We have some of the industry's leading trainers lined up for ATE Training Expo Seattle 2026 !

This high impact workshop reshapes how Service Advisors present preventive maintenance by combining vehicle science with customer psychology. Advisors learn how to confidently explain why services matter, connect value to real vehicle performance, and turn everyday maintenance conversations into trust based recommendations that benefit both the customer and the shop.By the end of the session, Advisors leave with a practical, repeatable approach to presenting preventive maintenance that feels authentic and professional, not sales driven. The focus is on consistency, clarity, and long term relationship building rather than one time transactions.Key takeaways includeCommunicating value over price using proven trust based language

Using maintenance data and predictability to justify services clearly

Presenting canned jobs confidently for consistency and profitability

Shifting from transactional selling to relationship driven advising

Behind every great team is an inspiring leader—someone who doesn’t just manage tasks, but ignites performance, trust, and growth. In this game-changing course, Cecil Bullard pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to lead people well. Whether you're a Shop Owner, General Manager, or Advisor, this class is your step-by-step playbook to becoming the kind of leader your team wants to follow.You'll learn to lead not just with authority, but with purpose, empathy, and vision. Discover how to break the cycle of blame, silence excuses, and build an unshakable culture of ownership and achievement.

What You’ll Learn:

• The 6 Stages of Leadership Evolution: Understand the progressive path to powerful leadership—and where you are on it
• The 4 Stages of Building Trust: Cultivate a culture of confidence and cohesion
• 6 Proven Ways to Show You Care: Foster loyalty and connection that transforms teams
• 10 Communication Strategies: Improve clarity, eliminate confusion, and elevate results
• How to Create High-Performing Teams: Align individuals to a shared vision of excellence
• Secrets to Conflict Resolution: Turn tension into opportunity
• How to Eliminate Excuses and Inspire Accountability: Shift your culture from reactive to proactive
• The Magic of Avoiding Blame: Spot unproductive patterns and redirect energy toward growth
• How to Improve Self-Esteem in Your Team: Build people up so they show up fully

Let’s face it—running a shop is one of the hardest leadership jobs out there. You're juggling parts delays, tech drama, customer expectations, and a dozen other fires… all while trying to grow your business. But here’s the truth: your shop will only grow as far as your leadership does.

The Leadership Snapshot is a dynamic, hands-on workshop designed to help shop owners and managers master the people side of leadership. We’ll cut through the noise and focus on what really matters—understanding yourself, connecting with your team, and leading with purpose.Through live assessments, guided breakout groups, and practical tools, you’ll uncover how your natural wiring affects your leadership, where your influence is helping or hurting, and how emotional intelligence can transform how your team responds to you. You’ll walk away with a personalized Leadership Snapshot and a 90-day plan to elevate your leadership and move your shop forward.

If you’re tired of putting out the same fires, struggling to get buy-in from your team, or wondering why your top tech just quit… this course is for you.

You’ll Learn How To:• Identify your natural leadership wiring and how it shows up on the shop floor• Strengthen emotional intelligence and build deeper trust with your team• Increase your influence without micromanaging or powering up• Uncover blind spots in how others experience your leadership• Build a clear 90-day plan to become the leader your shop truly needs

Who Should Attend:• Shop owners, GMs, and service managers who want to grow their leadership• Leaders who want to improve retention, accountability, and team culture• Anyone ready to lead more effectively—without burning out or powering through

There is a new way to cool the automotive industry. And a new set of rules to follow for a successful repair. Review 134a descent into refrigerant history while 1234yf is now in all makes-models as of September 2020. And a quick update on the status of R744. This course will instruct the technician on:

New lubricationsUpdated service-diagnostic procedures for 1234yfScan tool bi-directional controlsOnboard module software operationVariable displacement compressor issues and repairsAlso, heat exchange and hybrid climate control are explored and dissected for easy consumption in this three-hour course.

This workshop is designed for technicians who have a basic understanding of electrical theory and are ready to put it to use. We begin with highlighting information on battery testing and battery replacement. We will discuss proper battery testing methods and what may need to be done during a replacement. Starting systems have become more efficient, and the circuits that control them include complex security protocols. The methods for validating faults within a starter circuit still revolve around the understanding of basic electricity. Good practices are critical to not overlooking an obvious fault. We will cover how to diagnose a ‘no start’ condition and the quickest way to pinpoint the problem. Charging system controls have advanced, and many manufacturers have specific charging system strategies that are used to aid in longer battery life and increased economy. We discuss the different variations of ‘smart charging systems’ and what testing methods you need to employ to avoid replacing a costly alternator that was not the root of the problem. In-bay vehicle demonstrations are part of this workshop.

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

• Diagnose common battery, starting, and charging issues using the latest diagnostic equipment• Understand the different automotive battery types and testing methods• Measure charging system output and validate proper PCM control• Use system wiring schematics to aid in diagnosing charging system faults

This course provides the confidence to take the fear and frustration out of using your oscilloscope. Modern vehicles provide us with multiple communication networks, countless sensors, solenoids, and actuators. Not only do we need a way to test the components themselves, but we also need trusted tests to verify the controllers that monitor and actuate these components.

You will learn essential operations of your Oscilloscope, including set up, signal analysis, common waveforms and tests that can be used on every vehicle you work on. Quick tests for no starts, driveability concerns, communication networks, electric motors, solenoids, actuators, and sensors will also be covered.

This course will prepare you to take your scope to the fender and prove failures without the need for intrusive teardown, lost time, and labor.

• Signal acquisition 
• Current charging 
• Pressure testing
• Voltage drop/loading circuits
• Starting and charging system testing

This is a critical thinking or logical approach class to address many of the issues that face techs every day; working on systems that are new to them or that they have little or no experience diagnosing. The course is a mix of critical thinking, theory, diagnostic testing methods, tooling and real-world case studies. 

Four areas will be addressed: mechanical testing, fuel trim diagnostics, ignition testing and network communication issues. 

Graphing scan data, archiving data and other useful diagnostic software will be discussed.

Lots of real world, not so forward case studies will be used to illustrate these processes and techniques. See how you can diagnose each type of problem with basic tools and high-tech tools.Learn how to figure out what to do next in your diagnostic process. See what your results should be and where to go next.Examine a quick review of the “Flatrater” test drive and how to gather information.

A Master Class on EV and Hybrid High Voltage System Diagnostic RepairA comprehensive, full day class on EV and Hybrid Vehicle Technology. We cover everything from high-voltage safety, basic diagnosis and high voltage system repairs to more advanced electronic controls like resolver circuits and other EV and HV diagnosis from a technician’s perspective. 

This all-day class is designed to provide any competent technician (that already has a good, fundamental electrical understanding) with all of the Safety, PPE Testing, Hybrid-EV Theory and of course Hands-On Testing Techniques which are covered. 

This class looks at how to safely understand and work on and perform basic diagnostic service on Hybrid and all-electric vehicles (EV, BEV) in general. 

Includes overview of theory on function and control of motor generators, power split and planetary gear function high voltage and battery service and more. 

This is a VERY comprehensive class for anyone entering or currently working on high voltage vehicles, EVs and Hybrids. During this 8-hour class, we use real life diagnostic cases and scenarios to back up the theory taught, don’t miss this class with Adam and Gary!

Cool Heads, Clear Shops is a practical, no-fluff workshop built to help shop leaders and front-line staff navigate real-life conflict—and come out stronger, not scarred.You’ll learn how to:

• De-escalate tense situations with customers and coworkers
• Handle angry, emotional, or unreasonable customers without losing your cool
• Give tough feedback to teammates without drama
• Create a culture where issues are addressed early—not ignored
• Avoid blame games and focus on solutions
• Lead with empathy and accountability when things go sideways
• Whether it’s shop-floor friction or front-desk chaos, this workshop will give you the tools to stay in control, protect your team culture, and keep your shop running smoothly.
• What You’ll Walk Away With:
• A conflict resolution script framework for tough conversations
• Step-by-step methods for calming heated customers (and keeping the sale)
• Communication tools to turn problems into progress
• Real shop scenarios and “what to say when…” cheat sheets
• A conflict response playbook for your whole team to use

Find out what the best shops are doing today that are filling their bays with all the right customers.  Digital Marketing, Website and SEO, Google and Yelp as well as Focused Marketing are all being used today to drive business and bring in the best customers: find out how the most successful marketers in the Automotive Service Industry are using these methods to increase their business and drive profits.  If they can do it, you can too.  This is the future for the successful shop owner and those that don’t learn new methods will struggle, wither and likely die.  Create a Marketing Budget and work on a Personalized Marketing Plan for your business.  

Chaos in the front office costs time, money, and customer trust. This course equips service advisors with a simple, powerful workflow management system that keeps the day organized, the team aligned, and the customer informed. Advisors will learn how to control drop-offs, manage technician communication, schedule effectively, pre-sell work, and build predictable follow-up routines. We’ll also cover how to use AI and automation tools to reduce manual tasks and prevent bottlenecks. Advisors leave with a clear workflow blueprint they can implement the very next day to improve car count, cycle time, and customer satisfaction.

This class covers conventional style AWD/4WD vehicles– Vehicles equipped with a transfer case and a front driveline

Discuss theory of operation and diagnostic routinesIllustrate the sequence of events to obtain 4WD operationExplore vibration analysisExplain system identification and component testingIdentify common failures

In this session, static and dynamic calibration steps will be discussed and reviewed for all three major vehicle types:  Asian, Domestic, and Euro will be reviewed.  This includes environmental and prerequisite requirements for performing ADAS calibrations and steps for verifying that the vehicles were calibrated per OEM specification.

With vehicle technologies and components continuously expanding, there are more sensorsacross the average vehicle platform than ever before. Modules have more to monitor andcontrol to ensure safe and efficient vehicle operation. This course will cover the purpose,operation, and testing procedures for a multitude of sensing components used today and thefailure strategies used when a fault occurs.

Students will be instructed on proper and efficient choice and application of tooling for sensorrelated diagnostics and how to understand the results of testing. Understanding the differencebetween a faulty sensor and a good sensor is impossible without these skills. Sensor testing is still a challenging subject for many technicians around the world, but this course is aimed at making the topic easier to understand.

• Theory and operation
• Circuit design
• Circuit testing
• Necessary tooling
• Various sensor types
• Circuit faults and strategies

• Pull-up and Pull-down sensors
• Switches and sensors relationship
• Shorts to power vs. Shorts to ground
• Voltage vs. Current regulation
• Effects of magnetism

o How many different sensor types are there?o Will unplugging a sensor tell me enough to know if it’s good or bad?o Can a sensor still be good even if a module sets a fault code for it?o Can I just bench test it with a multimeter?

This clinic enhances the professional technician's skills in push-button start, smart keys, and start/stop systems. All of these systems are integrated and can impact one another. This course will discuss tricks in navigating service information to find necessary information for diagnosing a 'no-start' or no 'power up' condition. We will highlight various methods to allow scan tool communication with relevant modules in case of a dead fob or a failed start button. Wiring schematic information is highlighted throughout to help you understand diagnostic strategies. We will review communication networks and security gateways and discuss all system checksnecessary to power start and run the vehicle.

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

• Source wiring schematics relevant to vehicle starting systems using smart keys
• Identify root causes for a vehicle ‘no-start’ or ‘no power up’ condition
• Understand the hardware and electrical circuit control for start-stop systems
• Analyze related electronic systems that interact with the push button start system
• Understand the role the security system plays in starting the vehicle

A comprehensive, full day class on EV and Hybrid Vehicle Technology. We cover everything from high-voltage safety, basic diagnosis and high voltage system repairs to more advanced electronic controls like resolver circuits and other EV and HV diagnosis from a technician’s perspective. 

This all-day class is designed to provide any competent technician (that already has a good, fundamental electrical understanding) with all of the Safety, PPE Testing, Hybrid-EV Theory and of course Hands-On Testing Techniques which are covered. 

This class looks at how to safely understand and work on and perform basic diagnostic service on Hybrid and all-electric vehicles (EV, BEV) in general. 

Includes overview of theory on function and control of motor generators, power split and planetary gear function, high voltage and battery service and more. 

This is a VERY comprehensive class for anyone entering or currently working on high voltage vehicles, EVs and Hybrids. During this 8-hour class, we use real life diagnostic cases and scenarios to back up the theory taught, don’t miss this class with Adam and Gary!

Transmissions have been controlled by computers for a long time. As a result, transmission issues can be electrical or hydraulic/mechanical in nature. When a vehicle with a transmission issue rolls into the shop, it is often “shipped” to a transmission-specific facility. Why? A perfectly capable technician, who can accurately diagnose an engine issue could tackle a transmission issue. Why lose the customer? This course outlines a logical process for attacking transmission failures. Using tools and techniques that drivability technicians already possess. We will discuss how to draw the line between an electrical problem or an internal transmission issue. Basic knowledge of automatic transmissions is a plus, but this course is geared towards non-transmission technicians.

AI is no longer the future—it’s the competitive advantage being used by today’s best service advisors. This session teaches advisors how to use practical, shop-ready AI tools to increase sales, speed up workflow, improve communication, and deliver a better customer experience. Advisors will learn how to use AI to create value-based word tracks, generate clearer digital inspection explanations, create customer-friendly analogies, and overcome common objections. Participants will leave with ready-to-use AI prompts, a repeatable sales workflow, and the confidence to use AI as their personal performance multiplier.

Every organization has a culture, whether it is intentionally designed or silently developed. The unspoken habits, small compromises, and unchecked behaviors are already telling the story of your business. This interactive half-day seminar pulls back the tablecloth and exposes what is really happening under the table, where culture is truly defined. Through guided reflection, practical exercises, and honest dialogue, participants will uncover the hidden norms shaping their teams and learn how personal leadership directly determines collective culture. You will walk away with clarity, tools, and accountability to align what you say you value with how you actually show up.

You Will Discover How To:

• Identify the unspoken rules, stories, and habits driving your current culture.• Recognize how your communication, consistency, and presence define the environment around you.• Confront the behaviors and blind spots you have been tolerating that quietly shape “the way things are done.”• Replace default culture with intentional leadership practices that reflect your highest values.• Create daily alignment between personal integrity and organizational identity.

Key Takeaway:

Culture is not written in your handbook; it is revealed in your habits. What you do not address becomes your culture. This seminar gives you the insight, language, and leadership framework to start changing that today.

This course breaks down the real reason most shops struggle to sell maintenance: the inspection process is inconsistent, incomplete, or rushed. When inspections miss key items, advisors lose opportunities, customers lose trust, and the shop loses revenue.

You’ll learn how to recognize the weak points in your current inspection workflow, how to communicate more effectively with technicians, and how to turn accurate inspections into confident, benefit-based maintenance sales. We also cover how to structure digital inspections, how to prioritize findings, and how to present them in a way that customers actually understand and say yes to.

Whether you’re an advisor trying to raise your closing rate or a tech wanting to improve your inspection game, this class shows you how fixing the inspection process instantly improves maintenance sales, customer satisfaction, and shop performance

Led by experienced instructor Mark Seawell, "Navigating Challenging Situations" provides shop owners, managers, and service advisors in the automotive repair industry with the essential skills and strategies to address and resolve conflicts before they escalate. From handling upset customers to managing disputes with vendors and fostering positive relationships among co-workers, this workshop equips participants with the finesse and confidence needed to navigate challenging situations with ease.Key Topics Include:

- Wowing Upset Customers: Techniques for de-escalating tense situations, empathizing with customers, and finding mutually beneficial resolutions.- Navigating Tricky Situations: Developing proactive approaches to identify and address potential conflicts before they escalate.- Handling Vendor Disputes: Strategies for effectively communicating with vendors, resolving disputes, and maintaining productive business relationships.- Co-workers Coming Together: Building teamwork and collaboration among co-workers to foster a positive and supportive work environment.- Advisor Training: Enhancing communication skills and conflict resolution techniques to improve interactions with customers and colleagues.- Shop Management Training: Equipping managers with the leadership skills necessary to address and resolve conflicts within the repair facility.

Certification:Upon completion of the workshop, participants will receive a certificate acknowledging their proficiency in conflict resolution and their commitment to fostering a positive work environment in the automotive repair industry.Join us and discover how to transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth and collaboration in your repair facility!

The Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is basically no more than a glorified air pump that generates kinetic energy to propel a vehicle.  The more ICE design/developments have changed, the air pump analogy remains somewhat of a constant.  The ICE has to be able inhale/exhale properly and make accurate measurements of the air coming in and exhaust gases going out are still a crucial part of it.  This class will examine different types of air measure systems for fuel calculations, their failures and how to go about accurately diagnosing them.  Vacuum leaks, “pirate air” leaks, as well as, intake and exhaust restrictions issues will be discussed.  Moreover, a common-sense/logical approach to diagnosing them, backed up by real-world case studies, will be presented.  Learn how to leverage technology that will aid techs in diagnosing VE issues.

The primary goals of this course are to:

Provide an overview of electronic power steering (EPS) systems and components including failures, testing and common procedures

• Explain EPS assist motor operation and testing
• Discuss modern steering system updates and design changes
• Consider alignment changes
• Explore the latest steering system operation and testing procedures 

The demand for more efficient, more intelligent, and environmentally cleaner liquid-fueled spark ignition (SI) engines is a primary focus of today’s vehicle manufacturers. GDI SI (Spark Ignited) engines have overcome many limitations and are now commonplace. This workshop provides a comprehensive overview of GDI engines. Various engine operating modes (start-up injection, late injection, operating mode transition) are explored. An explanation of mixture preparation leading to the combustion process is outlined. An emphasis on operational strategies for homogenous and stratified charge fuel control is reviewed. Issues related to the direct injection of gasoline into the combustion chamber are highlighted. Fuel injection system requirements for optimal spray characteristics are discussed. Emission of pollutants, fuel economy, and effects of some key design and operating parameters are also covered.

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

• Describe the operating characteristics behind GDI engine operation• Analyze the important criteria leading up to maximum performance in GDI engines such as proper operation of the Fuel Delivery system• Explain injector spray and atomization requirements for successful GDI operation• Utilize service tools and techniques to properly disassemble and reassemble GDI fuel systems• Analyze important scan tool data parameters in verifying proper GDI engine performance• Interpret scope waveforms captured from fuel injectors and other fuel system components• Understand effects of key engine design and operating conditions on performance, combustion, and emission within GDI engines

When you think about the components of modern-day automotive air and fuel control systems, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Today’s vehicles are commonly equipped with turbochargers, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, variable valve lift, wideband ratio sensor, etc., and the list goes on and on. So how do we make better sense of the operation strategies and develop a diagnostic plan for these modern challenges? It is time to enter a new level of technician skills since today’s vehicle technology changes have happened at such an accelerated rate. Whether we’re diagnosing an airflow management problem or a fuel control issue, we need to know why the engine controller is making the decisions that it is. If a controller is receiving false input data, then the output decisions are going to be incorrect as well. That can be extremely challenging today given that there is an abundant amount of data parameters compared to years before. Thinking outside of the box should become a new normal, and our goal is to encourage the technician to look at these modern-day systems through fresh lenses and come up with new ways to diagnose correctly by getting a better understanding of system operation. Some of the techniques will include:

• Validate airflow measurement and control systems
• Utilize wideband AFR on nearly any vehicle
• Fuel sample testing
• Introduce analyzing engine programming maps
• Scrutinize engine system inputs
• Fault code setting criteria usage
• More areas to use a pressure transducer

Modern air and fuel control systems today are more complicated than in years past, so we need to be able to detect when a controller has switched to running in a default. This course is intended to help and encourage today’s technicians to use every data parameter in their scan tool that is necessary when diagnosing either an airflow sensing/control problem or a fuel system concern. This course is intended for A and B level technicians.

Tire wear, pulling, wandering, etc, or even maintenance will send a vehicle to the alignment rack but what are we missing. Before it gets an alignment it should have a thorough inspection to make sure the alignment is going to perform as intended today and for miles to come. Instead of a quick shakedown how about having a process that is thorough, accurate and efficient? This training will discuss the different steering and suspension systems, why they need to be checked differently and how to properly perform the inspections. Develop a plan, be efficient and consistent while increasing your opportunities.

Tired of being led down the wrong path by factory flowcharts and parts-swapping guesses? OEM “trouble trees” have misled us for years, causing wasted time and unnecessary parts replacement. This class is a smorgasbord of “wicked cool” diagnostic routines that go beyond the everyday. We’ll explore creative, efficient, and eye-opening methods that challenge the status quo and open your mind to what’s possible. Every routine covered in this class is designed to stretch your thinking, spark your imagination, and add new testing methods to your diagnostic arsenal to handle the stuff that doesn't follow the book. You won’t get a deep dive into any one system, but you will get a powerful intro to multiple high-impact concepts, with hands-on and virtual courses available for those ready to go further. Whether you’re just starting or already seasoned, this class will leave you thirsty for more. This isn’t a checklist of textbook tests. It’s a mindset shift, built around real-world techniques and the belief that the only limit is your imagination.

The keynote will touch on today's industry-wide technical challenges in the bay, how great techs get into big trouble fast in diagnostics and how to avoid diagnostic pitfalls with a daily approach strategy.

Led by expert instructor Ryan Daily, "Customer Expectation and Level Setting!" provides shop owners, managers, and service advisors in the automotive repair industry with invaluable strategies for confidently and effectively communicating and setting expectations with all personality types. Participants will learn the four personality types based on DISC profiles, they will be able to effectively diagnose each type quickly and adjust the way they communicate to better serve the customer.Key Topics Include:

- DISC Personality Types: Understanding your audience is crucial for successful communication.- Body Language and Speech: Identifying each of the four personality types will assist in understanding the best way to communicate clear expectations. - Talking the Same Language: Different personalities receive information differently, It is up to us to make sure we are heard and understood.- Under Promise and Over Deliver: In the Auto Repair Industry, we often fall short of our promises. Here we learn to cultivate a culture of understanding with our clients and co-workers. 

Join us and discover how to overcome objections with finesse and close more sales with confidence in your repair facility!

What would you be willing to do in your business to be top-of-mind when your customer needs you? In this training you will learn how to communicate with specific personality types in ways that are super easy to execute. 

Knowing your customers motivational mindset gives you the advantage of creating intentional copy & content that targets their particular perspectives and drives them to your shop. Learn the specific scripts for phone calls, emails, text messaging, and post-cards that speak to them on a deeper level. 

Your Service Advisors are the face of your business and key to your shop's success. In today’s competitive automotive industry, their performance directly impacts your bottom line and reputation. Are they driving your business forward or holding it back?Maximize Profits and Reputation: How Service Advisors Can Make or Break Your Business is a transformative 4-hour course designed to help shop owners and managers understand the critical role of Service Advisors and leverage their skills for maximum impact.In this hands-on course, you’ll learn to:

●        Boost Your Bottom Line: Increase profits through effective sales techniques and customer interactions.●        Protect Your Reputation: Ensure Service Advisors represent your brand with excellence.●        Control Shop Flow: Streamline operations and improve productivity.●        Identify Key Performance Indicators: Track and improve your team’s performance with the right metrics.●        Train for Success: Hire, train, and retain top-performing Service Advisors who drive your business forward.

We’ll get you on the path to transform your Service Advisors into powerful assets that impact both your profitability and reputation. This course focuses on why these steps matter and how to implement them effectively.

Join us to maximize profits and build a strong, trusted reputation through Service Advisor excellence.

Equip shop owners, managers, lead techs/shop foreman, and lead service advisors with apractical, human-centered forecasting method that converts the real “tech power” in your shop—skills, motivation, and strengths—into reliable weekly revenue and capacity forecasts.

Outcomes (What participants will leave with)

• A simple forecasting tool based on real hours, real people, real strengths.• A shared language for Tech Power Utilization (TPU) and the human factors that produce.• An implementation plan and a printable KPI accountability sheet producing .5-1.0 more per tech per day.• Techs get the shop AND themselves paid another .5-1.0 per day. 1.0 at a $185 labor rate, that’s a $46,805 per-tech annual shop labor sales increase. Tech's annual gain is $12,000+!• Tech Time Target, TTT, where the techs' real focus produces more• Two leadership facilitation tools: a daily pulse (2-questions) and a 5-minute huddle script that improves the forecast without adding meetings.• Understanding how the three labor types impact your appointment scheduler.

In recent years, there have been significant changes in valve actuation systems. Variable valve timing has been used by manufacturers for over a decade, but problems can still prove to be difficult to diagnose. Variable lift, commonly used by Honda for years, is now being used by other manufacturers and poses a diagnostic issue for technicians. Displacement on-demand systems have been embraced by more manufacturers and can bring diagnostic challenges as well.

The goal of this class is to prepare the aftermarket technician to be successful in troubleshooting faults with variable cam timing, variable cam lift, and variable displacement systems. Technicians will learn how to identify these systems, understand and test their operation, and accurately diagnose problems. Technicians will also learn how the MultiAir system works and how to troubleshoot faults.After completing this class, a technician will be able to:

• Understand variable valve timing operation
• Diagnose variable valve timing faults accurately
• Identify the components and their functions
• Understand variable valve lift operation and their variations
• Understand variable cylinder displacement operation

Modern EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) systems demand more than simply replacing a gas cap or utilizing a smoke machine for testing. This specialized clinic is designed to elevate technicians' skills by moving them beyond superficial diagnostics and into a comprehensive, strategic evaluation of the entire system. Participants will gain insights into analyzing scan data to identify potential issues, understanding flow logic to ensure proper functioning, and examining component behavior to pinpoint where failures may occur. By integrating these elements into their diagnostic approach, technicians will be better equipped to accurately diagnose evaporative emission problems, ultimately leading to more efficient repairs and improved vehicle performance.

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

• Identify the type of enhanced EVAP system being diagnosed• Use the OBD II monitors to aid in diagnosis and testing• Utilize scan tool bi-directional controls for testing• Test for small and large EVAP leaks using smoke tests• Determine the most effective and time saving ‘next step’ in the diagnostic process

This class is designed to provide the attendee with unique diagnostic strategy and new approaches toward network and communication issues. In this class, we share the road maps that we have learned and developed over many years of study and application.

Topics will include:

• Construction and Theory of Operation of the Various Sections of CAN we Analyze in the Physical Layer
• Single and dual wire, ethernet, fiber optic, wireless and the rules that make them work.
• Network “wake-up” strategies and wakeup waveform analysis.
• How the protocol language actually means something to us in the waveform
• The terminated network bus lines and diagnosing this quickly and accurately

Learn the Physical Rules that Makes any Network Function, Waveform Interpretation and Analysis:

• Vehicle communications networks are simply radios, broadcasting and receiving via a balanced antenna (The twisted pair bus lines). Learn how viewing and testing
• communications faults by segregating the circuit into transceiver and antenna can help demystify the technology and help you target your next step accurately.
• Blend the theory parts (Predictable and provable by Physical Laws) with actual waveform analysis and connect the dots in your approach and on-car strategy for network
• diagnostics.
• Terminated bus lines and the CAN node’s operation are covered and how this directly relates to useful interpretation of your scope waveform analysis. Knowledge is power.
• Waveform interpretation, serial decoding, math channels, XY views, masks, alarms and more
• Each topic will be backed up with real case studies to re-enforce the strategies used.
• Network topology designs and their operational strategies
• Learn unique application of scan tools and lab scope together, our diagnostic “tips ‘n tricks

If you want to UP your diagnostic game, DON’T MISS THIS CLASS! 

Modern alignment equipment has made it much faster to perform alignments but are you aware of how the equipment measures the angles and how it relies on the user to perform certain actions in the correct manner. The equipment is very accurate but that accuracy is dependent on proper procedures. We will discuss the steps taken during the alignment process and address ways to improve accuracy and efficiency. Make the most of your equipment, eliminate comebacks and get a level steering wheel every time. 

Misdiagnosis and unnecessary parts replacements plague many shops and technicians. Eliminating these pitfalls to maximize diagnostic efficiency is the strategic focus of this class. A tactical approach to using your full arsenal of diagnostic equipment in concert, as conditions require, to quickly diagnose with 99.9% certainty, is the goal. This provides the diagnostic and repair efficiency that satisfies customers and makes you money.

Recommended for seasoned and aspiring diagnostic technicians.

• Capabilities of OEM scan tools
• Review the capabilities and limitations of aftermarket scan tools
• Realize the full capabilities of DSOs (Digital Storage Oscilloscopes)
• Discuss integration of scan tool and scope usage to clarify and validate diagnosis

o Is your scope being utilized as an everyday tool?o How do you realize the full potential of your scan tool and your scope?o What are the top 5 tests you can use to verify data?

This class starts with a quick review of scan data and volumetric efficiency on naturally aspirated engines and quickly moves on to diagnosing turbocharged applications using similar techniques. When testing MAF equipped vehicles, there is a definite difference in how fuel trims and VE behave. We will cover the theory and how to use these techniques for diagnosis. With a little bit of math, don’t worry… we have calculators for that, we can predict what VE should be for any given application or situation. These techniques will help us understand, and reinforce trust, in the multiple “LOAD” PIDs you may see in a data list. Fuel trims are also a very important piece of this puzzle. Case studies of actual good and broken vehicles will be used.

Led by seasoned instructor Ryan Daily, "Crystal Clear Communication" delves into the indispensable skill of effective communication within the automotive repair shop. From fostering seamless interactions between customers and advisors to enhancing collaboration among technicians and managers, this workshop equips attendees with the tools and techniques to communicate with clarity and impact in every aspect of their work.

Key Topics Include:- Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Written Communication: Understanding the nuances of different communication channels and utilizing them effectively.- Effective Listening: Mastering the art of active listening to ensure clear understanding and facilitate meaningful connections.- Motivating Others Through Communication: Learning how to inspire and influence through persuasive communication techniques.- Communication Across Roles: Developing strategies for improved communication between customers and advisors, advisors and technicians, and among colleagues at all levels.- Advisor Training: Enhancing communication skills to better engage with customers and colleagues, ultimately driving sales and fostering positive relationships.- Management and Leadership Training: Equipping managers and owners with the tools to lead by example, communicate vision, and inspire their teams towards success.Join us and unlock the power of crystal clear communication to drive success in your repair facility!

Certification:Upon successful completion of the workshop, participants will receive a certificate recognizing their proficiency in effective communication within the automotive repair industry and their commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment.

The Art of Building Relationships, Selling Confidently & Growing Organically.Join me, Melissa “Birdie” Patterson, for a fun, engaging, and insightful class celebrating Maylan Newton’s timeless wisdom and impact on our industry. Whether you knew him personally or are just discovering his wisdom, this session is all about sharing stories, lessons, and real strategies inspired by his no-nonsense, relationship-driven approach - infused with the twisted sense ofhumor we all loved.

We’ll dive into classic Maylan anecdotes, famous "Maylan-isms," and interactive discussions as we tackle real-world shop challenges using "The Maylan Method." Throughout the session, we’ll ask, “What Would Maylan Do?” - applying his wisdom to leadership, attitude, and customer relationships. From “People don’t buy from businesses, they buy from people” to breaking downyour marketing with Maylan’s famous, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time... with lots of BBQ sauce,” you’ll leave with actionable strategies and tools to build trust, grow your business, and create a thriving shop culture.

Let’s honor Maylan the best way possible - by learning, laughing, and elevating the industry together.

In this session, we will look at the environmental and component factors that will keep you from completing a calibration and how to address those factors to finish the job. 

Make the most of your alignment equipment and skill set, resolve issues on stock or modified vehicles and fix damaged vehicles in-house. This class is designed for an experienced alignment technician. It takes a deeper look into the angles with a focus on the diagnostic angles such as Steering Axis Inclination, Included Angle, Set Back, Scrub Radius & Toe Out on Turns. The discussion will aim towards diagnosing vehicles that can’t be adjusted to specification, or are in spec but still present tire wear, drive-ability or handling issues. This will help utilize your alignment equipment to its full potential & determine what is causing theissue, properly identify bent or damaged parts & keep the repairs in-house. 

Modern vehicles are equipped with a multitude of electronic control units, solenoids, drivers, sensors, electric motors and communication networks. Being proficient in discerning all forms of electronic wiring diagrams is paramount to diagnosing drivability concerns, testing for circuit faults and finding failed components. In this course we will dive into reading DIN, all versions of Track and SAE style electronic wiring diagrams to locate connectors, components, test locations and identify the architecture of the networks and circuits to quickly locate faults and repair the vehicle.

Recommended for all levels of technicians.

• Learn to read DIN style wiring diagrams
• Learn to use all forms of track style diagrams
• Learn the differences between OEM and redrawn diagrams
• Find the best test locations

o Are you able to read and utilize all forms of electronic wiring diagrams?o What do we do when only OEM service information is available?o How do you find all the possible test locations?

Communication faults can be daunting. What type of fault is it? Where is the fault located? Is it a module or a harness issue? In this course you will first identify the type of network you’re working with; CAN bus, LIN bus, FLEXRAY, K-Line. Once identified, you can verify the signal you should be seeing on your scope. We will Identify architectures, common voltage amplitudes for testing and overall network integrity testing. As always, this is a holistic approach using your scan tools, service information, scope, and multimeters to find the fault fast.

Recommended for all levels of technicians.

• Identify the Network
• Test Network Integrity
• Bypass Testing Harness or Module
• Verify and Analyze Communication Signals
• Locating The Fault

o How many different types of network architecture exist in modern vehicles?o How can you know what good communication looks like?o Is the scan tool, the scope, or the multimeter the best tool for network diagnostics?o What information is most helpful when a communication fault is intermittent?