profit) September 2017 6 MACS Service Reports