Chapter 15

Discuss the importance of vehicle history. Retrieve vehicle service information. Read and interpret service manuals and electronic service information. Describe the use of the vehicle owner’s manual. OBJECTIVES: After studying Chapter 15, the reader should be able to:

Julian Date (JD) service information technical service bulletin (TSB) KEY TERMS:

VEHICLE SERVICE HISTORY RECORDS Whenever service work is performed, the record of what was done is usually kept on file by the shop or service department for a number of years. The wise service technician will check the vehicle service history if working on a vehicle with an unusual problem. Often, previous repairs may indicate the reason for the current problem or it could be related to the same circuit or components.

OWNER’S MANUAL Many automotive professional technicians and service advisors say the owner’s manual is not read by many vehicle owners. Most owner’s manuals contain all or most of the following information: How to reset the maintenance reminder light Specs including viscosity of and number of quarts of oil needed Tire pressures and standard and optional tire sizes Maintenance schedule for all fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid, and differential fluid How to program the remote control as well as the power windows and door lock How to reset the tire pressure monitoring system after a tire rotation

LUBRICATION GUIDES Lubrication guides, such as those published by Chek-Chart and Chilton, include all specifications for lubrication-related service including: Hoisting location Lubrication points Grease and oil specifications Capacities for engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant for cooling systems, and differential fluid

A customer purchased a used Pontiac Vibe and complained to a shop that the cruise control would disengage and had to be reset if driven below 25 mph (40 km/h). The service technician was able to verify that in fact this occurred, but did not know if this feature was normal or not. The technician checked the owner’s manual and discovered that this vehicle was designed to operate this way. Unlike other cruise control systems, those systems on Toyota-based vehicles are designed to shut off below 25 mph, requiring the driver to reset the desired speed. The customer was informed that nothing could be done to correct this concern and the technician also learned something. Vehicles that use the Toyota cruise control system include all Toyotas, plus Lexus, Pontiac Vibe, and Chevrolet Prism. Owner’s Manual is the Key to Proper Operation HINT: Many vehicle manufacturers offer owner’s manuals on their website for a free download.

SERVICE MANUALS Factory and aftermarket service manuals contain specifications and service procedures. While factory service manuals cover just one year and one or more models of the same vehicle, most aftermarket service manuals cover multiple years and/or models in one manual. Included in most service manuals are the following: Figure 15–1 Many service manuals include diagnostic information as well as specs and repair procedures. Capacities and recommended specs for all fluids Specs including engine and routine maintenance items Testing procedures Service procedures including special tools when needed Continued

While some factory manuals are printed in one volume, most factory service information is in several volumes and divided into sections due to the amount and depth of information presented. Warnings and cautions VIN identification numbers on engine transmission/transaxle, and body parts Lock cylinder coding Fastener information Decimal and metric equivalents Abbreviations and standard nomenclature used Service parts identification label and process code information General Information Includes: Continued

Maintenance and Lubrication Information Includes : Schedule for “normal” as well as “severe” usage time and mileage charts Specified oil and other lubricant specifications Chassis lubrication points Tire rotation methods Periodic vehicle inspection services (items to check and time/mileage intervals) Maintenance item part numbers, such as oil and air filter numbers, and specs such as oil capacity and tire pressures Continued

Engines Engine electrical diagnosis (battery, charging, cranking ignition and wiring) Engine mechanical diagnosis Specific engine information for each engine that may be used in the vehicle(s) covered by the service manual, including: Engine identification On-vehicle service procedures Description of the engine and operation of lubrication system Exploded views showing all parts of the engine Disassembly procedures Inspection procedures and specs of the parts and subsystems Assembly procedures Torque specs and sequence for all fasteners Continued

Figure 15–2 An exploded view of an engine as shown in a time and parts guide. Exploded views of components such as engines and transmissions are available in shop manuals and electronic service information, as well as in parts and labor time guides. These views, showing all of the parts as if the assembly was blown apart, give the service technician a clear view of the various parts and their relationship to other parts in the assembly. Exploded Views Continued

Automatic Transmission/Transaxle General information (identification and specifications) Diagnosis procedures, including preliminary checks and fluid level procedures General service, including leak detection and correction Cooler flushing procedures Unit removal procedures Unit disassembly procedures and precautions Unit assembly procedures and torque specifications Continued

Electrical Systems Symbols used Troubleshooting procedures Repair procedures (wire repair, connectors, and terminals) Power distribution Ground distribution Component location views Harness routing views Individual electrical circuits, including circuit operation and schematics Continued

Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Heater System Continued General description Heater control assembly Diagnosis, including heater electrical wiring and vacuum system Blower motor and fan assembly diagnosis and servicing procedures Air distribution values Fastener torque specifications

Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning ( cont .) Air-Conditioning System Continued General description and system components Air-conditioning system diagnosis, including leak detection Air-conditioning and heater function tests Air-conditioning service procedures Refrigerant recovery, recycling, adding oil, evacuating procedures, and charging procedures Troubleshooting guide

Engine Performance (Driveablity and Emissions) Vehicle emission control information (VECI) label visual/physical under-hood inspection On-board diagnostic system Scan tool values Wiring harness service Symptom charts Continued

It is often a benefit to have the written instructions or wiring diagrams at the vehicle while diagnosing or performing a repair. One advantage of a hard copy service manual is that it can be taken to the vehicle and used as needed. However, dirty hands can often cause pages to become unreadable. The advantage of electronic format service information is that the material can be printed out and taken to the vehicle for easy access. This also allows the service technician to write or draw on the printed copy, which can be a big help when performing tests such as electrical system measurements. These notes can then be used to document the test results on the work order. Print It Out

All forms of service information have advantages, including: ADVANTAGES OF HARD COPY VERSUS ELECTRONIC SERVICE INFORMATION Continued

All forms of service information have disadvantages, including: DISADVANTAGES OF HARD COPY VERSUS ELECTRONIC SERVICE INFORMATION Continued

Figure 15–3 Extra time should be added if work is being performed on a vehicle that has excessive rust or other factors as stated in the time guide. Many time guides provide additional time for vehicles that may be excessively rusted due to climate conditions or have been subjected to abuse. Be sure to quote the higher rate if any of these conditions are present on the customer’s vehicle. Look for Severe Service Times Continued

Figure 15–5 Typical vacuum diagram as shown in a factory service manual. Various hard copy manuals are available, including: Figure 15–4 Often wiring diagrams and vacuum diagrams are combined into one manual. TYPES OF SERVICE INFORMATION Wiring diagrams Vacuum hose diagrams Continued

Figure 15–7 Typical factory service manual wiring schematic. Figure 15–6 A typical electrical wiring diagram manual. Electrical troubleshooting and/or schematic manuals Continued

Figure 15–9 A component location guide typically shows the location of components in words and in figures. Figure 15–8 A component locator manual is a helpful manual to have, especially if work is being performed on a vehicle with which you are not familiar. Electrical component guide Continued

LABOR GUIDE MANUALS Labor guides , also called flat-rate manuals, list vehicle service procedures and the time it should take an average technician to complete the task. This flat-rate time is the basis for estimates and pay for techs. Some manuals include a parts list, with the price of the part to help service advisors create estimates for both labor and parts. These are usually called “parts and time guides.” Continued Figure 15–10 Some guides include labor information only.

Figure 15–11 A typical time guide showing the times specified for the replacement or reconditioning of components. Continued

HOW TO USE HARD COPY MANUALS The most efficient way to find information in a manual is to look at the table of contents in the front of the book first. Figure 15–12 The wise service tech starts to look for service information at the front of the manual in the table of contents. Continued

Next, go to the page (or pages) where the desired information is located. Figure 15–13 Many pages are numbered with the section, as in this case 11, followed by the page number 27 in that section. Continued

If bulb information or location of a component is needed, check the table of contents for the location of this information. Figure 15–14 The component location section of a service manual is very helpful, especially when working on an unfamiliar vehicle. Continued

Service information and testing procedures should be closely followed, including any symptom or flow charts. A sample of a symptom information chart is shown here:

ELECTRONIC SERVICE INFORMATION There are many programs available providing service information for the automotive industry. Some information is available online. Many shops choose to purchase software from an aftermarket supplier. ALL Data and Mitchell On-Demand are commonly used software programs that include information for many vehicles. Home Screen The first screen displayed when you start. Displays buttons that represent the major sections of the program. Access to the Home screen is available anywhere within the program by clicking the Home button on the toolbar. Toolbars Displayed on most screens, providing quick access to certain functions. This toolbar varies somewhat, depending upon what information is being accessed. Continued

Electronic Service Information Electronic service information is available mostly by subscription and provides access to an Internet site where service manual-type information is available. Most vehicle manufacturers also offer electronic information to their dealers and to schools and colleges that offer corporate training programs. Technical Service Bulletins Often abbreviated TSBs , technical service bulletins are issued by the manufacturer to notify service techs of a problem and include the necessary corrective action. Technical service bulletins are designed for dealership technicians but are republished by aftermarket companies and made available with other service information to shops and repair facilities. Continued

Internet The Internet has opened the field for information exchange and access to technical advice. One of the most useful websites is the International Automotive Technician’s network at www.iatn.net . This is a free website, but service technicians need to register to join. For a small monthly sponsor fee, the shop or service technician can gain access to the archives, which include thousands of successful repairs in the searchable database. Visit IATN on the Internet at www.iatn.net Continued

Recalls and Campaigns A recall or campaign is issued by a vehicle manufacturer and a notice sent to all owners in the event of a safety- or emission-related fault or concern. While these may be repaired by independent shops, they are generally handled by a local dealer. Items that have created recalls in the past have included fuel system leakage problems, exhaust leakage, or electrical malfunctions that could cause a fire or the engine to stall. Unlike technical service bulletins whose cost is only covered when the vehicle is within the warranty period, a recall or campaign is always done at no cost to the vehicle owner. Continued

HOTLINE SERVICES A hotline service provider is a subscription-based helpline to assist service technicians solve technical problems. While services vary, most charge a monthly fee for access to an experienced service technician who has a large amount of resource material available. Often, the tech specializes in one vehicle make and is familiar with many pattern failures that are seen by other technicians in the field. Hotline services are an efficient way to get information on an as-needed basis. Continued Identifix Autohotlineusa Taylor Automotive Tech-Line Aspire

When talking to a hotline service provider, it is wise to be looking at the vehicle during the call to be able to provide information about the vehicle and perform the suggested tests. This makes the job of troubleshooting easier and faster for both the technician and the service provider, resulting in shorter length calls. Using a Bluetooth hands-free telephone should help shorten the length of calls, which means the cost will be less for the help service. Use a Bluetooth Hands-Free Telephone

SPECIALTY REPAIR MANUALS Examples of specialty repair manuals include unit repair for assembled components, such as automatic transmission/transaxle, manual transmission/transaxle, differentials and engines. Some specialty repair manuals cover older or antique vehicles. Continued

Aftermarket supplies guides and catalogs often include expanded views of assembled parts along with helpful hints and advice. Sometimes the only place this information is available is at trade shows associated with automotive training conferences and expos. These Internet sites offer examples of training conferences with trade shows: AFTERMARKET SUPPLIES GUIDES AND CATALOGS Visit Vision Hi Tech Training and Expo at www.visionkc.com Visit Auto Value Tech Expo at www.avtechexpo.com Visit Linder Technical Services at www.lindertech.com

The Julian date (abbreviated JD ) is the number of the day of the year. January 1 is day 001. The Julian date is named for Julius Caesar, who developed the current calendar. Julian Date

SUMMARY Vehicle history records are sometimes very helpful in determining problems that may be related to a previous fault or repair. The vehicle owner’s manual is very helpful to the service technician because it includes the procedures for resetting the maintenance reminder light (oil change light), as well as how to reset the tire pressure monitoring system after a tire rotation, and other important settings and specifications. Lubrication guides provide information on the specified oil and lubricants needed along with the capacities and the location of lubrication points. Continued

SUMMARY Factory service manuals or electronic services include information that is vehicle and year specific and very detailed. Other types of service information are labor and parts guides, vacuum hose and wiring diagrams, component locator manuals, specialty manuals and aftermarket supplies guides and catalogs. Hotline services are subscription based and allow a technician to talk to an experienced technician who has many resources. ( cont. )

Chapter 15

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Chapter 15