News
TAC Tips for February 2016

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.


February 29, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:      Richmond Hill, ON.
Vehicle:      2010 Honda Odyssey.
Condition:  Sliding doors inoperative.
Follow diagnostics for stored DTC’s related to this condition. Check power sliding door module for all required voltages; replace latch if still inoperative.


February 26, 2016 
Thanks to our Program member from:    Chesley, ON.
Vehicle:  2009 Ford F250 SD, 5.4L.
Condition:  Rough running after replacing exhaust manifolds.
Check for any stored DTC’s and repair prior to proceeding. Confirm good MAF performance. Scan engine and confirm accurate IAT sensor reading.


February 25, 2016 
Thanks to our Program member from:    Vankleek Hill, ON.
Vehicle:  2013 Chevrolet Express, 4.8L.
Condition: Transmission replacement.
Use TIS2WEB to download the latest calibration for this vehicle. Choose latest calibration with emphasis on vehicle RPO’s.

February 24, 2016 
Thanks to our Program member from:      Mount Pearl, NL.    
Vehicle:    2008 Chevrolet 1500, 5.4L
Condition:   Collapsed lifters.
Install updated lifters and guides. Confirm adequate and proper oil flow and pressure. Suspect dirty passage.


February 23, 2016 
Thanks to our Program member from:      Edmonton, AB.
Vehicle:  2007 Pontiac Torrent, 3.5L.
Condition:  C0252 Stability track fault.
Center and recode Steering angle sensor. Check lateral sensor PID to spec and replace if faulty. Use a scan tool to confirm performance
.

February 22, 2016 
Thanks to our Program member from:      Markham, ON.
Vehicle:      2013 Chevrolet Silverado, 5.3L.
Condition:  DTC P0230.
Lack of power reported along with DTC P0230. Perform a fuel pressure test and watch fuel volume delivered; suspect a faulty relay.


February 19, 2016 
Thanks to our Program member from:    Comox, BC.
Vehicle:  2008 Honda Pilot.
Condition:  120Am battery draw.
Remove fuse #13 in passenger fuse box. If draw goes to normal, suspect a faulty door sensor module.


February 18, 2016 
Thanks to our Program member from:    Concord, ON.
Vehicle:  2013 Jeep Wrangler, 3.6L.
Condition: Misfire with P0303.
Check all obvious causes first, plugs, injector etc. If previous test ok, check cam and crank sensor correlation and crank sensor signal closely.


February 17, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:      Strathroy, ON.
Vehicle:  2002 Volvo S60, 2.4L Turbo.
Condition:  SRS MIL “ON”, DTC B0105.
DTC describes faulty in Steering Angle Sensor. Use a compatible scan tool to check sensor performance; replace and align sensor using scan tool.


February 16, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:      London, ON.
Vehicle:  2008 Honda Pilot.
Condition:  120mA battery drain.
Check passenger side fuse box, remove one fuse at a time and observe drain. Check fuse #13 and suspect a faulty door sensor module.

February 15, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:      Calgary, AB.
Vehicle:  2013 Jeep Wrangler, 3.6L.
Condition:  DTC P0303 after engine replacement.
Follow diagnostics for DTC P0303 and recheck work done. Confirm correct connectors at coils. Clear KAM and retest.


February 12, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:      Welland, ON.
Vehicle:  2012 Chevrolet Impala, 3.6L.
Condition:  Persistent DTC C0035.
Suspect a weak connection at terminals. Use an oscilloscope to check wave form directly from speed sensor, closely observe amplitude.


February 11, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:      Barrie, ON.
Vehicle:  2007 BMW X3.
Condition:  Premature battery drain.
Check under carpet for corroded modules. Check lower “A” pillar modules for corrosion. Suspect water leaking from sunroof.


February 10, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:      Bathurst, NB.
Vehicle:  2009 Chevrolet Aveo.
Condition:  Early transmission failure, slipping when hot.
Follow repair procedure for any stored DTC’s related to condition. Suspect a faulty valve body or shift solenoid pack, consider complete replacement.

February 9, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:      North York, ON.
Vehicle:  2007 Suzuki XL7, 3.6L.
Condition:  Crank, no start.
Check for any stored DTC’s in all modules. Observe mileage and suspect a timing chain issue. Confirm by checking cam and crank sensor wave form.


February 8, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:  Williams Lake, BC.
Vehicle:     2012 KIA Sorrento, 3.5L.
Condition:  Suspected oil leak at rear main bearing.
Oil pressure sensor is under intake manifold and will leak oil into the valley and back of the engine. Tilt engine to drain excessive oil, replace sensor.


February 5, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:  Churchbridge, SK.
Vehicle:     2011 Chevrolet Avalanche, 5.3L.
Condition:    Factory remote start intermittent operation when cold
Check scan tool for any related codes and follow diagnostics for resolution. Confirm constant adequate battery voltage. Suspect faulty VCI module.


February 4, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:  Qualicum Beach, BC.
Vehicle:    2009 Ford E350, 6.0L.
Condition:    Start, no-start, DTC’s P0299 and P0528.
Perform a fuel pressure test and confirm to specification. Suspect a faulty IPR solenoid. Replace, clear codes and road test to confirm performance.


February 3, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:  Strathroy, ON.
Vehicle:    2006 KIA Sorrento, 3.5L.
Condition:    Dome lamp inoperative.
Follow schematic to related connector at dome lamp and check for all required voltages. Suspect a faulty diode in harness

February 2, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:      London, ON.
Vehicle:  2010 Audi Q5, 3.2L.
Condition:  Multiple DTC’s P0300, P0304, P0306 and P0159.
Clear all engine related DTC’s. Perform oil and filter service using the correct viscosity oil and road test for stored DTC’s.


February 1, 2016
Thanks to our Program member from:      Calgary, AB.
Vehicle:      2006 BMW X5, 4.8L.
Condition:  Leveling malfunction indication.
Use a compatible scan tool to check position sensor performance. Check harness to each ride height sensor, suspect chaffing near frame.

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. 

Systems Support
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.