Adopting Technology in your Operations
As owners, we want to increase productivity, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience we provide in our automotive repair shops. But, now that we all offer a free bottle of water, we need to make a bigger impact. We need technology to help build our competitive advantage to separate us from the rest of the pack. In this class, we will discuss the three stages of technology, describe where the majority of shop owners are, and define the progression of advanced shop owners. Do you have a web presence? Are you using a digital vehicle inspection? Are you using a digital work order? Find out where you're located on the timeline.
The Graying of Garages; What it Means to Your Shop
Industry respondents to a recent survey indicated that half of them will retire in the next ten years. Fifty percent in the next ten years! Some will close their shops, pass them down in the family or sell their shops to chains and independents. This tsunami of change is going to affect every corner of the automotive repair industry including you. During this session you will learn: • The what and why this is about to happen • What it will mean for the industry and your shop • How you should prepare if you are retiring or still in for the long haul • Is it time to sell or to expand? • How you can benefit from this wave of change During this session we will discuss why this is happening, the possible effects, and what you should do with your shop to benefit from this incredible change. No matter what phase you and your business is in, just beginning, cruising along with thoughts of retirement decades away, or even being part of the wave of retirement, this session will be important to you and your future.
Creating the Most Value in Your Business
If I just fix enough cars I will make a profit. – Why this statement is a lie and how to win the Game. Many business owners are working too hard and earning too little while their children grow up and they grow old. Their business circumstances controlling them. Learn what you can do to create value in your business and gain control. Learn how to get what you want and live the life you want.
Making Selling Easy - Rigging the Game
Success in selling is about helping the client to like you and understand the value of what you have to offer. Real salespeople know how to improve the odds that the client will buy and there are many things that improve the odds. When the client sees more value than what they are being asked to pay they will almost always buy. Learn how to position yourself and your product and improve sales. There are many ways to improve the odds of selling the client and we will cover more than 30 of those. Redirecting is key to the close, learn how to close more clients without pushing.
Creating an Excellent Experience for Your Customers
Discover how to increase your sales, stabilize your car count, and drive profits to your bottom line with six proven steps to legendary customer service. You'll learn how to wow your customers, turn them into clients who come back for additional services, and gain advocates who refer their friends and write rave reviews about you on the Internet.
Confident Selling
What's the difference between a Service Writer selling 50% and one that sells 90% of their attempted sales? In short, Confidence! Confidence selling is the key to most GREAT sales individuals. Join Team ESi for a class in Confidence selling, the Techniques, the Attitude and the results you should expect.
Get a Grip - Mastering Organizational Skills
Is Chaos your daily norm? By mastering your mess and taking control of the seconds, minutes and hours of your day, you can dramatically increase productivity. Get more out of your business and your life. This class is essential for Shop Owners, Management, Service Advisers and Office staff looking to reduce the daily stresses of the business. Discover Organization and Time Management Tools that are in the palm of your hand; Identify "time robbers" and how to put them away forever; Experience how working more efficiently makes it easier to reach your goals. Discover ways to minimize distractions and maximize effectiveness; Organization is the root of good business management.
Branding to Attract the Ideal Customer
Does your ideal customer exist? Are you attracting the right customer for your shop? Branding makes a memorable impression on your customers. It's your way to set yourself apart from and above the competition. Build unique identifiable branding so YOUR shop resonates with YOUR customers. If you’re selling to everyone, you’re selling to no one! Identify if your shop is in the midst of an "identity crisis".Define your brand by knowing the WHY of your business. Discover how strong branding creates the foundation for all marketing efforts and strategies.
Selling Diagnostic Labor Profitably
Let’s face it, Technician wages are skyrocketing, and more and more of the vehicles coming into auto repair shops are requiring some form of diagnostics! With the high costs of Technician’s training, equipment, and information systems, business owners can no longer afford to give away the Technician’s time. This course demonstrates how to improve processes of charging for diagnostic labor and providing the customer with full value for monies spent. To begin substantially improving your billed hours tomorrow, attend this course!
Maximize Customer Recovery
What happens when something goes wrong? Do you have a plan and a procedure to keep your customers? Shops that work to satisfy their customers when something goes wrong are more likely to have loyal returning customers. This workshopcovers the steps needed to recover from a mistake and earn the customer’s loyalty.
Show and Sell with Digital Inspections
Build trust with your customers by using digital inspections to educate them on the “why” of repair and service. Just as effective as showing the customer what’s wrong with their vehicle in the bay, digital inspections put this education in the palm their hands.
During this course you will learn:
The basics of a properly completed inspection
Building customized inspections that even can build value in diagnosis
Understand the importance of photographs and video in educating your customers
Maintaining a complete history on every vehicle keeping your customers coming back
Increase your ARO by over 30%
During this session we will cover the basics of inspection from how to build, perform, edit and send them to customers. Helping you build a documented history with each customer that not only brings them back to your shop but has them buying more of the services they need. Leading to greater profits for your shop.
Converting Price Shoppers to Loyal Customers
You may think price shoppers are a pain, but did you know 58% of consumers feel they weren’t charged a fair price for their last car repair? Given this unfortunate statistic, it's no wonder people are worried about cost. In this class, we’ll dive into consumer perception, how they’re using the internet, and how you can use this information to your advantage. You can use simple tools to gain trust with these shoppers and turn them into lifelong customers.
The Technician Service Advisor Challenge
Sometimes communication between technicians and service consultants is a challenge. This interactive course provides an understanding of perspectives from both sides of the shop. Participants will discuss communication challenges and real world scenarios that occur within their work environment all with the intent of understanding, diagnosing, and resolving these challenges. Tools, tips, and techniques for handling a wide range of technician challenges will be learned in a fun and challenging environment. Technicians and Service Advisors are encouraged to attend together!
Exceptional Customer Handling Skills
Exceptional Customer Handling Skills provides participants with industry best practices that lead to increased customer satisfaction, higher customer retention, and better profitability. Attendees also learn how to reduce the anxiety of dealing with upset customers. The techniques and industry best practices presented during this interactive seminar will increase your customer satisfaction, decrease your frustration, and help you to create an exceptional customer experience.
CAN Bus Fundamentals
Theory, Systems and Diagnostic Applications* UPDATED CLASS!
Study the theory of the CAN Bus Protocol and understand the communication methods.
Study CAN Bus physical and transport lines (Wiring), voltages, termination and operating characteristics
System Topology (Layout), Gateways and newer multi-protocol communications are covered
Companion protocols, Flex Ray, MOST, LIN and older UART “K” Lines on Euro vehicles covered
NEW! Learn diagnostic methodology using simple test approaches, these are covered for diagnostic
NEW! Case studies look at CAN failures and fixes using Voltmeters, Ohmmeters and Lab Scopes
NEW! Learn the analysis of communication bus lines using lab scope waveforms for clues to the source of the problem.
Diagnosing Difficult Deposit Driveability Concerns
This class looks at how fuel and oil depositing plays a MAJOR role in getting the diagnosis RIGHT THE FIRST TIME on these modern close tolerance, fast-fuel control vehicles. This is an eye-opening class for techs, advisors and shop owners alike, and talks about critical knowledge that the OEMs are NOT teaching today... Learn how adding this strategy to your diagnosis saves time, un-necessary parts replacement and LESS COMEBACKS. A Must-See class for all.
Push Button Ignition
Push Button Ignition is very common on today’s vehicles. These systems can be broken down into 3 broad categories: Immobilizer, Steering Lock and ACC/Run/Crank Relay Control.
This class will assist technicians in developing a diagnostic routine for handling the common complaint of “I press the button and nothing happens”.
The instructor will emphasize system understanding, and scan data interpretation. Tools used to check for Low Frequency and Radio Frequency wireless transmissions will also be discussed.
Discussion topics include the following vehicles:
2011 Nissan Maxima
2012 Toyota Camry
2017 Chevy Equinox
2018 Ford Edge
2006 VW Passat
2015 Ford Mustang
Duramax Diesel Diagnosis & Service
In 2011, GM introduced the LML and LGH Duramax engines which also introduced the new Bosch CP4 high pressure fuel pump. These systems have presented technicians with new service opportunities other shops may veer away from. In 2017, GM introduced the L5P Duramax that included a completely new high pressure fuel system and turbocharger.
Technicians will learn operating principles of the fuel and turbocharger systems on each of the new platforms, as well as, exhaust aftertreatment systems for each application. Technician will see fuel system replacement procedures and tips on the LML engines due to high failure rates of the CP4 pump.
After completing this class, a technician will be able to:
Understand the LML and LGH fuel systems
Diagnose and repair fuel system failures
Understand turbocharger systems on the LML and LGH engines
Introduce new L5P fuel system and electronically controlled turbocharger
Identify aftertreatment components and common failures
Vehicle Communication Breakdown
The expansion and use of multiple on board control units that communicate with each other in one or more networks in the vehicle has become complex. In addition modern day networks such as Bluetooth and Ethernet that allow customers to run programs in the vehicle such as email GPS, navigation, calendar management, etc means that diagnosing today's vehicle network related problems can be challenging to say the least. This course will give you a thorough understanding of how modern vehicle networks operate and communicate. Get resources for gathering information concerning network codes and protocols and enhance your network diagnostic capability through case studies of actual vehicle network communication problems.
Application of Electrical Test Tools
Understanding electricity and electrical circuits is becoming the ultimate quest for the future automotive technician. A good electrical foundation is not only a bonus as in the past but a necessity in the future . Nothing will solidify the demand for a technicians skills in the future job market like electrical savvy. Understand what methods work what tools are available and what test to perform will make every technician more valuable and profitable for many years to come. Electricity for the most part is unseen. We will explore the tools that enable us to visualize what is happening on a circuit. With the right tool a technician can predict the outcome of a circuit and compare the measurements obtained during testing to the expected values. As simple as that sounds it gets complicated when how the tool is testing the circuit is not properly understood. In this class we will explore both normal and faulted circuits and demonstrate proper electrical tool application.
GM Platforms Operation and Diagnosis
General Motors has been improving and refining their powertrains and engine management system at an accelerated pace over the past few years . This course will present the operation and diagnostic techniques the aftermarket will need to service this large segment of the repair market. Each major GM system will be covered using not only OE tooling but capable aftermarket scan tools and techniques.
Topics will include:
Engine mechanical highlights Fuel system operation and diagnosis Ignition system operation and diagnosis Air Induction and turbocharging Emission components and monitoring strategies Network configuration and reprogramming Current service issues
GM Stop-Start Technologies
General Motors introduced the first Stop-Start system on the 2014 Chevy Malibu as standard equipment and now have over 21 models using Stop-Start technologies. Implementing automated stop-start technology in today’s vehicle’s is a cost-effective way to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. A Stop-Start system operates by shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete standstill, and automatically re-starts the engine when the driver releases the brake pedal. This operating strategy is often utilized in full hybrid-electric vehicles that have powerful electric systems but is also becoming more popular in non-hybrid vehicles that use traditional starter/battery configurations.
Topics include:
Dual battery and control methods used to isolate the electrical systems during Autostop/Start
Robust starter motor technologies-Dual Tandem Starter design and operation
Capacitor and DC-DC (Transformer) Control Stop-Start systems
Common components found on each system
Stop-Start input and output control logic
DTC descriptors and scan tool diagnostic evaluation methods
Important best service practices to handle working on GM vehicles equipped with Stop-Start systems
Advanced Alignment Angles Level 2 and 3
This class is about the features of your alignment machine that you may not be familiar with and take you to the next level beyond red is bad and green is good. The additional adjustments button will unlock features such as;
1. Steering Axis Inclination
2. Scrub Radius
3. Front and Rear Setback
4. Max Steering Angle
5. Body Dimension Audit
6. Ride Height
A few minutes of inspection will provide numbers and information that will be a win, win for your bottom line and your customer’s satisfaction.
To Catch A Thief - Electrical Testing
This informative presentation is focused at helping technicians overcome a common weakness - troubleshooting electrical faults. Pete has helped hundreds of technicians become comfortable tackling electrical problems. How? By helping them master fundamental electrical principles and testing techniques. In this session, Pete will help you shore up any holes in your understanding of electrical circuit operation as well as the factors that affect their function. Then, he'll share essential testing techniques you can apply your first day back in the shop!
VW Audi Self Guided Fault Finding
The Essentials of Developing and Executing Effective Productive Test Plans. Have you ever retrieved faults from a VW AUDI and wished for Guided Fault Finding? Unless you are using ODIS with all the factory goodies, you may be left out in the rain. Or are you?
In this abridged training session, Chris Martino present the cognitive tools he, and many other successful Technicians, use to build diagnostic test plans based on the faults, symptoms, technical information resources and proven test techniques. Chris Martino will simplify the VW AUDI specific “Track” Diagrams . He will teach you the skills to quickly and confidently map your Test Plan with those Wiring Diagrams. You will see the benefits and disadvantages of VW AUDI ODIS and the Major aftermarket information services. If you desire to break the chains of “fault code paths” and truly test/verify components, circuits, systems (including mechanical defects) with an oscilloscope and advanced accessories; this knowledge is a cornerstone for that vision.
BMW/Mini Bus - A Pragmatic Analysis
Eric Scharping will present an abridged portion of the BMW/Mini Bus Systems full day class. This presentation will offer a bus system overview and select bus system diagnostics. Eric Scharping takes the “factory “BMW Bus system training information and extracts the content that can be used to diagnose and repair vehicles and leaves the rest. A diagnostic routine that maximizes results and minimizes testing time will be provided for consideration. A focus of this course will be recognizing the difference between properly functioning bus and a malfunctioning one with various tools and techniques.
10 Proven Methods of Marketing to Implement Today
Learn these 10 proven methods of guerrilla marketing your shop for immediate success and increased phone calls to the shop. Specifically with regards to your website, Google AdWords, Text Marketing, Shop Videos, Reviews, Technology, Social Media, Branding, and Postcards. With modern marketing campaigns, everything is trackable. This data helps us assess performance, make changes, and ultimately optimize your Return On Investment. This presentation discusses tools that help you track your marketing, how you can use tracking numbers to increase your phone conversions, and finally the importance of marketing integration with your POS-system.
GDI Analytical Test Drive
In the second installment of modern diagnostic routines, we will take an in depth look at the wide variety of diagnostic information waiting to be tapped with a pressure transducer. In part 1, ILT-1415, technicians were shown how to best utilize and analyze waveforms produced from a pressure transducer reading combustion chamber pressures. Now, we will explain how to diagnose drivability concerns using the vacuum signals present in the intake, crankcase and the pressure signatures in the exhaust system and the fuel rail. Quickly gain diagnostic direction by tapping into these information pressure and vacuum sources.
Introduction to ADAS Service
Advanced technologies are already on the roadways and will be headed to your service bays soon. It’s likely that ADAS equipped vehicles have already been in your shop and there are things you and your staff should be aware of. Scott Brown will provide an introduction to these technologies and present best practices on how to address the challenges that these vehicles present. He will also provide insight on how to prepare for the car parc you serve and what tools and equipment you may need.
Topics discussed:The vehicle's view of world coordinatesNeural NetworksSensor technologyPresent and future capabilitiesService documentation
Domestic Charging Systems and Power Distribution
Are you replacing the alternator unnecessarily?
When faced with an illuminated BAT, GEN or ALT light that’s on what do we do on a late model vehicle equipped with a computer controlled charging system? The connected development of next-generation electrical and electronic architectures (EEA’s) has led to a whole new level of balance between modern batteries and the charging systems that support the vehicles electrical needs. The modern charging system is designed to maximize the effectiveness of the generator, manage loads, improve battery state of health and life, send diagnostic messages to alert the driver, and minimize the systems impact on fuel economy. This course will cover:
•Electrical power management designs
•Regulated voltage control for ignition off and on demand
•Battery state of charge, health and function
•Alternator pulley diagnosis overrunning alternator pulley (OAP) and decoupler (OAD)
•Charge indicator message interpretation
•Modes of charging system operation
Improving Outbound Phone Sales
Learn the seven steps to making a quality presentation every time. Build trust and value with your customers. Improve CSI and customer retention with better built relationships.
The Pressure Is On
This 3 hour class – is an introduction to pressure transducer use including; transducer setup, operation, scope setup, and pressure waveform analysis. The techniques in this class can be applied to any scope and transducer combination. Bernie will use case studies to demonstrate pressure transducer data analysis as it relates to engine operation. Become an expert on Exhaust Pressure Transducers and Scope set up. Make P0300 - Random Misfire Codes fast and easy to identify cylinders and to diagnose. Know when a P0300 - Random Misfire Code is not a misfire. Understanding In-Cylinder Running Compression waveform analysis. Quickly identify restricted exhaust thru the spark plug hole. Learn to diagnose and identify camshaft timing and phasing issues and How to diagnose valve sealing problems, including intermittent issues such as broken valve springs. Discover how to identify piston and ring sealing problems and locate ignition timing problems thru the spark plug pressure transducer.