Texting can often lead to misunderstandings, and car problems are no exception. Recently, I got a text describing some strange electrical issues with a vehicle. The message painted a picture of potential gremlins lurking within the car’s system. My mission? To get to the bottom of it, armed with my trusty tools, including a Bosch scan tool, and a bit of know-how. Little did I know, this diagnostic journey would lead to an unexpected Fleet Farm connection.
Upon arriving at the car, the initial description seemed a bit off. Hooking up the battery, I immediately heard clicking noises, as if the ignition was in the “run” position. The blower fan even kicked in – definitely not normal with the key out of the ignition. Right away, it was clear that the initial information wasn’t entirely accurate, highlighting the challenges of remote car diagnosis.
To ensure a clean slate and accurate readings, I disconnected the battery again. I then instructed the owner to turn off all accessories – blower motor, A/C, everything electrical. This time, upon reconnecting the battery, silence. No clicks. Progress! It seemed we were starting on the right foot.
My arsenal of diagnostic tools includes a range of scanners, each with its strengths. First up was my Snap-on Zeus, a powerhouse for in-depth diagnostics. A quick scan revealed… nothing. No power or electrical codes. Next, I pulled out an older, reliable tool – the Innova 3160d quick scan tool. Again, no codes were detected.
This is where my Bosch scan tool came into play. Having invested in a Bosch tool to avoid the clutter of numerous OBD adapters, I appreciate its versatility and comprehensive coverage. Just like the others, the initial scan with the Bosch tool showed no codes related to the immediate electrical issue. It was a clean bill of health, electrically speaking, at least according to these initial scans.
However, sometimes issues are deeper than surface-level codes. For a more thorough check, I brought out the Autel TS608. This tool delved a little deeper, uncovering 4 SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) codes. These were saved for later analysis – not directly related to the current electrical mystery, but important nonetheless.
With the scanning complete, it was time to see if the car would even start. The first crank attempt was weak, and the engine wouldn’t turn over again. A second try yielded the same frustrating result. Clearly, there was still a power issue, even if the initial scans weren’t pointing directly at it.
Out came the boost pack. Connecting it to the battery, I saw a reading of just 10.2 volts – definitely low. With the booster engaged, the engine fired up immediately. And wow, the exhaust flex pipe was definitely making its presence known! Despite the noisy exhaust, the engine was running.
Functionality checks were next. The A/C blasted cold air, and the A/C fan worked perfectly. The system was definitely capable of chilling the cabin rapidly. I then put the charging system to the test, running the headlights and A/C at full power. With and without this load, the charging system seemed to be operating within normal parameters. I let the car run for a while, observing if the battery would charge, and it did.
Turning off the car revealed something interesting. The blower motor fan wasn’t running after the car was shut off, and this time, the car actually turned off completely when the key was cycled. The owner immediately noticed the difference – the gremlins, it seemed, had retreated.
The mystery of the SRS codes was solved in a rather unusual way. Tucked away in the lower left corner of the dashboard, behind two business cards being used as makeshift work hour trackers, were the culprits. Removing the cards allowed the Autel TS608 to properly communicate and reveal the airbag codes.
I advised the owner about the SRS codes and the importance of addressing them. I also suggested a simple habit change: turning off the A/C and blower motor before shutting down the car. This, I explained, might prevent the fan issue from recurring. Given the car’s age, the problem could be as simple as accumulated dirt or hidden corrosion affecting electrical components.
While a deeper dive into the dashboard wiring was an option, I explained that this level of investigation wasn’t part of the initial “freebee” help. Then came the Fleet Farm connection. The owner mentioned working at the newly opened Fleet Farm in town. As it turned out, she knew my friend who worked in their automotive department. Knowing this, I suggested she take the car to him. A battery clean-up and load test at Batteries Plus were recommended as the next steps. Essentially, I was “pawning her off” to a trusted contact, but in a helpful way!
Honestly, I don’t mind lending a hand to older folks, as long as it doesn’t consume too much of my personal time. I see it as a way of giving back to the community. I often check the local Facebook message boards for opportunities to help, looking for challenging cases and trying to identify genuine needs, while also being mindful of those who might take advantage. Helping someone older, who might be on a fixed income and facing car troubles, is a rewarding way to contribute.
Interestingly, parked nearby was a Chevy Aveo, looking like it had been sitting for a while. The owner confirmed it was her son’s car, brought over due to space issues at his place and its own set of problems. She recounted a story of the Aveo refusing to move forward after being put in drive, requiring neighborly assistance to push it back. I offered to jump-start and scan the Aveo as well, free of charge, to give her an idea of potential issues. If it turned out to be transmission-related, I could refer her to a trusted local shop for a referral discount. However, she declined the offer for the Aveo scan, which meant a one-time visit for me.
On a side note regarding my Bosch scan tool – specifically, my Bosch ADS625 – I encountered a minor hiccup. Recently updated, it initially failed to communicate with this vehicle. An error message pointed to a dongle issue with the OBD2 port. Eventually, a pop-up appeared, something I hadn’t seen before, prompting me to update the VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface). The downside? I realized I was missing the power plug for the VCI update, a common plug shared with higher-end OTC scan tools, but seemingly elusive to purchase separately. I’ve even misplaced my spare cord. A temporary solution might be to check if my Snap-on Zeus power supply has the same voltage output, potentially using it to power the Bosch tool for the update. The update dialog specifically mentioned needing the power supply for the dongle during the VCI update, along with the VCI cable connecting the scan tool to the J-2534 box/OBD plug.
To resolve this Bosch tool power issue, I plan to contact my mobile tool rep who sold and set up the Bosch scan tool. He should be able to guide me on sourcing a replacement power cord. Ironically, I have two power cords for my Snap-on Zeus, a testament to past misplacements!
This whole experience is a reminder that I need to ramp up using my tools to generate some income! Coaching softball since February has been rewarding but time-consuming. With the season winding down, it’s time to focus on garage projects and exterior work before winter hits. Framing work indoors this winter for the first time in three years is a definite plus. However, assistant coaching high school fastpitch softball from August to September, five days a week, means sleep might remain a luxury for a while longer!
And yes, thanks again to online resources like Tyler’s insights; even gremlins can be diagnosed with the right tools and a bit of perseverance – and sometimes, a Bosch scan tool and a connection at Fleet Farm can be part of the solution!
Alt text: A mechanic using a Bosch scan tool to diagnose a car problem at Fleet Farm.
Alt text: Close-up of a Bosch scan tool interface displaying diagnostic data during a car inspection.
