Wrench Tales #9: Tomi Oliva

Oct. 14, 2024

Non-communication DTCs don't always mean the module is offline. It could simply mean the nodes don't all speak the same language!

Brandon Steckler

Wrench Tales with Motor Age Technical editor Brandon Steckler is back for episode #9 with special guest and real-life pal, Tomi Oliva (of SJ Auto Solutions in Chicago, Illinois). Tomi has prepared a special case study that many can learn from. In this presentation, Tomi uncovers why a simple transmission replacement led to a non-communication failure but here is the kicker…the “non-communicating” module actually communicates just fine. Even the other ECUs acknowledge its communication…definitely weird!

Stick with Brandon and Tomi as they carry out a discussion about this strange case and discover what Tomi saw in the data that allowed him to make smooth moves right from the driver’s seat without ever having to remove a single panel for access or even test a fuse.

Learn the difference between aftermarket tooling limitations and what factory tooling can provide for you, when necessary. Leverage this power from the driver’s seat to help determine a diagnostic direction and allow it to guide you toward subsequent logical steps, bringing you closer to the root cause fault without any wasted time or invested energy.

Believe me when I say, it’s not wizardry (although Tomi makes it look that way), but it is a level of experience and understanding that helps Tomi take it to the next level. Just because communication DTCs exist does not necessarily mean the node is offline. It could be that the nodes just don’t speak the same language!

Join us on this episode of Wrench Tales and find out how Tomi solves the mystery!

There's lots more from Motor Age! Check out our video library at www.youtube.com/MotorAgeMagazine?sub_confirmation=1

Receive your FREE SUBSCRIPTION to Motor Age here: https://endeavor.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=MAnew

Each issue is packed with in-depth technical articles from experts, brief tech tips and repair strategies, TSBs, and much, much more!

DID YOU KNOW? Motor Age offers a library of ASE Certification training materials. Motor Age Training's books, practice tests, and video resources are edited by ASE Master Technicians with years of experience in repair processes. Each product is designed to help you prepare for and pass your ASE certification exam – GUARANTEED. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE:

https://motoragetraining.com/ FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/MotorAgeMagazine/ VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR EVERYTHING AUTOMOTIVE http://www.vehicleservicepros.com

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

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.

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.