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.

The potential for hearing loss in your shop is very real and not something to be ignored. Sam Bell shares his personal experiences, and offers some good advice on this important topic. His report, which follows, provides “sound” advice to anyone who’s exposed to high levels of noise in the workplace.

Fort Myers, FL – March 23, 2009 – As businesses struggle to stay afloat in this tough business climate, AVI has released a management training video series with AMI approved instructor George Witt, to help independent auto repair shops survive. The series How to Survive in Tough Times and Prosper consists of three DVD’s: Critical Components of the Front End, Eat Your Competition Alive, and Secrets of Running a Zoo.

Click below to check out more great EVAP training videos and learn more about your smoke machine.

If you are turning imports away because your techs lack the training and expertise to diagnose and repair these vehicles, then you are missing out on a significant portion of the repair market. Dave Scaler from the Mechanics Education Association (MEA) can help you take on tough problems on the most popular imports on the road today.

By Ryan Kooiman. How many times have you been scrolling through your scan tool, and somehow run across a screen that said something like:
TID $01 CID$11 Min:$01E1 Max:NA Cur Val:$02DC Result:Pass
This was my first experience with Mode $06.

I call it the “bonehead cycle” of the Independent Repair Shop. Workers in the average Independent Auto Repair Shop are sick of being treated like dirt, working in poorly lit and ill-equipped conditions on junk cars that “just need to be fixed so they can get by.” The boss constantly complains that the workers are making more than he is and they ain’t making much.

By ASE. Everybody knows that MD following an individual’s name means Medical Doctor. And most people know that CPA signifies Certified Public Accountant. Associations and professions use certification to recognize qualified and competent individuals. The certification process is one of the single most important steps in career development. Here are the top ten reasons an automotive professional should consider becoming ASE-certified.

Henry Ford once said ‘Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success.’ If you are preparing to take the ASE L1 certification test AVI has the tools you need to prepare for success. Use our new ‘L1 Test Prep’ website to sharpen your skills before the big test. AVI has you covered with six free quizzes to test your knowledge on the various topics you will be tested on when you take the ASE L1 certification test. Over 50 questions with videos help you gauge your strengths and weaknesses.

Fort Myers, FL – October 7, 2008 – Automotive Video, Inc., TEAM AVI, has become a distributor of the Motor Head Grill, a unique barbeque grill that resembles a V-8 engine. Russ Freeman, one of AVI’s best customers came up with the concept in 2003, from the headers of a 440 Dodge engine and valve covers from a 1973 pickup. The grill was patented in 2005 and the final product was revealed at the Memory Road Show at the Texas Motor Speedway in April 2008.

Fort Myers, FL – February 3, 2009 – Automotive Video, Inc. also known as Team AVI recently released a training program with Dave Scaler from Mechanics Education Association to help tackle tough issues on the most popular import models driven today. Many shops turn import customers away because their techs lack the training to diagnose and repair the unique problems that occur with these vehicles. Imports are a growing portion of the repair business and this class gives shop owners and techs the training they need to capitalize on this segment of the market.

Fort Myers, FL – January 26, 2009 – The 2009 AVI Training Conference which took place January 15-18 at the Pink Shell Resort in Fort Myers Beach Florida was a great success. Even with the turbulent state of the economy, attendance was up from last year and there were more vendors than previous years. Sales were up for both AVI and the vendors who attended, which is a testament to the fact that in this fragile economy, the automotive aftermarket is not in as much trouble as much as other industries. More people are fixing the cars they have rather than buying new vehicles. ASA predicted that 2009 would be a great year for this industry and it seems they were correct.