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    The Trainer #142: Leveraging the power of Autel's Remote Expert feature

    Nov. 8, 2023
    Leveraging Autel's Remote Expert feature to increase shop revenue and decrease vehicle repair time.

    As time passes, the technological advances made throughout the automotive industry have been increasing exponentially and almost daily. The capability of today's vehicles and their computerized systems is light years ahead of where they were just a few short years ago. But with this increase in technological ability comes the ever-evolving challenges that all shops must face.

    Years ago, replacement of most vehicle components and many ECUs was a simple plug-and-play procedure, meaning no additional programming or configuration/coding was required. The average shop would have no issues completing a repair because no special tooling or procedure was required.

    But times have changed, components have changed, and so, too, have the procedures for replacement of those components. Many of the components interact with ECUs and must be programmed with software to even function. Some of these components could be considered as an add-on feature, requiring existing ECUs to be reconfigured as a new vehicle system configuration. Either of those situations many times will require specialized tooling and software to complete and finalize a repair. In many cases, these procedures are only available using the OEM scan tool and/or J2534 interface, often accompanied by a very hefty expense. If the shop doesn't possess the tools or the know-how to complete the repair, the job must be completed by another shop or by a mobile solutions provider. Both options cost the shop time and money.

    With the introduction of Autel's Remote Expert feature, the shop now has the ability to obtain technical support for diagnostics, ECU programming/reprogramming/configuration, and (if necessary) with the OEM tooling, keep the entire repair in-house. This maximizes shop revenue and minimizes repair times.

    Due to factors beyond the control of Endeavor Business Media, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information or improper use of this information. Endeavor Business Media assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Endeavor Business Media recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Endeavor Business Media, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Endeavor Business Media. The tool and/or equipment featured in this video was supplied by the manufacturer and may or may not be retained by the reviewer at no cost.

    About the Author

    Brandon Steckler | Technical Editor | Motor Age

    Brandon began his career in Northampton County Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was a student of GM’s Automotive Service Educational program. In 2001, he graduated top of his class and earned the GM Leadership award for his efforts. He later began working as a technician at a Saturn dealership in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he quickly attained Master Technician status. He later transitioned to working with Hondas, where he aggressively worked to attain another Master Technician status.

    Always having a passion for a full understanding of system/component functionality, he rapidly earned a reputation for deciphering strange failures at an efficient pace and became known as an information specialist among the staff and peers at the dealership. In search of new challenges, he transitioned away from the dealership and to the independent world, where he specialized in diagnostics and driveability. 

    Today, he is an instructor with both Carquest Technical Institute and Worldpac Training Institute. Along with beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, he develops curriculum/submits case studies for educational purposes. Through Steckler Automotive Technical Services, LLC., Brandon also provides telephone and live technical support, as well as private training, for technicians all across the world.

    Brandon holds ASE certifications A1-A9 as well as C1 (Service Consultant). He is certified as an Advanced Level Specialist in L1 (Advanced Engine Performance), L2 (Advanced Diesel Engine Performance), L3 (Hybrid/EV Specialist), L4 (ADAS) and xEV-Level 2 (Technician electrical safety).

    He contributes weekly to Facebook automotive chat groups, has authored several books and classes, and truly enjoys traveling across the globe to help other technicians attain a level of understanding that will serve them well throughout their careers.  

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