Avia Autos extends capabilities with Delphi
Bridgend-based Avia Autos is reaping the benefits of the next-generation diagnostic tool from Delphi Technologies. Both the DS180 BlueTech vehicle communication interface (VCI), and Delphi’s free diagnostic training and support have received praise as a refreshing ‘complete solution’.
The workshop made the investment just one year ago, pairing the VCI with Delphi’s DS car and light commercial vehicle software, as part of plans to update and further broaden their diagnostic capabilities to cater for today’s increasingly complicated vehicles.
“It’s been a useful tool to have in the workshop,” said Avia Autos Workshop Manager, Connor Holland. “It gives us access to in-depth diagnostics and advanced technical information, making my job much easier. We’ve managed to diagnose some pretty whacky EV problems too, which would have been difficult without this tool and the support that comes with it.”
Using the DS180 BlueTech VCI, together with an understanding gained through Delphi Academy, Connor recently had the confidence to correctly diagnose a problematic battery cell on a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which came into the garage stuck in limp mode. It’s a job that’s now booked-in for a replacement battery cell.
Delphi offers free e-learning diagnostic courses for software licence holders, giving technicians the knowledge needed to work with the very latest automotive technology and diagnostic protocols, including Security Gateways, Pass Thru, Diagnostics over Internet Protocol (DoIP) and even CAN FD protocol.
“The workshop is busy and there’s rarely an opportunity to stop work for learning about new kit,” said Hayley Pells of Avia Autos. “The flexibility of the online diagnostic training on Delphi Academy meant that everybody could go at their own pace, getting to grips with advanced diagnostic procedures. I don't think we've reached anywhere near the limit of the equipment yet, we're still finding our way with it, but it's an exciting journey.”
Training is delivered in a user-friendly format with multi-media learning methods including interactive technical articles, videos and simulators. Avia Autos has access to the full suite of more than 200 learning modules on Delphi Academy, covering everything from vehicle electrics and chassis systems to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), hybrid and electric vehicles.
“Access to e-learning is essential to modern independent garages,” said Hayley. The garage owner recommends technicians start with the “fundamental topics” on the Delphi Academy to familiarise themselves with the platform before moving on to the more complicated topics.
“I’ve covered lots of the content in between jobs,” said Connor. “High Voltage and Pass Thru were particularly interesting and it’s good to know that we can always go back and revisit a module when something challenging comes in.”
Delphi continues to add new content to the e-learning platform on a monthly basis, with the latest additions highlighted on the Academy home page. Exciting plans are in the pipeline to further develop interactive content, introduce new business training modules and to grow brand-specific online resources too.