New tech needs help

[taterdog]

Well, i had an off day from my current job and it gave me a chance to go and apply for a job as an auto tech which is what i really want to do for a career. I strictly visited dealerships in my quest and had 2 or 3 dealerships seem very interested but all said they would get back with me. I came across one that is a large chain of dealerships in the area and is a pretty strong company. I walked into the service managers office and he gave me a basic interview on the spot. he liked what he heard so i filled out an application. he looked it over and we chatted for another 10-15 minutes he didnt find anything wrong and he hands me an employee packet with a sheet for drug screening and basicly says if everything checks he will let me know and im hired.

This is at a Hyundai dealership as a lube tech. He was able to promise a guaranteed 30 hours a week until im trained and in the swing of things. after that it will be flagged time. Im taking a $1/hr pay cut from my current job. but im sure with time itll come back, and i wont go insane as i fear i will at my current job.

During the whole interview he emphasised the importance of not making stupid mistaked..over and over he brought it up so i questioned him on the situation and he says he has gone through 3 lube techs since he started working there in june and every single one made a dumb mistake.

Anyways if all goes as planned i should start in 2-3 weeks. I could use some advice on the do's and donts I should follow to make for a smooth beginning.

 

[treasureseeker]

Cross thread drain plug , double o ring the oil filter, forget to put oil in, all three I have seen done at a dealership

 

[4wd4ever]

Make sure you put oil in BEFORE starting the car! Lol

Just kidding.
I'm sure you'll do fine...dos and donts....don't be a **** up and don't be a know it all. Just me two cents.

Rick

 

[srmofo]

DO NOT FORGET TO PUT OIL IN THE CAR, DO NOT FORGET TO TIGHTEN THE LUGNUTS.

You need to get in a few habits,

Remove oil cap and place it on the hood release. do not move it or put it back on until the oil is back in.

Do not walk away from a wheel once you have hand threaded the lug nuts on, its easy to get distracted. you walk away and when you come back, you forget to tighten the lugnuts.

Dont get caught up in the tool truck game. Yes you need some tools and investing in quality tools is not all bad, but youre just a lube guy. Remember that when youre drooling over a $400 wrench set.

And last but not least, when you make a mistake, own up to it. Do not try to cover it up. If you have to pay for the mistake, i can almost guarantee you will not make it again.

 

[taterdog]

And last but not least, when you make a mistake, own up to it. Do not try to cover it up. If you have to pay for the mistake, i can almost guarantee you will not make it again.

The service manager seemed to make it clear that the first mistake that cost him money will be the last. i could of misread him. but hope i dont have to find out.

As for the truck account. I already have a line of credit with a snap-on industrial rep. I kind of have an understanding between what to buy from snap on, and what to go to sears and pick up. I have no pneumatic tools though. so ill likely pick up a 1/2 impact and maybe a 3/8 later..other than that im good on tools.

 

[ServiceWithIntegrity]

Don't pass the buck. Do work accurately and with intensity. Be honest with your service mgr/service writers. Maintain a professional attitude (keep your shirt tucked in/don't drag your feet/keep your work area spotless).

 

[Stick]

Remove oil cap and place it on the hood release. do not move it or put it back on until the oil is back in.

Don't drain the oil until you know if the hood release works... Hard to refill the oil if you can't open the hood.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'm not sure what type of job you have now but good luck with the career change.


Besides the $1hr pay cut, have you checked the benefit package ?

 

[4Tigers]

Keep a box of valve stem caps on hand, if your checking tire pressures

My first visit to a dealership netted three lost caps on my new Mustang

Also had grease prints on outside drivers door

I changed dealerships!

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Stay off the tool truck!
Don't be a smart *** or troublemaker.
Be professional and it will set you apart from 99% of the rest of the crew.

 

[Fedwrench]

Lug nuts and drain plugs are either all the way on or off. Prevents you from leaving one or the other loose.

Develop a routine for performing the LOF/multipoint inspection. Start the routine the same for each and every car.

The most important thing as an entry level tech is to display the proper work ethic. Be ready to go at start time, not walking into the shop or changing clothes. Stay off the cell phone. Don't miss any work. Demonstrate that you're dependable and want to be there. When not actually working on a car, maintain your bay and equipment. Keep your bay clean. Stay motivated and watch and learn from the good techs, not the hacks. You'll see who's who fairly quick. Good luck!!!

 

[jsaw]

Always roll down the drivers window before doing anything else, A lot of cars automaticly lock the doors by themselves, This will prevent keys being locked inside a car.

 

[srmofo]

The service manager seemed to make it clear that the first mistake that cost him money will be the last. i could of misread him. but hope i dont have to find out.
.

Exactly my point, if hes deducting it from your pay, you will be much less prone to making that mistake again. Accidents happen, and **** breaks. it happens, how you deal with the situation is what will determine your character.

as far as rolling the windows down, thats a good idea, but make sure they go back up I cant tell you how many times Ive had windows not go back up. If it seems slugish to go down or makes funny noises, stop. you only need a few inches to unlock a car if it locks itself.

That is also a very good point on releasing the hood. Its such a habit of mine, I dont even notice I do it anymore. Ive seen a tech burned bad because he was in such a hurry and didnt release the hood first.

 

[taterdog]

Exactly my point, if hes deducting it from your pay, you will be much less prone to making that mistake again. Accidents happen, and **** breaks. it happens, how you deal with the situation is what will determine your character.

Im pretty sure he's ready to terminate for the first mistake. but like i said i could of read him wrong.


Whats the best way to move a tool box? I have a Snap on Classic 78. I still have the skid it came on, and side protectors.

 

[crewchief888]

eyes open
mouth shut
dont be a smartass

develop a routine for every job you do, and follow it.

 

[Brentocool]

Have a tool guy move your box. Relax and dont be afraid of loosing your job. Dont believe any promisses about promotions either.I work at one of the biggest Toyota stores in the country.100 bays.And a 10 pit lube station conected by what looks like a submarine.150 cars a day on a slow day!!!2 guys on a pit.I know you have to start somewhere though. When I started you were a Apprentice or Journeyman. Now theres Lube Tech,Semi skilled,Apprentice and finally Journeyman? don't forget there out there to make money$$ And yes they will **** can you if you F up!! I feel sorry for guys getting into the field these days. Lube tech is what it is. You wont learn much if its a busy shop. Any free time should be spent hanging over the fender of a good journeyman. Asking questions and watching!! If they will let you? (management) We have guys 10 years at our place still semi skilled while they still hire Journeyman? Good luck.

 

[taterdog]

Have a tool guy move your box. Relax and dont be afraid of loosing your job. Dont believe any promisses about promotions either.I work at one of the biggest Toyota stores in the country.100 bays.And a 10 pit lube station conected by what looks like a submarine.150 cars a day on a slow day!!!2 guys on a pit.I know you have to start somewhere though. When I started you were a Aprentice or Journeyman. Now theres Lube Tech,Semi skilled,Aprentice and finally Journeyman? don't forget there out there to make money$$ And yes they will **** can you if you F up!! I feel sorry for guys getting into the field these days. Lube tech is what it is. You wont learn much if its a busy shop. Any free time should be spent hanging over the fender of a good journeyman. Asking questions and watching!! If they will let you? (management) We have guys 10 years at our place still semi skilled while they still hire Journeyman? Good luck.

How would I find a tool guy. I have a friend who has moved his around a few times with no issues..his is one of the masters. Or whatever they are. The service manager understood I had to start somewere and was telling me when im not busy be watching everyone else and learning.

 

[KEH]

I'm not a mechanic but I've changed my oil for more than 50 years. I think everyone is assuming you have a collection of oil filter wrenches. You need some sized to take off stubborn filters by clamping into the filter, plus screwdrivers, chisels, hammers and whatever to destroy a filter if necessary to take it off. You might need to check with the supervisor before starting to do that.

After changing the oil and filter, crank the car and check for leaks.

Be sure the old rubber gasket is removed from the filter. Cost me an engine to find that out. Two gaskets leak.

Lightly oil the new filter gasket before installing filter.

Develop a routine and don't let anyone interrupt you.

KEH

 

[lynam]

Im a tech at a Hyundai dealership here's the sizes you will need.
8MM
10MM
12MM
14MM
17MM
19MM
21MM
22MM
24MM
27MM
32MM
P3
P2

If your gonna be doing oil changes. You will need a 17MM wrench for the oil drain plugs. 27MM for some of the new v6 oil filter cartridges, big channel locks or oil filter pullers. A good air chuck/tire gauge. 1/2" air impact gun with a 21MM socket.
I would also buy a 9-18volt cordless impact gun with a 10MM and 12MM for engine covers and splash shields. (will be spending most of your time removing these)

Dont forgot! you will only have one chance to double check your work, so do it! No one will make fun of you for double checking if something is full or tight. **** up to the other techs and help them out when you have free time, but make sure to stay out of there way. Do this and they might just teach you some tricks and help you out when you get your self in a bind or brake something lol (which will happen allot in the beginning)
Good luck if you have any other question go for it.

 

[taterdog]

Im a tech at a Hyundai dealership here's the sizes you will need.
8MM
10MM
12MM
14MM
17MM
19MM
21MM
22MM
24MM
27MM
32MM
P3
P2

If your gonna be doing oil changes. You will need a 17MM wrench for the oil drain plugs. 27MM for some of the new v6 oil filter cartridges, big channel locks or oil filter pullers. A good air chuck/tire gauge. 1/2" air impact gun with a 21MM socket.
I would also buy a 9-18volt cordless impact gun with a 10MM and 12MM for engine covers and splash shields. (will be spending most of your time removing these)

Dont forgot! you will only have one chance to double check your work, so do it! No one will make fun of you for double checking if something is full or tight. **** up to the other techs and help them out when you have free time, but make sure to stay out of there way. Do this and they might just teach you some tricks and help you out when you get your self in a bind or brake something lol (which will happen allot in the beginning)
Good luck if you have any other question go for it.

I have evrything you listed but a pneaumatic impact and impact sockets. Ill post a pic of the tools I have. Thanks for the info

 

[browntown]

As far as dumb *** mistakes, I had a company car (ford fusion) that I took into the firestone for an oil change. 5000 miles later I went to the oil can henrys for the next oil change and they informed me that the car had a cartridge style oil filter and that the previous oil changer left it out. 5000 miles with no filtration. Glad it wasn't my car although I drove that thing to 75000 miles without problems before trade in.

 

[Brentocool]

There will be tool guys coming in at your new job. Get there #'s from the guys that work there and give them a call. Or just bring the min with you in a small box till you get to talk to one of them. our lube techs are suplied with the tools they need.What did the manager say about tools? I think he ment watch the other lube techs. He wont expect to much from you at the start dont worry!!

 

[BillK]

td,
I think that a drain plug left loose is probably the most common mistake. If you get into the habit from the very first car you service to use a torque wrench on the plug, and record the torque on the work order, you will be one step ahead of everyone else.

I personally cannot imagine how a car could leave the bay without oil in it ????? Either the oil light will be on, or the gauge will read ZERO. If you get into the habit of checking both of them every time, you will not have a problem. I guess I just cant imagine how any type of "car guy" could even start a car after an oil change and not be watching the gauge or light

You did not say what you are doing for a living now ? Just be a complete professional and you will be way ahead of the game. Keep your work area clean, do not rush yourself no matter what pressure they put you under !!

The automotive profession needs good techs but it can be a brutal career too

 

[taterdog]

There will be tool guys coming in at your new job. Get there #'s from the guys that work there and give them a call. Or just bring the min with you in a small box till you get to talk to one of them. Are lube techs are suplied with the tools they need.What did the manager say about tools?

We didn't talk about tools at all. Are your lube techs allowed to opt to use there own? If/when he calls me to finalize it ill ask

 

[Brentocool]

Heres what I do on oil changes. Remove the cap and put it right on the hood latch!! You cant close the hood if you leave it off! Pull the dip stick out far enough but not all the way out.Its a reminder and it vents the engine so the oil drains better. Remove drain plug, drain oil. replace oil filter dont over tighten it!!! Leave the oil drain pan under the car untill your ready to add oil. Say they want the tires rotated at the same time. Its another reminder. Now reinstall the drain plug and gasket if required dont over tighten it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! remove drain pan from under car. Lower the car fill with oil. Check the oil with the dip stick it should be a little high. Dont trust the meter on oil pump.reinstalll oil cap. Run engine and recheck oil again.Oil level should be good now.

 

[Brentocool]

I dont see the need to use your own tools? But yes some of our guys have tool boxes there. maybe to show there looking to move up at some time.

 

[taterdog]

I dont see the need to use your own tools? But yes some of our guys have tool boxes there. maybe to show there looking to move up at some time.

I don't plan to be a lube tech forever or more than a year or 2 if I can help it and seeing my snap on bill every month would make me sad to know every bit of it was sitting at the house.

 

[Brentocool]

While your working there keep looking for other jobs.. possible apprentice?? The experience will help you.

 

[Brentocool]

td,
I think that a drain plug left loose is probably the most common mistake. If you get into the habit from the very first car you service to use a torque wrench on the plug, and record the torque on the work order, you will be one step ahead of everyone else.

I personally cannot imagine how a car could leave the bay without oil in it ????? Either the oil light will be on, or the gauge will read ZERO. If you get into the habit of checking both of them every time, you will not have a problem. I guess I just cant imagine how any type of "car guy" could even start a car after an oil change and not be watching the gauge or light

You did not say what you are doing for a living now ? Just be a complete professional and you will be way ahead of the game. Keep your work area clean, do not rush yourself no matter what pressure they put you under !!

The automotive profession needs good techs but it can be a brutal career too

Ya it can!!

 

[taterdog]

While your working there keep looking for other jobs.. possible apprentice?? The experience will help you.

and thats it. this is the career i want to follow. i went to every single dealership in the local area and whether they were hiring or not i left an application. whether i like hyundai's or not. i can go to the next guy and say. Ya i have 1 year (or however long) experience over at *** dealership. But this company is so big. it has Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Jeep, Lincoln, Mazda, and Nissan. has locations in 3 different cities. So if all goes well i may be able to move around in the company if opportunity arises

Metric

Standard

I have several things not pictured. but i think i have about 95% of what ill need.

 

[Brentocool]

Cool! Dont forget theres side jobs too!!!

 

[taterdog]

td,

You did not say what you are doing for a living now ? Just be a complete professional and you will be way ahead of the game. Keep your work area clean, do not rush yourself no matter what pressure they put you under !!

The automotive profession needs good techs but it can be a brutal career too

Im a 2nd pressman on a Heidelberg CD 74 8 color sheetfed press.

I attempt to be as professional as possible. i like for people to know im serious about what i do, and I cant stand to be clumped with the average person my age. Im far from that.

 

[taterdog]

Cool! Dont forget theres side jobs too!!!

i already work 40 hours at my full time and between 20-30 at my part time. i dont have free time for side work. but somehow im in the middle of a motor swap on an F250 for a customer

 

[Plombob]

Taterdog - You have the right attitude, so you'll do well wherever you go.

There's lots of good advice in this thread. I suggest you create a checklist of things to complete on the LOFs until you have that job down pat. It's easy to miss something when you're a rookie.

I once left the o-ring on a car and almost cost the shop an engine. Be careful with that. And never put the key on the dash. If it slides into the vent, you'll spend all day fishing it out (done that).

The tool truck is like crack. Stay off it unless you can pay cash. You often can find the same tool at pawn shops or swap meets for less. There's nothing wrong with used tools.

After many years in business, I can tell you that the best course is to admit your mistakes upfront. You will be a better person for it, and that boss may cut you slack if he knows you're doing your best. Everyone makes mistakes, that's why God invented garageman's insurance.

Go get 'em tiger!

 

[CarCrafter]

I tried imbedding this video, but it didn't work. Here is the link. Lots of good info on it.

http://workshop.search-autoparts.co...aintenance/video/1640790/31710.html?cid=95883

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[mudflap]

Unless i missed it, you didnt mention anything about your training, or edumication. Hopefully you have, or are working on your ASE certs. thats what will take you from a lube tech, to making the big bucks, and open a lot of doors for you. Your off to a good start as far as tools, nice stuff !! But as others have stated, dont go crazy with that. The MATCO truck comes to my shop on a bi-weekly basis, i pay cash for my tool habit, but i know that may be tough to do starting out. I have seen some guys not eating lunch, or being late on their utility bills to make their tool truck payment, that takes the fun out of it...

 

[35chevypu]

definitely dont pass the buck.if you dont know something find out what you have to do to learn,if you make a mistake learn from it,always start with basics for diagnosing problems.flat rate can be great if the shop has enough work and you have good relationship with service manager and take pride in your work.with time you will learn of short cuts that can shave time off each job.real good flat rate techs in busy shops can bill 75+ hrs in a 40 hr work week with busy dealership.find out how pay works when you get promoted to flat rate.if its all by flat rate or bonus for over hours.(makes big difference when you get good and are very busy)

 

[taterdog]

well i got final word. i start in 2 weeks

 

[Lotek]

Get the mgr to sign you up with HMA training as soon as you can, their online stuff is good. A Streamlight Stinger led flashlight is a good investment, if you spot leaks and worn parts for the techs to upsell, you will be their best friend. Have them show you what to look for. Get torquesticks for the lugnuts, maybe an inexpensive 1/2" torquewrench, if you get in the habit from the start, it's easier and those Techwrenches are too fragile for day to day lugnut use. Keep your work area and yourself clean, use floormats, no one wants a greasemonkey leaving grime all over thier car. Keep a rag and some window cleaner handy, if you get greasy hand or footprints on something, clean it up. Watch the sill plate and driver's door trim for marks from your shoes as you get in and out, even if you didn't make the mark, clean it, you will get blamed for it anyway. If the shop has rubber gloves, use them, take them off before getting into the customer's car. If you screw up, tell someone, it's a lot easier to fix before the customer gets in the mgr's office. You should do fine.

As far as moving the box goes, rent a small trailer or put it in the back of your truck, the shop will have a forklift to get it out of the truck in one piece, you can pull all the drawers to get it in there, use plenty of tiedowns and furniture pads,

 

[dtt454]

one way to cut out alot of stupid mistakes. when you put something on, wither it be drain plug, oil filter, lug nuts, whatever. tighten it. RIGHT THEN. no exceptions.

either put it on to the proper torque or leave it out before you walk away.

you would be suprised how something as simple and stupid as leaving something loose will burn even the experienced ones from time to time. distractions always seem to come at the worst times.

just make it a rule of thumb.