august2021 - 43

S M A R T E R D I A G N O S T I C S
This will allow independent operators
to continue to service cyber enabled
vehicles. AutoAuth provides the registration
service and 'unlock codes' to
Independent Operator's service tools to
unlock vehicle gateways to perform day
to day service. "
SOFTWARE
While the generic OBD-II standard
mandates access to emissions related
information and operations, each
OEM can implement additional layers
of data tooling that they deem necessary
for supporting their service operations.
Most of these OEMs offer scan
tool manufacturers the opportunity to
license access to these layers so that
they can be implemented accurately
within their tools. However, some
may choose to go the route of reverse
engineering during the development of
their tools. Service personnel must be
aware that the OEM does not always
produce error-free applications. In
fact,
I have personally witnessed
events where the OEM tool failed to
accomplish a task where an aftermarket
tool had to be used to realize success.
And of course, the inverse has
been experienced as well. As vehicles
become more and more software
defined, unfortunately, these errors
are to be expected.
DATA
Given the number of nodes on the
vehicle and the vast amounts of data
available, the diagnostic technician's
knowledge and skill set must be at the
highest levels. The modern technician
must be able to interpret service
information and engineering data when
addressing vehicle faults. Additionally,
having some computer science knowledge
can be highly beneficial. Some
OEMs have incorporated service information
right within their diagnostic
scan tools through guided fault-finding
operations. Some aftermarket tools are
also offering similar operations as well
(Figure 2). Nevertheless, technicians
can benefit tremendously by staying
tuned in to emerging trends and best
practices through networking opportunities
via communities, such as the
Diagnostic Network.
In general terms, one diagnostic
scan tool is likely not going to be
enough unless you are only working
on one vehicle carline. All tools have
their strengths and weaknesses, and
one must be able to recognize them in
order to succeed. With the emergence
of PC-based applications, multiple
scan tool applications installed on a
single machine may not be ideal and
for some, may be impossible. With the
growing focus on security at all levels,
safe computing assessments should
be implemented. An auxiliary vehicle
power supply should be available and
used especially when performing any
programming/software updates.
The modern automobile is one of
the most complicated devices most
humans will ever interact with, and
as the vehicle evolves into a software
defined machine, the skill set demands
of the technician will continue to evolve.
In my opinion, next generation technicians
possessing these unique skillsets
will be in high demand well into
the future.
SCOTT BROWN is an
ASE Master Certified L1
Technician and has over 37
years of professional service
industry experience. He is
an independent shop owner in Southern
California and is engaged at various
levels within the industry. He has a deep
understanding of the challenges technicians
experience at the service level and is
continuously striving to move the industry
forward through education and networking.
Brown founded Diagnostic Network (diag.
net) after 22 years of service at iATN, where he
retired as company president in 2018.
sbrown@vehicleservicepros.com
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