TAC TIPS
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!
Since 1992, Robert V. Forte has been actively involved as a Technician, Educator and Manager within the automotive industry in Canada. Robert is a graduate Mechanical Engineering Technician and is certified with the Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists.
November 30, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Aylmer, ON.
Vehicle: 2009 Audi A6, 3.0L SC.
Condition: Persistent P0008.
Verify valve timing by checking markings on sprockets and cover. Check VVT operation and confirm no contamination. Suspect timing off a tooth.
November 27, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Surrey, BC.
Vehicle: 2012 Dodge Ram Van, 3.6L.
Condition: DTC P0304 ignition and fuel ruled out.
Reference the wiring diagram. Locate connector C130 and splice S342, check for integrity. Suspect carbon on valves.
November 26, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Bathurst, NB.
Vehicle: 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 6.6L.
Condition: DTC P166B, glow plug fault.
Check all connections and wiring in the engine compartment area. Clean all grounds and retest. Suspect a faulty Glow Plug module.
November 25, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Wiarton, ON.
Vehicle: 2008 Dodge Dakota, 3.7L.
Condition: Engine stalls when coming to a stop.
Check for excessive carbon build-up and clean as required. Check EGR operation and monitor crankshaft position sensor when at idle.
November 24, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Ottawa, ON.
Vehicle: 2013 Ford E250.
Condition: Lack of heat in passenger compartment.
Check coolant level and flow; confirm to specifications. Recommend to install an auxiliary heater as an up-fitter system.
November 23, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Lachute, QC.
Vehicle: 2012 GMC Silverado, 5.3L.
Condition: Noise after valve lifter replacement.
Check the lifter holder for cracks. Inspect lifter for deformations and confirm correct installation steps were taken.
November 20, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Wikwemikong, ON.
Vehicle: 2010 Ford F150, 5.4L.
Condition: DTC P0316.
Check cam phazers. Suspect a bad splice at S136. Check connection near head and confirm MAF sensor performance.
November 19, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Delhi, ON.
Vehicle: 2010 Ford F150 5.4 L 3V.
Condition: Hard to start after refueling.
Locate and test EVAP purge solenoid. Use smoke to test for leaks. Replace purge solenoid if condition persists.
November 18, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Moose Jaw, SK.
Vehicle: 2011 Hyundai Sante Fe, 3.5L.
Condition: DTC P2A01, O2 sensor replaced.
Check operation of all O2 sensors and replace if necessary. Suspect faulty wiring, thoroughly check all voltage supplies to ECM.
November 17, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Oshawa, ON.
Vehicle: 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 6.6L.
Condition: DTC’s P20EE and P207F.
Check operation of DEF injector and replace if necessary.
November 16, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Nakusp, BC.
Vehicle: 2010 Chevrolet HHR LS, 2.2L.
Condition: Lack of power, multiple DTC’s.
Clear and rescan for DTC’s; repair as required. Check for blown fuses and confirm integrity of EVAP vent solenoid; check for water intrusion.
November 13, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Aylmer, ON.
Vehicle: 2008 Dodge Dakota, 3.7L.
Condition: Stalls when coming to a stop.
Scan for codes and repair as required. Check ASD relay operation and confirm voltages. Check cam and crank sensor correlation
November 12, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Surrey, BC.
Vehicle: 2015 Chevrolet Silverado.
Condition: Voltage spikes.
Use 4-gauge wire minimum size with connection directly to a 2nd battery. Recommend to install a 2nd battery in parallel with OEM battery with an isolator.
November 11, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Warren, ON.
Vehicle: 2012 GMC Avalanche 5.3L.
Condition: Reprogramming tire size.
PIT3271G document ID#4064139 applies, follow steps as outlined. VCI number required for reprogramming.
November 10, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Simcoe, ON.
Vehicle: 2010 Dodge Journey, 3.5L.
Condition: DTC P0660 Manifold tuning actuator.
Using a compatible scanner clear codes and check for reset. Check PCM connections and repair as required. Replace PCM if condition persists.
November 9, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Perth, ON.
Vehicle: 2012 Ford F350HD 6.7L.
Condition: DTC P0626 alternator replaced.
Check for and disconnect any up-fitter equipment. Measure voltage drops at all major connections and repair as required.
November 4, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Kelowna, BC.
Vehicle: 2010 Honda CRV, 2.4L.
Condition: DTC P0420, both O2 sensors replaced.
Check for MAF sensor performance to specification. Perform exhaust back pressure test, suspect a restricted converter.
November 3, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Chatham, ON.
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet, 6.0L.
Condition: Intermittent no crank.
Check for loss of communication with modules. Check TSB 08-07-30-021H for shorted wire at transmission connector harness.
November 2, 2015
Thanks to our Program member from: Scarborough, ON.
Vehicle: 2013 Isuzu NQR, 5.2L.
Condition: Fuel filter replacement reset.
Follow the reset procedure as outline in the owner’s manual. Driver information center displays message and is reset using display menu.
TAC Information
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.
The TAC line uses the most advanced technology and current repair databases, in addition to detailed case information and data mining. Our agents have full access to common failure causes and repair procedures databases. Access to these cases can help solve the most complex requests.
Our TAC Specialists
ACDelco’s TAC line has master technicians supporting Domestic, European and Asian import vehicles. Agents have an impressive 50 years combined hands on experience and over 29 years of TAC work. The breadth of experience includes:
Working directly with 12 vehicle manufacturers and four aftermarket suppliers
- 13 years of in class training delivery
- 22 years of exotic vehicle experience
- 7 years field experience
- 10 years working through warranty issue mitigation
- Auto body and collision repair
- Heavy-duty and military powertrain experience.
ACDelco’s TAC agents have a lengthy list of technical resources and databases to support your complex questions. This includes factory OE information, as well as internal technical experts, field engineers, product specialists, and technical writers for several OEM's.
Resource databases include all major all makes manufacturers. Additional repair databases include Alldata, IATN, Mitchell1, Automotive Service Profession, eSI and more.
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.
TAC Specialists
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.