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NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW
ASA Pushes Vehicle Safety Inspection Programs on Capitol Hill
Independent Repairers Ask for Incentives for State Programs and National Study
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 16, 2011 - Automotive Service Association (ASA) leaders met recently with key members of Congress and congressional staff to discuss the importance of vehicle safety inspection programs.
Less than half the states in the United States have any type of periodic motor vehicle safety inspection program. Of the states that have programs, several only require vehicle inspection when the vehicle is sold or transferred.
With current economic conditions, independent repair technicians have recognized an increased number of neglected repairs. This impacts the safety of the vehicle owner and passengers, as well as other highway users. In addition, it hurts the long-term value of the vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not been involved in periodic motor vehicle safety inspection programs for many years. A Government Accountability Office report on "State Periodic Inspection Programs" stated NHTSA should provide states with research and information to help them initiate and improve state vehicle inspection programs. NHTSA has not done so.
With Congress set to review highway safety issues and transportation programs, ASA requested that Congress support federal incentives for states to establish periodic motor vehicle safety inspection programs or enhance current state programs. A periodic motor vehicle safety inspection program would:
Ensure the proper maintenance and safe use of older vehicles
Provide for minimum inspection requirements of motor vehicles
While meeting with congressional members and their staff on Capitol Hill last week, ASA members asked that Congress require NHTSA to conduct a national study of state periodic motor vehicle safety inspection programs, similar to the studies conducted by the states of Pennsylvania and Missouri, and evaluate the impact these programs have on preventing injuries and the loss of life and property.
The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA's legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.
Bluetooth Pairing After Battery Disconnect
It used to be you could disconnect a battery in a vehicle and not have to worry about much when you hooked it back up. Nowadays there are many things that have to be reset and one of the most frustrating can be pairing Bluetooth devices. Many newer vehicles allow the owners to connect their mobile phones to the car via Bluetooth. This lets the driver talk hands free through their vehicle's entertainment or infotainment system and on some vehicles you can connect another type of device such as a tablet, iPod or MP3 player.
Pairing is the method in which communication is established between the vehicle and the phone or other device. It is important to check with customers what connections they have established with their vehicles if you anticipate needing to disconnect the battery during service or for battery replacement. While you're at it, you might want to ask the customer what other settings may be affected, such as radio codes and presets, seat memory, garage door openers and the like. At least inform the customer that they may have to reset these items once they get the vehicle back.
For Bluetooth pairing, manufacturers typically provide the instructions in their owners manuals but at times it can be confusing. They also may not have instructions that cover all of the latest phones and devices available after the car was produced. For this reason, most of the manufacturers also provide a web site where you can see which devices are compatible and also provide updated information on pairing the devices.
Below are links to manufacturer's sites where they provide information on Bluetooth systems and connections for their vehicles.
Motor Age - Diagnosing drivability issues often starts with a check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and, if available, a review of any stored freeze frame information. This info is a snapshot the engine control module (ECM) took of the conditions present at the time of failure. What we don't know, however, is whether the car was being operated in a steady state just before the fault or if it was accelerating or decelerating at the time. It does give us a place to start, though.
Restraint Systems and Electric Soldering Irons Don't Mix
The use of soldering irons that are battery or electric powered to make repairs on restraint system circuits can cause vehicle damage and injury. These types of soldering irons can induce voltage into the circuit, which may cause inflator module deployment and/or damage to electrical components. Use only butane fueled soldering irons when working on SIR circuits.
Manufacturers are issuing warnings through TSBs and the repair information. Soldering guns use a transformer to convert 110v AC power to a lower voltage. That voltage is routed through the soldering guns conductive tip which is heated as a result of that current flowing through it. That current flow produces the concern for the types of warnings above. Keep in mind that newer vehicles may be equipped with a multitude of susceptible restraint system components. These include driver and passenger air bags, knee bolster air bags, seat and door mounted side air bags, side curtain air bags, ceiling mounted air bags (mostly in SUVs) and explosive seat belt retractors.
In addition, some manufacturers provide warnings on the types of digital multimeters used in testing as some with higher output can also cause accidental restraint system deployments. As more controllers and processors are introduced into the automobile and those vehicles enter your work day, safety in the workplace has taken on new dimensions. Be sure to carefully read and follow all cautions and warnings provided by the manufacturers.
Internet Explorer 9 Compatibility
Before installing or upgrading to Internet Explorer 9, please read our page of information detailing what to do and issues that may occur with this update.
Established in 1984, One Stop Automotive's highly skilled Automotive Service technicians offer comprehensive knowledge and experience. Our customers can be sure that their car will be handled with the latest diagnostics equipment and all the required services will be explained in detailed. We work on most American and Foreign vehicles. We are conveniently located near the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson.
Our goal is to provide our customers with the best service at the best rates without wasting their time. We provide a satisfaction guarantee for all services provided as well as offering a lifetime warranty plan. Also for their convenience we provide rides to work or back home if they are within 10 miles of our shop.
One Stop Automotive
1545 South Craycroft Road
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 571-1811 OneStop-Automotive.org
How To Get Featured In The Newsletter
Would you or one of your techs like to be profiled in the newsletter? How about your shop? We're looking for techs and/or shops to feature in this spot. This is an opportunity to let other techs know about you and your shop. You can share information on what your specialties are, what special conditions you have to deal with in your area, anything interesting about your shop or even what you like to do in your free time.
We will also list your shop's information such as location, phone number, web site, or any other information you'd like to provide.
Send your story and photos for consideration to . Please also include your account number.
Did you know...
You can print a portion of text from a repair or TSB article instead of an entire section. Select the text you want to print and then hit "Ctrl" and "P" on your keyboard. This will bring up the print dialog. Under Page Range pick "Selection" and then click the Print button. If there are graphics in the section of text, you will need to print them separately.
Click here for more hints on using OnDemand5 and ShopKey5.
Mitchell 1 is running a tip contest for a limited time in OnDemand5.com and ShopKey5.com. Below are the latest winners of the contest. Each of these tips earned the tech a $100 prize. Click the links below to see the complete tips and for more information on how you can enter.
Mitchell 1 and Motor Age Team up on Monthly Tech Tip Contest
FEBRUARY 2012 IS THE LAST MONTH TO GET YOUR ENTRIES IN
NOTE: The following contest is in addition to the contest listed above. Winning tips from the regular contest will automatically be submitted to the Motor Age contest.
"Necessity is the mother of invention," and techs can be real mothers when it comes to inventing ways to make life in the shop easier. Motor Age now gives you the opportunity to share those ideas with your fellow techs with a chance for monthly prizes on its Motor Age Tech Tips page.
Motor Age and Mitchell 1 have teamed up in this monthly contest for our readers. Just fill out this form with your best tech tip. Each month, Motor Age editors will select the best tip and feature it and you in the magazine and online. Not only that, but Mitchell 1 has great prizes for each monthly winner. Readers will choose the grand prize winner at the end of the contest year.
In the shop, it's all about helping your fellow techs earn their livings a little easier, a mission we share with you. Submit your tips today and help out your fellow techs all across the country!
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Would you or one of your techs like to be profiled in the newsletter? How about your shop? We're looking for techs and/or shops to feature in this spot. This is an opportunity to let other techs know about you and your shop. You can share information on what your specialties are, what special conditions you have to deal with in your area, anything interesting about your shop or even what you like to do in your free time.
