Wrench Tales #18: "Trouble in the Hood" w/Sherwood Cooke
Wrench Tales is back! Motor Age Technical Editor, Brandon Steckler is joined with good friend and expert diagnostician Sherwood Cooke for episode #18. In this interview, Sherwood encounters a very strange failure that took him literally months to decipher!
Faced with a 2017 Nissan, Sherwood was in pursuit of a seemingly awkward “ignition won’t shut off” concern. However, things got “weirder” (to say the least) when all roads pointed to a faulty Integrated Power Distribution Module. At least, that is where his analysis carried him. However, upon replacement, the same situation occurred! Reaching out for the input of some trusted colleagues (including Brandon), the diagnosis was the same.
Just when it seemed all was lost, the vehicle offered another symptom. It now possessed a “no-crank” concern, as well. With the sound advice from DiagNation’s Adam Robertson, Sherwood ignored the initial concern and pursued the “no-crank” concern. And what Sherwood uncovered was not only mind-blowing, but to this day, doesn’t seem to make sense or fit the symptoms exhibited.
Any great diagnostician will tell you that every day is a learning process. However, the lesson Sherwood encountered and passes along to the entire automotive industry is priceless. So, be sure to strap in and hang on. Let’s see if you can uncover what Sherwood’s diligence had uncovered. You don’t want to miss out on this episode of Wrench Tales!
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About the Author
Brandon Steckler
Technical Editor | Motor Age
Brandon began his career in Northampton County Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was a student of GM’s Automotive Service Educational program. In 2001, he graduated top of his class and earned the GM Leadership award for his efforts. He later began working as a technician at a Saturn dealership in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he quickly attained Master Technician status. He later transitioned to working with Hondas, where he aggressively worked to attain another Master Technician status.
Always having a passion for a full understanding of system/component functionality, he rapidly earned a reputation for deciphering strange failures at an efficient pace and became known as an information specialist among the staff and peers at the dealership. In search of new challenges, he transitioned away from the dealership and to the independent world, where he specialized in diagnostics and driveability.
Today, he is an instructor with both Carquest Technical Institute and Worldpac Training Institute. Along with beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, he develops curriculum/submits case studies for educational purposes. Through Steckler Automotive Technical Services, LLC., Brandon also provides telephone and live technical support, as well as private training, for technicians all across the world.
Brandon holds ASE certifications A1-A9 as well as C1 (Service Consultant). He is certified as an Advanced Level Specialist in L1 (Advanced Engine Performance), L2 (Advanced Diesel Engine Performance), L3 (Hybrid/EV Specialist), L4 (ADAS) and xEV-Level 2 (Technician electrical safety).
He contributes weekly to Facebook automotive chat groups, has authored several books and classes, and truly enjoys traveling across the globe to help other technicians attain a level of understanding that will serve them well throughout their careers.