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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020 AFTERMARKET 33 www.aftermarketonline.net on what they saw in the live rounds Here’s some things to consider: 1. Read the information on your task sheet thoroughly. There was 30 seconds of reading time prior to each task; some used it, some didn’t. 2. Committing your actions to paper prior to carrying them out helps to organise your thoughts. Many technicians see their minds go to mush halfway through the task. 3. Question your customer (the judge) – they don’t bite, honest! The customer has all the clues, the clues are in there somewhere. 4. Verifying the fault can also provide further intelligence, warning lights, unstable idle etc. Always write these gems down as they help during assessment once objective measurements are made (scope and scan tool data). 5. Gather diagnostic information. Documenting this is important to build the ‘big picture’. Erase any fault codes to ensure they are current and reappear, sometimes the stored fault codes could be a red herring, just like in the real world. 6. Use/ask for pertinent information, the judges may only divulge information when asked. 7. When you have built the big picture, it’s time to plan the ‘test routine’. Write down all the tests that need to be carried out and prioritise them in the order the which will give you the best opportunity. 8. Do the tests that you have identified and write down the results. Many technicians go off plan and waste time. Use functional tests wherever possible, they are non- intrusive, cut down the diagnostic time as much as possible. 9. Draw your conclusions from the results. Understanding the test results from the various sources of test equipment is a must. 10. Where further tests may be required, so be prepared to revisit previous steps in the process. Test, don’t guess. 11. Verify your conclusion if possible. 12. Document your conclusion along with any important notes that are pertinent to the diagnosis / advised repair. The accurate result must be written down. 13. If you have time in hand, double check the above. The journey No matter how you fare in the initial stages, and the subsequent live rounds, don’t forget it is intended to be fun. Many of those who have gone onto win Top Technician blundered out in the first or second round on the first attempt, so never give up. It is the journey what matters, not the destination. Further information Make sure you keep an eye on www.toptechnicianonline.co.uk and Aftermarket magazine, as well as Aftermarket’s regular newsletter for updates. Top Technician 2020 and Top Garage 2020 are sponsored by Snap- on, Varta, TechMan and come to you in association with ABC Awards, ADS, the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and the Independent Garage Association (IGA). If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please call Ryan Fuller to discuss on 01732 370340 or email: ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk