ICT Workshop Solutions

No need to be afraid – New car technology explained

ICT Workshop Solutions — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:06:13 +0000

Almost all vehicle manufacturers have either released a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle already, or plan to within the next year. Some hybrid vehicles are over 10 years old, and have been in the aftermarket garage network for some time. This number will grow exponentially as the take-up of these new vehicles increases.

Many training companies now offer Hybrid Vehicle courses – usually to Level 2 standard 500/7055/1. Often they will be discussing hybrid technology which is up to 10 years old, and with no hands-on experience or training given with the actual High Voltage system on a live vehicle.

Our new courses are all up to date (we constantly add and adapt our course content to reflect new technologies) and with our new IMI Awards Level 3 qualification in Electrically Propelled Vehicle Repair and Replacement (QCF 600/0527/0) we don’t just talk about the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight!

This new qualification also covers Micro-Hybrids, Stop-Start Systems, Series Hybrids, Parallel Hybrids, Power-Split Systems, Plug-in Hybrids (eg. Vauxhall Ampera) as well as Full Electric Vehicles (such as the Nissan Leaf, Renault Fluence etc).

The hands-on practical assessments are all done on a new Toyota Auris Hybrid, in our new, clean workshop. We regularly visit vehicle launch events and driving days so we have experience of the latest the manufacturers have to offer. So not only are you gaining a qualification, you are also getting the latest information and experience with current and future vehicle technologies.

This NEW 3-day combined Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Course is priced at £660 + VAT, including all course materials, registration and certification with IMI Awards.

For more details of course content and dates, please visit our Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Course webpage.

Numbers for these courses are strictly limited – we have a maximum of 6 people on all courses, to ensure that you get the most out of the training course and we don’t have anyone feeling left behind.

If you would like to book onto this, or any of our other training courses, please contact us by email, or call the office on 01535 658663.

Our 3 Day Diagnostics Course is a Hit!

ICT Workshop Solutions — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:52:51 +0000

“I didn’t know that there was so much to learn, but it was presented in a way which was really easy to understand.”

“Ian should write a book – it’s that good!”

“A very, very, very informative course. I really enjoyed it”

“Having plenty of practical hands-on elements really helped to build on the learning”

The first of our 3-Day Diagnostics Courses – which trains mechanics on a mixture of code-readers, scantools, Pass-Thru diagnostics, oscilloscopes, and component test meters – has just been completed successfully this week.

The course attendees were a diverse range of skill levels – from novices who had never used an oscilloscope or scantool before, to advanced users who own many different diagnostic tools, but want to know how to get the best out of them.

We encourage candidates to bring their own diagnostic tools with them on the training, because the skills we are teaching are not limited to the brand of tool, unlike some manufacturer’s courses.

Our 3-day diagnostic course is priced at £660 + VAT, including all course materials, registration and certification with IMI Awards.

The next course date is 22^nd -24^th May 2012.

If you would like to book onto this, or any of our other training courses, please contact us by email, or call the office on 01535 658663

MoT now requires MIL lamp check

ICT Workshop Solutions — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:29:39 +0000

As of the 1st January 2012 the MoT Test will incorporate a malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) check. This will call for the examiner to visually check that warnings lights for ESP, SRS, ABS and TPMS are not permanently illuminated. This will come into effect from January 1st but will be highlighted as an advisory item only until March 31st. From April 1st onwards, vehicles will fail an MOT if these lights are illuminated. Warnings lights or MIL that are to be noted if illuminated include ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), SRS (Safety Restraint System), ABS (Anti-Locking Brake System), and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).

Although diagnostic kit is not required to carry out the visual check of these warning lights, a diagnostic scan tool can read the fault code and establish the precise problem, allowing garages to then fix the fault and proceed to reset the warning light. Therefore having a diagnostic tool can aid garages in two essential ways. One, in terms of customer service, so garages can at least highlight the precise problem to customer. Also for garages that repair and service in addition to MoT increased revenue can be generated from locating, fixing and resetting faults without sending the car to a diagnostic specialist.

Omitec offer a product that fits the bill perfectly for this requirement. The OmiCheck Service is a simple to use and cost effective tool that is a must for any garage performing repair, service and MoT activities. It is also ideal as a low cost addition to your existing diagnostic kit, particularly suitable for use in the MoT Lane. It’s simple to use menu system allows every technician locate faults with ease. Applications include; ABS, SRS (Airbag), Climate Control, Electronic Park Brake, Service Reset, Steering Angle Sensor and Tyre Pressure Monitoring.

The OmiCheck Service is fully upgradable to the full diagnostic suite, OmiCheck Professional, and both have the advantage of never switching off. OmiCheck Professional has all of the servicing capabilities of the OmiCheck Service tool but also covers some in depth diagnostic applications on a wide range vehicle manufactures with such as Seat Electrics, Climate Control, Injector Configuration, Engine Management, Body Control Unit, Electronic Suspension, Transmission, Key/Remote Programming, Steering, Park Distance Sensors, Particulate Filter, Security & Lighting to name but a few.

If you want to really get in deep with diagnostics, the OmiScan 2 is the full monty. It is designed, manufactured, and supported in the UK. It has the speed and ease of use, typical of all Omitec products, but with even greater coverage and functionality. More recent manufacturers added include Jaguar and Hyundai, and extended coverage has been added to the existing manufacturers covered, such as BMW, GM, Ford, Mazda, Mercedes, Land Rover and Saab. As an incredible offer, available until the end of April 2012, it now includes 3 years of updates (through till 2015) for free (worth £1185).

A New Year, A New Start, New Training Courses!

ICT Workshop Solutions — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:30:53 +0000

Our new premises opened in December, and are now fully up and running to provide a top class location for our training courses.

This week is the Detroit Motor Show, and it seems clear from the vehicles on show that many major car manufacturers are releasing Hybrid vehicles in the next year or two: Ford, Honda, Volvo, Mercedes, and of course Toyota/Lexus. In the UK, we will see Hybrids from Peugeot, Citroen, Volvo and Ford within the next few months.

In other words – most cars will end up being Hybrid or Electric within the next few years, as car manufacturers strive to meet emissions targets and fuel prices continue to rise. Currently, your garage may be happy to let one or two of those funny-looking Hybrid cars go to the main dealer instead of you having the problem of servicing them, but if you continue to do that for much longer you won’t have many customers left!

The solution? We offer a choice of 2 or 3-day training courses which gives you the skills needed to work on these Hybrid-Electric Vehicles safely and with confidence. The courses run Tuesday-Thursday on alternate weeks throughout the year, and are available to book immediately.

Another new course for 2012 is our new Diagnostics Training Course. For some time now, we have been supporting a number of aftermarket tool manufacturers with their training courses. These courses tend to be designed to show off the tool to the best of its abilities, but don’t necessarily give you the grounding you need to know what to look for in the first place.

The difference with this new course is that we have written the structure in a way which leads you through the years with the advances in vehicle technology. We explain the way to use your existing diagnostic equipment to maximum effect, how to confirm faults with the use of an oscilloscope, how to interpret scope patterns, and how you can perform Dealer-Level diagnostic functions such as ECU updates using new technology such as Pass-thru. Again, these courses run Tuesday-Thursday on alternate weeks throughout the year, and are available to book immediately.

Our Air Conditioning F-Gas Handling Qualification is also available, either at our new Training Centre, or on-site at your garage. Please contact us to book your place. We can run this one-day course on most dates to suit your requirements.

We also now have an online training calendar, so you can check for course dates to suit your needs.

Please note our new telephone number – 01535 658663.

New Training Centre Now Open

ICT Workshop Solutions — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:26:53 +0000

ICT Workshop Solutions Ltd, one of the most well regarded training providers for Diagnostics in the aftermarket vehicle industry, have announced the opening of their new training centre.

Miles Roberts, Training Manager of ICT Workshop Solutions said “the opening of a dedicated training facility is the result of growing demand for our learning products. There was a need to find a permanent home for our expanding range of courses, and we are delighted to have secured such a high quality facility, ideally situated with great transport links for ease of access for all visitors”.

“A great deal of thought went into the design of the spaces to ensure they were accessible to as wide an audience as possible. We are able to deliver both classroom-based and workshop-based training, and our understanding of the industry and its requirements means we are able to offer a unique level of service to partners and customers.”

The training centre, which will also become the company’s new Head Office, offers two dedicated training suites, a bank of computers for use with online internet testing, and a workshop area with space for up to four vehicles.

The centre opened its doors in December 2011, and there was an opening event held on 20th December where garage owners and technicians had the opportunity to visit the new facilities, and to see demonstrations of products from companies such as Hofmann.

“There was a need for quality training premises, and we are delighted to be able to provide our customers and learning partners with access to these facilities” said Ian Tetlow, Managing Director of ICT Workshop Solutions.

ICT Workshop Solutions are offering their full syllabus of IMI Approved courses from the centre, including their acclaimed Diagnostics programme as well as the latest Hybrid Vehicle qualifications.

Air Conditioning packages to suit ALL budgets

ICT Workshop Solutions — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:54:09 +0000

Some suppliers will happily sell you equipment without actually letting you know that you need more than just the machine. With Air Conditioning Servicing, it often comes as an unwelcome surprise to garages when they find that having spent thousands of pounds on a new servicing machine, there are still other hidden extras which they need in order to do the job properly.

At ICT Workshop Solutions, we know how frustrating this can be, so we have come up with some fantastic deals on Air Conditioning Service Machines, together with on-site F-Gas Training, Electronic Leak Detectors, Sealant Detectors, and all the PPE kit you need to get started.

We have three packages – Bronze, Silver, and Gold. These packages represent amazing value for money, and will give you the equipment you need to be able to do Air Conditioning Servicing successfully and profitably.

If you recently purchased an Air Conditioning Service Machine, then please contact us for great deals on the other equipment that you may need.

Steer straight to the point!

ICT Workshop Solutions — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:01:37 +0000

Aligning 4 wheels can be straightforward

Professionally printed report in Less Than 5 Minutes, with minimal set up
Repeatable results every time, ensuring customer satisfaction.
All required angles checked and displayed with just one setup
How to adjust – help-screens, with full colour vehicle graphical displays
Fully updateable, both manually or with periodic update
Far more profitable than Mechanical or Laser Gauges

All Hofmann Equipment does come with a standard 2 year warranty, carried out by Snap-on’s own engineers. Full training provided on-site.

Special Offers until 31st January 2012!

V3D Geolite usually has a retail price of £11,499.00. Special Offer £8,395.00

WAL4P Wheel Alignment 4-Post Lift usually has a retail price of £8,995.00. Special Offer £6,749.00

Package Offer!

Buy V3D Geoliner plus the WAL 4P lift, for only £14,299.00. This offer also includes both front turn plates and In-Fill Paddles – saving over a further £745.00

Please note this special offer is only available until 31st January 2012

On finance this could equate to £75.07 (+VAT) weekly equivalent. This would only mean that 1 or possibly 2 alignment jobs per week would need to be carried out in order to cover the cost.

Many garages are earning over £3000 a month, just from alignment with this package! Ask for a demo and a Return on Investment calculation.

The Advent of Standardised Parts

ICT Workshop Solutions — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:23:32 +0000

For some considerable time now the motor industry has been looking to standardise parts and components on cars. Let’s face it they all have an Injector, EGR Valve, Idle Speed Control etc etc.

For a long time now Parts manufacturers have been monitoring component performance and specification within EOBD on all cars, in many cases the parts may be different shapes and sizes, but work in similar ways.

Finally it has been announced there is to be a standardisation of components fitted to vehicles. The Vauxhall Insignia is using what has been announced as standard components, these are the components that are to be fitted to all vehicles as time goes on.

This will provide a number of advantages, once you get over the initial shock. You will no longer have to look for specific components, you will just purchase an Injector, Idle Speed Control etc. Then you will register the component onto the system and configure to that particular vehicle. Diagnosing faults on multi make vehicles will due to the nature of the vehicles should become simplified, just as long as we try to keep jargon and abbreviations to a minimum.

Whilst this has been announced, it will take some time before we start to see the full implications and hopefully advantages this may bring.

Wheel Alignment – Part 2

ICT Workshop Solutions — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:00:53 +0000

What angles – and why….

When using ‘Wheel alignment’ equipment you are led stage by stage through a process (without dismantling or altering) a short procedure where you do measure the angles below:Toe-in & Toe-out Generally the most understood of all the wheel alignment terms. When measuring toe we are looking at how parallel the wheels are in relation to each other, when viewed from above.

*Toe-in & Toe-out*	*Thrust Angle*	*Kingpin Inclination*
*Toe-out-on-turns*	*Setback*	*Scrub radius*
*Camber*	*Castor*	*Included Angle*

Toe-in & Toe-out

Generally the most understood of all the wheel alignment terms. When measuring toe we are looking at how parallel the wheels are in relation to each other, when viewed from above.

Toe-out-on-turns

When a vehicle travels around a corner, the wheel on the inside of the turn has a tighter turning circle or angle than the wheel on the outside. If the wheels had the same angle they would try to converge. This would cause excessive tyre wear and poor handling due to under-steer.

Camber

Camber is the inward or outward angle or lean of the wheels as seen from looking at the front. Positive (+) camber is when the wheel leans out at the top, Negative (-) camber is when the wheels lean in at the top.

Castor

Castor is used to give straight-line stability as well as directional control at speed, Castor also assists self-centring of the steering after a steering turn has been made.

Kingpin Inclination

Kingpin Inclination (KPI) can also be known as Steering Axis Inclination (SAI), an American term commonly used on some wheel alignment. KPI is the angle formed between a vertical line and the inward tilt of the MacPherson strut or hub assembly when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

Scrub Radius

When compared at ground level, the distance between the KPI line (drawn through the steering pivots and the tyre centreline is called the Scrub Radius. When the Scrub Radius is towards the inside of the tyre tread then the vehicle has Positive Scrub Radius and vice versa.

Thrust Angle

The rear suspension of a vehicle has a great influence on the vehicles handling and ride quality. Excessive rear tyre wear can also result from incorrect rear toe and camber settings. The only two measurements that can be checked on the rear of the vehicle are toe and camber. On an increasing number of modern vehicles it is possible to adjust the rear toe, and sometimes camber.

Setback

Setback is the term that describes the position of the right wheel in relation to the left wheel. Setback can apply to the front or the rear of the vehicle.

Included Angle

Included Angle is the sum of KPI and camber. Some wheel alignment equipment will calculate included angle.

Today’s Wheels & Tyres

Today’s cars have wider wheels and tyres that also have a much lower profile than cars of yesteryear. This causes many changes to the ride and handling, some of which can be quite dramatic to what we have been used to previously. Tyres that are wider and low profile do have more rubber in contact with the road, this does mean that most of the time there is more grip. Should the alignment be set incorrect, then the driving force pulling the steering and suspension joints is now greater than before. Because of this there is a greater tendency for over or under-steer as the weight distribution changes.

The cost of replacing tyres is now greater than they were on older style tyres. Customers soon notice now when new tyres become worn too quickly due to scrubbing. Replacements are far more costly than they once were.

Do You Avoid Hybrid-Electric Vehicles?

ICT Workshop Solutions — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:04:47 +0000

Many mechanics are wary of working on hybrid vehicles, due to the perceived problems that they might encounter with something which would normally be easy, such as a standard oil and filter service. There is a fear of the unknown, and with the potential for damaging the customer’s car unwittingly, or electrocuting the technician, many garages are reluctantly turning away hybrid vehicles rather than take risks. But with over 60,000 hybrid vehicles registered in the UK in the past 3 years, and with increasing numbers of customers hitting the showrooms in the search for a more economical vehicle, wouldn’t it be preferable to learn how to service them safely?

Here’s a list of some of the basics that every service technician should know:

Identifying a vehicle as a hybrid
Is the vehicle really turned off?
Protecting yourself from high voltage
Protecting yourself from corrosive liquids
Disposing of high-voltage batteries
Towing and workshop vehicle movement
What to do in case of fire
Getting trained

ICT Workshop Solutions are currently preparing a Hybrid-Electric Vehicle Operation and Maintenance course, which would be certified via IMI Awards. This qualification is designed for technicians who maintain and repair hybrid technology vehicles, but not the hybrid system itself. It contains the knowledge required to work safely around a vehicle’s hybrid system whilst carrying out repairs or maintenance.

To get further details on this course, please click here to be put on our Hybrid-Electric Vehicles mailing list, and we will let you know as soon as the course is available.