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Author: Professional Technician Staff

  • Numerous heavy duty and passenger vehicles recalled

    Numerous heavy duty and passenger vehicles recalled

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently issued recall notices for several vehicles.

    General Motors

    General Motors is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. 

    The NHTSA reports the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure, which could lead to a crash.

    This recall applies to some 597,630 vehicles. 

    Dealers will inspect the engine and repair or replace it if necessary. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install a new oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner’s manual. 

    Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 9. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 800-462-8782. GM’s number for this recall is N252494000.

    Motiv

    Motiv Power Systems is recalling certain 2020-2023 F-53 and F-59 vehicles equipped with a Motiv Gen 5 EPIC powertrain.

     A support bracket may fatigue and break, allowing the main power disconnect to contact other structures and short out. This can shut down the high-voltage system, resulting in a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

    The recall applies to some 139 vehicles. 

    Motiv field support technicians will replace the bracket. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 13. Owners may contact Motiv customer service at 650-458-4804.

    Volvo and Mack

    Volvo Trucks North America is recalling some 2022-2025 Volvo VN and 2025 New VN trucks. 

    The idler gear bracket fasteners may have been improperly tightened, allowing the idler gear to detach from the engine. This could damage the engine, and cause  the truck to stall, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    The recall affects some 102 vehicles.

     Dealers will inspect and replace the turbo compound units as necessary. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 11. 

    Owners may contact Volvo Trucks’ customer service at 800-528-6586. Volvo Trucks’ number for this recall is RVXX2504.

    Mack Trucks, which is owned by Volvo, has a similar recall of three 2025 Anthem trucks.

    Dealers will inspect and replace the turbo compound units as necessary. Owner notification letters were to have been mailed April 24. 

    Owners may contact Mack’s customer service at 800-866-1177. Mack’s number for this recall is SC0477.

    Owners of these vehicles should be contacted via through the mail, but fleet and independent owners can contact the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov for more details. 

    Freightliner and Western Star

    Daimler Truck North America is recalling a number of 2026 Freightliner 108SD, Freightliner 114SD, Freightliner Cascadia, 2025-2026 Freightliner Business Class M2, Western Star 47X, and Western Star 49X trucks.. 

    According to the NHTSA, a software error in the advanced signal and actuator module for the automatic emergency braking system may cause the brake lights to fail to illuminate. Brake lights that fail could increase the risk of a crash.

    This recall applies to some 1,891 vehicles. Dealers will update the brake light software. Owner notification letters are to be mailed May 24. Owners may contact DTNA customer service at 800-547-0712. DTNA’s number for this recall is F1018.

  • New Hampshire donates used engines to school tech programs

    New Hampshire donates used engines to school tech programs

    The state of New Hampshire has created a new program to donate used engines to high school automotive programs.

    Gov. Kelly Ayotte and members of the New Hampshire Department of Safety recently unveiled a new program to provide engines from retired state vehicles to high school automotive programs.

    “This new program is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of our state employees and the strong partnership with our community colleges,” said Ayotte. “Donating these engines will give students the opportunity to learn new skills and give them a head start in pursuing a good-paying career. I thank the mechanics at the Department of Safety who helped make this possible, and Lakes Region Community College and the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association for facilitating this partnership. We’ll continue to build the workforce of tomorrow in our state.”

    Department of Safety Automotive Garage Manager Ryan Stevenson and his wife, Kim Stevenson, an instructor at Lakes Region Community College, devised the program to help address a shortage of engines needed for demonstrations and practical skills development at local high schools.

    “Providing vehicle engines to high school automotive programs is more than a donation — it’s a strategic investment in the State’s workforce development,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn. “By streamlining our internal processes to repurpose engines for educational use, we reduce waste, improve operational efficiency, and support hands-on learning. These donations will also provide students with real-world experience, inspire creative problem-solving, and help cultivate a new generation of skilled automotive technicians.”

    Rather than crushing the engines when vehicles go offline, the department will provide engines to automotive programs at no cost to the school, helping to support career and technical education and recruit more young professionals to the automotive industry.

    The first schools to receive these engines include Huot Career and Technical Center at Laconia High School, Manchester School of Technology in the Manchester school district and the Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center-Automotive Technology in the Rochester school district. 

    As more engines become available, the department will coordinate with Lakes Region Community College and the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association to facilitate additional donations at high schools across the state. Any school that may be interested in receiving an engine donation can send a request to: donation@dos.nh.gov

  • Papé Kenworth opens new dealership in Federal Way, Washington

    Papé Kenworth opens new dealership in Federal Way, Washington

    Papé Kenworth recently opened a new state of the art full-service dealership in Federal Way, Washington, expanding its customer service and equipment support throughout the Pacific Northwest.

    In celebration of the grand opening, Papé Kenworth invites customers, partners, and community members to an Open House May 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  at 31825 32nd Ave. S., in  Federal Way, which is about 13 miles northeast of Tacoma. Guests can tour the facility, meet the dealership personnel, and learn about the comprehensive services offered at the new location.

    This new facility, located along the I-5 corridor, spans nearly 73,000 square feet, sitting on 12 acres to accommodate the growing needs of trucking operations in the region. The expansive property includes a 34,600 square foot shop featuring 23 service bays, a fully enclosed wash bay, and a dynamometer—all in service of streamlining diagnostics and maintenance for our customers.

    The Federal Way location is staffed by experienced industry experts, including 32 service professionals, 20 parts specialists, and 14 body shop technicians.

    With its comprehensive parts department and large service shop, the new Kenworth facility is designed to handle anything from complex repairs with quick turnarounds to major equipment upgrades. The dealership offers new and used truck sales, rentals, leasing, and support for all major truck and trailer manufacturers.

    With this expansion, Papé Kenworth demonstrates its dedication to providing consistent, quality customer service and fleet solutions that customers throughout the region rely on every day, now with greater convenience and capacity for the trucking community in South Puget Sound.

    “This new facility was built to meet our customers’ evolving demands across the Pacific Northwest,” said Mitch Hatfield, General Manager. “With expanded service capacity and greater parts availability, we’re better equipped than ever to keep our customers moving and their fleets running strong.”

    Papé Kenworth has 29 locations and an extensive service and parts network.

    Papé is the premier capital equipment provider in the West. For over 85 years, Papé has been a leading supplier of construction, logging, material handling, landscaping, trenching, and farm equipment, as well as semi-trucks and warehouse products.

  • North Dakota State College of Science team shines at Colorado Top Tech competition

    North Dakota State College of Science team shines at Colorado Top Tech competition

    Diesel Technology students from the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) made a strong showing at the 2025 Colorado TopTech Skills Competition, capturing the top four spots in the student division and winning 12 out of 14 competitive stations. 

    Held recently at the Lincoln Tech campus in Denver and hosted by the Colorado Motor Carriers Association, the TopTech competition tested the skills of diesel technicians through a series of written and hands-on challenges, including diagnostics in brakes, electrical systems, preventative maintenance, and more. 

    Tyler Sandberg claimed first place overall and was named the top student technician. As the winner, Sandberg qualified to compete at the national level in Raleigh, North Carolina this September. 

    Judges noted that this year’s NDSCS scores were among the highest ever recorded in the competition’s history. Joining Sandberg in the winners’ circle were fellow NDSCS students:
    • Zale Bushlack – 2nd Place
    • Nathan Olson – 3rd Place
    • Curtis Sauer – 4th Place 

    The competition drew praise from industry professionals for the exceptional preparation and professionalism displayed by all NDSCS participants. Notably, one of the top scorers was a first-year student—an impressive feat in a field dominated by experienced competitors. 

    “This outstanding performance speaks to the quality of training and commitment of our Diesel Technology program, our faculty, and most of all, our students,” said Chad Hinkley, NDSCS Diesel Technology instructor. 

    The Colorado TopTech Skills Competition is one of the premier diesel skills events in the region, designed to evaluate and celebrate the next generation of technicians poised to lead the heavy-duty transportation and maintenance industries.

  • New lifting points guide available

    New lifting points guide available

    The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) has issued the 2025 edition of its Lifting Points Guide, Vehicle Lifting Points for Frame Engaging Lifts.

    The guide includes OEM-recommended lifting points for thousands of vehicles. It gives technicians information to safely raise a light-duty vehicle using a two-post or other frame-engaging lift.

    The guide may be ordered as a digital product or bundled with a print version. Both the print and digital versions carry the identical content covering model year 2000 to 2025 cars, SUVs, vans, light-duty trucks and EVs sold in the U.S. and Canada.

    “The guide is very handy for technicians and home mechanics because most lifting points aren’t marked on the vehicle and they may change from model year to model year as the OEMs redesign vehicles or components,” says R.W. “Bob” O’Gorman, ALI president. “That’s why it’s important to look them up. And that’s where ALI’s Lifting Point Guide comes in.”

    The ALI-sponsored Lifting Points Guide is updated annually to reflect the latest vehicle specs with lifting points showcased in more than 250 undercarriage images. Each purchase provides online access on up to three devices, with no third-party software required.

    Customers can start using the digital version as soon as it is purchased. They can customize the view with magnification, choice of light or dark mode or go full screen. It’s possible to quickly find a vehicle with the keyword search function and highlight or note as needed.

    The industry safety standard for lift operation, inspection and maintenance, ANSI/ALI ALOIM (current edition), requires shops to make lifting points information available to technicians. This requirement is met by providing technicians with access to ALI’s digital Vehicle Lifting Points for Frame Engaging Lifts. Anyone using a lift at home, at the track or elsewhere may also protect themselves by using the Lifting Points Guide.

    ALI’s Vehicle Lifting Points for Frame Engaging Lifts guide is available for purchase and immediate use at autolift.org/shop/.

    ALI has served as the lift industry safety watchdog for more than 75 years. In 1947, ALI developed the first Commercial Standard covering vehicle lifts published by the National Bureau of Standards. Today, ALI sponsors several national lift safety standards and offers third-party certification programs for automotive lifts and automotive lift inspectors.

  • Georgia technical college opens new automotive collision repair and diesel technology facility

    Georgia technical college opens new automotive collision repair and diesel technology facility

    Albany Technical College (ATC), in Albany, Georgia, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Dr. Anthony O. Parker Transportation Academy. Named in honor of the late Dr. Anthony O. Parker, a visionary leader in technical education, the new facility will provide state-of-the-art training opportunities for students pursuing careers in automotive collision repair and diesel technology.

    The $10.8 million, 22,344-square-foot academy houses labs, classrooms, and industry-standard equipment to support hands-on learning. The facility features modern tools, lifts, interactive trainers, paint and prep booths, locker rooms, and dedicated faculty offices, reinforcing ATC’s commitment to workforce development and economic growth in Southwest Georgia.

    Dr. Emmett Griswold, president of Albany Technical College, emphasized the importance of this facility in meeting the region’s workforce demands. 

    “The Dr. Anthony O. Parker Transportation Academy is a testament to our mission of preparing students for high-demand careers,” said Griswold. “This facility will provide our students with the tools and training they need to succeed while also supporting the local economy by supplying skilled professionals to local industries that rely on automotive and diesel technology.”

    Lisa Harrell, vice president of Academic Affairs, highlighted the enhanced learning experience the academy will provide. 

    She said, “With this new part of the academy, we are equipping students with hands-on experience in an industry-driven environment. Integrating advanced training technology will ensure that our graduates are ready to step into the workforce right here in Southwest Georgia with the skills that employers need today.”

    The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the Parker family, industry partners, local and state officials, and community members. Guests toured the new facility and saw the capabilities of the latest addition to ATC’s campus.

    The Dr. Anthony O. Parker Transportation Academy will play a critical role in addressing the growing need for skilled technicians in Southwest Georgia, where demand for diesel and auto collision professionals continues to rise. As a hub for advanced technical education, the academy will be a vital resource for students looking for careers in the transportation, maintenance, and repair industries.

  • Midland College students take honors at Warren CAT competition

    Midland College students take honors at Warren CAT competition

    Midland College students earned top honors at the Third Annual Warren CAT Future Tech Challenge, taking home first place overall and securing the title of Top Performing College in a field of competitive regional programs.

    The Warren CAT Future Tech Challenge is an invitation-only event that mirrors the company’s internal technician competition. Designed to spotlight top-performing diesel technology students, the challenge brought together elite teams from Midland College, Odessa College, South Plains College, Texas State Technical College, and Amarillo College. Each school fielded five of its most skilled students to compete in a series of hands-on challenges simulating real-world diagnostic and repair scenarios.

    Competition events tested students’ mechanical expertise and critical thinking skills across multiple stations, including hydraulics, engine performance, electrical systems, failure analysis, and more.

    Representing Midland College were Felix Campos, Fidel Gardea, Royce Knight, Rene Velazquez, and Raul Velazquez. Not only did MC’s team outperform the competition, but all five Midland College students placed in the top 10 for cumulative scores.

    Campos claimed first place overall, and Rene Velazquez finished in fifth. Both received professional-grade tool sets.

    “We’re incredibly proud of these students and what they’ve accomplished,” said Erick Gutierrez, department chair of the college’s Applied Technology. “Their performance in this high-pressure environment reflects the hands-on preparation they receive every day in our diesel technology program. This win also highlights the demand for well-trained technicians in today’s workforce, and Midland College is proud to be a part of that pipeline.”

    A statement from Midland College said it thanks Warren CAT for hosting the competition and supporting the next generation of technicians through this industry-relevant opportunity.

    Midland College is located in Midland, Texas in the Permian Basin of west Texas.

  • Texas college expands diesel tech program at new facility

    Texas college expands diesel tech program at new facility

    Texas State Technical College will expand its Diesel Equipment Technology program to its newest facility, the Power and Mechanical Center, currently under construction on Quantum Loop in Abilene. The program is set to launch this fall.

    “We’re constantly looking for qualified individuals to service heavy equipment,” said Eli Mize, operations manager at Republic Services. “Many seasoned professionals in this field are nearing retirement, so preparing the next generation is critical.”

    According to onetonline.org, the number of jobs for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in Texas is projected to grow to more than 31,000 by 2030. The website reports an average annual salary of $56,780 for diesel technicians in Texas, with technicians in the Abilene region earning as much as $74,940.

    Industry leaders in the region welcome the program’s expansion, citing proximity, talent development and opportunities for partnerships.

    “This is a tremendous asset for Abilene,” said Johnny Faughn, training and recruiting specialist at Warren CAT. “Having the program nearby may open doors for an internship pipeline.”

    Faughn, who has previously hired TSTC graduates, praised the quality of the graduates’ preparation. 

    “Like most companies, we provide additional training, but TSTC graduates consistently come to us well prepared,” he said.

    Walt Fisher, service manager at Lonestar Truck Group in Abilene, noted the complementary relationship between TSTC’s Abilene and Sweetwater campuses.

    “Sweetwater attracts students aiming for oil field careers,” he said. “Abilene will bring in more local talent and broaden awareness of the diesel maintenance industry. Together, they offer a diverse view of the field.”

    Justin Kitchens, a field service manager at Crown Lift Trucking, emphasized the career readiness of TSTC students.

    “TSTC graduates are industry focused and bring a strong skills foundation to the job,” he said. “That gives them an edge when we’re looking to hire.”

    TSTC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program is also available at its Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, North Texas, Sweetwater and Waco campuses. Depending on location, the program offers Associate of Applied Science degrees with various specializations, along with several certificate options.Registration for TSTC’s summer and fall semesters is underway. For more information, visit TSTC online.

  • ASE offers online Introduction to Automobile Service course

    ASE offers online Introduction to Automobile Service course

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers an ASE Introduction to Automobile Service (IAS) e-learning program for entry-level automotive service professionals.

    The association said IAS is an online training course designed to introduce entry-level automotive service tasks to prospective and entry-level personnel, as well as any service professionals interested in this specialty area, including service writers and parts professionals.

    For those new to the industry, the IAS program can be the first step on the path toward ASE certification. Users who successfully pass the IAS quiz may print a customized certificate of completion.

    The IAS program is delivered exclusively online and consists of four e-learning training modules and a separate 40-question quiz. 

    The modules include:

    • Preparation and documentation
    • Fluids, filters, belts and hoses inspection and service
    • Suspension, tires and brakes inspection and service
    • Body, battery, charging, and electrical systems inspection and service

    An embedded glossary and safety zone section also helps to promote proper safety measures. This e-learning program incorporates modules to both deliver and measure the knowledge necessary to perform basic tasks.

    “The ASE IAS program was created in response to industry interest in an ASE product aimed at prospective and new members of the automotive service industry,” said Dave Johnson, ASE president and CEO. “This online program is designed to familiarize them with basic automobile service tasks and serve as a foundation for future ASE certifications.” To learn more about the IAS program and to register, go to the ASE Campus website.

  • Noregon opens new Innovation Center

    Noregon opens new Innovation Center

    Noregon recently announced the opening of its new Innovation Center, an 18,500 square foot building in Greensboro, North Carolina located within a few miles of Noregon’s corporate headquarters and product configuration/fulfillment center.

    The new location is a hub for training, testing, and developing Noregon’s suite of hardware and software applications, such as JPRO, ShopPulse, and DLA adapters.

    “To meet our customers’ evolving needs, we must ensure our tools cover a wide variety of vehicles and equipment,” said Bill A. Hathaway, Noregon’s chief executive officer. “Investing in this new facility gives us the space to house everything from bulldozers to box trucks. Our research, development, and testing processes will be more efficient than ever to meet the industry’s rapidly changing technological landscape.”

    The facility boasts a 5,000 square foot training center, 3,000 square feet of office space, and a shop space with multiple bay doors and loading docks. The shop is divided into two sections, with one housing lighter vehicles and equipment such as skid steers and small delivery vehicles, while the other side is reserved for heavier equipment like backhoes and class 6-8 tractors. Additionally, there is an outdoor lot to accommodate larger equipment like excavators.

    A climate-controlled lab within the shop provides specialized workstations for Noregon’s developers and test engineers. Offices and conference rooms fill out the building, which is adjoined by the training center.

    “We’re thrilled to have a dedicated space that can host customers, partners, and our sales teams from all across North America for hands-on training,” said Hathaway. “Being able to take what they learn in the training center and apply it to real-life examples in the shop is an invaluable experience.”

    Noregon is a leading solutions provider for the maintenance, service, and upkeep of commercial vehicles and heavy-duty equipment. Noregon’s offerings include in-shop and remote diagnostic applications, interactive maintenance and service guides, custom development, and more.