/r/automotivetraining

Photograph via snooOG

This sub is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of automotive systems and programs. What I want to accomplish: provide a free educational source for anyone interested in learning about automobiles.

If you have any comments or suggestions on how to improve this sub, feel free to message me, I welcome all suggestions!

Our Mission:

To create a sub dedicated to learning about your automobiles components and systems as well as cultivating a comfortable environment where you can ask questions without the worry of being ridiculed. This isn't a how-to sub, but one where you can get all the information, support and resources you need to make your own informed decision to solve your problem.

RULES

Shop Manuals

AllData DIY (Paid)

Online Workshop Repair Manuals (Free)

Parts Directories

Car Part Directory

Car-Part.com

Other Subreddits

r/MechanicAdvice

r/CarTalk

Automotive DIY Youtube Channels

EricTheCarGuy

ChrisFix

Humble Mechanic

Engineering Explained

Scotty Kilmer

Wells Vehicle Electronics

/r/automotivetraining

17,663 Subscribers

2

Creating a service advisor position.

Last wokred as a service advisor in 2018. Coming into a locally owned medium size shop. 6 bays 5 techs. Very stand up family business. They are now in need of a service advisor as the pace has picked up. They have a front service desk and i get a small office. They don't really have any set procedures for the position and I'm expected to apply my own knowledge to help smooth things out. Any recommendations or tips from someone that may have gone through this. Harley davidson was pretty tuned up and ran smooth and i did brief vocational training through them. I'm just going to apply what I can from there for now.
They have a crm service software but don't utilize it for managing tech times just work orders and no paper initial write up sheet. Just spiral notebooks, I don't want to to over complicate things but I find those 2 things necessary. Along with a lot of other things but I just need to get thebfoundation started. Thoughts?

0 Comments
2025/01/31
01:51 UTC

2

Apprenticeship help

Sorry I’ll try to keep it short. So I started my first and current job at a dodge dealer around 6 years ago. The first 4 years were spent in the express lane, I went from being pretty green to being the lead tech and running the show in that time. Since then I’ve been in our main shop and fortunately doing some actual work and diagnostics not just tires and oil changes. For example I’ve replace engines, fixed blown motors, replaced transmissions and differentials, do all the shit and some of the gravy recalls, worked in our fleet department for 8 months (before being designated a specific journeyman to train me to be a diesel tech), and at least a windshield or two a month. As for training I’ve completed all of the mandatory training and master tech training provided by FCA and have around 240 hours of training on stellantis performance institute. But I have yet to go to school for my first year, I’ve attempted to challenge my exam but failed twice (64&63%) I guess I’m looking for a reason to go on with schooling. With the Apprenticeship Incentive Grants being canceled in Canada it’s just the icing on the cake. I enjoy the work and challenges I face daily (especially working in our fleet department, working on heno trucks is cool) But it’s hard to continue to convince myself to commit that much time, money, effort, and stress for something I’m not certain about, I’m 24 living with my gf in a ok apartment. We aren’t doing the worst but being on EI for 2 months has never sat well with me.

1 Comment
2025/01/31
00:51 UTC

1

Are you supposed to test ground connections with engine on or off?

For instance if you're trying to test a chassis ground or maybe the engine block ground. Whenever I watch videos on testing, the car seems to be off.

Unless they have the igniton switch turned to ON?

1 Comment
2025/01/30
09:28 UTC

5

Anyone got a PDF for Fundamentals of Automotive Technology: Principles and Practice third edition?

0 Comments
2025/01/15
04:00 UTC

6

Where Can I Find Free Automotive Training Videos Like Autodata Training?

I’m looking for free online resources or platforms where I can watch automotive training videos similar to Autodata Training.

Does anyone know of websites,or other sources that provide free training content for automotive students

13 Comments
2025/01/14
06:34 UTC

1

Your thoughts about EMI EMC as an opportunity?

Share your words wrt to present and what will be in future.

0 Comments
2025/01/11
09:58 UTC

2

Uti or western Tech

I want to pursue automotive technology when I graduate out of High-school so I can learn more about cars and hopefully start working in a high end dealership and fix them but don’t know which school to choose.

Uti is close to home but I heard that they aren’t very good especially with their financial methods.

Western tech is cheaper to live for 13months of being there and coming back to california and they supply me with a 13,000 dollars worth of tools and toolbox

10 Comments
2025/01/09
23:58 UTC

8

What auto-shops are hiring 16 years olds

I want to get a job at an auto shop so I can save up to 5-6 thousand for my first car and gain some experience and hopefully become an apprentice but don’t know the steps to doing so

10 Comments
2025/01/08
04:10 UTC

0

Dodge 2013 caravan

Hey guys so all of sudden my gear shift is stuck on park , my key is stuck in the ignition . I was able to move the gear shift manually and I disconnected the battery for 30 sec to have the key release . The problem I'm having is every time I insert the key to the turn the car on is that everything starts except the engine . My dashboard reads that the car is driving but it's parked . Once I connect the battery back on the key locks in , the gear gets stuck again . What could be the issue or how can I fix this ?

1 Comment
2024/12/29
21:21 UTC

1

Hgv training

Anyone else on here going through their hgv driver training. I am currently doing my class 2 (cat C) just waiting to get my practical test date.

0 Comments
2024/12/22
16:33 UTC

2

Is this a Good Industry to Go Into With A Felony In Your Background

Just had some questions about automotive technician work and education... I want to become a European Master Automotive Technician which means I can work on all European vehicles and certified to work on all European vehicles I know it'll take some time to get this education I was going to start at Dunwoody college of technology in Minneapolis Minnesota take their course that is automotive technician course then also educate myself with their brand specific training in Mercedes Benz And Audi And Go from there I want to learn BMW , Porsche, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Etc. all European Brands. I Want to Specialize In fixing all European Brands.

My question is will I able to find a career once I graduate with this degree and seeking more education from brand specific training and I have a Felony in my background from Doing Fraud Years Ago It's 12 years Old Would it hinder me from getting a job in automotive technician.

My other question is their a demand for people who know how to fix higher end cars or no ?

My other question who is in the field and working on these higher end cars ?

8 Comments
2024/12/20
00:11 UTC

3

Help with a career path in automotive industries.

I'm a 17 year old with a GED in the US state of Florida. I'm wondering if there's anyway for me to enter the automotive industry? I've tried applying to an entry level service e technician job but they rejected me which I expected. Are there courses I can take that would allow me to start off earlier or do I need to wait until I'm 18?

3 Comments
2024/12/17
03:44 UTC

3

I need Help With My Automotive Technician Career Steps

I want to Become A European Master Automotive Technician And Body Repair & Collision Where I know how to fix All European Cars And also How To Do Body Work And Collision I want to Learn About All European Auto Makers From Audi To BMW To Rolls Royce To Ferrari To Volvo Everything In-between Could You Give me Direction And Steps I'm Thinking Of Going to Dunwoody college Of Technology for Base Education And Build From there Is It Accomplishiable ?

1 Comment
2024/12/13
05:35 UTC

1

Seeking Advice About Parasitic Drain (2014 Kia Forte)

Hello everyone! Not sure if this is the right reddit to post at, but having issues with my battery and wondering if anyone could help (2014 Kia Forte). Around a few months ago I had car starting issues, having to use my Motomaster jump starter to get it going, and found it was mainly happening when not driving a long distance for a while (so battery not staying charged and just slowly draining). I got my battery replaced in October 2023 so didn't think it was the battery.

Long story short, I posted an image about the diagnostic that the first mechanic gave me with my battery, and they assumed it was a parasitic draw from my smart junction box inside the car. They were going to charge a crap ton so I decided to order the part from someone else and had another trusted mechanic to install it.

Well, its been a week and I've had to jump it two times so the issue is still there, and not even sure if it was that part causing the drain in the first place. Now I have to jump at random times, usually still a while after a long drive but still acting weird, so at this point I'm not even sure if it's a drain and just the battery.

To sum it up, I'm not the most knowledgeable about cars and just curious what you guys think from reading this and reading the picture I linked. If you need more clarification I can post and if any of you have recommendations to see whether its a drain, alternator or dead battery let me know! Thanks!

https://preview.redd.it/fxyzuiw8wq5e1.jpg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ea09a749a7b58de65f5d2add905bd6064f660ae2

5 Comments
2024/12/09
03:49 UTC

0

Question about seats

Are seats somewhat swappable between different vehicles? I understand there are some electronics on some seats which may not be viable with another manufactuers vehicle but from an installation/safety perspective is there any reason why one couldnt get a seat from a 2017 Maxima and put it in a 2024 Civic? Or even crazier, say from like a Rx 350 to a sedan?

2 Comments
2024/12/06
10:29 UTC

0

Car alarm

Im having a little but of a road block here can i use a Idatalink ADS ACLA Bypass with a compustar 7900AS 2 way remote start car alarm on a 2003 Honda Civic LX and if i can how do i flash the Idatalink Bypass? Please help

0 Comments
2024/12/05
23:55 UTC

0

Car alarm systems

In Albuquerque does cnm hold classes for stereos/car alarm systems ive asked a bunch of people who knew but would reply by saying they have just grew up around that stuff pls help me

2 Comments
2024/12/04
19:34 UTC

0

My car won’t crank over can anybody tell me what that might be ?

I was just driving it came home to grab something I forgot and was about to leave back out and the car wouldn’t start.

17 Comments
2024/12/04
17:12 UTC

5

I just donot know what should my next move be

I, 22m. I am currently a automotive technician student at a colege. My school there is two classes: the former one being automotive theory and the later is the practical theory aka a workshop. I can doing well in the theory class if i am being serious. However in the workshop class, i am pretty clueless, i donot know a damn thing about automotive . So most of the time, i am doing nothing, when the teacher giving us a lecture, my mind most of the time just spacing off, and my friends help me out a lot of time. The only reason i am continue doing this because i just want a diploma. With the diploma i am able to get a job.

Which lead to my worst fear, i am afraid that if i get a job, and i cannot do shit maybe i have to sent back to school.

I think i have to make one of the two choices: it is either trying to finish the class and get the diploma and get a job even if i knew nothing about the automotive or transfer to another trades that require me to work alone, so I can being more responsible toward my work. But the time to go to school will be longer. Or prior going to the classroom, I need to know things first before going to the workshop. What should I do guy?

P/s: i am not being retarded or unable to learn, but I don’t know anything about automotive so this is the reason I kind of fail in this class

7 Comments
2024/11/21
03:00 UTC

1

ATC PennDOT Certification Program price?

Hey how much did you guys spend? I just want a ball park of what I will need thanks!

0 Comments
2024/11/21
02:53 UTC

2

Vvt solenoid Chrysler 200 2.4

Can someone help me locate where the vvt solenoid is on Chrysler 200 2.4l?

0 Comments
2024/11/14
14:50 UTC

4

Recommendations for education for someone that's suuuper green with the trade.

I work for the school system as a county employee. I fortunately don't have to deal with some of the pitfalls of dealership work. However there are some parts of this job that aren't terrific. The training is lacking almost entirely.

The extent of my experience is just oil changes on diesel school busses. I work exclusively on school busses but prior to this job I never even considered an automotive career as a possibility and as a result I know almost nothing about diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Or how they go together and all the technical terms and shop lingo for parts. I don't even know about half the tools in our toolbox to be honest.

I really do love what I'm doing here. In the time I've spent here so far it's made me antsy to want to learn so much more. My bus lot is literally only me and the lead mechanic. He knows a shitload about mechanics, but he doesn't know how to teach at all. not a complaint, i love workin with the guy. He's just a difficult person to follow along with. Plus work is typically extremely slow because he does a fantastic job at maintenance. I want to use my downtime to study and learn as much as I can.

Any recommendations on reading material, like a breakdown of tools in an average toolbox, engine builds, diagnostics, etc. Would be super appreciated.

Apologies for the long post

9 Comments
2024/11/12
21:06 UTC

4

How do I continue to expand my knowledge to stay relevant in the field?

I started off a few years ago with vocational school training, 7 month program that led to a Volvo apprenticeship program that led to a job with Volvo for about 2 years on and off (quit twice, won’t ever work for that dealership again). I had brief periods of time with a Mazda and Nissan dealer, but something about dealerships have turned me away completely. But even the one indie I tried fired me for “taking too long” with some of my diags, which ended up with me doing independent work for a company as a mobile tech, rather successfully I might add despite how rough this year has been.

This upcoming year I will be taking my ASE certs one by one and will start buying A/C equipment this spring….but where do I go from here? How do I continue to stay relevant in this ever expanding and rapidly changing career field? I still strongly believe EVs will take years to truly take off(although I do have a hybrid cert from Volvo), but I don’t know where to go from here. I’m thinking I should take some online courses so I can start adding auto locksmithing to my repertoire or maybe even take a diesel program.

4 Comments
2024/11/08
01:24 UTC

2

Recommend spray painting and polish detail lesson in Melbourne?.

Hi Guy, i want to learn how to do automotive spray painting, sanding and polishing detail lesson in Melbourne. Can someone recommend any workshop offering a short course?.

I googled it but only found some lessons but they are in sydney only.

Many thanks

0 Comments
2024/11/05
23:04 UTC

2

Just passed my G1 ASE what should I take next?

I just passed my ASE G1 today and I’m wondering what would y’all recommend to take next. My strong suit is definitely on the electrical side of things but I was also looking at brakes or engine next. What do y’all recommend?

6 Comments
2024/11/04
21:09 UTC

3

At a loss...

My husband and I recently opened a shop. While he's an amazing mechanic, I'm not so seasoned. I know enough to diagnose and get myself out of a jam. I've never worked in a shop before, so managing the office side of things is a difficult challenge. Can anyone please help me so I can be an asset to this business!

2 Comments
2024/11/02
09:04 UTC

1

Ford Cmax 1.0 L eco boost 2014 help

Hi all, some help please. My UK ford Cmax 2014 eco boost has sprung a leak from the hose that goes from the coolant tank to the turbo. The leak has then corroded the metal water pipe from the turbo as per pic.

Do you think I can replace the rubber hose, use some leak tape and sealant to repair the metal pipe, or do I need to replace the turbo.

1 Comment
2024/10/31
10:40 UTC

1

Hyundai I30 cylinder head assembly step by step

0 Comments
2024/10/28
08:00 UTC

1

Anyone in a service advisor role or similar and have any suggestions for a technician interested in applying for a service advisor position? I want to be competitive when I’m ready to make the switch.

2 Comments
2024/10/24
18:44 UTC

12

I'm an IT student with a passion for cars — Should I pursue automotive tech as a career or keep it as a hobby?

I am a BS IT student and I absolutely love tech. I always have. But there’s something I love even more and that’s cars. I was fortunate enough to have a computer since childhood, so I was able to work with them hardware and software wise, learn a lot and be very good at it. There’s not much to do in computers hardware wise but I really enjoy it more than the software and programming. I am a gamer too and I love building gaming computers.

Similarly, the idea of working with cars really excites and I want to pursue it. I love cars, more than computers. Unfortunately I have never had the chance to own one or work with one but I wanna be able to do it.

I am going to do masters after my bachelors, I am pretty set on specializing in a field in IT (DevOps/cloud), but I was wondering if there’s something like automotive technician degree (not interested in automotive engineering) or course that I can do?

Another idea I had was that I can continue my career in IT and pursue this car thing as a hobby. Buy a car and learn to work with it, etc., and so on grow and buy another car.

I really want to work with cars. I really enjoy doing manual labor.

20 Comments
2024/10/24
16:33 UTC

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