Free Technician Training with OTAA Membership

Day #1 Training:

Advanced Steering & Suspension Diagnostics

Workshop length: 1 day (8 hours), 0.8 CEUs awarded

This workshop enhances the skills of the professional undercar technician in the area of steering systems on both hydraulic and electronic assist units. Steering systems have evolved from hydraulic pump assisted steering gears to modern EPS (electric power steering) designs that can provide various level of assist. Each system’s component operation is discussed and the strategies of operation are outlined. Information on steering angle sensor recalibration and sensor testing on both hydraulic and electrical assist steering units are reviewed. We also discuss electronic and mechanical suspension ranging from variable valve ride control systems to modern magnetorheological damper systems. Operation and diagnostic tips for air, nitrogen and hydraulic suspension systems are included in this workshop. Numerous diagnostic strategies are reviewed related to owner concerns of accelerated tire wear and inadequate steering, stopping and stability that may be caused by a suspension component failure. After completing this workshop, the student will have the knowledge to:

• Define the operation of various electronically assisted steering systems (column drive, rack motor drive, belt drive)
• Overview variable ratio system operation from various manufacturers
• Diagnose hydraulic steering assist concerns and causes of noise and intermittent assist
• Utilize scan tools and other methods to service the system and recalibrate sensors after repairs and wheel alignment
• Identify the components and operation of late-model ride control systems and related service procedures
• Utilize scan tools for diagnosis and bi-directional testing on both electronic steering and suspension controls

Day #2 Training:

ABS/Stability Control & Traction Control Diagnostics

Workshop Length: 1 day (8 hours), 0.8 CEUs awarded

This workshop is designed with a combination of classroom and hands-on education to enhance the technician’s ability to properly diagnose automotive ABS, stability control and traction control systems. We will discuss the operation of the most current ABS/ stability control systems utilized by Domestic, Asian and European vehicle manufacturers. After completing this workshop, the student will have the knowledge to:

• Discuss the function and components of ABS/stability control systems
• Evaluate scan tool data and fault codes
• Recognize the correct test procedures using scan tool data, oscilloscope, DMM and graphing to view and diagnose
  yaw/lateral force and steering wheel position (SWP) sensors
• Identify base brake system issues that relate to unwanted ABS application and misdiagnosis
• Differentiate circuit or component failures found when diagnosing wheel speed sensor DTCs

Day #3 Training:

Service Writer – Steering and Suspension

Workshop Length: 4 hours, 0.4 CEUs awarded

This workshop enhances the skills of the service professional working as the interface between the customer and the business. Effective customer communication and selling skills are highlighted throughout this workshop. Emphasis is placed on practicing the 4C model (concern, cause, correction and consequence). Attendees are trained on how to professionally interact with their customers. Several role play exercises take place throughout the workshop so attendees can practice and hone their skills. This workshop focuses on a light technical overview of a vehicle’s steering and suspension system.

After completing this workshop, the student will have the knowledge to:

• Professionally communicate the corrective action necessary for servicing a vehicle’s steering and suspension system
• Interact professionally with the customer
• Communicate the benefits of replacing steering and suspension components with premium parts to the customer

Service Writer – Brake Systems

Workshop Length: 4 hours, 0.4 CEUs awarded

This workshop enhances the skills of the service professional working as the interface between the customer and the business. Effective customer communication and selling skills are highlighted throughout this workshop. Emphasis is placed on practicing the 4C model (concern, cause, correction and consequence). Attendees are trained on how to professionally interact with their customers. Several role-play exercises take place throughout the workshop so attendees can practice and hone their skills. This workshop focuses on a light technical overview of a vehicle’s brake system’s components.

After completing this workshop, the student will have the knowledge to:

• Professionally communicate the corrective action necessary for servicing a vehicle’s braking system
• Interact professionally with the customer
• Communicate the benefits of a premium brake service to the customer