How many times have you completed a complex engine management diagnostic, or replaced and programmed a transmission mechatronics unit, or located and repaired a short circuit hidden in a body harness – only to cover it with trim panels, or hide it under engine and transmission covers?
Customer satisfaction is generally based on a tactile experience. Fix the squeaky door hinge as part of the lube service and you have won the customer for life.
Take note and act on the little things while performing the major repairs. It’s quite easy to resecure the loose trim panel, clean the front window, or replace the worn out or broken buttons on the key fob.
Think back to all the jobs you have completed in the last five days. Do you remember picking up the repair order and keys from reception and noticing the fobs covered in “Durex Tape”? Did you need to use your pen to push the unlock button on the key – because the rubber covers were non-existent? Has a customer passed you a circuit board and ignition key with an apologetic excuse of: “if you wiggle this bit… and then push here… and there….” Before dashing off for their morning double shot latte?
Ignition key and fob repair and replacement is for most vehicles, no longer a dealer or locksmith only task. In fact, most of the vehicles we see in the shop can have a new remote programmed or buttons replaced in the same time it takes to clean the windscreen and replace the wipers.
In most cases “teaching in” a new remote is as simple as performing a sequence of ignition cycles and brake pedal operations, then activating the buttons on the new remote. In some instances, a scan tool may be required to place the immobiliser/theft deterrent system into “learn mode” to accept the new fob.
This is a great add-on service for any repair job currently in the workshop. Imagine the customer’s satisfaction when they pick their vehicle up after a 40,000k service and realise they no longer need to perform a twisted version of “Nutbush City” to open the driver’s door.
MAP (Mechatronic Auto Parts) supplies an extensive range of quality replacement key fobs, buttons, and remote heads to suit most of the vehicles seen in the current Australian and New Zealand market. MAP support their product with detailed installation and programming instructions for each popular make and model. To make life easier, most have a short video that can be accessed at maparts.com.au
