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    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!

    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!

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    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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