353: (Throwback) Be Brave Enough To Suck At Something New With Justin Morgan

Phoenix Smart is a diagnostic scan tool model the host uses for programming and diagnostics. The host highlights it as “really nice” for its price point, and frames it as a practical alternative for shops that want capable tooling without paying top-tier brand prices.

Phoenix Plus is a diagnostic scan tool model mentioned by the host. It’s positioned as an older version compared with the newer Phoenix Smart, implying an upgrade path for shop diagnostics work.

In automotive diagnostics, “programming” usually means updating or configuring vehicle modules (like control units) using the scan tool. It’s often required after repairs, part replacements, or certain service procedures so the car’s electronics work correctly together.

“Diagnostics” refers to using scan tools and test procedures to find the cause of a fault in a vehicle. It typically involves reading trouble codes, checking live data, and verifying which systems are actually failing rather than guessing.

A scan tool is an electronic device used to communicate with a car’s onboard computers. It can read and clear trouble codes and display sensor data, but it doesn’t automatically “tell you the solution” without interpretation and testing.

Snap-on is a well-known tool brand, and the host references it in the context of shop tool purchasing. The point is that some shops feel locked into the Snap-on ecosystem, while the host argues for alternatives based on price and capability.

An independent repair shop is a non-dealer service business that repairs vehicles for customers, usually across multiple brands. In this segment, the host explains how moving from corporate/dealer work into an independent shop enabled them to choose what brands to focus on.

BMW is a German automaker known for building performance-oriented cars with a strong focus on driving dynamics. In this segment, the host is describing how their independent repair shop specialized heavily in BMW work, which is unusual in the aftermarket where many shops service multiple brands.

The aftermarket is the part of the automotive industry outside the carmaker’s own dealer network—independent repair shops, parts suppliers, and service providers. The host contrasts their BMW-only specialization with the typical aftermarket model where shops spread across many brands.

Public auto auctions are venues where vehicles are sold to buyers through a bidding process, often at wholesale prices. The host uses them to explain how many cars can be “bad” or problematic when they’re coming through the auction pipeline.

A wholesale auction is a sale channel where vehicles are auctioned to dealers, repairers, and other buyers rather than directly to typical retail customers. The host is describing how cars that pass through wholesale auctions can end up in the shop pipeline and create difficult diagnostic/repair situations.

In automotive diagnostics, “tech support” refers to expert help for troubleshooting vehicle problems—often involving scan data, diagnostic trouble codes, and step-by-step reasoning. The speaker is describing how different support people handle cases with varying skill and mindset.

“Auto Logic” is mentioned as a company that provides tech support in the automotive diagnostic world. The speaker uses it as an example of people who share the same troubleshooting perspective.

Perkins is referenced as someone who does tech support “on the side” and is part of the diagnostic community the speaker is describing. The point is that Perkins agrees with the speaker’s view of how tech support performance varies.

To “diagnose” in this context means using evidence (symptoms, codes, tests) to identify the root cause of a vehicle fault. The speaker contrasts diagnosing with guessing, emphasizing structured problem-solving when a car is already frustrating the owner or shop.

A compression test measures cylinder-to-cylinder compression pressure to see how healthy an engine’s internal sealing is. It’s often used when diagnosing misfires or low power to check for issues like worn rings, leaking valves, or head gasket problems.

An engine misfire is when one or more cylinders fail to ignite the air-fuel mixture at the right time. Modern engines detect misfires with sensors and use that information to adjust fueling/ignition and set diagnostic trouble codes.

A test plan is a structured sequence of diagnostic steps and acceptance criteria defined by the manufacturer. In this context, it contains the correct compression numbers and the procedure to retrieve them using the factory diagnostic interface.

IMib is BMW’s named diagnostic interface used to connect the vehicle to specialized factory diagnostic equipment. Here it’s described as a two-channel scope interface that tags into the vehicle interface for measurements during factory test procedures.

A two-channel scope refers to an oscilloscope that can measure and display two electrical signals at the same time. In diagnostics, it helps correlate signals (like sensor inputs or control events) during a test sequence.

In a compression test, technicians compare compression readings across individual cylinders. Large differences between cylinders can indicate localized faults such as a leaking valve, failing head gasket on one cylinder, or timing-related issues affecting combustion.

A timing problem means the engine’s ignition and/or valve timing is not occurring at the correct moment. The speaker connects a cylinder-to-cylinder compression discrepancy (in the context of a misfire diagnosis) to the possibility of timing being off.

Identifix is an automotive diagnostic information provider used by technicians to speed up troubleshooting. In the episode, it’s described as a hotline-style service where experts guide you through a structured diagnostic process rather than simply handing over a final answer.

A hotline service in automotive diagnostics is a direct support line where technicians can call for guidance when a problem is unusual or hard to pin down. The key point here is that the support often nudges you toward the right checks and test order, rather than providing a single definitive fix.

A diagnostic process is a structured sequence of checks used to narrow down a fault. In the episode, the speaker emphasizes that the experts have a process for each car line and that you need to measure and verify the right things before moving on to the next step.

A three-wire sensor is an automotive sensor that uses three separate electrical connections: typically a power feed, a ground return, and a signal wire back to the vehicle’s control module. The host’s point is that this wiring structure limits what the sensor can do—so good diagnostics start by verifying those three circuits.

“EVAP” refers to the evaporative emissions system that captures fuel vapors from the fuel tank and routes them for combustion instead of venting them to the atmosphere. When the host says “evap problem,” they’re talking about a fault in that vapor-capture/venting/control system, often involving tank pressure readings and valves.

Fuel tank pressure is monitored by the EVAP system to confirm that vapors are being captured and that the system can hold or change pressure as commanded. If the pressure doesn’t drop when a vent is released, it suggests a stuck valve, a control issue, or a faulty pressure sensor.

In EVAP diagnostics, the fuel tank pressure sensor reports how the tank pressure changes while the system opens/closes valves. If the sensor reading doesn’t match what the EVAP venting should do, the diagnostic logic may point to a bad sensor or an EVAP valve that isn’t operating.

EVAP valves control how vapors move—such as opening a vent path or regulating flow between the tank and the rest of the EVAP system. The host’s point is that if commanded venting doesn’t cause the expected pressure change, manually checking the valve can confirm whether it’s stuck or not responding.

“Diagnosis by exclusion” is a troubleshooting approach where you rule out likely causes one by one until only a few possibilities remain. The host dislikes it because it can feel indirect, but they note it’s common in real-world support work when you can’t easily access certain sensors or components.

A brake caliper is the clamp that squeezes brake pads against the rotor to slow the car down. The host’s joke about putting a brake caliper on upside down highlights a real installation mistake that can cause bleeding/fitment issues and wasted time.

Bleeder screws are valves on a brake caliper or wheel cylinder used to release trapped air and old fluid during brake bleeding. The host’s “wait a minute” moment is a common gotcha: the bleeder screw location/orientation matters for proper bleeding.

“Pico seven” refers to a Pico Technology automotive diagnostic oscilloscope used to view electrical signals from sensors and control modules. It’s commonly used for “scoping” (measuring waveforms) when troubleshooting intermittent or hard-to-diagnose issues.

In diagnostics, “scoping” means using an oscilloscope to measure and interpret voltage waveforms from sensors and circuits. It helps confirm signal shape, timing, and faults that a basic multimeter can’t show.

“Active two wire magneto resistive sensors for wheel speed” are wheel-speed sensors that use magnetoresistive technology and require power (active) to produce an output. They report wheel rotation speed to the vehicle’s stability/ABS and related control systems.

FlexRay is a high-speed vehicle communication network used to connect electronic control units with deterministic timing (so messages arrive predictably). It’s often used in chassis and powertrain systems where timing matters.

“Three phase motors” are electric motors driven by three alternating current phases, which helps produce smooth torque and efficient operation. In vehicles, they’re common in electric drive and some actuator systems.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are cars that combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor and can be charged from an external power source. The episode highlights that PHEVs often use regenerative braking, which can change brake wear patterns and increase the need for brake service.

Regenerative braking is when an electric motor slows the car and converts some of that motion back into electrical energy stored in the battery. The episode explains that because regenerative braking reduces how often the friction brakes are used, brake components can seize if they aren’t serviced.

Brake calipers clamp the brake pads against the rotor to create stopping force. The episode warns that with reduced friction-brake use (from regenerative braking), calipers can seize if they aren’t disassembled, lubricated, and serviced.

Porsche is named as one of the brands that now uses variable valve timing technology. In this context, it’s evidence that modern engine control strategies have become widespread across performance and mainstream brands.

Nissan is mentioned as a brand that uses variable valve timing technology. The host’s broader point is that modern engine valve control systems are now common across many automakers.

“Infinity” appears to be a transcription of Infiniti, which is referenced alongside BMW, Nissan, and Porsche as a brand using variable valve timing technology. The context is about how valve-control tech has spread across brands.

“ASC tests” are mentioned as an assessment the speaker still takes, but the transcript doesn’t define what ASC stands for. In this context, it’s about continuing education/certification-style testing rather than demonstrating expertise.

BMW diesel vehicles often use modern emissions systems, including SCR, to reduce NOx. When a BMW diesel has emissions-related faults, diagnostics frequently involve the SCR control strategy and related sensors.

An SCR lockdown is a protective strategy where the vehicle restricts operation or limits certain functions because the emissions system isn’t behaving as expected. It’s meant to prevent excessive NOx emissions when the SCR system can’t operate correctly.

ASEs refers to ASE certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. They’re professional exams that test a technician’s knowledge across areas like engine performance, brakes, and electrical systems.

ASE stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and “ASE certifications” are professional credentials earned by passing standardized automotive tests. In practice, they’re a way to signal that a technician has demonstrated knowledge in specific areas like diagnostics, engines, or transmissions.

A “drivetrain” is the set of components that deliver power from the engine to the wheels. A “transaxle” combines the transmission and axle into one unit (common on many front-wheel-drive layouts), so diagnosing it often involves both gear selection and how torque is transferred to the wheels.

A clutch is the friction device used in manual transmissions to connect and disconnect the engine from the gearbox. When a technician says they’ve “changed some clutches,” they’re referring to a common repair job tied to manual-transmission drivability and wear.

Axles are the shafts that transmit torque from the transmission/transaxle to the wheels. Axle seals prevent fluid leaks where the axle passes through the housing; replacing them often comes up when diagnosing leaks or contamination that can damage bearings and gears.

A manual transmission is a gearbox that requires the driver to select gears using a clutch pedal and gear shifter. The diagnostic challenge is often mechanical—wear, gear engagement issues, and internal failures—rather than purely electronic control problems.

“Diffs” is shorthand for differentials, the gearsets that allow the left and right wheels to rotate at different speeds while turning. In drivetrain testing, differential rebuilds are a specialized mechanical job compared with basic repairs.

“Automatic trans” refers to an automatic transmission, which uses hydraulic control and electronic sensors to shift gears without a manual clutch. The speaker is contrasting it with manual-transmission testing, implying different failure modes and diagnostic approaches.

“Park and four neutrals” describes a transmission behavior where multiple gear selections result in neutral-like operation rather than the expected gear engagement. It’s a diagnostic clue that points to hydraulic control or internal mechanical failures. The speaker uses it to explain why the rebuilt transmissions kept coming back with incorrect gear behavior.

Teflon sealing rings (often called sealing rings) are used on automatic transmission components to control hydraulic pressure. If they leak, you can get pressure loss that prevents clutches/drums from applying correctly. The speaker specifically points to these rings on the intermediate shaft as a likely leak source.

The intermediate shaft is a rotating component inside many automatic transmissions that helps distribute power and supports hydraulic/mechanical elements like drums and clutches. Sealing rings on or near this shaft can affect hydraulic pressure delivery. In the episode, the speaker ties intermediate-shaft sealing to pressure loss during the 1–2 shift.

Pressure loss in an automatic transmission means the hydraulic system isn’t maintaining enough fluid pressure to apply the correct clutch or band. That can cause delayed engagement, slipping, or wrong-gear behavior. The speaker uses pressure loss during the 1–2 shift to infer where the leak or mechanical failure is occurring.

In an automatic transmission, drums are rotating housings that work with clutches/bands to engage specific gear ranges. If a drum is cracked or damaged, it can fail to hold pressure or apply properly. The speaker lists cracked drums as an alternative cause to leaking seals when diagnosing pressure loss.