money making tools / jobs

[czgunner]

GTA MATT, are you using the Verus there?
I haven't used our Verus much for the lab scope as I don't get as much driveability work as I would like (I'm the "young" tech at work).
I agree with alignment work, it's a cash cow!

 

[GTA Matt]

That's actually the Verdict scan tool. Identical operating system to the Verus, but the labscope function is wireless.

 

[wafrederick]

Ford,you better have their tools to fix a computer system or you are screwed.Ford is getting to the point they are not letting out any info on their computer systems now,dealership only gets it.Most alignment shops don't even know about 2005 or 2006 and up Dodge Ram heavy duty 4x4 ball joints,they are made to float with play in them.They will say they are bad and they are not.

 

[MLB0611]

Try figuring out a misfire on a Ford with no check engine light on,had one this way.It was in a Ford minivan.Customer brought it in for a miss.Switched the coils to other cylinders including spark plugs.Miss was still there.Even did a compression check,looked good here too.Ford,does not turn the check engine light on if the computer does not see 14,000 misfires.Had the customer take it to the dealer and it took them 3 days to figure it out.Was a bad computer,computer was not telling the spark plug when to fire at the right time.Ford's electronic automatic transmissions,won't get inside of these.Tell the customer to call a transmission repair shop whom helps my father out on transmission problems.Nothing but a horrible pain in the *** to diagnose and fix.

Scope or power balance test on scan tool, boom done easy. Ford makes it very easy to find misfires with the right tools

If you are afraid of ford transmissions you must be scared Sh**tless of Honda Nissan or VW transmissions

 

[CWP1616L]

Any tool that saves you time will make you money.

That can be a tool that's made real well or a tool that's more comfortable to use. I don't think enough of you guys realize the importance of ergonomics when it comes to tools.

 

[MLB0611]

Ford,you better have their tools to fix a computer system or you are screwed.Ford is getting to the point they are not letting out any info on their computer systems now,dealership only gets it.Most alignment shops don't even know about 2005 or 2006 and up Dodge Ram heavy duty 4x4 ball joints,they are made to float with play in them.They will say they are bad and they are not.

Any and all Service info Is available from the Motorcraft web site, plus they sell it to Alldata, Indenifix or MOD. The Ford OE scan tool is available from the same site for $2700.00 plus a laptop and a $700 yearly subscription, that includes program files, to program every module on all 96 and up cars and light trucks and scan tool, the exact same as the ford dealer uses. CHEAP If you want to be the Ford guy.

 

[GTA Matt]

I have 9 scan tools, including an IDS. Each has its time and place to be used. Saves time, no turning anybody away due to not having the proper equipment. More $$$$$$

 

[Fedwrench]

I think drivability work is where the money is if there's such a place. Diagnostics is what we all have to do to determine the root cause for the concern but, unfortunately few customers want to pay for it. However, as vehicle systems become more complicated, charging for diagnostic time will be more routine. right now I feel diagnostic time gets written off to get the repair job price lower.
The way to make money is to not turn away anything. Even if it's painful like a heater core on an F150, take the pain and do the job. Don't pick and choose. You best tool as others have pointed out is your brain. All the tools from the snap on catalog, a laptop, and electronic service information won't help you if you can't understand it and how to use it.
lastly, when at work be at work. Don't surf **** on the internet on your laptop, live without facebook, texting, or talking on the phone. Be 110% focused on work and repairing cars right the first time. Do that and the money will follow.

 

[GTA Matt]

I think drivability work is where the money is if there's such a place. Diagnostics is what we all have to do to determine the root cause for the concern but, unfortunately few customers want to pay for it. However, as vehicle systems become more complicated, charging for diagnostic time will be more routine. right now I feel diagnostic time gets written off to get the repair job price lower.
The way to make money is to not turn away anything. Even if it's painful like a heater core on an F150, take the pain and do the job. Don't pick and choose. You best tool as others have pointed out is your brain. All the tools from the snap on catalog, a laptop, and electronic service information won't help you if you can't understand it and how to use it.
lastly, when at work be at work. Don't surf **** on the internet on your laptop, live without facebook, texting, or talking on the phone. Be 110% focused on work and repairing cars right the first time. Do that and the money will follow.

Lol, would you believe me if I told you that's a 45 minute job on the 97-03 body style? Drop the column onto the seat, roll the dash forward, unbolt the top half of the hvac housing and pull the heater core out.