Victor Guillot of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority says greater efficiency from his VDA system has reduced the downtime on WMATA buses.

Computer based diagnostic systems are now the essential part of a vehicle technician’s toolbox. Diagnostic software improves efficiency by keeping vehicles on the road for longer amounts of time and with safer results, and technicians achieve greater levels of productivity only with the right tools. Powerful personal computers bundle OEM software into custom applications that deliver diagnostics with professional accuracy for maintenance on every area of the vehicle including engines, transmissions, brakes and multiplex systems.

Diagnostics systems have moved far beyond the clearing of fault codes and the monitoring of common parameters such as engine rpm, engine oil pressure, fluid temperature, battery voltage and fuel rate consumption. Today’s diagnostic software gives technicians the ability to display data graphically, view sensors and switch positions at the specific time that a fault occurs, monitor cylinder performance, check the transmission solenoid and perform cylinder cutout tests.

Increases in productivity are real and the shop that uses the best diagnostic equipment is the shop that saves the most money.

Go with current software
Staying current is a must for maximum productivity. It is essential to make use of the latest information. For example, Volvo’s acquisition of Mack Trucks and Daimler’s purchase of Detroit Diesel resulted in the consolidation of their respective diagnostic software, which only highlights the importance of staying current.
Each software application has a unique look and its specific way to access information, which can create a steep learning curve for technicians. This makes training an essential part of the successful use of diagnostic systems.

“At Diagnostic Innovations we take the comprehensive approach,” says Drew Gibson, manager, Fleet and Commercial Business. “By staying on top of all OEM software changes as well as providing the easiest to use graphical interfaces that significantly lessens the learning curve for our customers.”

Gibson says all diagnostic equipment is not the same, and that inferior systems are often outdated and limited in the information they provide.

Diagnostic Innovations LLC based in Michigan supplies diagnostic solutions across North America and is an official military supplier for the United States Government. The company’s Vehicle Diagnostic Assistant™ (VDA) features an array of tools that couple the most current updates with a user-friendly interface. Victor Guillot, senior bus engineer for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) says its VDA vehicle diagnostic system has reduced the downtime for WMATA buses and has improved efficiency.

Steve Mullaly, senior maintenance instructor for the Los Angeles County Transportation Authority knows the importance of productivity when it comes to maintaining a fleet of some 2,300 buses. Mullaly finds particular value in software that uses diagnostic trees and electronic schematics to do troubleshooting.

Diagnostic Innovations suggests software be contained within a single tool with an easy to use graphical interface that employs touch screen navigation. This allows a technician to get to the root of the problem quicker and more accurately.

Interface Boxes advance
Heavy duty housings that use the latest USB and wireless technology have replaced yesterday’s serial and parallel-based boxes. The major OEM providers of interface boxes include Caterpillar and Cummins. The challenge in choosing the best interface box lies in the proper coordination needed between the diagnostic software and various hardware systems. In most cases the interface box needs to be a RP1210a compliant device. The next wave of interface boxes will boast Radio Frequency, Bluetooth and other wireless technologies.

Hardware toughens up
Ruggedized computers are the new solution to survive drops, spills, vibration, extreme temperature conditions, and dusty or dirty maintenance shop environments. Cheaper computers are available but most companies cannot afford to have buses out of commission, waiting for a replacement computer and reinstallation of software.

One size does not fit all. Panasonic offers tailored made units for a vast array of shop requirements that feature a shock-mounted hard drive.

In the near future software makers will further conjoin the diagnosis of the problem with the actual remedy, where ailments are both diagnosed and reported before the vehicle hits the service bay. Parts will be ordered before a technician turns a wrench, and shops will see unions between diagnostic software, maintenance scheduling and bottom line accounting. BRM

Lenita Tillis serves as marketing manager for Diagnostic Innovations LLC.

As the falling economy takes its toll in agency and private sector budgets there is more pressure than ever to find solutions to improve the quality of service to citizens and customers alike. We turn to technology innovation in such times to find workable answers, not only to do more for less, but to do it better!

With Thermal Technology Services you have an immediate answer to both concerns! We have focused on state and local government as this is an area where we feel this new technology can help the most.