The Truth About Diag, Flat Rate Pay, and Shop Culture with Josh Whiteman
About this episode
Josh Whiteman, a full-time instructor with Garage Gurus, shares insights on the importance of continuous learning in the automotive industry. He discusses the challenges of flat-rate pay, the evolving shop culture, and the value of hands-on experience in diagnostics. With a focus on mobile diagnostics and the creation of case studies, Josh emphasizes the need for technicians to adapt and grow. The conversation also touches on the significance of effective communication with customers and the impact of social media on perceptions of automotive professionals.
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In this episode, Jeff is joined by Josh Whiteman to discuss his role as an instructor with Garage Gurus which offers automotive training. Josh talks about the importance of ongoing education and adapting diagnostic processes to real-world conditions. They also speak on industry challenges, from technician pay structures to fostering a culture of compassion and mentorship within workshops.
Timestamps:
00:00 Life as a Full-Time Instructor
10:30 "Importance of Transparent Auto Repair"
15:43 "Skill Gaps and Training Challenges"
16:51 Trade Education Builds Knowledge
24:59 "Learning Through Osmosis Everywhere"
27:55 "Efficient Module Testing Insights"
33:15 "Diagnostic Tools and Strategies"
38:41 Resistance Testing Flaws and Tools
45:37 Managing Customer Expectations
52:13 "Flat Rate Tech Efficiency"
55:39 "Pay Over Hours: A Debate"
01:01:36 "Listening vs Distraction at Work"
01:07:29 "Dealing with Difficult Techs"
01:14:32 Engine Diagnostics and Pressure Analysis
01:16:09 "Practical Testing and Tools Guide"
01:22:00 "A-Techs vs. Specialists: Shop Roles"
01:28:16 "Free Training Event Explanation"
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EVAP system
"...there was a Mazda with a shorted wiring to the EVAP system way in the back connector, pass-through, and it was all corroded and everything."
The EVAP system helps keep fuel vapors from polluting the air. It stores these vapors and sends them to the engine to be used as fuel instead of letting them escape into the environment.
The EVAP system, or Evaporative Emission Control System, is designed to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. It captures and stores these vapors in a charcoal canister until they can be burned in the engine during combustion.
case studies
"...I made probably like 25 roughly case studies over the previous year, um, which is obviously quite a bit..."
Case studies are examples of car problems that have been studied closely to understand what went wrong and how it was fixed. They help mechanics learn from each other's experiences.
In the automotive context, case studies involve detailed examinations of specific repair scenarios or vehicle issues. They help technicians learn from real-world examples and improve their diagnostic skills.
wholesalers
"...my best customers are probably a lot of other mobile guys' worst customers because my best customers are the used car lots and they're the wholesalers."
Wholesalers are companies that buy many cars at once, usually to sell them to other car sellers. They focus on selling a lot of cars quickly, even if they don't make much money on each one.
Wholesalers in the automotive industry are businesses that purchase vehicles in bulk, often at auctions, and then resell them, typically to dealerships or other businesses. They operate on a high-volume, low-margin model.
ADAS
"...you know, just start. Just say that right now, just start. There's not a single there's not a single good reason not to do ADAS."
ADAS means Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. These are special features in cars that help drivers stay safe, like warning you if you're drifting out of your lane or helping you brake automatically.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which are technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and improve driving. These systems can include features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Red Seal program
"...you guys have the Red Seal program. So when I teach in Canada, yeah, I would say there's definitely a higher baseline knowledge..."
The Red Seal program is a way for skilled workers in Canada to prove they are qualified to do their jobs. It helps them work in different parts of the country without needing to take extra tests.
The Red Seal program is a certification program in Canada that sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespeople across the country. It allows tradespeople to work in different provinces without having to re-certify, ensuring a high level of competency in skilled trades.
Ohm's law
"...to know what Ohm's law is, right, to, to know your basic stuff, set the groundwork..."
Ohm's law is a rule that helps us understand how electricity works. It explains how much electricity flows through a wire based on the voltage and resistance.
Ohm's law is a fundamental principle in electronics that relates voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit. It states that the current flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance of the conductor.
pressure transducer
"...if I'm gonna spend weeks, months, however long building a class and designing a class, who should I cater it to? The 1% who's gonna maybe take away 1% of what I've got to say, you know, or the general masses, right..."
A pressure transducer is a tool that measures how much pressure is in something, like a tire or engine. It sends this information as an electrical signal so that it can be monitored easily.
A pressure transducer is a device that converts pressure into an electrical signal, allowing for the measurement and monitoring of pressure in various applications, including automotive systems. They are often used to ensure that systems operate within safe pressure limits.
module
"I just had a Tahoe you know, I was chasing down a no communication issue and it was to a single module. And, uh, you know, of course I do my basic checks— check power, ground, right? Check power, ground, and comms."
A module in a car is like a small computer that controls different parts of the car. For example, one module might help manage the engine, while another controls the lights.
In automotive terms, a module refers to an electronic component that controls specific functions within a vehicle, such as the engine control module (ECM) or body control module (BCM). These modules communicate with each other to ensure the vehicle operates correctly.
corrosion
"There are so many times that I can test right up to that back probe and everything and it looks good, but what I'm needing to turn on still doesn't turn on. And then I just unplug that. It's become a bad habit of mine to unplug and look. And then I do my testing non-intrusively at the front, don't spread the pins and all that. But then I talk to other people and they're like, oh man, as soon as I touched it, everything started to work. Well, if you can slow down and back up and think for a minute what you did, you probably we found your problem, right?"
Corrosion is when metal parts get damaged over time because of moisture or chemicals. This can cause problems in how the car works, especially with electrical connections.
Corrosion is the gradual destruction of materials, usually metals, due to chemical reactions with their environment. In automotive contexts, it often affects electrical connections and can lead to failures in vehicle systems.
diagnostic strategy
"Absolutely. That's why we talk about like a diagnostic strategy and a diagnostic process, you know. And I cannot sit here and tell you what yours should be, right? Because you live in a different area, you work on different cars."
A diagnostic strategy is how a mechanic figures out what's wrong with a car. It involves checking different parts and running tests to find the problem.
A diagnostic strategy refers to the systematic approach a technician takes to identify and resolve issues in a vehicle. This process often involves a series of tests and inspections tailored to the specific symptoms and conditions of the vehicle being worked on.
TSB
"...look for updates, look for TSBs. Like, that's just one. But where, where does it go from there..."
A TSB is a notice from a car manufacturer that tells mechanics about common problems with certain models and how to fix them. It's like a guide to help them solve issues more easily.
A TSB, or Technical Service Bulletin, is a communication from a manufacturer to dealerships that provides information on how to fix specific problems that have been reported by customers. It often includes repair instructions and updates on known issues.
EVAP light
"...it's an EVAP light. Eh, screw it, it'll be fine. You know what I mean? It's not gonna be drivability concern..."
The EVAP light on your dashboard means there's an issue with the system that keeps fuel vapors from leaking into the air. It's important to fix it to keep your car running cleanly.
The EVAP light indicates a problem with the evaporative emissions control system, which is responsible for preventing fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. A malfunction can lead to increased emissions and may require repairs.
code scan
"...we're going to pull it in, do a code scan, you know. And then again, at this point..."
A code scan is when a mechanic checks your car's computer for error messages that can tell them what's wrong with the vehicle. It's like reading a report card for your car's health.
A code scan is a diagnostic process where a mechanic uses a scanner tool to read trouble codes from a vehicle's onboard computer. These codes help identify issues with various systems in the car.
mass airflow sensor
"...it's another lean code or a mass airflow sensor code or whatever..."
The mass airflow sensor is a part that checks how much air is going into the engine. It helps the car know how much fuel to use for the best performance. If it breaks, the car might not run well.
The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to help determine the correct fuel-to-air ratio for optimal combustion. A faulty sensor can lead to performance issues and poor fuel economy.
lean code
"...I always use just a lean code as an example because we see it all the time..."
A lean code means there's too much air and not enough fuel going into the engine. This can make the car run poorly and cause more pollution. It usually means something needs to be fixed.
A lean code indicates that the engine is running with too much air and not enough fuel, which can cause performance issues and increased emissions. It often points to problems like vacuum leaks or fuel delivery issues.
fuel trim
"...you start to look at your fuel trim at idle versus load and determine..."
Fuel trim is how the car's computer adjusts the amount of fuel going into the engine to make sure it runs well. It helps keep the engine efficient and reduces pollution.
Fuel trim refers to the adjustments made by the engine control unit to the fuel mixture based on data from various sensors. It helps maintain the correct air-fuel ratio for efficient combustion.
O2 sensor
"...I was watching the oxygen sensor under wide open throttle and it's like dropping to 0.5..."
An O2 sensor checks how much oxygen is in the car's exhaust. This helps the car's computer decide how much fuel to use for the best performance and to reduce pollution.
An O2 sensor, or oxygen sensor, measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases to help the engine control unit adjust the air-fuel mixture for optimal combustion and emissions control.
OBD1
"Come on, GM fuel pumps, OBD1, come on, man."
OBD1 is an early car computer system that helps mechanics find problems with the engine and emissions. It gives basic error codes to help diagnose issues.
OBD1 stands for On-Board Diagnostics version 1, an early vehicle diagnostics system used in cars to monitor engine performance and emissions. It provides basic diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that help technicians identify issues with the vehicle.
Mode 6
"So what, um, so you talk about Mode 6, and again, that's a lot that like I still feel like it's not addressed..."
Mode 6 is a part of the car's diagnostic system that helps mechanics check how well different parts are working. It gives more detailed information than basic error codes.
Mode 6 is a feature of the OBDII diagnostic system that allows technicians to perform advanced diagnostics on specific vehicle components. It provides detailed information about the performance of various systems and can help identify intermittent issues.
voltage drop
"Well, I think a huge one is voltage drop, right? And it's kind of on the same topic of, you know, loading a circuit."
Voltage drop is when the electrical voltage decreases as it travels through wires. Mechanics check this to find problems in the car's electrical system.
Voltage drop refers to the reduction in voltage in an electrical circuit between the source and load. It is an important diagnostic tool for technicians to determine if there are issues in the wiring or connections, as excessive voltage drop can indicate resistance problems.
Jeep Wagoneer
"I was just starting to do some actual, um, some videos and, um, whatnot on a brand new Wagoneer..."
The Wagoneer is a large SUV made by Jeep. It's designed for families and off-road adventures, with lots of space and modern features.
The Jeep Wagoneer is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and off-road capabilities. The latest generation features modern technology and luxury options, making it suitable for both daily driving and adventure.
OBD2
"...you connect the tool to the OBD2 port and then you disconnect the 12-volt battery..."
OBD2 is a newer car computer system that helps mechanics check for problems in real-time. It's more advanced than the older OBD1 system and is found in most cars made after 1996.
OBD2, or On-Board Diagnostics version 2, is a more advanced vehicle diagnostics system that provides real-time data and more comprehensive trouble codes compared to OBD1. It is standard in vehicles manufactured after 1996 and allows for better monitoring of vehicle performance and emissions.
Power Probe
"...we had the new PP Draw, which is again Power Probe, you know, figure it out..."
Power Probe is a tool that mechanics use to check electrical systems in cars. It helps them find problems with wiring and connections quickly.
Power Probe is a diagnostic tool used by automotive technicians to test electrical circuits and diagnose electrical problems in vehicles. It allows for quick testing of voltage, ground, and continuity in wiring systems.
12-volt battery
"...you connect the tool to the OBD2 port and then you disconnect the 12-volt battery..."
A 12-volt battery is the main battery used in cars. It provides power to start the engine and run things like lights and radio.
A 12-volt battery is a common type of battery used in automotive applications to power the vehicle's electrical systems, including the starter, lights, and accessories. It is essential for starting the engine and running electrical components.
auxiliary battery
"Well, real. that's The auxiliary battery is still supplying all the load to the necessary loads..."
An auxiliary battery is an extra battery in a car that helps provide power for things like lights and electronics, especially when the main battery isn't enough.
An auxiliary battery is an additional battery in a vehicle that supports the primary battery by providing extra power for electrical systems, especially in vehicles with high electrical demands or for powering accessories when the engine is off.
service information
"...it wasn't until I went into service information, I'm just looking at everything..."
Service information is the technical details and instructions that car makers give to help mechanics fix cars. It includes things like wiring diagrams and repair steps.
Service information refers to the technical data and guidelines provided by manufacturers to assist technicians in diagnosing and repairing vehicles. This includes specifications, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting procedures.
pinpoint tests
"Well, the damn pinpoint tests for the past 50 years have been checking for resistance..."
Pinpoint tests are detailed checks that mechanics use to find specific electrical problems in cars. They help narrow down the cause of an issue step by step.
Pinpoint tests are specific diagnostic procedures used to isolate and identify electrical issues in a vehicle. These tests help technicians determine the exact cause of a problem by following a systematic approach to testing various components.
resistance
"...there's a million different flaws with checking for resistance..."
Resistance is how much a material slows down electric current. In cars, high resistance can mean there are problems with the wires or connections that need fixing.
Resistance in electrical terms refers to the opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit. High resistance can indicate problems such as corroded connections or damaged wiring, which can affect the performance of electrical systems in a vehicle.
corroded battery terminals
"...the battery terminals are corroded. That's bad, man."
Corroded battery terminals are when the connections on a car battery get rusty or dirty. This can make it hard for the car to start or cause electrical problems.
Corroded battery terminals occur when oxidation builds up on the battery connections, which can hinder the flow of electricity and lead to starting issues or electrical failures in a vehicle. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent this problem.
Bureau of Automotive Repair
"We have the Bureau of Automotive Repair. So if a customer is upset, you know, they go home, whatever. There's a government agency specifically for auto repair in which they can complain to."
This is a government office that helps people with car repair issues. If someone feels they were treated unfairly by a repair shop, they can report it to this agency for help.
The Bureau of Automotive Repair is a government agency that oversees automotive repair shops and ensures compliance with regulations. Customers can file complaints with this agency if they are dissatisfied with the services received.
starter motor
"I can hear that starter and know that the Bendix is shot, right? Or I can hear it or I can smell it."
This is a part of the car that helps start the engine. If it doesn't work properly, the car might not start at all.
The starter motor is an electric motor that initiates the engine's operation by turning it over. If the starter motor is malfunctioning, the engine may not start or may have difficulty starting.
battery terminal cleaning
"I know we talked about that battery terminal cleaning. You know, it is very important. It does have to get done."
This is when you clean the parts of the battery where the cables connect. Keeping them clean helps the car start better and keeps the battery working longer.
Battery terminal cleaning involves removing corrosion and buildup from the battery terminals to ensure a good electrical connection. This maintenance helps prevent starting issues and prolongs battery life.
flat rate tech
"...I'm a flat rate tech, I've always been a flat rate tech, but I've got no problem at all if you ask..."
A flat rate tech is someone who gets paid a fixed amount for each repair they do, instead of being paid by the hour. This means they can earn more money if they work quickly.
A flat rate tech is a technician who is paid a set fee for each job completed, rather than an hourly wage. This system incentivizes efficiency, as the technician can earn more by completing more jobs in less time.
taillight bulb
"...I always liken the, the wiper blade and the headlight bulb conversation, or a taillight bulb or anything like that..."
A taillight bulb is the light at the back of a car that shows when the car is stopping or turning. Changing it can sometimes be complicated depending on the car.
A taillight bulb is part of a vehicle's rear lighting system, signaling to other drivers when the vehicle is stopping or turning. Like headlight bulbs, they can also be difficult to replace in some car models.
headlight bulb
"...I always liken the, the wiper blade and the headlight bulb conversation, or a taillight bulb or anything like that..."
A headlight bulb is the light that helps you see when driving at night. Sometimes, changing it can be tricky and may require taking off other parts of the car.
A headlight bulb is a component of a vehicle's lighting system that illuminates the road ahead when driving at night or in low visibility conditions. Replacing headlight bulbs can sometimes require disassembling parts of the car, depending on the model.
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