Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Matt Fanslow dives into an unexpected but fascinating comparison between Jurassic Park and the auto repair industry, exploring themes of chaos theory, unintended consequences, and the importance of foundational knowledge. Drawing parallels from the iconic film (and Michael Crichton’s novels), Matt discusses how small decisions—like cutting corners or skipping fundamentals—can lead to big...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Episode Highlights:

Metal Music & Culture

• Matt opens with a quote from the documentary Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey by Sam Dunn, discussing how metal celebrates what society often denies and why it remains a culture of outsiders.
• Shares his experience attending the Summer of Loud festival with his 10-year-old son, Christian, where they saw The Devil Wears Prada, Beartooth,...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

In this thought-provoking episode, Matt Fanslow draws parallels between the tragic failures of the Titan submersible and the Space Shuttle Challenger and the common pitfalls in the automotive aftermarket industry. He discusses how ignoring expert advice, dismissing data, and letting ego drive decisions can lead to catastrophic consequences—whether in deep-sea exploration, space travel, o...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

In this technical deep-dive, Matt Fanslow tackles the misconceptions surrounding Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) in modern engines. Far from just a NOx-reduction tool, EGR plays a critical role in thermal efficiency, throttling losses, and combustion control. Matt dismantles common myths (like "lean burns hotter") and explains why engineers use EGR—even as technology evolves.

Key Topics C...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Discussion Points:

Introduction & Personal Anecdote

• Explains his motivation for visiting a quick lube shop: to observe different shop practices and customer experiences.

The Quick Lube Experience

• Initial Interaction: Shop employee questions the high mileage (300,000) on Matt’s Honda and suggests a possible engine replacement.
• Upsell attempts begin immediatel...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Takeaways:

Survey Demographics & Limitations

• Skewed Representation: 62% of respondents had 20+ years of experience, while entry-level and mid-career techs were underrepresented. Geographically, responses were heavy in the East/Midwest but sparse in central/western U.S.
• ASE Certification Bias: 80% of respondents held ASE certifications, contrasting with the broader industry (only...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Takeaways:

Ubuntu – What It Means

• Ubuntu is an African philosophy that translates to "I am because we are."
• It emphasizes collective success: "I succeed because you succeed."
• Matt discovered the concept through a documentary on the Boston Celtics.

Lessons from the Boston Celtics

• The Celtics’ success was built on teamwork, sacrifice, and shared goals.
• The ...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

In this episode, Matt Fanslow dives into listener-submitted questions, covering a wide range of automotive diagnostic and repair topics. From personal influences in the industry to technical advice on exhaust gas analyzers, catalytic converter testing, and ADAS calibrations, Matt shares his insights and expertise.

1. Who Do You Try to Emulate?

Matt reflects o...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Discussion Points:

What is Reverse Benchmarking?

• Traditional benchmarking focuses on studying what competitors do well, but reverse benchmarking involves analyzing what they do poorly and capitalizing on those weaknesses.
• Two interpretations:
• Looking at other industries for innovative ideas (e.g., team-building activities from tech companies).
• Example: Some shops now adopt spontaneous...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Matt Fanslow discusses ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), which he refers to as a neurodivergent condition. He highlights the negative aspects of the condition, such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, but also emphasizes the positive "superpowers" associated with it, including hyperfocus, creativity, problem-solving, empat...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Points & Takeaways:

The Problem:

• A 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee (collision repair) came in with blind spot warning and parking aid malfunction lights on.
• No functionality in either system post-repair.

Initial Diagnosis:

• Verified the concern (instrument cluster lit up with warnings).
• Used an aftermarket scan tool (Snap-on Ultra) and found:
• ADAS control module had m...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Should a shop use factory tools or generic J2534 interfaces for programming?

What are the computer hardware considerations for vehicle programming?

What are the best ways for technicians to learn more about vehicle programming and improve their skills?

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes cove...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

Contact Information

• Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio P...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z website

Show Notes:

Introduction & Sponsor Message

• Sponsored by NAPA AutoTech Training – Helping shops turn general technicians into profitable team members.
• Matt introduces John Thorto...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech

Matt Fanslow dives into listener-submitted questions, covering:

• Multimeter recommendations (why he prefers insulation testers/meggers over basic DMMs).
• Electrical diagnostic strategies (schematics, scan tools, and stress-testing circuits).
• The "Flat Rate Test Drive" (a drivability diagnostic trick for load/PID analysis).
• Gaming picks (Elden Ring, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Days Gone Remaster)...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech

In this episode, Matt dives deep into the world of leadership, drawing an interesting parallel between basketball and the world of auto repair.

In this episode, Matt discusses:

• The significance of March Madness and The Shot—not the Michael Jordan moments you might expect, but the shot in the 1992 NCAA tournament between Duke University and the Kentucky Wildcats.
• Insights into Coa...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech

Matt Fanslow and Sean Tipping discuss the complexities and evolving terminology within the automotive diagnostic field, particularly regarding immobilizer systems and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). They further explore challenges related to module identification, service information discrepancies, and the tools used in modern auto repair, including stories about acquiring specialized...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

Contact Information

• Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel

Key Highlights:

• Matt reflects on the idea of self-awareness and balance, emphasiz...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech

NAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.

Contact Information

• Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Blade Runner Monologue Appreciation: