This week on the show I share a case study on a 2017 BMW X1 that has a large draw that's killing the battery (6amps!) I take my usual approach to a "network staying awake" problem, but don't get to the conclusion. The issue forced me to take a ...

This week on the show I share some information on nitrogen filled air suspension systems found in Stellantis vehicles, as well as other brands such as GM & Volvo. I'll discuss the equipment, tooling, service procedures, along with some obst...

Do I need do program this control module if I replace it? Can I program a used one? 2 questions we get everyday doing mobile programming. Today on the show I'll share with you some tips and tricks to efficiently finding out if the module in que...

This week on the show I share an issue that I've seen on several Nissan/ Infiniti vehicles were the ignition coils repeatably melt down, causing a no start. We'll address the root cause and speculate a little on the "why" behind this brand spec...

This week on the show I share my thoughts as we wrap 2025, and look forward to the next year. Last year this time I recorded an episode on goal setting, and know I have a whole year of data to look back on to see what went right, what went wron...

Today on the show I share my thoughts on diagnosing modern parasitic draw concerns and how so many seem to shift/overlap into network diagnostics. So much so that I have shifted my process and mindset when diagnosing them. Website- ...

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-

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-

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

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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://...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...