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August 19, 2008

Turning a love of cars into a great career

Auto Scanner

Q: Just a general question about learning more about careers as a trained auto service technician. I've been reading for years about the major automakers trying to address a continuous shortage of trained technicians. Are there Web sites I can visit to learn more about how one would approach this?

A: It is a certainty that we do have a shortage of qualified technicians in the trade. In today's climate, a person with a talent for auto repairs, a thirst for knowledge, a willingness to get their hands dirty and a desire to continue learning throughout their career will do very well in the automotive field.

There is no other career in which 30 different manufacturers change their products every year. This job is no longer for the person who could not finish high school. Believe me, it's a whole different world.

A person who wants to learn the trade could interview at the dealership; if the dealership likes what they see, they will sign the person up for schooling at the dealer's expense. You must sign a contract to stay with that dealership for several years. Or, if you prefer to choose your own fate, there are many excellent schools for automotive technology. Right here in Boston, we have Franklin Institute, which is rated up at the top of schools for service technicians.

After schooling and a few years of apprenticeship, a tech can then test for ASE ratings. A master technician is at the top of his/her game and will never be without a job or even their own business.

Q: I have a 1999 4-cylinder Camry. The motor now will not idle on a cold start. It runs great after warming. The coolant temperature sensor has been changed, and the throttle has been cleaned. What else can I look for?

A: This problem is well-documented. The idle air control valve for this year Camry with a 4-cylinder was horrible. After a replacement with a genuine Toyota part, your stalling cold problems will be a thing of the past.

Q: I have a question about air bags. I own a 2005 BMW Z4 with six air bags. Could the bags or any one of them go off with the key off and out of the ignition? My grandchildren like to sit behind the wheel with the top down and pretend to drive. I will not give them a ride because they are too young. I heard an air bag went off when the radio was real loud. I don't know if the key was on. I will not let them sit in the car now, but they can wash it if they want to. I pay good.

A: There are no reported cases on the IATN or on the All Data Web site of air bag deployment with the car turned off. My feeling on the loud radio deployment is that of an urban myth. I will not say it can't happen, but you stand a better chance of getting struck by lightning on a clear and dry day.

As far as letting the kids wash the car, I would prefer Gramps does the job with them. The kids get the hose, and the game of "spray the Grampa" is off and running. Seriously, the kids could cut themselves on some of the sharp corners, so just let them rinse, and you will all have a good time.

Car Care Tip: Your dashboard has warning lights, red for critical (stop the car) problems, yellow for plan to have it fixed problems, and green is usually reserved for turn signals. Stop for red, or you will pay a lot more than a municipal fine for a traffic infraction.

¢¢¢

Larry Rubenstein is a master technician who owns a North Shore service station. His column appears Tuesdays in The Salem News. Write to him at The Salem News, c/o Auto Scanner, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915, or send e-mail to scanauto@aol.com.

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