Automotive Video, better known as Team AVI has launched a complete ASE Test Prep website to help automotive repair technicians prepare for the ASE A2, A6, A8, C1 and L1 certification exams.

Automotive Video, Inc., also known as Team AVI has updated the website for the 2010 AVI Training Conference with the class lineup and other information. This three day event will take place January 14-17, 2010 at the Beautiful Pink Shell Resort and Spa on Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

I sure hope the average tech prepares very well before he or she starts to work on a hybrid car. A large spark that would sometimes make a tech jump and a co-worker laugh may not seem so funny if the technician is hurt or, worse yet, dead. The safety issues are real. Read this carefully and pass it on to each associate in your shop.

Mode $06 continues to be a hot topic with techs. Nevertheless, there are many techs who have not even heard of Mode $06 or do not even use the Global OBD2 side of the scan data. Knowing how to use Mode $06 could really help in the day-to-day diagnostic problems in your shop.

If we take a look at a shop that survives slow times and another shop that closes its doors we will find the difference is typically in several key numbers. And, contrary to what many believe, those numbers are primarily due to the choices and the decisions of the shop owner.

In this program, Dave Hobbs provides extensive information on GM safety restraint systems to help you with issues in steering column repair. He tells you what to do and what to avoid when working on and handling airbags while providing plenty of tips and test procedures on these systems.

If things don’t match the book’s description of problems, where do you go? The customer, of course! This class explains why questions are the answer. Find out as Dave Hobbs goes under the hood with some off-the-wall diagnostic troubleshooting of GM’s recent powertrain innovations.

The new 6.4L Powerstroke is different from the 6.0L and 7.3L and this class will help you understand the differences. Former Ford factory trainer Mark DeKoster provides an overview of the major systems on this engine with component locations, maintenance issues and information that Ford provides to their own technicians.

Mode $06 has become a mainstay in automotive diagnostics these days, but many technicians still struggle with determining DTC sources. In this program, Jim Wilson will show you detailed steps to show you how to access the most intuitive tests through Global OBD II and Mode $06.

Back in the days of my youth, a new set of tires that offered a different tire circumference meant a slower or faster speedometer and a trip to the dealership for a new speedometer cable gear to prevent a possible speeding ticket.

If you remember the three critical points of a secondary waveform discussed in our previous article (March 2002), it’s time to continue what we learned and apply it to Distributorless Ignition Systems, (DIS) now known as EI systems.

On a daily basis we hear the words “how can I afford training if I can barely afford payroll?” Although this year was predicted to be a good year for automotive repair shops, car counts are still low and you can hear a pin drop in many service bays across the country. There is an end in sight, however, as business has begun slowly picking up over the last couple of months for many repair shops that we do business with.

In an effort to update their brand image, Automotive Video, Inc., also known as Team AVI launched a new e-commerce website last week. The website is equipped with exciting new features, tracking software and a more modern look than the previous website.

On June 22, 2009 Automotive Video, Inc., Team AVI, will release a class on the 6.4 liter Ford Powerstroke diesel engine. In this class Former Ford Factory trainer Mark DeKoster provides an introduction to the engine, some of the systems and diagnostics.

Automotive Video, Inc. (Team AVI) released a new Ford Transmission Analysis training program on DVD this week. In this class former Ford trainer Mark DeKoster provides Ford factory procedures for analyzing and diagnosing automatic transmissions using non-intrusive testing methods.

Automotive Video, Inc., Team AVI will be releasing a class on hard-start and no-start issues and diagnostics for 6.0L, 6.4L and 7.3L Ford Powerstroke diesels on June 22, 2009.

Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now required on all vehicles in the US. Dave Scaler from MEA brings you this TPMS class so that you can be completely up to date on these systems. Learn the latest information on the changes that have been made, new techniques and answers to tough questions that techs have with these systems.

Jim ‘The Injector Guru’ Linder shares his BEST FUEL SYSTEM TIPS based on his actual results with proven testing procedures and service techniques. Fuel up on knowledge and learn more about fuel system diagnostics in this video clip.

I think of the Ford/International 6.0L platform as a “bridge” because it spans the gap between the 7.3L with electric-over-hydraulic injectors and the coming 6.4L common rail engine. Common rail injection, made possible by today’s powerful on-board microprocessors, will be the industry standard for a long time to come. The fuel rail pressure, ranging from 5,000 to more than 20,000 psi, is controlled by the electronic control module (ECM). The operation of the injectors is very simple: They still pop, but high fuel pressure on top of the injector piston prevents it until the ECM or fuel injection control module (FICM) sends about 90 volts to operate the injector solenoid, which opens a pressure bleed in the chamber above the piston.

Since the laws of inductively charging the primary circuit and capacitively firing the second circuit have not changed much, I can’t help but wonder why a quick secondary scope check is not part of most modern-day technicians’ diagnostic strategy.

How you communicate, verbally and non-verbally, is very important in conveying a sense of importance and recognition to customers. They want to be understood, and be recognized as important to you and your business.

This updated air conditioning clip on what’s different on the TXV systems is just what you need to keep your customers cool this summer. These tests procedures are universal for most of the vehicles you are working on today, check it out and learn more today.

Automotive Video, Inc., Team AVI, will be in Anchorage July 7-8, 2009 and in Fairbanks July 9, 2009 hosting two live Ford training seminars. Instructor Mark Dekoster, former Ford Corporate trainer will provide live hands-on training on Ford Technology and Power Stroke diesel engines.

Automotive Video, Inc., TEAM AVI is proud to announce the Train the Trainer program in support of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certified schools.

Automotive Video (Team AVI) has teamed up with MACS to produce a long awaited DVD version of the MACS Mobile A/C Update. This program was released this week, just in time for the busiest season for A/C technicians.

Automotive Video has a DVD training program designed to help automotive repair technicians understand the guidelines and procedures for the many different TPMS systems on new model vehicles.

Automotive Video, Inc., TEAM AVI has recently released the 2008 ATSG Seminar in a series of 3 training DVDs along with the ATSG Red, White and Blue manuals.

Team AVI, Automotive Video, Inc., a leader in DVD training, has released their newest diesel diagnostics for the Duramax 6.6L engine.

Fort Myers, FL – March 24, 2009 – Automotive Video (Team AVI) released a long awaited Volkswagen and Audi Diagnostic training program this week featuring Automotive Training Group (ATG) instructor Ross Wellwood. Volkswagen and Audi Diagnostics contains information and tips to help techs who are considering service of these vehicles as well as experienced European technicians.

Since 2007 tire pressure monitoring (TPMS) systems are required on all vehicles in the US. At the Techno Auto Educational Trade Show in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico April 4 and 5, 2009, Automotive Video (Team AVI) will unveil a new TPMS DVD training program in Spanish. This course with Spanish instructor Sergio Fernandez was created to help Spanish speaking technicians understand the procedures and strategies for the various TPMS systems on vehicles today.

Scan tools are only part of the key to the diagnostic process, knowing when to use them is equally important. If a vehicle comes into your shop with a drivability complaint, should plugging in your scan tool be the first step in diagnosing the problem? Probably not — keep in mind that even though modern engines have sensors and computers that monitor just about every aspect of their operation, deep down they’re still machines that require air, fuel, and oil to run. Remember — a reflash won’t fix everything.

What tools do I need to get into hybrid repair? That is a good question. It all depends on what you have now. What should a technically aware shop have at this time for equipment? A pair of Class O 1000 volt safety gloves with leather protectors, a good digital volt ohm meter (DVOM) rated CAT III @ 1000volts, a lab scope with that same rating, good technical information, and the proper scan tool. There are other hybrid related tools for specific models as well.

This is part two of a Mode $06 series. Last issue covered the intro and terms associated with Mode $06. Now we are going to describe changes to Mode $06 with the advent of CAN communication.

By George Witt. Yellow pages, direct mail, newspaper, coupon book or Newsletter? Many shop owners agonize over the best way to bring business to their shops. Heaven knows, a ton of money can be mowed through in a short period of time seeking the answer.