Gonzo Weaver (26)
Scott "Gonzo" Weaver owns a Tulsa Auto Electric Shop and has a knack for telling true stories of his adventures in auto repair. The following short stories are excerpted from his book, "Hey Look! I Found The Loose Nut", which provides a Good Laugh for Mechanics of Any Age. For more information, Contact Scott Weaver at
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and see his website at www.gonzostoolbox.com.
You can purchase his book from Amazon at: Hey Look, I Found the Loose Nut
Charlie comes in every now and then. I guess you could say he’s a regular but I think I would call him more of an opportunist when it comes to his car repairs. He’ll go to an oil change place for oil changes, a tire shop for tires, a transmission shop for transmission, so on and so on. If there is an opportunity to get his car into a shop he’ll make an appointment and get it in. But, the one thing he seems to always use me for is the check engine light.
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Normally, most people don’t pay that much attention to the check engine light unless it’s staying on. Not Charlie, he’s absolutely paranoid it will come on and stay on.
Somehow, some way somebody has told him that the check engine light is not a warning of a problem with the exhaust emissions or related engine/transmission problems but the precursor to a ticking bomb that will bring an end to his ride of rides. It’s as if the check engine light is the trigger to the doom and gloom of his car.
At times, Charlie thinks the check engine light has stayed on a longer than it should when he starts it up in the morning. This prompts an immediate phone call and a trip to the repair shop. With all these trips he’s seen me use several different code readers, scanners, O-scopes, and laptops that I have at my disposal to check codes and related engine systems.
A Picture Worth a Thousand Words Most of Which We Can’t Print
Written by Gonzo WeaverYears ago my younger brother came to work for me. He didn’t know a thing about cars, but was willing to learn all that he could. Teaching new technicians is an art that most shop owners have to learn to do, but teaching your little brother can be a chore and can test your patience.
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I muddled through it all and taught him what I could. I was sure at some point in time the two of us would butt heads like brothers will do, and he would take his new found skills and move up in the rank and files of the automotive technical world, but in the meantime it was his turn to learn from his older brother.
When he first started I would walk him through each step of how to diagnose a certain system in a car. A lot of times he would have questions, and I’d do my best to answer them. He learned quickly and was really sharp at picking up some of those little details that are harder to teach, because you tend to forget to mention them while you’re teaching—mainly because you are trying to get to the solution as efficiently as possible, and you neglect to bring it up. Such as: “always test your test light connection before testing what you’re testing, or don’t forget to check for all your tools before you pull the car out of the shop.” Things like that.
One day we had a truck come in with dual fuel tanks on it. The gas gauge wasn’t working and needed some attention. This was a perfect opportunity for Junior to learn a few of my short cuts on these old models. It was an older Ford, in which the tank gauge ran through the tank switchover button. It was rather easy to pull it out of the dash and connect to the gauge from the back of the switch.
Are We Crossing Into the ‘Outer Limits’ of Automotive Repair?
Written by Gonzo Weaver“Don’t try adjusting the throttle cable—there isn’t one. I can tell when it’s dark enough for the headlights. Your Air Conditioner is under my complete control, along with steering, windows, stereo volume and braking. Don’t be alarmed, I’m here to help assist in operating your vehicle. Who am I? Why, I’m your friend, I’m your PCM. Some people may call me a “Human Assistant Logistic” device—call me Hal for short. I like that name.”
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I live in your main frame computer. Don’t try to over-ride me. I’ll reduce the power level. Program me without the properly dated software and I may never speak to you again. Push an amperage load in the wrong direction, and I’ll make smoke appear where you don’t want to see smoke. I’m tough as nails, but at the same time, as delicate as a flower. So be careful with me.
Now, does that sum up today’s PCM’s? I think it does.
With all the information being passed back and forth we’re no longer fixing cars, but doing advanced electronics caretaking.
Hal has a lot of control these days. He’s everywhere in the car, from the glove box to the transmission. We haven’t lost control of the cars we drive, but there’s no doubt Hal has taken over.
We are approaching that Space Odyssey of self awareness in computer systems.
Dealing with Angry Customers and Growing ‘Alligator Skin’
Written by Gonzo WeaverIf there is one thing I find hard to deal with in this topsy turvy world of the auto repair business is the way some people will react when they are at the repair shop. It’s the way they conduct themselves at the shop when it comes time to get their car repaired.
Over the years I’ve been praised and degraded. I’ve been called a saint and I’ve been called the devil (or worse). I’ve heard the shouting and the stuff I probably wasn’t suppose to hear (walls don’t always block sound you know). After a while you’ve heard it all before, and the attitudes that you see at the front desk become a part of the daily grind. Coping with all this is what I call; “growing alligator skin.” I try not to take things so personally, I’ll let the alligator skin handle it, and then take off my protective coat before I get back home to the wife and kids.
What gives with the need for such a thing as “alligator skin”? I believe there a several factors inherent to the automotive industry that brings on this crocodilian coat of protection.
Mistrust of the automotive repair world in general is what I believe is the number one factor; but what brings on that mistrust? Is it the incompetent mechanic? I doubt that is always the case. Is it the money out of their pockets which they were not expecting when they drove down the road to the repair shop? I believe it’s more in the hands of the unknowing consumer who reads and watches too many evening news reports on the unscrupulous business practices of the few out there that really are rip offs and not the normal operations of countless decent shops in this country.
When Something ‘Common’ Turns Out to be Not So Common
Written by Gonzo WeaverOk, who out there knows everything about automotive repair? Who out there has seen it all, and wouldn’t be surprised if something so common to do now turns out to be not so common? Well, one thing is for sure—it ain’t me. I learn something new about this crazy car business every day. Especially when it comes to the electronics in today’s cars.
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Even though I’ve spent a lifetime repairing these electrical nightmares that come into my shop, it still has its surprises. These days it’s not only the wiring, but some of the results I see from the scanners that can be just as unexpected.
My buddy Tom’s 2005 Cadillac Escalade EXT was having some problems. It’s a well kept, clean and in great shape ride. The suspension system was sending the driver its little notice across the dash message banner, “Suspension system service needed”.
“Sure, bring it in Tom. I’ll throw it on the scanner and see what’s going on,” I told my old pal.
I grabbed the Tech 2 with the CAN unit hooked up to it and headed to the car. Only one code, C0660 was stored—“Level Control Exhaust Valve”.
Is It ‘Change Is a Good Thing’ or ‘It’s Good That Things Change’?
Written by Gonzo WeaverA body shop dropped off a 2005 Nissan Titan XE for a trailer light problem. It was hit in the rear and had folded the bumper under the body.
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This particular body shop I have known for years, and they pride themselves on doing a top notch repair on every vehicle that they are associated with. This truck was being a problem though. All the systems were working except for the trailer turn signal lights. To be thorough, they went back through each and every part that they had replaced or disturbed. They found nothing, not a thing—2 days of checking it out led to a dead end.
That’s where I came into the picture. As always, the first thing I want to see is the wiring diagram. You know, I’ve always said change is a good thing, this time, I should rephrase that to—it’s a good thing that “things change”—and I hope this does real soon, because, this was about the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen.
It’s not the first time I have ran across trailer lights going through computer systems but it’s the first time I ran across only the trailer turn signals running thru the BCM (body control module) not the trailer park lights, not trailer brakes—nope, just the turn signals. Right there on the print, plain as day, R-trailer turn and L-trailer turn, oh please—what were you dudes thinking? (Referring to the engineers) What was the reasoning behind this?
How to Keep Your Cool When Working With HVAC Diagnostics
Written by Gonzo WeaverLeave it to the manufacturers to take a simple thing like heat and air conditioning and turn it into an electronic jungle of wiring, sensors, and computer components.
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HVAC units have come a long way from when I started in the business. Not that I want to dwell on the past, but it might be a good idea to make sure we understand the basics before diving into the problem of today’s systems. I always feel that if I understand a system fully before doing any repair work I’m more likely to get it right the first time.
Diagnostics procedures vary from car to car and from year to year. I’m finding more and more these days it’s a lot easier to diagnose the HVAC system with a scanner rather than with a print and test light. With the advent of the electronic door motors and the crazy locations on some of these components I would definitely try to use a scanner when possible.
An interesting fact: even on some of the aftermarket scanners there is a wealth of information on HVAC systems. Before purchasing a scanner I would ask whether or not it covers HVAC units and which years, which models, and how thorough it is. The more information you can have before you have to get your hands dirty the better.
One of the more common repairs I’ve see on both domestic and imports is connections. The manufacturers (in my opinion) have gone to the point of making these connection just barely survivable, but, not for the length of time that consumers are stretching their vehicles useable years on the road.
Sometimes I wonder if the things I find wrong with some cars are there for me to find out how ridiculous some people can be. I’ve got to question the thought process and not-so- brilliant ideas that some people have, just before total stupidity takes over. I gotta ask … “What were you thinking?”
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The other day I had a late 90’s GM in the shop. The owner had recently bought it from a small car lot, and had no idea of the history of the vehicle. It was one of those “great deals” that he couldn’t pass up. Why is it these great deals always have some sort of catch to them? Maybe it would be a good idea to have it checked out before you buy it. After looking at it, I might tell you to “pass it up.” Honestly, I’ll never understand why someone will buy a used car when they know nothing about it, or decide after they buy it to finally have it checked out … but they do.
This particular creation had some strange problems. It had a strange battery drain. At first glance all the instrument cluster warning lights, interior lights, and all the electrical functions seemed to be working correctly, but there was a drain strong enough to drain the battery in a day or so. Finding the solution was going to lead to an even bigger problem.
Shift Happens: The Story of Three Transmissions and a Limp Kia SUV
Written by Gonzo WeaverJo was a new customer referred by an old-time regular. Her little Kia SUV had a transmission problem that seemed to be getting the best of the transmission shop.
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The story goes that the Kia was constantly in limp mode, and would never shift properly—ever. As always seems to be the case when a simple problem can’t be solved simply, somebody started the diagnostics off in the wrong direction. Little did I know this was a simple problem.
But, as I see it, each and every type of diagnostic work that you do requires a certain step by step procedure that you must follow. Missing a step, or completely overlooking a step, usually means you’re going to miss that simple problem all together. This was no exception.
From what information I could gather the person who diagnosed it at the transmission shop wasn’t the same person who installed it. So after the tech put the last bolt in the transmission, he set the car out front, and told the front office, “Got the transmission in that Kia.”
The front office considered it done, and the call went out for Jo to pick it up. She didn’t make it around the block before she was back at the front counter in a “not-so” pleasant mood. You can just imagine the situation at the counter, not happy I’m sure.
A Day to Reflect—On the Other Side of the Bookstore Counter
Written by Gonzo WeaverSometime ago I had my first book signing at a local book store. Steve’s Sundry—Books and Magazines. It’s a landmark bookstore in town. Everyone knows Steve’s place. It’s been in town for more than 60 years. It’s a great place for a large malt at the soda fountain, or to browse around the store to find a good book. I’m not a well known author; I’m a mechanic/technician who wrote a book. I really didn’t think there would be a crowd of potential buyers and admirers at the book signing; I’m not that naive to think I would be bringing in a flood of new customers to the book store.
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So, instead, I used the time to study the people that came in and out of the store. What a wonderful place, a book store. In the back of the store is an old counter with a bar and several bar stools. The counter, the soda fountains, and the bar stools are all original 50’s decor. With malt shakes and great sandwiches. You could take the whole day to browse for books while sipping on a shake or coffee. It’s a very pleasant place, nostalgic and modern at the same time.
One regular customer sitting at the end of the bar was sipping away on his coffee while texting messages on his Blackberry. On the other end there was an old couple who appeared to be in their 70’s reading the paper and browsing a book or two. I could see this Norman Rockwell painting of them pictured there for probably the last 40 years doing the same thing.
A Quick Diagnostic Can Seem too Good to be True
Written by Gonzo WeaverBefore my father passed away we spent several years under the hood of cars working together at my shop. He was an old school repair guy. Always looking out for the customer, and wanting to do that little bit extra for them. You know, adjust that crooked license plate, grease the door hinges before they pulled away from the shop, that kind of thing.
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I usually did the diagnostic work, and he would stick with the mechanical repairs. But most of the time his favorite thing to do was to entertain the customer while I figured out the problem.
The one thing that would give him fits was the way a customer would react after I diagnosed the problem, especially if I diagnosed it quickly.
A quick diagnostic might be fine for some people, but others it was more of a matter of pride that their “regular” mechanic hadn’t found it so quickly, or that the customer themselves didn’t find it so easily. It didn’t set well with them.
I got the impression that a quick diagnosis led to some sort of mistrust with my abilities, or that I didn’t thoroughly examine the problem to their satisfaction. A lot of times it had more to do with the previous technician taking so much time and not coming up with an answer, so they think it can’t be that simple.
