343: Can You Make Your Own Software?
About this episode
Exploring how automotive technicians can leverage AI tools to create custom software solutions tailored to their unique workflow challenges, this episode dives into overcoming the intimidation of coding with AI assistance. The host shares personal experiences using AI models like Claude, OpenAI, and Google's Gemini to automate repetitive tasks, improve diagnostic efficiency, and streamline business operations. Emphasis is placed on identifying specific pain points in daily automotive work and using AI to build simple yet effective digital tools, highlighting the rapid evolution and accessibility of AI technology in the automotive diagnostic field.
This week on the show I share my recent experiences in building custom software for use in my business and how you can do the same with AI tools. You don't need to be an expert coder or programmer, you only need to have a problem to solve and be able to explain it clearly. Listen to find out more.
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L1 Automotive Training
"This episode is brought to you by L1 Automotive Training and Keith Perkins. If you're looking for education on module programming, J2534, eProm work, key and immobilizer, electrical over 60 hours of training videos on all those subjects and more."
L1 Automotive Training is a company that helps car mechanics learn how to fix and program car computers and keys. They have lots of videos to teach these skills.
L1 Automotive Training is a company that provides extensive education and training resources focused on automotive module programming, J2534, eProm work, key and immobilizer programming, and electrical systems. They offer over 60 hours of training videos to help automotive technicians improve their diagnostic and programming skills.
module programming
"If you're looking for education on module programming, J2534, eProm work, key and immobilizer, electrical over 60 hours of training videos on all those subjects and more. When I first started out doing mobile, I utilized Keith's videos on module programming and J2534 in order to get my head wrapped around what I would need for the tooling, the computers, the software setups, what kind of obstacles I would be up against when I'm out there programming modules on cars, and it was a huge benefit to me."
Module programming means changing the software inside a car's computer to fix problems or add new features.
Module programming refers to the process of updating or configuring the electronic control units (ECUs) or modules in a vehicle. This is essential for fixing software-related issues, updating features, or replacing modules with new or reprogrammed units.
J2534
"If you're looking for education on module programming, J2534, eProm work, key and immobilizer, electrical over 60 hours of training videos on all those subjects and more. When I first started out doing mobile, I utilized Keith's videos on module programming and J2534 in order to get my head wrapped around what I would need for the tooling, the computers, the software setups, what kind of obstacles I would be up against when I'm out there programming modules on cars, and it was a huge benefit to me."
J2534 is a way for mechanics to connect special tools to a car's computer so they can update or fix its software.
J2534 is a standardized communication protocol and interface that allows aftermarket devices to reprogram vehicle modules. It enables technicians to perform software updates and diagnostics on various car brands using compatible tools.
eProm work
"If you're looking for education on module programming, J2534, eProm work, key and immobilizer, electrical over 60 hours of training videos on all those subjects and more. When I first started out doing mobile, I utilized Keith's videos on module programming and J2534 in order to get my head wrapped around what I would need for the tooling, the computers, the software setups, what kind of obstacles I would be up against when I'm out there programming modules on cars, and it was a huge benefit to me."
eProm work means changing or fixing the small computer chips inside a car that store important software.
eProm work involves reading, writing, or reprogramming the Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory chips in vehicle modules. This is often necessary for advanced diagnostics, tuning, or repairing immobilizer and key systems.
key and immobilizer
"If you're looking for education on module programming, J2534, eProm work, key and immobilizer, electrical over 60 hours of training videos on all those subjects and more. When I first started out doing mobile, I utilized Keith's videos on module programming and J2534 in order to get my head wrapped around what I would need for the tooling, the computers, the software setups, what kind of obstacles I would be up against when I'm out there programming modules on cars, and it was a huge benefit to me."
Key and immobilizer systems stop people from starting a car without the right key. Fixing them means making sure the car knows which keys are allowed.
Key and immobilizer systems are security features in vehicles that prevent unauthorized starting of the engine. Programming these systems involves syncing keys and immobilizer modules to ensure the car recognizes authorized keys.
Fed World Report
"So let's just use an example here. We use the Fed World Report. If you've never Googled this, just Google Fed World Report for Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Stellantis vehicles, when they need an update for either a PCM or TCM"
The Fed World Report is a website or tool that helps mechanics find out if a car needs important software updates to keep it running well.
The Fed World Report is a resource used to check for software updates for vehicle modules such as PCM or TCM, especially for Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Stellantis vehicles.
Stellantis
"just Google Fed World Report for Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Stellantis vehicles, when they need an update for either a PCM or TCM it's a powertrain module. Now, there's other ways that you can find whether there's a software update for a particular module. You can go to the Stellantis website and figure this out as well."
Stellantis is a big company that makes many car brands like Jeep and Dodge.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation that owns brands such as Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, and Dodge.
software update for vehicle modules
"Now, there's other ways that you can find whether there's a software update for a particular module. You can go to the Stellantis website and figure this out as well."
Cars have computers that sometimes need updates, like your phone or computer, to work better or fix problems.
Software updates for vehicle modules like PCM or TCM are important to fix bugs, improve performance, or add new features to the vehicle's electronic control systems.
Dodge Ram Dodge
"here. We use the Fed World Report. If you've never Googled this, just Google Fed World Report for Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Stellantis vehicles, when they need an update for either a PCM or TCM it's a powertrain module. Now, there's other ways that you can find whether there's a software update"
The Dodge Ram is a big truck made for carrying heavy loads and driving on tough roads. It is made by a company called Stellantis and is used by people who need a strong vehicle for work or everyday driving. Sometimes, the truck needs software updates to help it run better.
The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck originally produced by Dodge and now branded simply as Ram under Stellantis. It is known for its strong towing capabilities, durable construction, and is a popular choice for both work and personal use. The mention of PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and TCM (Transmission Control Module) updates highlights the importance of keeping the vehicle's software current for optimal performance and reliability.
TCM
"If you've never Googled this, just Google Fed World Report for Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Stellantis vehicles, when they need an update for either a PCM or TCM it's a powertrain module."
The TCM is a computer in your car that controls how your transmission shifts gears to help your car drive better.
TCM stands for Transmission Control Module, which is an electronic control unit that manages the operation of the vehicle's transmission system.
PCM
"If you've never Googled this, just Google Fed World Report for Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Stellantis vehicles, when they need an update for either a PCM or TCM it's a powertrain module."
The PCM is a computer in your car that controls how the engine and transmission work together to make your car run smoothly.
PCM stands for Powertrain Control Module, which is an electronic control unit responsible for managing the engine and transmission functions in a vehicle.
Auto Rescue Tools
"this show is brought to you by Auto Rescue Tools and Isaac Rodel. If you've been looking for a programming laptop, you're not sure which one to buy or how to set it up, especially if you want to program multiple brands. You've got some domestic vehicles, you've got European vehicles, can the same software go on the same laptop? What size hard drive do I need? All those questions. Isaac's your guy. He can custom set up programming laptops that are ready to tackle any make or model. I've got one of these laptops myself and I can say that it is outstanding and it really streamlines the process by having everything you need in one device. So if you're looking for something like that, I highly recommend checking out AutoRescueTools.com. You'll also find scan tools, diagnostic equipment, key cutting equipment and much more."
Auto Rescue Tools sells special laptops and tools that help mechanics fix and program cars.
Auto Rescue Tools is a company that provides programming laptops, scan tools, diagnostic equipment, and key cutting equipment for automotive professionals.
ECM
"One of the more common things that we get is used replacement ECMs, PCMs on these Chrysler Dodge vehicles, and sometimes the hardware is different."
The ECM is a computer in the car that helps control how the engine runs to keep it working well and clean.
ECM stands for Engine Control Module, an electronic control unit that manages engine functions such as fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions control.
hardware application
"Sometimes the hardware is different. And we can correct the software part of it, but only if the hardware is correct for that application. Now you might say, well, just look up the part number for the car. And if it's not the part number, it's not right. Not exactly. There are hardware applications or there are vehicles that can utilize multiple hardware applications, right? And some of the hardware applications work across a lot of different models within the various Chryslers that have been manufactured."
Hardware application means the exact computer parts that fit and work with a certain car model.
Hardware application refers to the specific physical electronic control units (like PCM or TCM) that are compatible with certain vehicle models or configurations. Different hardware versions may require matching software to function correctly.
Nissan file lookup
"The other one I mentioned was the Nissan file lookup. For anybody that's programmed Nissan's, you have probably had an instance where you purchase the file, because that's how you program a Nissan either a blank or an update is you purchase the"
When fixing or updating Nissan cars, you sometimes need special files that tell the car what to do. Nissan file lookup means finding and getting these files so you can update the car's computer.
Nissan file lookup refers to the process of obtaining specific programming files needed to program or update Nissan vehicle modules. These files are often purchased or downloaded to enable proper reprogramming or updating of vehicle software.
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