Moving over, but not out

I recently dropped in on Sam Kayum, owner of a Toronto Active Green + Ross franchise to fit winter tires (yes, we need them here too) where he told me about a classic repair issue that I know affects techs across the country. The GM vehicle ran with the EGR valve disconnected, but not with the EGR functioning normally. The system checked out O.K. as did every other system. A local dealership tech was consulted after extensive diagnosis cleared every system. A new computer PROM was ordered, which didn’t correct the problem either. Sam discovered the solution by checking the PROM serial number against the VIN. It was an incorrect chip, installed by the DIY’er owner who, naturally, didn’t tell anybody about his quick junkyard modification. Do-it-yourself has always been a great way to induce migraines in professional technicians, but this example shows why rank amateurs need to keep their hands off modern vehicles. In this case, the car ran well enough to limp to the garage, but had no chance of passing Drive Clean, Ontario’s I/M program. The problem was easily fixed with the correct chip, but what do you tell the customer? I’d opt for charging that dingbat for every minute of diagnostic time and then take away his car keys before he hurts himself. I didn’t ask Sam how he dealt with it, but I know that many shops in this situation are in a difficult position. Ho do you tell a customer that he’s an idiot? Somebody should start a Hall of Fame for stupidest DIY repair. I’ve seen snow tires on the front only of rear-wheel-drive cars, windshields installed with bathtub silicone and a personal favourite, an entire dashboard rewired with white lamp cord. Here at SSGM’s offices, we used to have an employee that swore that oil changes were a conspiracy set up by the oil companies and that engines didn’t need them. When I heard that, I swore too.

Starting next month, you’ll notice a change in SSGM, namely in the editorial department. I’m relinquishing the helm of SSGM and moving into the middle of the magazine as Technical Editor. You’ll see my byline on technical articles and on my Rant, which will still be a regular feature of SSGM. Why the change? We’re growing and taking care of the day-to-day operations of a monthly like SSGM, plus generate the tech and business features readers enjoy takes more than one editor. You’ll still see me at industry events and naturally at our new installer show CarFix World in September. Our new Editor, Tom Venetis is a friend and a technology publishing veteran with loads of experience, which is why Publisher Bob Telford selected him from a pretty talented group of applicants. As for me, it’s been a privilege to write for and get to know so many of you coast-to-coast and the best part is, it still will be. Write me, or E-mail me if you agree or disagree with my point of view anytime. We may complain about it, but once the repair aftermarket gets in your blood, it’s a lifelong addiction.