Delphi Technologies seeks to unravel the mysteries surrounding diagnostics.
With the cars of today more technically advanced than ever before, the days of purely mechanical systems for important tasks such as fuel delivery, ignition and even braking are now long gone. Modern vehicles boast more computers than you’ll find on the shelves of your local electrical superstore, and their digital tentacles reach out into almost every crevice where they tighten their grip on even the most mundane automotive function.
That makes the process of diagnosing issues a challenge without the right tools for the job and the knowledge to go with it. In fact, even routine servicing can now require a few taps on a keyboard. Replacing computer-controlled parts often necessitates a trip into a world of ECU recalibration. Some Mercedes-Benz diesel engines, for example, demand a digital reset to accompany a new air filter.
The level of complexity is rapidly increasing too, as new technologies such as hybridisation and active safety systems become commonplace in the automotive landscape. Thankfully, the tools and knowledge required to service this need are readily accessible and are within the reach of garages of all sizes. This widens the range of vehicles they can cater for and enables them to compete on service with franchised dealers.
“Diagnostics still seems to be a scary subject for some garages, particularly the more traditional and smaller establishments. However, we work to provide independents with a range of diagnostic tools that can interface with any make and model of vehicle and which can perform a comprehensive range of tasks that were previously the preserve of the dealer network,” argues Julian Goulding, Northern Europe Marketing Manager at Delphi Technologies Aftermarket. “With our OEM experience, it’s possible we designed the system in the first place and that means we’re in the very best position when it comes to diagnosing faults and identifying issues.”
Delphi Technologies’ range of diagnostic products includes everything from fuel injection tester kits to OBD tools, the latter helping to pinpoint the root cause of an issue, or even perform software updates throughout the vehicle. By accurately tracing faulty components, an appropriate diagnostic tool mitigates the need for the time-consuming, expensive, and often trial-and-error process of replacing parts until the fault can be isolated. That delivers a win for both the garage and their customers.
Wireless
With a diagnostic tool connected to the vehicle’s OBD port, the device communicates wirelessly over Bluetooth with the accompanying software on a PC or tablet, giving instant access to OE-level diagnostics and technical information.
Initiating a full vehicle scan will quickly identify any fault codes or conditions that have been stored by the car’s ECU, with compatibility across almost every manufacturer and vehicle type, from cars to vans, trucks to buses – even those with security-protected systems.
Delphi Technologies’ DTC Assist functionality provides technicians with guided diagnostic assistance, while the company’s constantly updated Vehicle Technical Information (VTI) combines maintenance data with technical drawings, manuals, procedures, and more.
“This allows a workshop technician to quickly understand exactly what is wrong with a particular system, which will almost certainly not be possible to diagnose with traditional tools alone,” continued Goulding. “Combining that with a full spread of technical information and procedures makes it easy to understand how a system behaves, and that’s often crucial to understanding why a particular fault code may have been triggered and, more importantly, how to resolve it. Having direct access to that information helps save time and money by reducing non-billable hours and improving workshop efficiency.”
Faster vehicle scans
Understanding the growing importance of a good diagnostic tool and how it can mean success or failure to a garage, Delphi Technologies has recently expanded its diagnostic offering with the launch of the BlueTech VCI, its next-generation diagnostic tool. Five times more powerful than its predecessor, it delivers faster vehicle scan times than ever before, while new integrations such as CAN FD, multiple CAN channels, and DoIP (Diagnostics over Internet Protocol) offer garages cost-effective and intuitive access to the latest troubleshooting methods.
The new tool also has integrated security gateway that allows the workshop to seamlessly service security-protected vehicles whilst the new DTC-assist functionality provides technicians with guided diagnostic assistance.
“We’ve listened to garages and technicians and worked to incorporate everything they value and need in the BlueTech VCI, including Pass-Thru capability that opens the door to services such as ECU programming that were previously the preserve of franchised dealers and their OE-specific tools,” added Goulding.
“Essentially, now that even the most modest of cars comes fully equipped with an array of sophisticated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), we’ve ensured that the BlueTech VCI supports the calibration of most modern ADAS features, while we’ve also looked to optimise its ease-of-use for the technician. For example, with the built-in Flight Recorder, mechanics can record a range of parameters during a solo road test, ready for review and analysis once safely back in the workshop.”
With the availability of high-tech, yet simple-to-use, diagnostic tools such as the BlueTech VCI, independent garages can now cater for even the most technically-advanced vehicles from the likes of BMW, Audi, Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover.
For some, these new complex tasks may seem daunting, particularly when approached for the first time. However, Delphi Technologies’ complements its tools with a high level of support, with garages enjoying access to a technical hotline, in-field support, and a comprehensive array of training programmes. Covering topics from emissions to common rail diagnostics, engine management issues to hybrid systems, each can be delivered in-person at the company’s Midlands-based training centre, or online through the new e-learning Academy platform that provides training at the point of need and through any device, even just a smartphone.
By expanding their knowledge and their diagnostic capability, even the smallest independent garages can provide the same level of service as a franchised dealer. As our vehicles become ever more complex, this helps turn a challenge into an opportunity, one where the rewards are increased customer loyalty and, perhaps more importantly, profitability.
