Automotive Video brings you the Top 5 Most Watched Tip Clips for 2011! The most popular clips include everything from battery drains to ABS, misfire testing to intake restrictions, as well as O2 slow response codes. Check out what others are watching and share your favorite tip clips.

Check out this technical tip clip on CAN Data with Dave Hobbs. In this clip Dave talks about Class 2 layouts, specifically the ‘loop configuration’ systems. He breaks down the layout of theses systems in an easy to understand manner and talks about how the modules communicate on this type of system as well as how they are electrically wired.

Lets learn how to ACE the ASE! The Study App, announced in Las Vegas at the AVI Training Conference during AAPEX will soon allow technicians everywhere to be able to download the ASE study app on their mobile phones. Check out the most badass mobile test prep training app available to technicians preparing for ASE certifications! Learn from ASE certified master technicians, watch training videos, and take advantage of our practice tests packed with ASE style questions.

AVI and AAPEX joined joined forces in 2011 bringing you TWO exciting events at ONE time! AVI brought their world class technical training to AAPEX at Sands Expo Center in […]

The AAPEX convention & AVI Conference took place on October 31 -November 1, 2011 as part of Industry Week in Las Vegas, Nevada. Whether you made the journey out to Vegas for the week or were stuck back home in the shop you will want to check out this ‘virtual show’ video player from AVI. This video player is filled with interviews and video clips from several of the vendors at the event, so sit back, relax and discover something new.

In this tip clip excerpt from the complete Fuel System Testing Strategies class instructor Bill Fulton talks about the Ford Electronic Returnless Fuel systems and how to perform tests on this system using your DSO. He shows us the parameters to watch out for on your scope and how to interpret the info you see.

Are you gonna be in Vegas for AAPEX? Well, if you are you had better be at our training event, but either way Team AVI invites you to stop past our booth at the AAPEX Show and see whats new in the world of technical training at AVI.

If your going to be in Vegas at the AAPEX show but missed out on signing up for our event, now is the time to do so! The AVI Training Conference is only a few days away! If your already planning to be at AAPEX or SEMA our training event is a must see. Join us for world class technical training in Vegas along side AAPEX at the Sands Expo Center, October 31 – November 1, 2011!

In this excerpt from Dave Scaler’s complete training program ‘Base Engine Analysis,’ Dave shares a quick case study on a Pontiac Grand Am with a Quad 4 that came in with misfire DTCs. He discusses the diagnostic procedures and details of the compression test on this vehicles Quad 4. He gives some best practices and helpful hints for dealing with valve timing issues like those exhibited in this case study.

In this excerpt from Dave Scaler’s complete training program ‘Top 10 OBD II Codes: How to Fix Them Fast,’ Dave discusses alternative tests for mass air flow sensors (MAF). He talks about how to use your scan tool in order to check several different things to determine the state of the MAF.

AVI has your training solution to diagnosing one of the most common intermittent electrical problems within any vehicle’s electrical system. In the newly released Victory Over Voltage Drops, Instructor Dave Hobbs takes the hands-on route with a multi meter on both simulators and vehicles in the service bay as he demonstrates how you can perform simple, easy-to-follow real world tests that drive you to the right diagnosis and that problem car right out the door!

The A8 Engine Performance test prep study program from AVI will give you the knowledge and confidence you need to ace the ASE. Read the comprehensive book, get tips on […]

In this tech tip, instructor Bill Fulton gives you a quick modern day tech tip that you don’t see on their scan tool. It’s called Lambda. This is what we call the corrected air-fuel ratio. He discusses Lambda, how it differs from manufacturer to manufacture, and what numbers to look for.

In this tip clip, Bill Fulton discusses the theory and evolution of power-balance testing. Providing insight, techniques, and how it all applies to modern cars, Bill shows you how to better pinpoint fuel balance problems.

Congratulations to Eric Golden of Australia for winning $200 in online training courses from AVI OnDemand! By submitting a review of John Thornton’s ‘In Pressure Transducer Diagnostics’ course Eric was entered in our new monthly drawing for free training.

Dave Hobbs is at it again in his new class on F.R.E.D.s (Frustrating Ridiculous Electronic Devices)–coming soon from Automotive Video. Do you know what to do when your scan tool says “No Communications”? Can you quickly diagnose those dreaded “U-Codes” that report serial bus problems? The average vehicle today has more than $8,000 in electronic content with more modules (a.k.a. F.R.E.D.s – Frustrating Ridiculous Electronic Devices) as well as smart sensors connected to communications networks. In order to accurately diagnose, you must understand how these systems work.

In this tip clip, Dave Hobbs talks about what to do if you have a vehicle with no PCM data. You plug in your brick, and you go to pull codes or look at PIDs in this late 90s, whatever, early 2000 Chrysler. It’s got CCD. You think you’re talking on the CCD. You’re actually talking on SCI, and scan tool just sits there and says no communications. What could the problem be? Is it a bad scan tool? Bad computer? Bad bus wires? Well, in this clip Dave gives some quick pointers on what to look for next.

In this case study with Dave Hobbs, we learn about the complexities and challenges of diagnostics of data bus systems. Dave talks about a Chevy Malibu he once worked on: it couldn’t start several modules. He talks about how, sometimes, bus issues can be things you would never suspect and how keeping up with learning about these systems and understanding their complexities is necessary if you want to work on cars with these problems.

The ARAU presents a new campaign called ARAU: Kids Go Green Car Recycling, with resources for families and teachers. The ARAU new online e-coloring book provides an early education tool […]

Automotive Video, Inc. has been producing timely and informative training for automotive repair professionals since 1994. Our mission is to provide full-service training to the automotive repair industry.

In pursuit of that goal, AVI created ‘Scope It Out’ a news blog, that will keep you up-to-date with the latest new videos available from our extensive library, provide tips and timely information in articles written by our talented instructors, plus a chance for you, our loyal customer, to provide feedback, or even ask an instructor a specific question, all in an effort to bring training to your shop easily and effectively.

Recently, ASE announced that it is moving exclusively to computer-based testing (CBT) in 2012 for it’s 40-plus certification exams. Each of the tests will be offered for the last time in written form on the evenings of November 10, 15, and 17. Registration for these dates is currently open and ends September 30, 2011.

By Kevin S. McCartney. Kevin McCartney has compiled this comprehensive list of information related to modern oil additive and supplements. This is sure to be an interesting read full of new information for anyone interested in the science behind modern automotive oils.

In this case study from the 6.4 Powerstroke Diesel class, trainer Wally Mouradain discusses a turbo problem on a truck with a 2008 6.4 Powerstroke and how technicians should never overlook the simple or mechanical related failures the scan tool may never pick up.

In this excerpt from the ‘Victory Over Voltage Drops’ training program, instructor Dave Hobbs discusses the tools and techniques you will need to perform proper voltage drop tests by showing us several tools in use on a 2011 Equinox.

The new Ford Powerstroke Diagnostics with Instructor Wally Mouradin is now available! This Powerstroke 6.0, 6.4 and 6.7 diagnostics training program helps you choose the best tests that get you the most information with the least effort in order to fix these vehicles fast. These strategies are even more critical on Powerstroke engines because they are so time consuming to work on. This training program contains field-tested diagnostic and repair strategies that actually work, and includes tips and tricks developed in shops across the nation.

Sometimes, as a technicians, it feels like people expect you to be a mind reader, capable of reading the thoughts of both man and machine. You know it doesn’t have to be this way. Armed with the right information, a great technician will not have to read minds, but getting the right information requires a lot of training in order to stay up-to-date on new technology. At the AVI Training Conference alongside AAPEX in Las Vegas, you have the chance to attend the best management and technical training on the most current topics from the greatest instructors in the automotive industry.

Whether it be training on new equipment or scan tools, staying up-to-date with industry technology, professional development or simply the desire to learn something new–the learning never stops. That’s why AVI OnDemand helps thousands of technicians, trainers and shop owners achieve their diagnostic training goals. In the past few months, enrollment has steadily increased, allowing us to add new training courses to our digital library. Check out the list below for some of the latest additions to AVI OnDemand.

By Kevin S. McCartney. Modern engines rely much more heavily on the lubrication system for cooling than ever before. Oil coolers and coolant heated PCV systems present some new opportunities. But, there is a great deal of overlooked technology in modern motor oils that should be understood before this opportunity is addressed.

What we’re focusing on here is, you just did an engine job, or maybe you replaced the transmission, cylinder head job. You’ve had a significant portion of the vehicle disconnected underneath the hood. And you want to know, does everything have integrity? So in this particular case study, we’re going to go look to see if there are any trouble codes. We’ve done some work on the engine. We’ve had some things taken apart underneath the hood, and we want to use the scan tool make sure that the basic component test portion has passed. So let’s take a look at that.

By Scott ‘Gonzo’ Weaver. Sometimes, I’ll find faults with the so called “experts” advice or information. Not that I think I’m smarter than the engineers… no, not that at all. But if something strikes me as not being completely correct I might want to question what is on that diagnostic tree. Mind you, my entire day is filled with meeting the expectations of my customers. I have to be dead on with my repairs and diagnostics. Not some of the time, no, ALL the time. And, I expect the same from the people that provide the information and parts. The way I look at it, you’re only as good as the information provided.

AVI has coordinated with AAIA this year to bring you TWO exciting events at ONE time! AVI will be bringing their world class technical training to Vegas along side AAPEX […]

The new Ford Powerstroke Diagnostics with Instructor Wally Mouradin is set to be released Monday. This Powerstroke 6.0, 6.4 and 6.7 diagnostics training program helps you choose the best tests that get you the most information with the least effort in order to fix these vehicles fast. These strategies are even more critical on Powerstroke engines because they are so time consuming to work on. This training program contains field-tested diagnostic and repair strategies that actually work, and includes tips and tricks developed in shops across the nation.

In this excerpt from the A8 ASE test prep program, Instructor Dave Hobbs discusses some tips and tricks regarding various ways to perform a back pressure test. He also talks about how to make your own tool for this purpose and tells you what to look out for on the ASE A8 exam regarding back pressure related questions.

By Scott ‘Gonzo’ Weaver. When I was a kid, I used to watch my dad, who started out as a diesel mechanic, tune up cars and trucks from time to time. He would turn the adjustment screws on the carburetor until the engine smoothed out and started to purr. Then, after listening closely to the rumbling of the motor, the adjustment screws would get one final tweak. He would always bend down and cup his hand around the belching tail pipe exhaust and take a big sniff of the fumes, and then go back to his adjustments. That was back in the 60s and 70s before PCMs, O2 sensors and catalytic converters.

Through the years, AVI has helped thousands of technicians, trainers and shop owners achieve their diagnostic training goals. Whether it be training on new equipment or scan tools, staying up-to-date with industry technology, professional development or simply the desire to learn something new–the learning never stops. We all know that finding the time for training is hard. That’s why AVI OnDemand wants to make it easy for you to make time for great training.