Service

The service area at Foreign Affairs has four hoists and several open work spaces on the floor. We employ four full time technicians and one assistant tech, and two full time parts specialists.

Not so long ago, all it took to be an auto mechanic was the ability to remove and replace parts that had failed. Nearly all parts were strictly mechanical so once they wore out, they were replaced with new.

Today's auto technician needs to know much more. The cars and trucks of the modern era have more electronics and computers to better manage systems from the engine to the brakes. So the tech needs to know how the computerized systems function and must be able to diagnose any potential problems. Mechanical parts replacement is still a requirement, but knowledge of the computer systems has become paramount for the modern technician.

Each work station has a computer connected to our local area network and to the Internet. If a tech needs to look up information on a particular service procedure, he has immediate access to ALLDATA, an online diagnostic and repair information service for the automotive service industry.

The scan tools we use can download information from a vehicle's on-board diagnostics port, and have online capabilities to assist in diagnosis. The tech in our shop can upload the data recorded into the scan tool to get assistance from an off-site expert in correcting a problem. They also have access to special web sites or discussion boards that may offer solutions.

If we don't have the necessary parts in stock, the parts inventory of national parts warehouses and local parts stores can be accessed online so that a service writer or a technician can determine availability and pricing in order to quickly inform a customer for a repair estimate. As soon as the customer gives their approval, parts are ordered and the final work is rescheduled. Parts are often only a few minutes away in a local store, but if they have to come from out of town they can usually be delivered the next day.

One area of the shop is dedicated to bench testing of on-board computers. It contains several different scanners and a selection of cables to read most any vehicle's computer. We use Snap-On's MODIS (Modular Diagnostic Information System) scan tool. Snap-On describes it this way: "The MODIS system incorporates advanced on-board diagnostic capabilities including Domestic and Asian Import Vehicle Communication Software, plus Fast-Track Troubleshooter; the industry's only software that integrates experience-based information with scan tool instrumentation. The MODIS system also features Snap-on's powerful 4-channel lab scope with multiple seconday ignition capabilities and a powerful Digital Graphing Multimeter built into a common architecture with expandable ports."

Eco-friendly - The automobile generates a lot of waste material that is hazardous to our environment. Foreign Affairs does its best to recycle or to dispose of it properly.
Click HERE to read more about our efforts to re-use, recycle and reduce waste.

Minnesota Power's Wind Sense Program