My Diagnostic Routine

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[@SouthMainAuto]

Woot woot SMA made your list :) haha thanks Mike :)

[@flatratemaster]

Well just barely😉🤣🤣🤣

[@jeffcuevas5918]

I'm a sub on ur channel and enjoy ur videos as well but barley..lol

[@garyharms276]

Thanks again mike , as the old man in my shop I find myself cheating my way through because of my years of experience but yes it has bit me a few times ...keep up the good work

[@cricriarriazola8866]

Starting to love your channel thanks for taking the time to record! 👍🏻

[@braol]

Don't forget the final step. Retest to verify the repair. Can't count how many times I've seen comebacks because the repair was not verified.

[@flatratemaster]

Sadly that should be assumed, but i quess i should have said it

[@braol]

@@flatratemaster It should be but so many guys don't. I've been preaching the retest to my guys for a while. It seems like when I don't, they skip the retest and just throw the part on and ship it. Especially on evap leaks. They find and repair a leak and then don't smoke it after the repair to verify no leaks

[@nismo2070]

YES!

[@cbarkwell1000]

You are right, very Crucial Step.

[@themjf2000]

I been watching this channel....I’m Luvin it. Been a big help!

[@minesaver]

Really appreciate all your videos. Been watching a ton, as I am about to enter the flat rate world for the first time after 9 years in the field, and on euro cars primarily to boot. I like that you give shout outs to other channels too.

[@DOYLECLEVERLOBE1]

I've been reading chicken bones and doing some chanting but you method seems valid as well.

[@flatratemaster]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@charliemagoo7943]

😁😁😁😁

[@pskauto6798]

😂😂😂

[@tycobandit]

Yes, summon the gods for a good harvest and a pattern failure.

[@Fedwrench]

you have to know what right looks like. by this, i mean if you're unfamiliar with something, look up description & operation to see how it should work and then with a wiring diagram, figure what's going on. thanks for sharing, lots of food for thought in diagnosis.

[@TheDerekeder]

Thank you for your excellent videos!

[@charliemagoo7943]

I like the IDINTFIXIT and mitchell where an evap code can be fixed by brake rotors and plug wires. Cleared codes and light not on during test drive even though code sets while vehicle is off.

[@LAZYBEE3224]

You are the best, straight no nonsense, love your channel. Regards

[@179joshua]

A quick visual inspection is good to. The amount of times it's been something very simple.somthing you can hear see or smell .thank you for all your effort in making videos

[@scottpearsontoolsmore185]

Great video thanks brother. Sounds pretty good to me your not throwing parts at it. Keep up the great work see you in the next video thanks again brother

[@derekdlick2516]

Good routine. One thing I see guys do to is just not go the extra mile. Just cause the code says for example Performance and not pointing to a circuit. If it's not to much hassle just do a few quick a checks of the wiring even unplug the sensor or and test both the ground side and power side. And check the circuit degenerized it's amazing how many times you can find a short, or short to power, or power going the wrong way, and slight resistance issues. That 30 seconds can save you 3 hours or more and a comeback

[@robmedinatransmissiondiagn2286]

I think I might bring my car to you. It’s at another shop and it still won’t run they’re having trouble figuring it out. I do enjoy your videos and watch them all the time, hopefully you can get my car running again! Thanks again for your input and your help!

[@memopat1]

Over at the big box store they pretend to know how to diagnose faults on your vehicle then load the parts cannon I now like to hang out there and listen to the pros that sell parts they cant diagnose lol

[@mharradine57]

Great tips and video brother. Keep it up.

[@nicholasierubino8223]

As the only "modern day" A Tech left in the shop, it is nice to see I am doing good practices that are also working for other professiosnals. "INTEGRITY" check (oil, coolant, check lines) scan with my Autel, road test, check Identifix, check Alldata, read trouble trees and look at wiring FOR a direction, then get back to the car. Great point on documenting at least the codes!

[@poonbandit9924]

I was told this was the basics when I started 8 years ago. It’s sad that’s it’s not common practice

[@blackbambinoe]

Great info as usual

[@Jpilgrim30]

Nice point on covering using identifix. I see some people using it improperly from time to time as well. Nothing worse than hearing someone say something like look there is a hundred crank sensors. I’ll say add up all of the other fixes shown and a hundred of them aren’t so TEST! Like you said it’s great for TSBs, identifying pattern failures, and some quick tests but should never be used to play the odds.

[@willyqueen4066]

Thanks great video learned a lot

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

Good stuff. I also admire the audacity of Hondas flow charts. Such a shame. Big thumbs up Mike 👍

[@zach914v8]

I use identifix as a statistical idea of whats going on and a decent pinpoint test. Lots of times, like today the pinpoint sucked and didnt help me. I used the trouble tree aka flow chart and found the problem. I always cross check the flow chart to identifix test.

[@mq2825]

For this particular car you are using as a example I’d use ISTA probably best program ever!!!

[@VigilanceTech]

I would add, especially on intermittents, see if you can disable something that reproduces the problem (e.g. unplug a fuse, pull a connector, etc...)

[@VigilanceTech]

oh, and also, fix what's obviously wrong, because quite often the complained about problem is actually a consequence of that

[@joshspulnik3140]

Thanks Like you said then you video do the same steps every time on every car SWR

[@randygould4109]

i like your cart i have the same one in black with the 100 anniversary edition paint scheme

[@KobaBlack113]

I've worked at a shop that used identifix as a fix all. They used that shit like a magic wand.

[@flatratemaster]

Too many do😐

[@MrBdfournier]

Would love to see some case studies with some scan tool action.

[@philh9238]

Yea instead of dude just talking in front of his toolbox

[@SgtJoeSmith]

Love your videos! I subbed!

[@asmautollc]

Both this vid and previous are great. Will leave comment over there too,

[@distinctridesbydavy9353]

Great video!

[@KyleE-pm1nt]

Shopkeypro/ mitchellondemand also gives test procedures like identifix. At my shop we use Alldata and shopkeypro. I use both because they provide different information that has different benefits. We don't use identifix, personally I prefer shopkeypro. The only reason we don't use identifix is that nobody on the shop was using it, so the shop stopped paying for it.

[@EXOVCDS]

Good stuff!

[@christopherkassner8894]

The Lone Ranger tech. Lol . They keep my bay busy. It’s love hate relationship.

[@martinschaffmeir7729]

Very good information sir.

[@gran_turismo_fan]

I liked the video anyway because of your majestic hat.

[@isorozco511]

Never underestimate and forget the importance and effectiveness of a VISUAL INSPECTION of as much as you can see. I have fixed problems related to engine performance, suspension noises, evap, airbag even speakers not working because of a broken wire, torn hose or anything similar. 10 years experience has taught me this 😊

[@jeremiahschaefer3416]

Some call identifix a crutch...I call it a highly efficient service manual

[@TommyZ9448]

How is that scanner. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤔 thinking about getting one. does it have test for evap. Actuators. And quick learn features. Can u flash with it. You know all those questions. 😆

[@suezanarms1287]

Grand slam Mike!!! 😉

[@benhampton9593]

Thank you

[@gailtaylor1636]

Does your shop have same labor rate for European vs Domestic diag work?

[@scuba422123]

you didn't mention the visual inspection it can be before bulletin or pi or right after

[@flatratemaster]

Too easy for this video to become an hour long diatribe

[@DavidsonMott]

What tool cart was that you were using?

[@kaderferhat2495]

There are no pending Air Bag codes, are there?

[@normansmith7806]

Good one !

[@flatratemaster]

Thanks Norman

[@terryharvey4811]

ALL SILVER BULLET FIXES, TSBs, TROUBLE CODES, and the famous " I HAD A CAR THAT DID THAT AND IT WAS XXXXX should only be used to give you a direction and a starting point towards YOUR repair....If you test all of these items and they test good, then you still have to FIX THE PROBLEM... AFTER YOU DO DIAG THE PROBLEM AND CORRECTLY FIX IT, YOU CAN ADD YOUR FIX TO THE LIST FOR THE "NEXT GUY" !!!!!

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Nice troubleshooting procedures. Would you recconmend freeze frame data and a test drive. What do you perfer mitchel or Alldata? Good video though.👍

[@memopat1]

Wow 91 views already ,

[@flatratemaster]

I will look at FF data if i think it will give me more info. I do not like Mitchell's redrawn wiring diagrams often wrong

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Thank you for the quick response. 👍

[@BADD400]

Good video

[@poonbandit9924]

How do you deal with a bad apprentice. I’ve been a master tech for a while, and have had 3 previous apprentices, the three I had previously were actually decent baby technicians and were trustworthy for minor engine and suspension work on there own with a diagnostic from myself. But this kid can do brakes or an oil change alone and it still has to be checked by me. I am a pretty solid teacher all my apprentices still work at my shop, have gotten certified, and are solid, one is an outstanding technician. But this guy is about to be doomed to lube tech and I don’t want that on my record. I know this is an old video but please.

[@isorozco511]

If its cositing production and increaseing stress levels warn him you cant hold his hand forever, give him fair warning before cutting someone loose.

[@poonbandit9924]

@@isorozco511 the kid wrecked a truck in the lot because he was stoned out of his mind, I don’t care what you do off the clock as I have partaken before myself, but that explains why he was SO bad and SO slow lol he’s gone now

[@adameal1]

Can your autel maxisys program new pcm and flash to new software update for modules?

[@flatratemaster]

The jbox is used with a subscription to the various manufacturers sites, and a pc as the interface, you cannot use the autel tablet for programming

[@peanutbutterisfu]

First thing to check is tsb’s he’s 100% right.

[@mikejens2271]

Battery test is always the first step.

[@sonofmontezuma3732]

The trouble tree is for entry level techs , you are really putting it on thick today Philosophy Use the brain Dont thrust the magic box And TEST?? O BOY that's a tall order Tone it down guy !! Lol Great video

[@brasanford1]

Any help on diesel driveability diagnostics channels?

[@flatratemaster]

Sadly Diesel tech Ron, was a good channel, but he has passed away, Adept Ape is a CAT tech channel, the only ones i can think of

[@smitty2jones]

Honda likes to "replace with known good part and retest" Yeah mate, I have this stupid $350 solenoid just chilling on my shelf.

[@flatratemaster]

Hate that crap

[@frankmuhammad9660]

Tell it like it is FRM!!!!

[@das11270110]

Curious, u may have said before. Did u attend a tech school? Love the videos.

[@flatratemaster]

Yes many moons ago

[@michael2363]

I just go to google and punch in the code and see what people have changed to fix the code and test those parts . Haven’t had a come back yet . I came here excited to see how he does it and pretty much got nothing out of it . I like his videos but my way seems less complicated and faster to do . I get an hour to diagnose I car and I get it done in about 20 minutes

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

So you got disappointed because he doesn't do a Google search 😆 this video revolves around a real diagnostic process. Not a Google test plan 😆 you Google p0301 what do you think it's say first? Swap spark plug and coil. Then what? Swap injectors? Then what? Check compression? 😆😆😆 a true diagnostician would've applauded the "no silver bullet" process.

[@michael2363]

Super Mario Diagnostics I’m not a parts canon I test things like I said if they fail I replace it . I don’t just go on google see what they change and change it so I don’t understand why you would say that I change the coils spark plugs then the injectors then check compression

[@michael2363]

Oz Mechanics I agree with the no silver bullet . I test everything I’m supposed to test I just don’t use AllData because my phone is there and I don’t have to leave the car . I’ve never thrown any parts and any car without knowing for sure that’s the part that needs to be replaced . I’ve always tried finding the fastest way to do something and that’s the fastest way I’ve found . I get paid hourly but I get a $500 bonus if I flag 160 hours by the end of the month so being efficient is still something I need to do

[@SuperMarioDiagnostics]

Wofsy i said swap, not change. If one was to follow Google instructions for a misfire, they'd swap a coil, with a known good from another cylinder. Then a spark plug, then injector, then check all those circuits, then finally a compression check right? You're criticizing Mike for putting out a video for diagnostic strategy. Your diagnostic strategy is a Google checklist. I guess that's ok, if one has very little experience with the system they're diagnosing. I'd like to see what your process would be for diagnosing a misfire. That's really what i was alluding to in my response to you. Instead of criticizing Mike maybe you can show us how it's done.

[@michael2363]

Super Mario Diagnostics and I wasn’t disappointed and the way he does it I just thought he was gonna show him self testing things and using his scanner but he just basically described what he uses to find out what to test which is why I said I got nothing out of it because I already know where I go to find out what to test if I haven’t dealt with that code . He has a couple of scanners that I am interested in purchasing and I was excited to see some one as knowledgeable as him show how he uses it so I can get a better idea and see if it’s worth for me to get it that’s all. No need to get disappointed at my comment

[@lovemym16]

Car runs poorly, no check engine light. Me:Did you scan for any codes? Tech: It doesn't have any lights, there ain't no codes. Me: takes work order from tech and scans the car.....P0505, Idle control fault, command MIL no. Tech: well how was I supposed to know that, it don't got no lights. Me: Follow the diagnostic procedures! Also me: Docks tech 1 hour for not diagnosing the car.

[@r.a.p.k.models4160]

I don't like too much identifix, maybe I need a training.

[@WTFxCROWEx]

3 in a row!!!!

[@nismo2070]

I've dealt with a lot of younger techs that use Identifix as their "magic 8-ball". They'll punch in the code just say it needs whatever part 64 techs replaced to fix it. Won't even try (or don't know how) to actually diagnose it. Guess what? Car comes back with same problem.

[@gailtaylor1636]

Which some want to blame Identifix for. The "fixes" include all the appropriate tests. The biggest issue is the flat-rate pay plan. Plus .35 for a tow-in no-start. You can't find the car, push it in, charge the battery (always dead) in .35. Haven't even started on diagnostic process yet you are already losing money. For most shops, doing diag work is a money loser. Make more money selling brakes and flushes.

[@nismo2070]

Gail Taylor, 100% agree!! It's hard to find a shop willing to pay for exceptional diagnostic skills.

[@cbarkwell1000]

Good grief, that's Serious true observation on your part.

[@toptech7918]

Will that autel store the codes and vehicle like the Verus?

[@dajuanpollard2685]

Top Tech79 yes it will I have one

[@flatratemaster]

Yes it does

[@benmayne7910]

First and foremost the eyeball test , before any wiring diagrams or scan tool has gone near the car

[@josephknotts8618]

I know I'm always surprised, but I can't count how many times I'll check a car open the hood and the sensor is unplugged. Crazy.

[@rossington1680]

Wait….. I thought the engine light just meant that the car was on?!?! 🤯

[@chrischiampo7647]

😀😊😊😊😊😮😀😊👍🏼

[@philh9238]

i stay off of identifix period. makes people lazy.

[@craigtomczyk3452]

It's a valuable of a tool if you make the choice to use it correctly. I used to love submitting confirmed fixes and adding my own details I would hope someone eventually would find helpful.

[@kyle_throws_tools]

Identifix is a great source for service bulletins, wiring diagrams, and symptom-specific diagnostic tips that may be far outside what you would normally consider. A lot better than Alldata in my experience. Certainly don't throw a part at a car because 34 other people fixed the issue with it, but don't dismiss a good knowledge resource. That's like not using power tools because they're lazy.

[@maxwellpeter1598]

I always test drive my check engine lights first and we'll any car first unless it's an over heat or coolant leak then I'll verify their is enough coolant to drive it safely other than that it's about the same process

[@flatratemaster]

The problem with test driving before the scan if what if it only does the complaint cold, or it has a tstat code, or a lean code that fixes it self after the engine gets warmed up etc

[@braol]

I scan in the parking lot before I start it. Then test drive with the scan tool hooked up

[@maxwellpeter1598]

@@flatratemaster haven't burned me yet it's an old habits from working Ford pre obd2 and t stats codes if I didn't get up to operating temp in the data we there ya go