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We’re listening! ACDelco’s TAC team listens because they know how frustrating it can be to get good sound advice when it comes to vehicle diagnostics. It pays to get it done right, and fast - the first time! That’s the objective for all of our ACDelco Technical Assistance Centre licensed technicians. To get your problem diagnosis dealt with quickly and correctly…and of course, to just be there to listen. ACDelco Technical Assistance Centre – Diagnostic Hotline Live Technical support via phone – available 60 hours a week! New Rates per call! Contact the ACDelco Info-Line for further details. 1-800-263-3526 The ACDelco TAC line is fully staffed with multi-lingual technicians Monday – Friday from 8am-6pm EST, ensuring they are available to take your call (or fax, or email). English and French, our qualified TAC agents will be ready to answer your questions. Working directly with 12 vehicle manufacturers and four aftermarket suppliers
Systems Support
Access to Service Technical Specialists include the following manufactures: GM, Mercedes Benz, VW, Audi, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chrysler, BMW, Volvo, Honda, Nissan, SAAB, Toyota, Hyundai, & KIA. Click HERE to view full TAC Agent profiles. We are resolving a number of cases every day and wanted to share some of the great conversations and tips we’ve had from across the country. Check back every day! Follow-up on Twitter or Facebook for a regular update. Contributor: ACDelco’s Daily TAC Tip comes from Robert Forte and the team at ACDelco’s Technical Assistance Centre. Meet Rob! May 17, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from New Glasgow, PE Vehicle: 2005 Mazda 6, 2.3L Condition: DTC P0340 cam sensor fault Confirm valve timing is within specification using correct tools, if this checks ok, suspect a displaced or broken reluctor on cam. May 16, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from Moose Creek, ON Vehicle: 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser Condition: Power loss, DTC P0038 Check harness at post catalytic O2 sensor for correct voltages, if ok, inspect catalytic converter and test performance. May 15, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from Thornton, ON Vehicle: 2003 Ford F350, 7.3L Diesel Condition: Rough running, new rocker cover gaskets Perform an injector integrity test at the IDM, if ALL injectors check “good”, suspect IDM. When replacing IDM, relocate to dryer area. May 14, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from Estevan, SK Vehicle: 2002 Volvo S80, 2.9L Condition: B1S2 location In the straight-6 configuration, Volvo designates cylinders 1, 2 & 3 as bank 1; cylinders 4, 5 & 6 are bank 2. May 13, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from Abbotsford, BC Vehicle: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Magnaride suspension Condition: DTC C0590, sensor replaced TSB 2682655 applies, read and follow steps to test and replace strut senor with new style connector at top of strut. May 10, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from Beachburg, ON Vehicle: 2006 Smart For 2 - .8L Condition: Repair information Procedures for common repair scenarios for these vehicles are available from your ACDelco Technical Assistance Center upon request. May 9, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from Ashern, MB Vehicle: 2010 Chrysler Town and Country – 4.0L Condition: P0301 misfire, plugs, coils replaced, no vacuum leaks, injectors flushed Check crank sensor wiring for routing near RFI emitting devices, use shielding and re-route as required. May 8, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from Carrot River, SK Vehicle: 2005 Volkswagen Jetta – 1.9 TDI Condition: Power door locks inoperative TSB 57 07 08 for intermittent door ajar switch testing applies. Perform procedure as outlined before replacing any parts. May 7, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from Guelph, ON Vehicle: 2000 Daewoo Nubira Condition: Fuel pressure specification This information is not available from some repair resources. Operating specification is 41-47 PSI. May 6, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from North York, ON Vehicle: 2012 Ford F260 Condition: Block heater installation It is recommended that technicians carefully follow proper installation procedure for aftermarket block heater to avoid air pockets in cooling system. May 3, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from Gatineau, QC Vehicle: 2004 Ford F350 – 6.0 Diesel Condition: Crank no-start, no DTC’s, ICP 1600psi, IPR 53% and base oil pressure in spec Follow diagnostics as recommended by manufacture, if NFF, consider glow plug module. May 2, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from Longueuil, QC Vehicle: 2007 Hyundai Tucson – 2.0L Condition: U0101 CAN time out when re-flashing TCM Check CAN system resistance and voltage, if within spec’s, suspect faulty TCM. May 1, 2013 Thanks to our Program member from Moncton, NB Vehicle: 2005 Kia Sportage Condition: P0455 EVAP leak EVAP vent solenoid valves are non-repairable, replace defective units with new only, do not attempt repair.
Agent: Robert V. Forte – Technical Assistance Lead Robert Forte is a certified Mechanical Engineering Technician and has held a Class “A” automotive service license since 1989. He brings over 20 years of automotive service training experience to ACDelco including a diverse electrical diagnosis ability and wide knowledge of electronic diagnostic tools. A member of the Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologist, Robert started tinkering with all things mechanical at a young age with the help of his father, a European trained auto-electric specialist; he regularly restores electrical parts and systems in high end and vintage automobiles. In 1996, Forte joined GM Canada at its ACDelco training center as a diagnostic specialist to provide technical support and training to automotive technicians. The proprietary diagnostic software and equipment required intense interaction with field engineers, installers and key marketing people, making Forte a key product specialist to car repairers nationwide. Rob’s other attributes include working with U.S. law firms as an automotive accident and personal injury forensic specialist helping win several legal actions for quadriplegics injured in motor vehicles. Robert also co-hosted a nationally recognized automotive radio show called “Driveline Radio” broadcasting on CKTB radio AM610 in St. Catherine’s and previously on “Guys Garage” with MOJO radio AM640 of Toronto having a total listening audience of over 100,000 listeners.
Agent: Jean Thibert
“If you don’t do any training, you will be obsolete in 8 years”.
Jean Thibert is a certified class A mechanic, with experience in the Ontario Department of Labour. He has an Inter-provincial Seal and an additional 8 years of experience as a Technical Consultant Specialist at a number of vehicle manufacturer head offices including Toyota, Mazda, Chrysler/Dodge and Suzuki. He is also a certified EEC IV & EEC V technician from Ford with an Advanced Engine Performance Diagnosis qualification for the 7.3 L DIT & 6.0 L DIT. Prior to some of this Ontario experience, he earned over 10 years of experience working in Alberta at a Ford dealership, focusing on Diesel engines. Jean’s passion for repairs started early when he started helping his father repair and maintain his farm equipment. He made a decision to pursue being a technician and entered a trade school after hearing some wise words from his high school teacher who said: “If you don’t do any training, you will be obsolete in 8 years”. These words stuck with Jean and throughout the years he has continued to learn about new vehicle technology, taking evening Electronic Courses at Algonquin College in addition to the additional online courses and in class courses offered through his work experience as well as other all makes focuses, such as some specific gas and diesel engine diagnostic repairs for Chryslers.
Monthly Technical Assistance Tips The following technical tips provide repair information about specific conditions on a variety of vehicles. If you have a tough or unusual service repair, the ACDelco Technical Assistance Centre (TAC) can help. Call 1-800-263-3526, Prompt 2 to speak with a technical expert with the latest OEM information.
Use TXL Wire in Wiring Repairs - May 2013 When making wiring repairs in the engine compartment, TXL wire should be used. TXL wire is designed to provide reliable, high temperature performance in a small diameter with minimal weight. All important aspects in an engine harness. It meets SAE standard J1128 for low voltage primary cable in vehicle electrical systems. Standard primary wire found in most parts stores cannot withstand the temperatures and physical abuse common in the automotive environment. TXL wire features a multi-stranded copper core and lightweight cross-linked polyethylene insulation. It has a temperature rating of –40°F (–40°C) to 257°F (125°C) at 60 volts or less. XL wire has the thinnest insulation of the three types of cross-linked polyethylene wire, followed by GXL wire and SXL wire, which has the thickest insulation. When making wire repairs, refer to GM Service Information for instructions on splicing copper wire using splice sleeves, folded-over wire repair, and correct wire gauge sizes for the proper application.
Group Strap Inspection - April 2013 1998-2002 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana (equipped with the 6.5L Diesel Engine); 2003-2007 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. The Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS) warning lamps may illuminate on these vehicles due to various electrical issues. Technicians may find that there is no communication with the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) or possibly any Class 2 modules when the condition is present. If, after normal diagnostics, a repair is not found, inspect the braided ground strap from the engine to the frame. If the ground strap is damaged, follow the appropriate Service Information to make any repairs.
Changing Tire & Wheel Size - March 2013 When attempting to change tire size on mid-size and full-size GM trucks and SUVs, it is important to understand that GM will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Do not use the information offered in the ABS module (tire size selection) as a guide to see what tires are applicable to the vehicle in question. Keep in mind, changing the tire size in the ABS modules will only affect ABS wheel speed sensor calibrations that are direct inputs to the ABS module. It will not correct or calibrate the speedometer’s accuracy, and will not change the calibration of the ABS rear speed sensor value on vehicles that obtain rear wheel speed data from EMC/PCM/VCM via the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). For example, on a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado LS with P23/75/R15 tires, the ABS module shows that P265/75/R15 tires can be programmed; how-ever, the P265/75/R15 tires will only fit the Colorado with the Z71 suspension, which will offer acceptable wheel clearance. Therefore, a calibration is not offered for this application. If GM Accessories has released an approved tire wheel combination that has been tested and validated by GM Engineering, a calibration will be available for the specific application.
Corrosion Protection of Metal Panels - February 2013 When an aftermarket accessory is installed on a vehicle, where drilling holes into metal body panels or supports on the vehicle is required, it’s critical to maintain proper corrosion protection. Any time metal surface is disturbed, such as by drilling a hole for a fastener, the corrosion resistance of that panel is compromised. One of the best ways to protest the fastener-to-panel mounting holes from future corrosion is to GM Vehicle Care Super Lube® with PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene). This is the only product recommended by GM for the corrosion protection of metal panels where fasteners will be added to metal panels. When installing accessories, apply Super Lube to any hole and fastener before installing the fastener into the drilled attaching hole or inside the metal panel.
Winter Tires - January 2013 Many late model GM high performance vehicles are factory equipped with tires that are optimized for maximum dry and wet road performance while still retaining satisfactory tread life, durability and low noise levels. In severe winter climates where snowfall may be significant, these tires may be found to provide less traction. Winter tires may enhance winter driving in these conditions. GM performance-oriented vehicles that are rear-wheel drive take advantage of the natural weight shift rearward during acceleration, increasing dry road traction on the driven wheels. Rear-wheel drive also contributes to neutral steering as it takes the burden off the front wheels to both power and turn the vehicle. The connection between the steering and the powertrain is also eliminated, removing any tendency for engine power to influence the steering under heavy acceleration or rough roads. Generally, front-wheel drive vehicles offer additional winter traction due to the weight of the engine/transaxle sitting directly above the driving wheels, and are found to be satisfactory for winter driving when factory equipped with all-season tires. On all vehicles, if a decision is made to switch to winter tires, all four tires must be replaced. When selecting winter tires, keep the same size and aspect ratio as the original equipment tires unless otherwise directed by the manufacturer. Deviating from the original size may create clearance issues, speedometer error and/or alter the handling characteristics of the vehicle. If winter tires are not available in the same speed rating as the original equipment tires, do not exceed the speed rating of the winter tire chosen. Winter tires, in general, are optimized for increased traction on snow and ice. In some instances, this may translate into decreased dry road traction, increased road noise and shorter tread life. Recommend to customers to drive cautiously after switching tires and to get acclimated to the new handling and braking performance characteristics.
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