Automotive Diagnostic Podcast

328: Why Won't This F@%$'n Key Program?! Vol 2

Sun, 23 Nov 2025

Round 2 of why won't this F@%$'n key program?! I did an episode a year ago about attempts programming keys and the challenges we face doing mobile. Today I share 2 more vehicles that we dealt with recently- A 2017 Toyota Camry and a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. Both had pre-existing issues that presented no issues to the customer, but presented major obstacles for us when attempting to program keys.

Vol 1- https://autodiagpodcast.com/2024/11/24/283-why-wont-this-f-key-program/

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327: Strategic Part Replacement

Mon, 17 Nov 2025

Today on the show I share a thought process that I've been adding into my diagnostic decision making. We weigh the value of any test method we perform- How much time/effort/cost does a test require? How much does it tell me/how many things does it eliminate? When faced with a time consuming, difficult, (and often intermittent) diagnostic challenge, should we consider that a part replacement is the cheapest AND most effective test that we could perform? Is this the best value for the customer while at the same time freeing up our time for more productive work???

326: Matthew Elder

Mon, 10 Nov 2025

Matthew Elder joins Tomi and I on the show this week. Matthew is a technician out of Texas, He is just beginning his path in the automotive diagnostic world. We'll share advice for being successful, Tooling options, & finding a good shop.

325: Not Charging, No Power Steering, Stalling, & No Codes... This Sounds Familiar

Sat, 01 Nov 2025

This week on the show I share a case study on a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. Not charging, no power steering, idle surging, stalling at idle, no heated seats or rear defrost... All this and NO codes anywhere. A strange problem for sure, but it seems oddly familiar to a vehicle I diagnosed back in 2020. See the link below if you want to check that one out.

https://autodiagpodcast.com/2020/07/06/28-everyone-can-use-a-silver-bullet-once-in-awhile/

324: Did You Try Unplugging It & Plugging It Back In?

Sat, 25 Oct 2025

We often deal with strange control module issues- codes, warning lights, communication faults, or reduced functions. While the causes are numerous for each individual situation, one thing that may "fix" the issue is a battery disconnect or capacitive discharge. I'll share 3 vehicles today where a CAP discharge was the fix for strange problems.