Using the SureTrack Tab in ProDemand

Using the SureTrack Tab in ProDemand

As you are using ProDemand, you may have noticed the SureTrack tab that populates after completing a 1Search for your selected vehicle. If you’ve been hesitant to click on the tab, you shouldn’t be – SureTrack offers valuable real-world content to help you diagnose even the most difficult codes and symptoms.

SureTrack has many resources available to help you:

–       Common Replaced Parts Graphs

–       Real Fixes

–       Component Test Information

–       Waveforms and PID Graphs

–       Community

Common Replaced Parts Graph

Upon selecting the SureTrack tab, the first information you’ll see is the Common Replaced Parts Graph. This graph shows you the parts that have been replaced by aftermarket shops based on this specific vehicle and associated with the search term (a code, symptom or component). This is valuable because it allows a technician to see which parts would be the most likely source of the problem the customer is experiencing. From there, the technician can plan a diagnostic test strategy to verify the diagnosis.

Real Fixes

A Real Fix Tip is just what the name implies, a real-life, successful fix. SureTrack Real Fixes have been written by expert technicians about real-world repairs that were done in thousands of shops across the country. The Real Fix Tip is written in a “3 C” (Complaint, Cause and Correction) format.

The Complaint summarizes the interaction between the customer and the service writer and includes any symptoms the customer may have experienced.  The Cause captures the complete circumstances the technician experienced in determining the diagnosis. The Correction section of the Real Fix covers what the technician repaired and/or replaced to resolve the problem, as well as confirmation of the repair.

Real Fixes also have a “Fixed It!” designation indicating that the information has helped at least one technician in the community repair a vehicle.

Component Tests

The SureTrack Component Test information provides you with all the information necessary to complete your diagnostic tests, including:

–       Component Operation – function of the component

–       Component Location – where to find the component on the vehicle

–       Test Location – the best place to test the component

–       Connector View – pin assignment to connect your diagnostic tool

–       Test Procedures – which test to run and how to run the test using your diagnostic tool

With the above information, a technician can run a proper diagnosis to isolate the faulty component in order to verify the part to replace. The alternative is parts-swapping, which can lead to comebacks and dissatisfied customers.

Waveform and PID Graph Images

SureTrack has the most comprehensive collection of test results gathered through actual on-vehicle tests. Data graphs and scope waveforms provide a point of reference to verify faulty parts. Technicians are able to compare the known good waveform vs. the reading on their scan tool and make a determination.

Community

Although not part of the SureTrack tab, the Sure Track community plays a key role in the real-world information included in SureTrack. This is where you have the opportunity to connect with other professional technicians to ask questions, provide suggestions and toss around ideas. Click here to read more about the SureTrack Community.

Click here to read more blog posts about SureTrack.

About the Author

Gary Hixson

Gary Hixson is a Sr. Market Manager at Mitchell 1, and is responsible for product and market management of the Repair Information product line. Most recently he managed the release of ProDemand™, the industry-leading repair, diagnostic and maintenance information system.