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A Teachable Moment

Delphi Product & Service Solutions is helping prepare the service technicians of tomorrow.

It's no secret vehicles are becoming more and more complicated, with increased electrical content and features that didn't even exist just a few years ago. That presents a challenge for service technicians—both the experienced veterans and those getting ready to enter the field—to keep up on the latest tools and technology necessary to keep their customers on the road.

Delphi Product & Service Solutions, a leading supplier of service tools and replacement parts, helped prepare some of the next generation of service technicians earlier this year as part of a collaborative program with Tomorrow's Technician magazine. Students at the Tennessee Technology Center in Jackson, Tenn., won a contest that earned them a visit from Delphi and magazine representatives, who showcased some of the latest Delphi tools that are helping technicians service today's vehicles, and provided some valuable insight on industry trends.

"This has been a fun way to help foster the education of future members of the automotive service industry," said Norm Young, vice president of North American sales and global service operations, independent aftermarket, Delphi Product & Service Solutions. "Hands-on events like this are great opportunities for Delphi to show students what new technologies are coming down the road for the automotive aftermarket."

The right tool

The Delphi-sponsored contest in Tomorrow's Technician took the form of a monthly "pop quiz" testing readers' knowledge of service parts and systems. The Tennessee Technology Center was randomly selected from registered participants to win the grand prize package, including an up-close look at two of Delphi's most popular repair tools:

• AC Analyzer, a diagnostic and marketing device providing diagnostic information in a portable display to allow technicians to easily and wirelessly transmit data about a vehicle's air conditioning system to a PocketPC personal digital assistant
• Universal Reflash Tool, which helps technicians identify needed software updates on vehicle computer systems, and applies those updates to help satisfy the demands of vehicle owners

The school will keep a set of the two tools as part of its $3,500 value prize package of tools and equipment, which it will use as part of its extensive training program to help direct qualified technicians into the growing industry.

Doug Vidler, senior manager of North American service, explained the use of the tools as part of his visit. He was joined by Tomorrow's Technician editors Beth Skove and Ed Sunkin for a two-hour seminar on the future of vehicle electronics technology for the benefit of the Tennessee Technology Center students, many of whom indicated they hope to someday own independent shops.

"Service has moved way beyond hard part repairs into the world of software and programming," said Vidler. "That's why it's incredibly important for students to stay on track with new technology, and make education and training a priority."

Complete service solutions

In addition to the AC Analyzer and the Universal Reflash Tool, Delphi Product & Service Solutions offers many other innovative service tools, including:

• EVAP 2010, designed to offer the necessary tools to support California's Inspection and Maintenance Program, which is being enhanced to include a Low Pressure Fuel Evaporative Test for all vehicles older than 1995 that are subject to the Smog Check program
• DS series of products, including state-of-the-art wireless Tablet PC systems with commercial-grade routers and wireless access points included
• RepairPoint product line, which offers a variety of web-based information services focused both at front- and back-shop operations

And Delphi offers many support services made up of online help, a live operator-assisted hotline (877-550-TECH [8324]) , and parts catalogs, all designed to help technicians locate current, accurate information quickly and efficiently. Delphi offers many seminars designed to help technicians use these tools effectively.

"Our entire suite of tools and services is designed to provide service technicians with everything they need in one convenient location," said Young. "By introducing them to students through programs like our partnership with Tomorrow's Technician, we hope to be able to continue our commitment to education in the aftermarket field by enriching the teaching and learning experiences of both teachers and students in the automotive service field."

For more information about Delphi Product & Service Solutions' lineup of tools and training services, click here.