Chad Austin: Get Your A/C and Diag Mojo Going! [E101] - Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z - a podcast by Carm Capriotto, AAP

Matt Fanslow is with Chad Austin, the owner of Austin Automotive in Canon City, Colorado. They discuss Chad's background as a mechanic and the challenges and successes of running a shop. They also discuss the importance of having the right tools for the job, the challenges of working on electronic modules, and the benefits of using digital tools in automotive repair. They touch on air conditioning systems, diagnostic techniques, and the future of AC system repairs in electric vehicles. Overall, they provide valuable insights into the automotive repair industry.

Show Notes

• The challenges of scheduling (00:01:02) Discussion on the difficulties of aligning schedules and the busy nature of the summer season.
• Running a brick and mortar shop (00:01:17) Clarification that the shop is not a mobile business and primarily operates from a physical location.
• Booking out appointments (00:03:07) The shop's schedule is booked out for several weeks, including oil changes, due to high demand and the shop's reputation for handling difficult cases.
• The challenges of engine replacements (00:08:22) Discussion about the time-consuming nature of engine replacements and the impact on technician availability.
• The challenges of running a shop in Colorado (00:15:43) Discussion about the unique circumstances of running a shop in Colorado, including the frequency of snowstorms and the impact on different businesses.
• The frustrations of dealing with multiple passwords for different manufacturers (00:18:25) Discussion about the difficulties of managing passwords for various manufacturers and the desire for a global password or authenticator app.
• Challenges of Mobile Work (00:23:07) Discussion on the difficulties of being a mobile technician and the importance of having the necessary tools.
• Doing Repairs at the Shop (00:23:22) Exploration of the benefits of performing repairs at the shop, including having access to all tools and space.
• Anticipating Increased Demand for EEPROM Services (00:27:40) Conversation about the potential rise in demand for EEPROM services and the challenges and opportunities it presents for technicians.
• The challenges of using third-party software for vehicle modules (00:29:50) Discussion about the need for legislation or government intervention to allow legitimate use of used modules without relying on third-party software.
• The complexity of GM engineering software (00:30:36) Conversation about the complicated nature of GM engineering software and its ability to change VIN numbers and reset bricked modules.
• The need for legitimate access to software and credentials (00:32:31) Agreement on the importance of obtaining legitimate access to software and credentials to fix cars and reduce electronic waste.
• The challenges of flashing modules (00:37:47) Discussion on the difficulties of flashing modules in vehicles and the workaround methods used.
• Renting out tooling to other shops (00:39:56) The practice of loaning or renting out specialized tools to other shops and the benefits it brings.
• The variety of scan tools in the shop (00:43:21) The different types and brands of scan tools used in the shop, including Snap-on and Launch devices, and the need for multiple tools for different functions.
• The challenges of using factory scan tools (00:44:51) Discussion about the limitations and benefits of using factory scan tools for Subaru diagnostics.
• The value of joining an air conditioning group (00:49:55) Conversation about the creation and growth of an automotive air conditioning group on Facebook, and the benefits of learning from experienced members.
• The benefits of digital manifold gauge (00:53:02) The advantages of using a digital manifold gauge for leak testing and tracking pressure...

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