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Jay

Another Look at Electrical System Diagnosis

Electrical system diagnostics is a subject that is virtually limitless in terms of the number of topics contained within it as well as the many nuances involved in each of those topics. This complexity is the reason why this subject is at the center of the content offerings of key industry trade publications, online webinars and in person education events related to vehicle service and repair. So, consistent with our goal of keeping you up to date on the latest resources around this tricky area of vehicle service, this month we’re pulling together some recently published resources to keep you up to speed. The Trainer – Getting to the Root of Alternator and Battery Failures At VehicleServicePros.com, Brandon Steckler has taken over The Trainer series from Pete Meier and he’s off to a great start. In this recent episode, Brandon addresses methodologies that technicians can deploy to get to the root cause of electrical system failures, specifically alternator and battery failures. He starts out with a really good explanation of the relationship between the alternator and battery, identifying how that relationship can change as the battery ages. He does a great job of explaining sulfation and its consequences for battery

Products
Jay

Light-N-Carry Work Lights Get USB-C Charging Upgrade

We are happy to announce that we are shifting the charging systems of our Light-N-Carry LED Work Lights over from (mostly) microUSB charging systems to USB-C charging systems, starting with our handheld LED Work Light series. Models LNC1541 and LNC1341 now join the LNC1841 with USB-C charging systems. What’s New – Models LNC1341 (300 Max Lumen) and LNC1541 (500 Max Lumen) now incorporate a USB-C charging system. USB-C charging is more convenient for the operator because it is not directional – the charging cord can be inserted into the charge port in either direction. This makes it quicker and easier to address your charging needs, saving time and reducing hassle. What Stays the Same – Each LED Work Light includes a wall charger, charging cord (now USB-A to USB-C), operator’s manual and Repair Service Coupon. Both models still provide exceptional illumination, with pleasing COB light engines for superior service in a variety of work environments. Both models still utilize our GripTech housing for sure handling and lasting durability. Both models feature an articulating handle with 180˚ rang of motion and an extra-strong magnet for assured mounting and optimal workspace lighting.

Resources
Jay

Simple Rules are Sometimes the Best

Breaking our streak of long resource pieces, here’s a quick, but very useful post from Jeff in Arizona. In it, he reminds everyone that disconnection procedures (order of operations) apply even when you’re not using a jump starter or charger. When disconnecting a vehicle battery, order of operations matters here too. He even shows what happens when you don’t follow the proper procedure and it is not pretty (or inexpensive). Several comments talked about how they had this drilled into their head many years ago and it has been very useful. So, check it out. To see the original post at https://diag.net, click on the above screen shot or click here. To access complete forum posts or participate in the discussion requires a membership to the site. There are several membership options available, about which you can learn more here. About Diagnostic NetworkDiagnostic Network is an online community of industry professionals and leading industry stakeholders coming together to create the resource to support technicians of today and tomorrow. With your help, we are building a wide, bi-directional communication path between top level diagnosticians and the leading providers of tools, equipment, knowledge, service information, OEMs, and education solutions in order to

Clore Stories
Jay

Powersports Heavy Hitter

“We run a powersports and car dealership and, if I had to guess, I would say we have had 50 plus jump starters of all kinds and sizes. They all promised to be the best, but we always had issues with low power, not holding charge, cables too chintzy… But we then found the JNC660, which I have used for over 4 years until it finally broke down. I thought, “This is fair, I will just buy another one.” But then I remembered getting a repair coupon with the unit when we bought it, so I dug out of my paperwork. The coupon said it required a receipt, which I no longer had, so I thought I was out of luck. But I decided to call and spoke to Andy. He said not to worry about the receipt and just send it in with the coupon and made us feel like a valued customer, VERY APPRECIATED! Thanks for a great product and repair policy!  ShaneGalion, OH

Products
Jay

Body Shop Beast – Booster Pac and JNC Battery Stand Ins

We worked a major tool show last weekend and had hundreds of great conversations with tool dealers who sell our products every day. As always, it was a lot of fun. One topic that recurred throughout the weekend was related to collision repair shops and their unique usage patterns for jump starters. So, we thought we’d cover that in this month’s product spotlight. For many different reasons, it is typical to find in-process vehicles in a body shop without a battery installed in them. The prime driver of this is the fact that, if any welding is going to be performed on the vehicle, the battery is typically removed to protect it and sensitive vehicle electronics. So, at any given time, it is common to have several cars in various stages of repair that lack a starting battery. Yet, those vehicles often need to be moved from station to station as they make their way through the repair process. Enter the lead acid jump starter. Body shops, as we heard many times last weekend, often use a jump starter as the primary starting battery in these situations, allowing them to move the vehicle a short distance over a relatively short

Featured
Jay

Charging the Lithium Battery in Your Powersports Vehicle

Powersports Season is about to rev up here in the US and Canada, especially with the early spring we’re experiencing throughout North America. That means garages and barns are seeing lots of activity in preparation for getting the season kicked off right. Over the last 10 or so years, we’ve seen a huge shift in the powersports market from lead acid to lithium starting batteries. There are many reasons for the this, as we’ll see below, but a change of this sort comes with some very real world consequences, particularly when it comes to servicing those lithium batteries safely and beneficially. Why are Lithium Batteries Gaining Ground? Lithium batteries have gained steady market share in the powersports market due to many factors, but the greatest advantages driving lithium adoption are weight savings, avoidance of lead and the environmental concerns that come with it, and the increased longevity perceived to come with lithium batteries. There are other factors, but these are the primary drivers. And they all make sense. Lithium batteries are very energy dense and can deliver more power in the same package with a lighter weight vs lead acid batteries. That’s a winning combination. They also don’t have lead,

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Jay

JNC660 Impresses the Parts Manager

“As a parts manager at different car dealerships over the last 40 years, I’ve had the opportunity to use many different types of jump boxes. Now I’m retired, but a few days ago, I went out to my car and it would not start. Seeing as I do not own a jump box, I decided to order one. I won’t say what brand I ordered, but I will say it was junk. My next plan of attack was to order another jump box. Looking at all the different jump boxes available, I realized I have used most all of them. Then I saw the JNC660 and its bright blue color. I knew then that was the box I was going to get, because every time I used that box at the dealership, it never let me down. So, I ordered it, overnighted it even. It comes in. I throw it on the charger as per the owner’s manual. When the time was up, I go out, hook it up to the car and it started like a charm! I turn the car off, disconnect the jump starter, try to start the car again, but it would not start. Hooked the

Resources
Jay

Shop Battery Service Challenges – Babcox Tool Time Podcast

We were recently invited to join the Tool Time podcast for a discussion regarding the challenges faced by today’s shops when it comes to managing vehicle electrical system diagnosis, maintenance and repair. In it, our Jim O’Hara joined hosts Nadine Buttah and Eric Garbe to talk about topics ranging from the wide variety of starting battery types seen in today’s vehicle carpark to the comparative merits of different approaches to battery testing to the need in today’s shop for power supply function for module reprogramming and a whole lot more.  Check out the discussion below: https://youtu.be/3FcohSiBukk?si=1nSgQpB2NTDQZi6g We had a lot of fun participating in the podcast and hope that the topics covered are helpful for shops and technicians. Are there any other topics you’d like to see covered in a future podcast like this one? We’d love to hear from you and make sure we’re addressing those areas of greatest concern.

Products
Jay

OE-Specified Voltage Environment for Reprogramming 2024 Edition

When it comes to vehicle reprogramming, there is one constant, and that is the need for a stable voltage environment to ensure a successful reprogramming event. No matter what your reprogramming tool of choice is, be it OE tool, aftermarket tool or pass-through device, each OE has a recommended target system voltage in which the event should take place. Not surprisingly, they tend to vary from make to make, and even can vary from model to model within one manufacturer. Below is an updated table of OE-specified voltage environments for module reprogramming, developed and. Updated in partnership with our colleague Tanner Brandt, Diagnostic Technician, Technical Trainer, and Founder of Auto Diag Clinic. Where there is additional detail beyond the general spec, we have added it in the Comment column below. We hope this is helpful as you deploy the PL6100 and PL6800 in support of your programming efforts. Manufacturer Recommended Voltage Comment Acura above 12V Ideal target is 13.5V Alfa Romeo 13.2V-13.5V Not above 13.5V Audi 12.8V-14.2V   BMW 14.2V 13.8V for lithium batteries Buick 13.4V   Cadillac 13.4V   Chevrolet 13.4V   Chrysler 13.2V-13.5V Not above 13.5V Dodge 13.2V-13.5V Not above 13.5V Fiat 13.2V-13.5V Not above 13.5V Ford 12.6V-13.6V

Featured
Jay

Module Reprogramming

This month, we’re jumping back into the world of module reprogramming, as we a look at a bunch of resources on this continually hot topic. Every week, we are talking to shops, technicians and our channel partners about this application and the equipment needed to support it. Since it is an expensive proposition to get into the programming game and keep up with the changing vehicle requirements related to it, we feel it is good to circle back on it a few times each year to keep you up to date on the latest trends and topics. The Critical Role of the Flashing Power Supply We decided that we’d follow the old newspaper adage and not “bury the lead.” After all, we are a manufacturer of battery chargers and flashing power supplies. So, when we read this very well presented piece, by Andrew Markel on Import-Car.com, clearly and effectively making the case for why a flashing power supply is essential to the module programming application, we were very excited. Often, articles about module reflashing skip over this aspect of the service completely, which we find depressing for us and confusing for the audience. In this great article, Markel distinguishes between