Gone are the days when a technician could "look and listen" to a vehicle to diagnose and repair a vehicle problem with not much more than a wrench, a little elbow grease and a shop towel. It’s no wonder that today’s vehicles, with their maze of electronic/electrical intricacies, require sophisticated diagnostics equipment manned by highly trained technicians to properly pinpoint any needed services or parts.

But while vehicle manufacturers provide their dealership service technicians with the latest diagnostics training and equipment, independent service and repair shops in the United States must acquire the knowledge on their own. Recognizing this need, Delphi now offers a host of training programs for aftermarket service providers — whether part of a national chain or locally owned business — in order to be able to effectively compete with original equipment dealerships.

Delphi’s new training programs are designed to help the technician repair the vehicle right the first time to avoid and reduce unwanted (or unnecessary) comebacks, while improving shop operations, efficiency and diagnostic processes.

"Delphi’s goal is to be the benchmark for other companies that offer specialized training to the aftermarket," said Doug Vidler, product line director, Delphi Training and Education Support Services. "As a Tier I global OE supplier, we know what technologies are coming down the line today and tomorrow. This unique position allows us to proactively design our course offerings to equip shops and technicians with the tools and education they will need to keep pace."

For example, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are becoming a more popular choice among "green"-minded consumers. The emerging technology found in hybrid vehicles presents a unique challenge to technicians who perform not only routine service but who may also eventually be involved with diagnosis and repair. Delphi’s training programs address specific safety and service procedures, and define the tools and equipment needed to perform proper service. Each module builds on the concepts of the previous modules, which provide a logical progress of learned skills from performing fundamental systems tests to comprehensive diagnostics.

Delphi has created a unique training program for HEVs that includes:
• Orientation seminar for a vehicle introduction and overview (4 hours)
• Training for road service providers, and police, paramedics, and other first responders to accidents (4 hours)
• Service and diagnostics certification
• Introduction to HEV systems (8 hours)
• Service and maintenance (8 hours)
• Diagnosis and component repair (8 hours)

Delphi is a Continuing Automotive Service Education (CASE) provider, certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence and its educational foundation, the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.

"As a supplier of OE components, modules, and systems, Delphi has the necessary resources to properly train technicians," said Vidler. "The technical personnel who design and engineer our products also help to verify the courses’ content. It’s truly a win-win situation."

Each Delphi course undergoes a thorough development process before it can be released. Some of the major stages in the process include:
• Perform and analyze market study/needs assessment
• Define program requirements
• Define market and develop strategy
• Develop, test and pilot the program

Delphi’s self-study courses are designed for technicians to learn at their own pace. Delphi’s hands-on training programs are designed to help the technician repair the vehicle right the first time to avoid and reduce unwanted (or unnecessary) comebacks, while improving shop operations, efficiency and diagnostic processes. To help shop owners determine what training would be beneficial to their employees, Delphi offers an assessment test to measure the service technicians’ knowledge and identify any deficiencies. From this gap analysis, Delphi is better able to recommend programs that address each shop’s unique needs.

There are two main ways that technicians can receive Delphi’s training programs: self-study and instructor-led sessions. The self-study can be conducted via the Internet or an interactive CD program.

"We provide the self-study option for shop owners who are concerned about employees being away from work during training or who prefer that employees learn at their own pace," said Vidler. "But interestingly, only one-third of our participants choose this method. The majority still prefer attending an instructor-led seminar or hands-on training session."

Delphi-certified instructors conduct half-day seminars as well as longer, comprehensive training sessions with hands-on instruction that results in the participant becoming Delphi-certified.

"Armed with Delphi training and certification, technicians at independent repair shops can be on more of a level playing field with technicians at dealerships," said Vidler. The in-depth training helps give the independent shops’ technicians the ability to quickly and accurately diagnose and repair the problem at hand and recommend any timely routine maintenance.

"Delphi offers an entire suite of products, diagnostic tools and training to the automotive aftermarket," continued Vidler. "It’s a complete, one-source package that can help increase the proficiency, competency, and success of independent service shops across the country."

Educational Highlights for 2009

2009 Seminars
• OBD-II Diagnostics:
• Fuel Control Monitor Failures and Fuel Trim Analysis Diagnosis
• O2 Sensor Monitor Failures Diagnosis
• Evaporative System Monitor Failures
• Catalyst Monitor Failures
• Mode $6 Data and Drive-Cycle Diagnostics
• Diagnosing EGR Monitor Failures
• Misfire Monitor Failures Diagnosis
• Vehicle Systems:
• Misfire Monitor Failures Diagnosis
• Fuel Management Systems Update
• Ignition Systems Service Update
• HVAC/Thermal Service Update
• Emerging Vehicle Technologies
• Vehicle Maintenance and Repairs for MPG
• Warranty Mitigation

2009 Certification Programs
• Automotive systems testing and diagnosis (engine systems, ignition systems, fuel management, and engine management)
• Dedicated systems training (fuel systems, engine management, thermal systems, direct diesel and common rail systems, and PCM/ECM and J2534)
• Diagnostic product training support

For additional information on products offered by Delphi, visit http://delphi.com/am.