Eastern Automotive Warehousing/Auto Machinery - Autosphere

Lindertech 2009
Luis Ruiz, Part 2
Luis’ employer, Mechanic’s Education
Association, offers live technical assistance
and mobile diagnostics,
in addition to the training implied by its
name. Those services keep their staff in
touch with real-world pattern failures,
and allow them to develop diagnostic
shortcuts.
Like many general-repair technicians, I
don’t have enough of Volkswagen’s products
coming in the door of my “service
to all makes and models” shop to have
developed any real familiarity with their
diagnostics.
Customers still expect us to be able to
quickly and accurately fi x these vehicles,
and that makes this kind of manufacturerspecifi
c training highly benefi cial.
The alphanumeric basics
Those mostly familiar with the way that
the domestics label their diagrams and
scan tool data will find Volkswagen’s
alphanumeric designations, well, completely
foreign.
As Luis explains, these designations are
used to reduce any confusion about what
a part is, regardless of the language used.
This makes a lot of sense, as Volkswagens
aren’t just sold globally; they’re built in
places as far flung as Germany, Brazil,
China, and South Africa.
As an example, whether looking at a wiring
or vacuum diagram, or even a diagnostic
tree, “N75” always refers to a boost
control solenoid. This commonality means
that the boost control solenoid on a Jetta
has the same alphanumeric designation
as the boost control solenoid on a Passat,
even if their design or part numbers are
not the same. Otherwise, even in English
confusion could occur, as this part can
also be called a wastegate solenoid.
Same applies for data
Scan data displayed on Volkswagen’s
VAG-COM scanner—or any that emulate
its functionality, such as the OTC
Genisys—utilizes a similar logic, albeit
numeric only. Data items are organized
by three-digit “Group,” and then divided
into four “Measuring Blocks.” Measuring
Blocks can have varying functions (which
are normally labelled on-screen).
For fuel control data—familiar to many
Brian Early is a full-time automotive technician
in addition to his journalistic endeavours.
techs as “fuel trim” or GM’s old “block learn
and integrator”—the four boxes would
represent (in order, from 1 to 4): Bank
1 additive (basically “short-term”); Bank
1 multiplicative (similar to “long-term”);
Bank 2 additive; Bank 2 multiplicative.
Without that kind of prior explanation, I’d
probably only get a massive stress headache
from trying to determine that one on
my own!
Luis suggests that appropriate Groups can
be most readily determined by consulting
the diagnostic fl owchart for a DTC relating
to the intended item.
Case studies too
Brian Early
bandb.early@sympatico.ca
While Lindertech North’s location changed from Mohawk College in Hamilton to the Four Points
by Sheraton by Toronto’s Pearson Airport, the high quality of the training did not. New Jersey’s
Luis Ruiz proved his breadth of knowledge by presenting two very dissimilar courses: GM
Duramax 6.6 Diesel, and Volkswagen Engine Controls.
34 | CarCare Business | December 2009 | www.autosphere.ca |
Luis Ruiz, Volkswagen Engine Controls trainer at Lindertech North 2009,
explains how to identify and diagnose VW coil-on-plug ignition systems.
PHOTOS: BRIAN EARLY
Although I’ve tried to share the most
useful concepts here, Luis’ presentation
also included several case studies, as well
as analysis and diagnostic methods for
several common VW Group component
failures, including mass airfl ow and ignition
systems.
It turns out that while Luis’ New Jersey accent
may make him sound like a Sopranostyle
“Wiseguy,” this affable tech guru is
actually just a wise guy.