Automotive Diagnostic Podcast
A space to explore the diagnostic & technology side of automotive repair. We discuss tools, techniques, & ideas to sharpen your skills. We'll also interview experts in the automotive field.
Episodes
356 episodes
331: Gratitude for 2025 With Tomi Oliva
Tomi and I wrap up 2025 talking about what he's grateful for this year and what drives him in the future!Website- https://autodiagpodcast.com/Facebook Group-
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Episode 331
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1:34:00
330: And All Through The Shop, Not A Creature Was Stirring... Expect For This Hungry Mouse
This week on the show I share an interesting issue on a 2019 Toyota Corolla where the HVAC controls stay operational after the key is left on, and also how rodents keep us on our toes by creating unique problems. Website-
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Episode 330
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32:01
329: Ford Programming Update
Ford programming software (IDS/FDRS/FJDS) recently underwent a change in the method of subscription and access. What's the updated cost? What changed about the access? What challenges have we faced during this transition? Listen to find out
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Episode 329
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21:18
328: Why Won't This F@%$'n Key Program?! Vol 2
Round 2 of why won't this F@%$'n key program?! I did an episode a year ago about attempts programming keys and the challenges we face doing mobile. Today I share 2 more vehicles that we dealt with recently- A 2017 Toyota Camry and a 2018 Chevro...
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Episode 328
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39:02
327: Strategic Part Replacement
Today on the show I share a thought process that I've been adding into my diagnostic decision making. We weigh the value of any test method we perform- How much time/effort/cost does a test require? How much does it tell me/how many things does...
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Episode 327
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37:36
326: Matthew Elder
Matthew Elder joins Tomi and I on the show this week. Matthew is a technician out of Texas, He is just beginning his path in the automotive diagnostic world. We'll share advice for being successful, Tooling options, & finding a good shop.&n...
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Episode 326
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1:58:33
325: Not Charging, No Power Steering, Stalling, & No Codes... This Sounds Familiar
This week on the show I share a case study on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. Not charging, no power steering, idle surging, stalling at idle, no heated seats or rear defrost... All this and NO codes anywhere. A strange problem for sure, but it seems ...
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Episode 325
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31:35
324: Did You Try Unplugging It & Plugging It Back In?
We often deal with strange control module issues- codes, warning lights, communication faults, or reduced functions. While the causes are numerous for each individual situation, one thing that may "fix" the issue is a battery disconnect or capa...
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Episode 324
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29:32
323: How To Turn $6 into $10,000 (I Know, That's Click-Bait)
For real though, I'll share my favorite 6 dollar diagnostic tool that can make you a ton of money if you understand electrical fundamentals. I'll cover why I like it so much in day-to-day diagnostics and some lesser known uses as well. Listen t...
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Episode 323
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26:24
322: Ford As-Built Challenges
This week on the show I share some struggles with Ford module programming, specifically with the as-built data from Ford's server being incorrect and what you can do to overcome it!Website- https://...
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Episode 322
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28:13
321: The Value Of Asking The Right Question The Right Way
This week on the show I expand on the topic of utilizing LLM's and AI within automotive diagnostics after conversations with people based on last weeks episode. I talk about the value of prompting (asking the right question the right way) and a...
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Episode 321
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39:01
320: How I'm Using AI Tools In My Business Right Now
Today on the show I share my current thoughts on AI and LLM usage in the automotive repair space as of September 2025. Where are these tools most useful for me? What do you need to know to make the most out of them? What are some of the potenti...
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Episode 320
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36:50
319: Module to Module Communication Faults
We talk a lot about networking and communication faults on this show, but today's focus is when 2 modules share info between themselves and not the scan tool, but a problem exists within in that communication. How do we determine if it's ...
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Episode 319
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38:18
318: Jeep/Chrysler 9-Speed Transmission Programming
Today on the show I share some tips on programming ZF 9-speed TCMs/Transmissions after replacement in Jeep and Chrysler vehicles. We'll touch briefly on the usage in Honda, Acura, & JLR vehicles as well. I'll describe the various scenarios ...
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Episode 318
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31:26
317: Brendan Sorensen
Brendan Sorensen joins Tomi and I on the show this week. Brendan is from Brisbane, Australia. He works for TAT- The Automotive Technician, a network of technicians sharing knowledge, information and experience. We chat about why Tim-Tams are To...
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Episode 317
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1:51:54
316: Wrong Part, Wrong Keys
This week on the show I share challenges with incorrect control modules and keys when doing mobile programming. I'll share some tips to finding the correct part numbers and if we can determine whether the used module will work or not. I'll also...
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Episode 316
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40:46
315: Clayton Olive & Vasko Serovski
Vasko and Clayton Join Tomi and I this week all the way from Australia! We chat about what's going on in automotive on that side of the planet and discuss Tomi's trip. PS- I'm out of town and didn't bring a mic to record the intro/o...
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Episode 315
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2:14:04
314: Crank-Start-Stall
Expanding on the topic from last week's episode on tips for determining if a vehicle is immobilized or not, this week I touch on the car exhibiting a crank-start-stall symptom. While an immobilizer system CAN cause this in some vehicles, there ...
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Episode 314
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31:22
313: Is This Vehicle Immobilized Or Not?
Quite often we get called into shops for a vehicle that does not start or starts but does not continue to run and it's a perceived immobilizer issue. Sometimes it is immobilized for various reasons, but frequently, there is no actual issue in t...
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Episode 313
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29:44
312: Mario Rojas, Family, Faith, & Taking a Step Back
This week on the show Mario Rojas of Super Mario Diagnostics joins us to share his personal journey of taking a step back from the spotlight of the automotive world to focus on his family and his faith. This is an open and honest conversation a...
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Episode 312
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1:38:24
311: CAN BUS Diagnostic Tips
This week on the show I share some key diagnstic tips on diagnosing CAN bus faults! So much of our diagnostic work centers around communicaiton faults, and we've developed an efficant way to get to the source of the problem quickly. Join me to ...
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Episode 311
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41:51
310: Andre McDonald With Blue Origin
Andre McDonald joins me on the show today to share his path from automotive technician to working for the rocket compony Blue Origin. We talk about the struggles and challenges of dealer life and the transferable skills gained in the automotive...
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Episode 310
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1:34:08
309: Dean Sharpe & Chris Lawson on Finding—and Becoming—a Great Shop
This week on the show Chris Lawson and Dean Sharpe join me on the show. Chris (returning guest) from Technician Find helps connect auto shops with technicians. Dean is a tech-turned owner in the San Diego area. We chat about what a good shop lo...
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Episode 309
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1:38:24
308: Single Module No Communication Tips and Tricks
Today on the show I share my process for diagnosing a single module commuication failure. What to check for, what pitfalls to avoid, and some helpful tricks I use to be confident in my diagnosis. Website-
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Episode 308
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37:03
307: Nollan Worrell With Rivian
Nollan Worrell joins Tomi and I on the show today. Nollan is a trainer with the Rivian technical trades program. He'll share he journey from working at Toyota to the role he's in today, along with some knowledge about Rivian and EV's in general...
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Episode 307
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1:54:51