We have some of the industry's leading trainers lined up for ATE Training Expo Spokane 2026 !

Let’s be real—auto shops are high-stress zones.Deadlines, miscommunication, customer emotions, parts delays…Tensions flare. Mistakes happen. People clash.Cool Heads, Clear Shops is a practical, no-fluff workshop built to help shop leaders and front-line staff navigate real-life conflict—and come out stronger, not scarred.

You’ll learn how to:

• De-escalate tense situations with customers and coworkers
• Handle angry, emotional, or unreasonable customers without losing your cool
• Give tough feedback to teammates without drama
• Create a culture where issues are addressed early—not ignored
• Avoid blame games and focus on solutions
• Lead with empathy and accountability when things go sideways

Whether it’s shop-floor friction or front-desk chaos, this workshop will give you the tools to stay in control, protect your team culture, and keep your shop running smoothly.

What You’ll Walk Away With:

• A conflict resolution script framework for tough conversations
• Step-by-step methods for calming heated customers (and keeping the sale)
• Communication tools to turn problems into progress
• Real shop scenarios and “what to say when…” cheat sheets
• A conflict response playbook for your whole team to use

In challenging economic times, customers evaluate their options more carefully. When they perceive little difference between shops, price becomes the deciding factor. The shops that lose that comparison are the ones that never gave the customer a reason to feel differently about them. The shops that thrive are the ones that create an experience the customer remembers — and tells someone else about.

In this session, Rick White will show shop owners how to move beyond simply providing good service and instead build a memorable experience that generates loyalty, retention, and referrals. From the moment a customer first contacts the shop to the moment they drive away, every interaction shapes how they feel about the business and whether they come back.

Attendees will learn practical ways to differentiate their shop through communication, professionalism, and thoughtful customer interactions that make people feel confident they chose the right place. When done well, this experience becomes a competitive advantage that keeps customers returning even when they have cheaper options available.

Shop owners will leave this session with actionable strategies they can bring back to their team immediately — strategies that strengthen customer relationships, build long-term loyalty, and grow car count without a marketing budget.

Objective: Establish the foundation for a permission-based mindset in the service drive.What is permission-based selling?

Differences between hard-sell tactics & permission-based methods.Benefits of the approach: trust-building, increased customer retention, & ethical upselling.

This course provides the confidence to take the fear and frustration out of using your oscilloscope. Modern vehicles provide us with multiple communication networks, countless sensors, solenoids, and actuators. Not only do we need a way to test the components themselves, but we also need trusted tests to verify the controllers that monitor and actuate these components. 

You will learn essential operations of your Oscilloscope, including set up, signal analysis, common waveforms and tests that can be used on every vehicle you work on. Quick tests for no starts, driveability concerns, communication networks, electric motors, solenoids, actuators, and sensors will also be covered.

This course will prepare you to take your scope to the fender and prove failures without the need for intrusive teardown, lost time, and labor.

Recommended for seasoned and aspiring diagnostic technicians.

• Signal Acquisition
• Current Charging
• Pressure Testing
• Voltage Drop/Loading Circuits
• Starting and Charging System Testing

o Can we diagnose internal engine issues without the confirmation of teardown?o Does Oscilloscope testing cost us diagnostic time or save us time?o What information can be learned from pressure testing?o What can current flow teach us about the health of a component or circuit?

This new clinic dives deep into the art and science of vehicle diagnostics, leveraging real-world case studies to enhance problem-solving skills. We emphasize a structured approach to developing diagnostic strategies by analyzing data related to Diagnostic Trouble

Codes (DTCs), various communication DTCs, vehicle wiring, component faults, intermittent issues, and more. Throughout the clinic,we will review numerous real case studies and engage students in discussions on how to effectively tackle these complex diagnoses. We will analyze uncommon failure patterns and interpret data to formulate a strategy. Our systematic approach begins with simple checks and gradually progresses to more complex tests, allowing us to narrow down the fault area efficiently. By the end of this course, participants will possess the tools and knowledge to diagnose and resolve even the most intricate automotive issues.

After completing this seminar, the student will have the knowledge to:

• Interpret specific data relevant to symptoms and failure
• Effective troubleshooting processes from start to finish
• Empowered with advanced diagnostic solutions to everyday diagnostic scenarios
• Build a solid foundation in understanding sensor interdependencies, categorizing inputs, and utilizing reference data for precisediagnostics
• Discover practical applications of waveform analysis, data acquisition, and scan tool readings to extract accurate and actionableInsights

Modern alignment equipment has made it much faster to perform alignments but are you aware of how the equipment measures the angles and how it relies on the user to perform certain actions in the correct manner. The equipment is very accurate but that accuracy is dependent on proper procedures. We will discuss the steps taken during the alignment process and address ways to improve accuracy and efficiency. Make the most of your equipment, eliminate comebacks and get a level steering wheel every time.

- Structured Scan Tool Data Acquisition & OBD Service Mode Interpretation- Emission & Non-Emission Diagnostic Decision Making- OBD Service Mode Application - Fault Identification & System Evaluation- Emission Monitor Data Interpretation - Non-Emission Diagnostic Scenarios- Scan Tool Configuration & Live Data Stream Management- Data Grouping & Parameter Selection for Targeted Analysis- Monitor Status, Readiness & Mode $06 Test Result Evaluation- Structured Diagnostic Workflow Integration Using Scan Data

Tired of being led down the wrong path by factory flowcharts and parts-swapping guesses? OEM “trouble trees” have misled us for years, causing wasted time and unnecessary parts replacement. This class is a smorgasbord of “wicked cool” diagnostic routines that go beyond the everyday. We’ll explore creative, efficient, and eye-opening methods that challenge the status quo and open your mind to what’s possible. Every routine covered in this class is designed to stretch your thinking, spark your imagination, and add new testing methods to your diagnostic arsenal to handle the stuff that doesn't follow the book. You won’t get a deep dive into any one system, but you will get a powerful intro to multiple high-impact concepts, with hands-on and virtual courses available for those ready to go further. Whether you’re just starting or already seasoned, this class will leave you thirsty for more. This isn’t a checklist of textbook tests. It’s a mindset shift, built around real-world techniques and the belief that the only limit is your imagination.

Led by experienced instructor Mark Seawell, "Navigating Challenging Situations" provides shop owners, managers, and service advisors in the automotive repair industry with the essential skills and strategies to address and resolve conflicts before they escalate. From handling upset customers to managing disputes with vendors and fostering positive relationships among co-workers, this workshop equips participants with the finesse and confidence needed to navigate challenging situations with ease.Key Topics Include:

• Wowing Upset Customers: Techniques for de-escalating tense situations, empathizing with customers, and finding mutually beneficial resolutions.
• Navigating Tricky Situations: Developing proactive approaches to identify and address potential conflicts before they escalate.
• Handling Vendor Disputes: Strategies for effectively communicating with vendors, resolving disputes, and maintaining productive business relationships.
• Co-workers Coming Together: Building teamwork and collaboration among co-workers to foster a positive and supportive work environment.
• Advisor Training: Enhancing communication skills and conflict resolution techniques to improve interactions with customers and colleagues.
• Shop Management Training: Equipping managers with the leadership skills necessary to address and resolve conflicts within the repair facility.

Certification:Upon completion of the workshop, participants will receive a certificate acknowledging their proficiency in conflict resolution and their commitment to fostering a positive work environment in the automotive repair industry.Join us and discover how to transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth and collaboration in your repair facility!

Across the country, auto repair shops have technicians working 8–10 hours per day but billing only 3–5 hours. The immediate assumption is that the technician is the problem — too slow, not motivated, not capable enough. In most cases, that assumption costs the owner money while the real problem goes untouched. 

The majority of production problems in repair shops are caused by operational bottlenecks that have nothing to do with technician effort. Workflow breakdowns, poor communication between the front and back of the shop, slow estimating processes, unclear expectations, and training gaps create hidden delays that compound throughout the day and dramatically reduce billable hours without anyone seeing exactly where the time went.

In this session, Rick White will walk shop owners through a clear diagnostic process for identifying where production is leaking in their specific shop. You will learn how to recognize the most common bottlenecks, understand why they form, and implement practical strategies to eliminate them. 

A well-run general repair shop is capable of producing 10–12 billed hours per technician per 8-hour day. This course gives shop owners the tools to close the gap between where their shop is and what their team is actually capable of producing.

This class has been completely re-written with NEW cases, structure and organization!!!!) Frustrated by vague fault codes, lost on how to best use your scan tool on VW/Audi, and tired of confusing VW/Audi systems? This class is designed to give technicians a clear, repeatable diagnostic process that works—especially when factory tools or test plans fall short. You’ll learn how to build smarter test plans, use proven resources like TSBs, wiring diagrams, and SSPs, and apply real-world logic to confidently resolve issues the first time. Through hands-on case studies and practical tool use—including scopes, scan tools, and ODIS—you’ll develop the critical thinking and system knowledge needed to tackle common and complex problems alike. If you’ve ever felt stuck on a European car diagnosis, this course will change the way you work.

This workshop will focus on the different types of variable valve timing (VVT) systems used by vehicle manufacturers today. After multi-valve technology became standard in engine design, VVT became the next step to enhance engine output, increasing engine power and torque output and reducing emissions. Without VVT technology, engineers previously had to choose the best compromise in valve/cam timing and ended up sacrificing one thing to gain in another area. VVT allows the best of both worlds – increased performance and economy and lower emissions. Many DTCs can be set related to VVT faults stemming from oil contamination to inoperative cam actuators and oil control solenoids. We explain the variations of VVT systems used by manufacturers today and look at diagnostic tests that can be performed on this system using the scan tool and other diagnostic equipment to confidently diagnose these systems before the costly and labor-intensive engine teardown for service.

After completing this workshop, the student will have the knowledge to:

• Identify the VVT system types used by manufacturers
• Relate to the scan tool parameters used by various manufacturers to validate camshaft control and operation
• Understand the VVT DTC stored in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
• Realize the importance of testing the crankshaft position and camshaft position sensors via a lab scope to validate the camshaft-to-crankshaft correlation
• Perform mechanical engine testing and diagnosis using electronic pressure transducers
• Diagnose engine breathing-related faults (both intake and exhaust) using fuel trim and volumetric efficiency testing information via the scan tool
• Utilize new scan tool information and techniques to reduce diagnostic time in the service bay for VVT related faults or symptoms

Diesel engines are relatively similar in their basic design and operation across all manufacturers, in their combustion process, that is. However, the fuel delivery system, the engine management system, and the exhaust system can vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Even with the same manufacturer, there can be significant differences in these systems due to various reasons such as new or improved technology, changes in emission standards, the push for better fuel economy, or increased power. Those differences often create the challenges you face in determining the exact cause of an issue. This course will cover Duramax 6.6 engines from 2007 to the new 2017+ L5P versions. Dodge/Ram 5.9/6.7 engines and Ford’s 6.4L and 6.7L diesel engines. The class highlights the differences of each engine model, informing you of known model specific issues and providing important diagnostic and repair information for each model. Case studies and diagnostic tips help you become more efficient in diagnosing real-world issues with these diesel engines and their systems. 

Pico Scope 7 software has several features that when properly understood and implemented will increase your diagnostic abilities. Although designed with 7 as the base, PicoScope 6 can be discussed as necessary. This class will include features like

Math channels – limitless possibilities

Reference waveforms – including superimposing/overlays

Triggers – 10 options depending on the scope/software

Measurements – 19 built-in selections

Serial decoding – several built-in protocols

Masks and alarms – customizable messages

Deep measurement – 12 searchable values

Rulers/cursors – up to 12 partitions

Low pass filters/resolution enhancement – capture them dirty

Custom probes – limitless probe calibrations, units, and values 

Pico Diagnostics software suite- semi automated testing

Pico Log automotive software- local/cloud  logging of any circuit for extremely long periods of time

Bring your computer with Pico Scope 7 automotive software installed for an interactive scoping experience. You do not need to own or operate a PicoScope to take advantage of some of these techniques, although this class is all PicoScope based, any scope user, new or experienced, will learn new techniques. (free PicoScope 7 software can be downloaded for www.picoauto.com). As with all my classes, this is intended for both in classroom and hands-on. This class is designed to be presented in 4,8 or 16-hours’ time.

Communication faults can be daunting. What type of fault is it? Where is the fault located? Is it a module or a harness issue? In this course you will first identify the type of network you’re working with; CAN bus, LIN bus, FLEXRAY, K-Line. Once identified, you can verify the signal you should be seeing on your scope. We will Identify architectures, common voltage amplitudes for testing and overall network integrity testing.

As always, this is a holistic approach using your scan tools, service information, scope, andmultimeters to find the fault fast.

Recommended for all levels of technicians.

• Identify the Network
• Test Network Integrity
• Bypass Testing Harness or Module
• Verify and Analyze Communication Signals
• Locating The Fault

o How many different types of network architecture exist in modern vehicles?o How can you know what good communication looks like?o Is the scan tool, the scope, or the multimeter the best tool for network diagnostics?o What information is most helpful when a communication fault is intermittent?

How to Build a Shop That Earns 25% Net Profit Without Chasing the Highest Labor RateThe Labor Rate Mindset changes the conversation from "How high should my labor rate be?" to "How do I build a business model that doesn't need an outrageous labor rate to be highly profitable?"

That is a much more compelling message, and it's so needed in the industry.

One of the biggest misconceptions shop owners have is that profitability comes from a high labor rate. 

The philosophy is different: Profitability comes from the right combination of labor rate, labor productivity & efficiency, labor mix, and hours per repair order. A Labor System.

As Coach Dave would say, "The labor rate isn't carrying your business. Your Business Model is."

For years, shop owners have been told that the answer to profitability is simply raising the labor rate.

While labor rate matters, it is only ONE piece of a much larger equation.

The real question isn't:"How high should my labor rate be?"

The better question is:"What business model allows my shop to become consistently profitable?"

In this live three-hour workshop, Coach Dave will walk you through CompuTrek's Labor Rate Calculator and reveal why many profitable shops don't rely on having the highest labor rate in town. Instead, they understand how labor rate, technician productivity & efficiency, labor mix, effective labor rate, and—most importantly—Hours Per Repair Order (HPRO) work together to create exceptional financial results.

You'll discover why increasing HPRO often reduces the pressure to continually raise labor rates. You'll learn how a shop delivering greater value to every customer naturally produces higher labor sales, stronger gross profit, healthier cash flow, and the ability to achieve owner net profits approaching 25%—without becoming the most expensive shop in the market.

Throughout the workshop, Dave introduces his philosophy of "Reduce It to the Ridiculous," simplifying complex financial concepts into practical tools every shop owner can understand and implement immediately.

Whether your labor rate is $150 or $250, this workshop will help you answer the questions that matter:Is my labor rate actually correct? How many labor hours should my average repair order produce? Where is profit leaking from my business? What combination of labor rate and HPRO creates sustainable profitability? How do I confidently build a business that funds my team, my customers, and my purpose? 

If you're ready to stop guessing and start leading with confidence, this workshop will give you the numbers, the mindset, and the roadmap to build a shop that serves with excellence while creating lasting financial freedom.

Make the most of your alignment equipment and skill set, resolve issues on stock or modified vehicles and fix damaged vehicles in house. This class is designed for an experienced alignment technician. It takes a deeper look into the angles with a focus on the diagnostic angles such as Steering Axis Inclination, Included Angle, Set Back, Scrub Radius & Toe Out on Turns. The discussion will aim towards diagnosing vehicles that can’t be adjusted to specification, or are in spec but still present tire wear, drive-ability or handling issues. This will help utilize your alignment equipment to its full potential & determine what is causing the issue, properly identify bent or damaged parts & keep the repairs in house.

Oftentimes, a vehicle arrives in your bay after several faults have compounded into onecustomer complaint. This course will guide you through complex multifaceted driveability diagnostics. You will learn how to use scan tools, scopes, and multimeters to isolate faults and break down the causes.

This course will cover several case studies where common fixes were applied and failed toaddress the customer concern or symptoms presented.

Recommended for seasoned and aspiring diagnostic technicians.

• Pressure and Temperature Testing
• Signal Analysis
• Current and Primary Voltage Testing
• Ignition Waveforms
• Sensor and Component Tests

o How do we proceed when there are no DTCs related to a poor performance concern?o What can measured airflow and pressure tell us about engine performance?o Are you familiar with the tools the manufacturers install on modern vehicles that we can use to help us diagnose them?o Is there a process we can use that will quickly get us on the right track to finding the cause of the symptoms?

● Common BMW and VW Issues and Case Studies● Logical diagnostic problem solving● Using the right information and tools in diagnosis● How to diagnose and fix these issues● Real problems taken from tech support calls

Full Knowledge and understanding of the technologies discussed in this course is way beyond the scope of any program of this magnitude. This course is intended as a primer for those who want to open the door to the opportunities that are available to Automotive Professionals who want to develop their skills in Hybrid Vehicle technology. Hybrid Vehicle Technology represents a large piece of the future of the Automotive Industry. Welcome to the future! 

Course Preview:

• Module 1: Understanding Hybrid Vehicles• Module 2: Hybrid Vehicle Batteries• Module 3: Hybrid Vehicle Internal Combustion engine• Module 4: The Electric Machine• Module 5: Hybrid Vehicle Powertrains• Module 6: Hybrid Vehicle Service and Diagnostics

- Calibration & Setup - Multiple Lab Scope Platforms- Delta Sensors Applications - Engine Condition Testing- In-Cylinder Pressure Analysis Methods - Mechanical Integrity- Scope Functionality Comparison - Snap-On, TopDon, Autel, MT-Pro & Pico- Accurate In-Cylinder Diagnostics - Accessories & Tooling- Streamlined Workflow - Fast & Repeatable Engine Health Testing

Inspection Intelligence: From Keys to Estimate Before the Customer Loses Confidence

Most shops already do inspections. The problem is what happens after the inspection starts: waiters get treated like drop-offs, drop-offs do not get called until anxiety has built up, technicians document findings that advisors have to rewrite, customers receive long confusing lists instead of a clear decision, and good work dies before it ever becomes approved work. Speed matters because the sales window is real: our internal teaching stat says every hour delayed on the estimate removes about 10% from ARO on average.

In this session, shop owners will learn how to build a faster, more trusted inspection-to-estimate workflow without rushing technicians or lowering quality. We will cover waiter vs. drop-off processes, when to use show-and-tell, how transportation options protect the customer experience, and why independent shops need to get serious about video evidence. The focus is simple: clearer findings, better proof, faster estimates, and more confident customer approvals.

Every Service Advisor has experienced it—the phones are ringing, customers are waiting, technicians need answers, estimates are piling up, and suddenly there never seems to be enough time in the day.

What if the problem isn't the workload? 

What if it's the workflow?

Most Service Advisors unknowingly create their own time shortages through the way they communicate with customers, write repair orders, present diagnostics, perform vehicle deliveries, and prepare for future visits. Small inefficiencies repeated dozens of times each day quietly consume an hour or more of productive time.

In this intensive Service Advisor CompuTrek workshop, you'll discover how slight changes in your communication and workflow can consistently free up 60 minutes or more every day—without working faster or taking shortcuts.

You'll learn the CompuTrek Five Customer Declarations, the Three-Part Value Presentation System, and the Top Three Workflow Systems that top-performing advisors use to eliminate repeated work, reduce callbacks, improve customer confidence, reduce customer objections, and increase repair order approvals.

You'll also be able to master CompuTrek's best practices for appointment preparation, high-value diagnostic and preventative maintenance presentations, follow-up phone calls, and Active Delivery processes that prepare the customer's next visit before they even leave the parking lot. By building the next appointment while the customer is already open in your point-of-sale system, advisors routinely save 10 to 15 minutes of preparation time on every future visit, creating a compounding productivity advantage throughout the year.

This workshop is far more than a time management course. It is an intense communication and workflow system designed to help Service Advisors reduce daily stress, improve technician efficiency, increase customer trust, raise average repair orders, and finish each day with greater control and confidence.

Stop chasing the day. Learn the CompuTrek systems that help you lead it.

Ready to put AI to work in your shop? This hands-on course will show you how custom ChatGPT agents can automate tasks, streamline operations, and improve both employee and customer experiences in your automotive repair business. You’ll explore real-world applications—from service writer tools that handle customer communication to internal bots trained on your own SOPs and HR policies. Learn how one shop, Eurotech, built and deployed their own GPT agents to save time, reduce errors, and improve shop efficiency. 

You’ll walk away knowing how to create and train your own AI assistant to help with day-to-day operations, get hands-on experience uploading your own documents, and develop a roadmap to integrate these tools with platforms like Tekmetric, Google Drive, and more. If you’re looking for a smarter, faster, and more consistent way to run your shop, this is the class that puts AI in your toolbox.

There is a new way to cool the automotive industry. And a new set of rules to follow for a successful repair. Review 134a descent into refrigerant history while 1234yf is now in all makes-models as of September 2020. And a quick update on the status of R744. This course will instruct the technician on:

• New lubrications
• Updated service-diagnostic procedures for 1234yf
• Scan tool bi-directional controls
• Onboard module software operation
• Variable displacement compressor issues and repairs
• Also, heat exchange and hybrid climate control are explored and dissected for easy
• consumption in this four-hour course.

Beginning in 1996 the federal government required all light trucks and cars sold in the U.S. to be equipped with a diagnostic system known as OBD-II (on board diagnostics 2). The purpose of this system is to identify when the emissions coming from the exhaust exceed the federal standard and to alert the driver when this happens. To do this the OBD-II system monitors the engine for misfires, detects when misfires occur and stores critical vehicle data when a misfire is detected. The objective of this course is to provide a compilation of credible information for the technician to enhance their skill set related to the technology used to detect misfire and provide a reference guide for diagnosing misfires in a complete and efficient manner.

Noises/vibrations, they are all the same. What we mean is that whether we “feel” or “hear” the noise, it is the same, a vibration. BTW, that is why everyone of us can hear, whether music or speech. Weird huh? So, what does this mean to us? Does that mean that a “wheel bearing growl” is actually the same as a “brake squeal” or “rattle” in the dash”? That is why you should attend this course. There are some basic approaches to this conundrum in understanding vibration frequency. The key to all of this is:

• Measure the vibration/noise with the proper equipment
  • Direction and force/harshness whether in dB (decibels) or mG (gravitational force)
    • Lateral
    • Vertical 
    • Fore-aft
• Speed
  • How many “shakes per second” or hertz
• Determine what component is spinning at the same frequency/speed/direction
• Measure closer to the component to determine location
  • Or what we refer to as “time domain” measurement

With the proper measurement and interpretation, we can figure out where the noise/vibration is coming from. It all sounded like “voodoo” to me until I truly understood it. Think about diagnosing something as simple as an intermittent “rattle” in the bay without driving it, I know that sounds insane but can truly be done. This class is suitable for technicians of all skill levels that want to learn these techniques.

Misdiagnosis and unnecessary parts replacements plague many shops and technicians.Eliminating these pitfalls to maximize diagnostic efficiency is the strategic focus of this class. A tactical approach to using your full arsenal of diagnostic equipment in concert, as conditions require, to quickly diagnose with 99.9% certainty is the goal. This provides the diagnostic and repair efficiency that satisfies customers and makes you money.Recommended for seasoned and aspiring diagnostic technicians.

• Capabilities of OEM scan tools
• Review the capabilities and limitations of aftermarket scan tools
• Realize the full capabilities of DSOs (Digital Storage Oscilloscopes)
• Discuss integration of scan tool and scope usage to clarify and validate diagnosis

o Is your scope being utilized as an everyday tool?o How do you realize the full potential of your scan tool and your scope?o What are the top 5 tests you can use to verify data?

Unlock the secrets behind VW and Audi service success with this immersive, no-nonsense course built for real technicians and shops. Say goodbye to wasted hours digging for info—this class teaches you how to quickly decode VINs, identify engines and transmissions, and navigate the OEM Website: Erwin like a pro. You’ll get insider insight to service bulletins, wiring diagrams, parts databases, and the tools that make or break your efficiency and profitability. From understanding PR codes to knowing exactly which fluids, fasteners, and components to use, this course gives you the edge in the bay. If you’ve ever felt stuck chasing down answers, this is the class that connects the dots and puts you in control. This class is appropriate for technicians, service advisors and shop managers as there are key elements covered that impact all roles in the shop.