Joe Marconi

This is great information. Keeping up with technology is vital to our sucess and training is also key. Everyone should this information.

We too have cleaned many v6 Nissans, performed the idle relearn through the scanner with no problems. But this one bit us in the "you know what"!

I think is problem is worth sharing. While removing the intake plenum on a 2003 i35 infinity to replace the rear plugs, the tech noticed that the throttle body was heavily carboned-up. The tech cleaned the throttle body. After he reinstalled the plenum, he noticed that the idle would not come down below 1000rpm and after 5 minutes the check engine light came on logging an error code for RMP out of range. After unsuccessfully attempting to perform an idle relearn through the scanner, we concluded that the throttle body had failed. We researched the problem and found a lot of know issues with this system. Apparently, throughout the years, the carbon build up closes around the throttle plate reducing the normal air flow and the computer makes corrections. By cleaning the throttle plate, now the idle is too high and for some reason the computer cannot bring down the idle. The fix: replace the throttle body motor and perform idle relearn. Try explaining this to the customer!

That's just as good!

Those are all great points. It seems that we try to book the next appointment when we are slow. When we are busy, the works just flows in. Plus, the logistics of following up and calling the customer as a reminder can be a burden. Who will do it when the entire shop is busy? Great concept, not sure about real-world...

Being there is the way to go. TV gives the race no justic. And YES, you need to drink some beer!

The concept is great, but I find it hard to implement. Maybe it's my approach.

Go to one race, it may make you a fan.

To all who read my article, thank you. You are the best. It makes me proud to be associated with all of you. Maybe I should have talked about this sooner. If I had to do it all over again...I would not change a thing!

xrac, Thanks for sharing that with. I really appreciate it. It took me years to even talk this incident. It means a lot to me to have my friends and fellow shop owners read this and share the pain. We need to be proud of what we do. You are a true professional; your credentials prove that fact. Writing and sharing experiences is my therapy.

That's a good point about the car rental. We do have Enterprise near us, it's the only rental car company in the area. The problem is that they run out of cars too often. If we know ahead of time, we do book a rental, but sometimes a customer breaks down and gets towed in. If we can't put them into a car, it becomes an issue. Thanks for your input, great info!

I agree, some things take off on their own. It's almost like a fad. It the public starts to think of this a benifit or safety feature, they just might be more inclined to pay for it. I also think that including it with some sort of package makes sense. If a shop can tie it into a maintenance package to get the customer to return to your shop, that would even better.

I don't think we have turned the corner on the economy yet. People are still holding back and other are being carful with their spending. Also, there are a lot of people out of work. This has a long recession, but before you know it, good times will be back. Our Jan 2010 is up over last year, Feb is running slighlty better than last year, but I have much more expenses. It's a little scary right now. Plus, all the storms are killing us. We had another snow storm today.

Please keep us informed. If this is a lucrative profit center, we all need to take a look at it.

Thanks! Great information, really appriciate it.

So sales are about the same? Steady?

Is there a market for nitrogen and do you have an easy time selling the service?

How are your daily car counts. And, are you seeing new people?

I am not a huge fan, but I have been to a few races. I even visited the pits. Being there is another world. Much more exciting.