From Tech to Service Advisor: Training, & Shop Leadership with Cody Kirkenester

The Toyota Paseo is a small, late-1990s Toyota coupe/convertible-style car that’s now mostly remembered as a quirky “import” era platform. In this episode, it’s the host’s first car, which explains why he started tinkering and learning basic car systems early.

“Fluid services” refers to scheduled maintenance where shop techs drain, inspect, and replace key vehicle fluids (like coolant, transmission fluid, or power steering fluid) to keep components operating correctly. It’s mentioned here as part of the basic automotive training the speaker received.

The Dodge Neon is a compact car that was common in the late-1990s/early-2000s and is often used as an accessible training platform because parts and service procedures are widely known. Here it’s mentioned as one of the “three cars” used in an automotive technology class.

Monroe is referenced here as a chain-style shop where the speaker worked for several years. In this context, it represents a multi-location service operation with standardized work (like tires, brakes, and oil changes) rather than a single independent shop.

Suspension-type work focuses on the parts that control ride height, wheel alignment, and how the tires stay in contact with the road. This typically includes components like struts, shocks, control arms, and bushings, and it often affects handling and tire wear.

Diagnostics is the process of identifying what’s causing a problem by using test procedures and tools (often including scan data). Instead of guessing, diagnostics aims to pinpoint the root cause so repairs address the real issue.

An inspection license is authorization to perform legally required vehicle inspections, which can include checking safety items and emissions-related systems depending on the state. In shop terms, it often means the technician can do inspection work and document results.

The check engine light is the dashboard warning that the engine or emissions control system has detected a fault. Modern cars store diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that can be read with a scan tool to help identify the specific issue.

Faidley's is the independent shop the speaker joined after looking for more diagnostic work. The episode frames it as a long-standing local operation with a strong reputation, which can matter for training opportunities and shop culture.

This looks like the start of a phrase about getting into “pre-” something, but the transcript is cut off and doesn’t clearly name an automotive concept. Because the actual term isn’t present, there’s nothing specific to define for listeners.

The tie rod is a steering linkage that helps transmit motion from the steering system to the front wheels. If a tie rod breaks, the car can lose steering control and may not be able to drive safely to a shop.

“Brakes” here is being used as a general example of a severe failure (“completely hammered”). The transcript doesn’t specify a particular brake component (like pads, rotors, calipers), so there’s no specialized part to define beyond the everyday meaning.

ABS (anti-lock braking system) uses electronic sensors and a control module that must communicate reliably with the rest of the vehicle. A “communication issue” usually means the ABS module isn’t exchanging data correctly—often due to wiring, connectors, or module power/ground problems.

The Ford Econoline is a full-size van platform (often used as a work van) that’s common in fleets and independent shops. In this story, the Econoline is notable because it developed an ABS communication issue that the speaker traced to a wiring/connection problem.

A lab scope (lab scope/oscilloscope) is a diagnostic tool that shows electrical signals over time. In automotive troubleshooting, it helps verify whether communication lines (or sensor signals) are behaving correctly, which can pinpoint faults like intermittent connections or corrosion.

“Scoping” means measuring electrical signals with an oscilloscope. “Cam lines” here likely refers to wiring/communication associated with cam-related sensors or modules; by checking those signals, the speaker identified an intermittent bad connection at the module.

Corrosion on connectors and terminals can create intermittent electrical contact, leading to “comes and goes” faults and communication dropouts. In diagnostics, finding corrosion often explains why a symptom is inconsistent and why reseating/cleaning the connector can restore proper operation.

A Chevrolet Corvette is a performance sports car known for its handling and power, but it can be a headache to service depending on the generation. In this segment, the host points out that older Corvette suspension setups can be especially challenging to work on, including issues around lifting and suspension geometry during repairs.

Leaf springs are a type of suspension spring made from stacked metal strips. They’re common on some older vehicles and can make certain repairs more physically demanding because the spring pack and mounting points need careful handling and alignment.

“Lift off the lift” describes a dangerous situation where a vehicle shifts or lifts unexpectedly while it’s raised on a shop lift. This can happen when suspension components are disconnected or under load, so the car can move before the technician has full control of the setup.

The DeLorean DMC-12 is a distinctive, stainless-steel-bodied sports car best known for its unique styling and its place in pop culture history. It’s often discussed among mechanics because it’s a low-volume vehicle with specific design choices that can make repairs more involved than on more common cars. That makes it a frequent subject when someone has had hands-on experience working on one.

Service information is the official repair guidance used by technicians—typically including wiring diagrams, torque specs, diagnostic steps, and procedures. The host emphasizes it as “key” because correct specs and steps are essential for safe, accurate repairs, especially on vehicles with complex or less-common systems.

Torque (in this context) refers to the specified tightening force for fasteners, usually given in units like ft-lb or N·m. The speaker contrasts being able to find wheel nut torque on Mercedes with not being able to find torque information on another platform, highlighting how critical correct torque specs are for proper assembly and safety.

“Protoman” here appears to be a service/parts information system or database the shop uses to look up vehicle service details. The speaker’s point is that on a Tesla, the information they expect to find isn’t listed in that system, which creates frustration.

Cody Kirkenester is the episode guest, and this segment captures his viewpoint on training and how tech-oriented diagnostics can attract and develop new technicians. His comments connect aptitude, wiring/diagnostic literacy, and the way modern tools and data reshape shop culture.

A wiring diagram is a schematic that shows how a vehicle’s electrical components are connected—down to circuits, connectors, and wire routing. In modern diagnostics, being able to read one helps technicians trace faults when symptoms aren’t obvious.

OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics, generation 2) is the later, widely adopted diagnostic standard that most modern cars use. It enables standardized trouble codes and more consistent access to sensor/diagnostic data via scan tools, which is why training and shop workflows revolve around it.

OBD1 (On-Board Diagnostics, generation 1) refers to the earliest standardized self-diagnostic systems used on cars to detect engine/emissions faults. It typically provides more limited diagnostic data than later systems, so troubleshooting often required more manual interpretation.

The hosts discuss how bringing younger tech-forward trainees to in-person training events changes their perspective. They emphasize seeing tools and diagnostics “in person” rather than only learning from local training or social media.

“Check Engine Chuck” is a nickname used in the automotive creator community for a person who talks about engine warning lights and diagnostics. The name references the “check engine” warning, which is triggered when the car’s OBD system detects a fault.

Stacey David is a well-known automotive TV and media personality associated with classic car culture and DIY-style mechanical storytelling. The speaker contrasts that “legendary car guy” influence with how today’s younger tech-focused audience is shaped by modern diagnostic creators.

Scanner Danner is a well-known YouTube automotive diagnostic educator. In the episode, the speaker describes using Scanner Danner’s videos to learn diagnostic techniques and tool hookups.

"Diag videos" refers to diagnostic videos—content showing how to troubleshoot a vehicle step by step. The speaker says they watched these to learn how the presenter connects tools and approaches problems.

Keith Perkins is referenced as the presenter of a case study that connects a real-world diagnosis to a YouTube video with the same root cause. The segment uses him to illustrate how shared diagnostic approaches can converge on the same fix.

TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. A TPMS sensor is the part that measures tire pressure and sends that information to the car, and in this case it’s described as triggering an electrical issue.

A parasitic drain is an electrical draw that continues even when the car is off, slowly draining the battery. Modern cars have many modules that can “wake up,” and the episode describes a TPMS sensor as the trigger.

The “door rate” (often called the shop labor rate) is the hourly price a repair shop charges for technician time. It’s separate from what technicians personally earn, because the shop also has overhead like tools, training, and facilities. The host argues that when you break down those costs, $200/hour isn’t as outrageous as it sounds.

The “skills gap” is the shortage of properly trained technicians in the automotive service industry. The speaker ties it to how training and career paths are presented to new hires—if the shop can’t show a realistic path to higher earnings, people won’t invest in training. The discussion frames training as an investment that helps close that gap.

In a dealership or repair shop, the “bay” is the work area where technicians park and service vehicles. It contrasts with the counter/front desk area where a Service Advisor interacts with customers.

A Service Advisor is the customer-facing role at an auto shop that communicates with drivers, explains what the vehicle needs, and coordinates the repair process. They translate technician findings into clear next steps and manage expectations about timing and cost.

A transmission is the drivetrain component that changes engine output into the right gear ratio for the wheels. When a shop says a car “needs a transmission,” it usually means a major repair because transmission issues can affect shifting and drivability.

Kilometers are a distance unit used for odometer readings in many countries. In the transcript, the speaker contrasts kilometers vs miles to show how they quickly assess a used car’s wear-and-tear based on mileage/usage.

Miles are a distance unit used for odometer readings in countries like the U.S. In this context, the speaker is using the odometer figure to set expectations about the car’s condition and what kind of repair conversation may follow.

The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular full-size pickup known for being widely used and heavily serviced, so it often shows up in shops with common wear items. In this segment, the host uses it as an example of a vehicle where a transmission issue can eventually appear.

“Turbos” is shorthand for turbochargers, which use exhaust gases to spin a turbine and force more air into the engine for better power. The host’s point is that turbo-equipped modern cars can require expensive repairs during their lifespan.

Fuel injection service refers to maintenance or cleaning work on a modern engine’s fuel-delivery system. The host frames it as something that used to be uncommon, but is now critical for preventing or reducing recurring drivability complaints on today’s cars.

CVT stands for continuously variable transmission, a gearbox that uses pulleys and a belt/chain to smoothly change gear ratios instead of fixed “gears.” The speaker is specifically talking about CVT reliability concerns and why they try to steer customers away from certain Nissan models that use CVTs.

The Nissan Rogue is a popular compact crossover SUV, and the host uses it as an example of how many Nissan vehicles are on the road. The discussion ties the Rogue’s prevalence to fleet/rental usage and the resulting volume of service work.

The Nissan Altima is a mainstream midsize sedan that’s been widely sold and commonly used as a rental or fleet vehicle. That context matters because fleet cars often rack up miles quickly and may have more variable maintenance quality, which can influence how they wear over time. It’s frequently discussed in repair circles because its high volume means there’s a lot of real-world data on common service needs.

“Murphy’s Law” is the idea that if something can go wrong, it eventually will—used here to describe how mechanical failures can occur even when a customer maintains the vehicle. The speaker is framing it as expectation-setting for service outcomes.

The speaker is describing a service-advisor approach: selling maintenance while being transparent that maintenance may not “fix” an already-developing problem. It’s an expectation-management concept—customers should understand what maintenance can and can’t do.

“Expected outcome” here refers to aligning the customer’s goal with the diagnostic and repair plan before quoting. In service advising, it helps prevent misunderstandings where the customer expects a major repair but the actual issue is smaller.

A misfire is when an engine cylinder fails to ignite properly during combustion. In practice, it can feel like rough running or loss of power, and it often triggers diagnostic trouble codes that can be mistaken for other issues.

An OE (original equipment) part is made to match what the vehicle’s manufacturer specified for that model. Using OE parts is often positioned as reducing repeat failures because fitment and performance are closer to factory expectations.

A vent solenoid is an electrically controlled valve used to route or regulate airflow and fuel-vapor paths in emissions and fuel systems. It helps control when the system vents or purges vapors so the engine and emissions equipment operate correctly.

A purge solenoid controls the valve that lets stored fuel vapors from the charcoal canister get pulled into the engine intake. When it opens at the right times, the engine burns those vapors instead of venting them to the atmosphere.

TPS stands for throttle position sensor, which reports how far the throttle plate is opened. Modern cars may use it less directly for control strategies, but it’s still a common sensor name in diagnostics and parts catalogs.

“OE” means original equipment—the manufacturer’s part spec used on the vehicle when it was new. In service discussions, “OE one” usually implies the OEM-grade component that matches the exact calibration/fitment the car expects.

In this context, “aftermarket” means parts made by companies other than the original vehicle manufacturer. The discussion highlights a common service-advisor challenge: aftermarket availability and compatibility can vary widely, especially for electronically controlled modules.

An ABS module is the electronic control unit that manages the anti-lock braking system. If it’s not supported by the dealer anymore and there’s no aftermarket equivalent, repairs can become difficult because the module is tightly integrated with the car’s braking and sensor logic.

EEPROM is a type of non-volatile memory used to store calibration data and vehicle-specific information in many automotive modules. When a module is replaced or reused, EEPROM contents may need to be preserved or reprogrammed for the car to recognize the part correctly.

DVOM stands for digital volt-ohm meter. It’s a handheld tool used to measure electrical voltage, resistance, and continuity when diagnosing automotive electrical problems.

An oscilloscope is a test instrument that displays electrical signals as waveforms over time. In automotive diagnostics, it’s especially useful for checking sensor signals, ignition patterns, and intermittent electrical issues that a DVOM can’t show.

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that can generate instructions and explanations based on prompts. In a shop context, it’s being used to help interpret tools and diagnostic steps (like setting up an oscilloscope) faster.

A “known good” reference is a baseline measurement or example that’s confirmed to be correct. In diagnostics, comparing a suspect signal to a known-good waveform or reading helps quickly identify what’s abnormal.