Advanced Body, Security & Chassis Systems Training Manual

• Tire Pressure Monitoring – TPMS systems are unique in that every technician in the shop will have to deal with them. Whether you are mounting tires, performing scheduled maintenance, or performing diagnostics, TPMS is unavoidable. Learning to master the tools and techniques opens up some new sources of profit for you and your shop. One technician called TPMS “The new Check Engine light.” The TPMS Section in this manual includes comprehensive coverage of Domestic systems as well as Honda, Toyota & Nissan (and related luxury brands). This manual and class cover a multitude of OEM and aftermarket tools, as well as OEM, aftermarket, and ‘customer’ sensor ID and/or position learning.

While the principals of tire pressure monitoring are simple, there are an almost infinite number of exceptions and variations among models, system versions, trim levels, etc., in addition to the common mistakes not clearly discussed in other repair information. This section gives every technician the information they need to select the best tools and procedures, including some little known tools and techniques for maximizing TPMS service profit. Maybe more importantly, there are many service tips to help you avoid some costly mistakes.

• Security Systems (Vehicle Theft) – Like the TPMS Section, the Security Section is a comprehensive look at vehicle theft prevention systems on Domestic and select Asian vehicles. The articles focus on:
  • Access to the information needed to service security systems
  • Adding and replacing transponder keys under a variety of scenarios
  • OEM & aftermarket tools and equipment, including some surprising workarounds!

• Other Systems – TPMS and Security are a whole course unto themselves, but we added a few other sections to give you the diagnostic edge when working on some of the systems causing the most headaches in shops today:

• Telemetry Sensors (i.e. Steering Angle) – Many modern ABS systems incorporate Vehicle Stability Control and/or Traction Control. These systems, along with Electronic Power Steering, use a combination of Yaw Rate, Steering Angle, and other chassis telemetry sensors. These sensors often need to be ‘relearned’ or ‘zeroed’ after service or alignment, so we’ve outlined the available OEM and aftermarket procedure for you.

• Common ABS Issues – While there’s no time for a comprehensive ABS section, we were able to include solutions to many of the problems that give technicians the most trouble – from false activation to misleading codes, and everything in between.

• Occupant Detection – Airbag system diagnosis is usually simple, though expensive. However, with the introduction of passenger presence and weight sensing, it became quite complicated, and often confusing. This manual covers the Domestic and select Asian occupant detection systems, including both OEM and aftermarket service procedures, along with solutions to elusive faults.

• Instrument Clusters – Cluster failure is common, but diagnosis usually results in ordering a part and hoping it’s a fix. We have assembled solutions to the most difficult problems, and great procedures for quickly isolating faults with minimal disassembly.

• Power Windows & Locks – Again, these are simple systems, so the articles focus on the problems you’re most likely to see: Chrysler Lock issues, and erratic behavior on Ford, Honda, Toyota & Nissan power windows. These articles covers auto-up window relearning and other valuable information likely to pay you back in the near future. 

• Charging Systems – Many newer charging systems are so integrated into other vehicle electronic functions that incorrect diagnosis is becoming a big problem, made worse by the presence of so many faulty remanufactured components. We leave the basic charging system operation to other repair information, instead focusing on the tools and information you need to quickly take control of the charging system functions and come to confident conclusion.