News
TAC Tips for July 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.


July 29, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Orillia, ON.
Vehicle:  2008 BMW X5, 4.4L.
Condition:  Cruise control fades while driving after setting, responds normally from steering wheel.
Set and operate cruise with a factory compatible scan tool. Check brake switch adjustment and confirm all wheel speeds are the same.

July 28, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Ashern, AB.
Vehicle:  2011 Ford Ranger, 4.0L.
Condition:  Idle speed too high.
Check throttle body condition, clean thoroughly. Inspect linkages if any and confirm all electrical connections. Reset idle speed procedure recommended.


July 27, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   York, ON.
Vehicle:  2005 Toyota Prius Hybrid, 1.5L.
Condition:  Battery depletion while parked.
Confirm battery is the correct type and fully charged. Check that the key fob is stored far enough from vehicle to prevent recognition.


July 26, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Burnaby, BC.
Vehicle:  2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, 6.6L. 
Condition:  No power steering in reverse.
Check Hydro-boost system against performance specifications. Confirm all electrical connections to Hydro-boost motor are tight and clean.


July 25, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   North York, ON.
Vehicle:  2011 Subaru Forrester, 2.5L.
Condition: Rapid AC compressor cycling.
Check and confirm all operating pressures are to specifications. Check cooling fan performance and interrogate the evaporator temperature sensor. 


July 22, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Grande Prairie, AB.
Vehicle:  2011 Mini Cooper S, 1.6L.
Condition:  Wear sensor indication after pad replacement.
Use a factory scan tool to clear and reset. If a factory scan tool is not available, cycle key with new sensor installed and wait 10 or more minutes.

July 21, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   London, ON.
Vehicle:  2006 Mercedes Benz Smart Car, 0.8L.
Condition:  DTC P0380 glow plug failure.
Check harness connections at corresponding injector as indicated by DTC. Confirm integrity of all circuit connector pins and wiring.

July 20, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Quispamsis, NB.
Vehicle:  2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, 3.5L.
Condition:  Starter making noise after replacement.
Perform a voltage drop test on both power supply circuits to starter. Check starter relay and replace with OEM only.


July 19, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Mississauga, ON.
Vehicle:  2011 Dodge Ram 1500, 5.7L. 
Condition:  DTC P0302 coil, injector and vacuum test good.
Check for engine rpm fluctation on scan tool. Consider inspecting cam shaft condition including valve spring and lifter.

July 18, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Etobicoke, ON.
Vehicle:  2010 Ford F150, 4.6L
Condition: Sudden stalling.
Follow diagnostic steps for any stored DTC’s. Suspect a faulty IP, attempt disconnection; if condition persists condemn IP.

July 15, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Verner, ON.
Vehicle:  2011 Mercedes Benz B200, 2.0L.
Condition:  No crank, starter replaced, still no crank.
Check for power at fuse 21A. Substitute power at 21A and try cranking. Suspect a faulty “G” relay.

July 14, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Kamloops, BC.
Vehicle:  2009 Nissan Sentra, 1.8L.
Condition:  DTC C1105 after wheel bearing replacement.
Check harness connections at corresponding wheel speed sensor. Using a scan tool verify same speed reading as other sensors, check mounting.

July 13, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Newmarket, ON.
Vehicle:  2011 Ford Escape, 2.5L.
Condition:  P0455 after purge solenoid replacement.
Check performance of the FTP senor with the gas cap removed, readings should be 0 inhg. Suspect a faulty FTP sensor.


July 12, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Toronto, ON.
Vehicle:  2005 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2.7L. 
Condition:  Intermittent AC after compressor replacement.
Check specifications and confirm system is correctly filled and to capacity. Replace expansion valve and receiver dryer.


July 11, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Mission, BC.
Vehicle:  2007 Nissan Frontier, 4.0L.
Condition: New TCM installation.
Nissan has issued a TSB identifying the need to reprogram certain model year TCM’s. 2007 requires programming. 


July 8, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Sydney, NS.
Vehicle:  2013 Buick Regal, 3.5L
Condition:  Paint code.
The paint code can be found on the production label located in the driver door jamb area just below the door latch.


July 7, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   High River, AB.
Vehicle:  2009 Saturn Aura XE, 1.8L
Condition:  DTC P0717 input speed sensor replaced.
Check reference voltage of sensor circuit and confirm correct bias; sensor is Hall Effect type. Confirm correct voltages at PCM.


July 6, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Leduc, AB.
Vehicle:  2009 Ford F350, 6.0L.
Condition:  Reduced power, DTC 0299.
Follow factory diagnostics for any stored DTC’s. Check EGR, ICP and MAP sensor. Check turbo performance and check boost amount.


July 5, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Kanata, ON.
Vehicle:  2005 Dodge Ram 1500, 5.7L. 
Condition:  DTC P2314 and #5 coil damage.
Check coil circuit entirely, repair any loose connections. Consider OEM replacement coil and re-check.


July 4, 2016
Thanks to our program member in:   Shawville, QC.
Vehicle:  2013 Buick Regal, 3.6L.
Condition:  Vehicle information.
When searching for RPO or paint codes, use GM Si doc # 2358696 that indicates all locations of important markings.


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.