In this video, Motor Age Technical Editor Brandon Steckler discusses the important concept of extracting all the capability out of the diagnostics tools you invest in to drastically realize your return on investment. All this is accomplished quite easily with Matco MAXPRO diagnostic scan tool platform.
Steckler addresses a low-power drivability fault on a 2025 Chevy Malibu. He quickly realizes the symptom is simply the result of an underlying traction control issue and not a powertrain or engine issue.
Leveraging the diagnostic power of the Matco MAXPRO, and right from the driver’s seat, Steckler capitalized on several efficient features the MAXPRO diagnostic platform offers, including:
- WiFi connectivity, access to MOTOR Information System
- Auto vehicle-ID
- Full-DTC (pre- and post-) scan and shareable health report
- Live, graphed data (in multi-colors) from several nodes simultaneously
- Merged graphing
- Wiring diagram analysis
- Component location
- Connector terminal identification
- Circuit fault detection (MIN/MAX feature) with audible alarm
All these features leveraged in the video maximize Steckler's applied time on the vehicle and minimize time at a PC (doing research) or road testing for hours trying to reproduce an elusive fault.
None of these features are mandatory but Matco made them easily implementable, not only for accuracy but efficiency as well. Tune in to see how the Matco MAXPRO made light work of this elusive stability control issue on a brand-new vehicle.
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.