Electronic Diagnostic Questions from Our Customers
The Big Question Reliance Auto Mechanic Customers Ask is:
1) How do we keep our electronic components well-maintained after warranties expire?
2)Is the dealership the only place to repair my vehicle’s microprocessors or electronic components?
The short answers to these questions are:
1) you don’t have to; we specialize in that.
2) No.
“I have had a lot of skilled mechanics on my team. I have met so many mechanic technicians. What I know for sure after more than a decade in this profession is that mechanics are only as good as their ability to continually learn, upgrade their skills, and, at the very minimum, their desire to advance with the technology,” says Mohamad Al-Maweed, Senior Automotive Mechanic and owner of Reliance Auto Mechanic.
Mohamad explains that automotive dealerships and manufacturers offer ongoing training to service mechanics and service parts representatives. Like anything else, the training that someone is willing to put into practice over and over again.
“The work is never boring for mechanics with a genuine interest in microprocessors and electronics and a desire to advance with technology. However, it can be challenging in a good way. I have honed the ability to follow the electronic diagnostic computer systems to guide through mechanical diagnostics and electronic testing to complete the repairs and get the systems running optimally. We have to; we provide services to businesses with fleets and work on changing the industry by raising the bar, so people know there are mechanics out there that they can trust.”
What do microprocessors even do in our vehicles?
Microprocessors serve two main functions in a vehicle;
- Control and assist in different mechanical systems such as our brakes, suspension, engine and all of their circuits.
- Quickly perform the fire-off instructions and commands, electronically controlled devices such as motors, pumps, and valves.
We thought our smartphones were smart. In reality, it pales in comparison to our cars and trucks. The technology in modern vehicles makes our smartphones look like dial-up phones. This is because there are so many electrical units; I only discovered this after learning about Reliance Auto Mechanic services at their Brampton location.
How much money do we spend on our vehicle’s electronic systems and micro-processing maintenance?
Well, according to most people I spoke to, on our own, close to none. Most of us are decent at doing those regular oil changes and maintenance. Interior cleaning, car washing and detailing, especially thanks to our mild record winter temperatures at the start of winter 2022 and into the new year. Our spring tune-ups and maintenance are around the corner. The constraint is time and lack of knowledge of these systems.
Daily, we know how to enjoy the benefits of pressing a button or voice activation to open our trunks. Perhaps the custom memory seat activates using your fob to open the vehicle door. One of my best friends admits she never got the hang of parallel parking and says she can’t live without her BMW 5 Series parallel parking assist signal.
My favourite, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto with my Bose speakers turn my car into an orchestra hall. When I get my coffee or herbal tea in the mornings, part of that morning groove is that my playlist is ready for more the second I turn on my car. You get it; we all have our synchronicities and rituals with our vehicles, those microprocessors, working .. make our rides much more enjoyable!.
How much attention do we give to maintaining our vehicle electronics and micro-processing systems?
Well, if you are like me, you don’t give it any attention or thought until something stops working, and then it is more of a nagging nuisance to fix, so it gets ignored for a while. Often, I used to run to the dealership service department to get the electronic component fixed. My owner’s manual typically has that “great condition” look for books because I peruse the pages as needed. Versus reading the entire auto owner’s manual, the manufacturers intended it for.
In the end, I realized if the mechanic working on my vehicle was NOT following the computer electronic diagnostic system, manufacturers generated software systems; their guess on how to repair and fix the electronic systems was as good as mine. A very expensive and indolent way of avoiding using the manufacturer’s code readers and diagnostic software as a step-by-step guide is to have a mechanic continually guess, at replacing electronics, parts, signals, and relays, in the hopes one of them will solve the problem.
Did you know if your vehicle is five years old and newer, you have at least 1000 microprocessors in your vehicle? So what… right?
As a driver, who usually puts at least 300 km a week on the road, I take the “cross my fingers and hope nothing goes wrong” approach; however, this isn’t ideal with the expensive microprocessors integrated into our car.
With over 1000 microprocessors embedded into the onboard computers in our vehicles, we need to maintain them. I don’t think the average person has time to geek out on microprocessors for their vehicle unless this is a passion or they work in this field. Surprisingly, if you ask those people who have read their vehicle manual cover to cover, it doesn’t cover the repair or maintenance for your microprocessors.
Myth Buster: Only the Dealership’s Service Department can repair or maintain the electrical components and microprocessors.
That is completely false. I bet if you ask someone in your friend circle if they have ever brought an electronic concern to their dealership? Where even the best of technicians will guess what may be happening if they can not detect the cause of an issue. A less enthusiastic mechanic may even shut off the relay or signal that is not working. Yes, I know, you could have done that yourself.
Getting better acquainted with my vehicles, I know it is about finding qualified and licensed auto mechanics that are invested in auto electronic diagnostics and mechanical diagnostics and are willing to take the time to follow the service protocol and use the testing equipment that manufacturers have designed to have these components in our vehicle work optimally.
That service is not always guaranteed through the dealerships. I know Reliance Auto Mechanic technicians specialize in electronics, and what they don’t know, they will get answers to promptly. I give their team of expert mechanics props for their high service standards; they are problem solvers.
I know it’s hard to find trustworthy and transparent mechanics. Still, after dealing with Reliance Auto Mechanic, I know some really good mechanics out there who will take the time to explain how the mechanics of your car works and how to keep it working for you if you are interested in knowing the details.
Does your hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle have completely different microprocessors?
Hybrid and electrical vehicles also contain conventional brake systems and many of the same micro-processing systems that require maintenance and servicing. This is on top of and is separate from the maintenance of the battery systems. Says Mohamad Al-Maweed
Reliance has a lot of free information on our electronic diagnostics page.
We also have a limited-time offer to save $20.00 when you call to book an appointment on your next service visit. Using the discount code ”ELECTRODIA.”
Reliance Auto Mechanic performs electronic and micro-processing repairs and maintenance so you, as the customer, don’t have to. Free up your time so you can enjoy more enjoyable life activities. Contact us today!
Written by Sheikha M.