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OEM Repair Info: A Guide To Technical Service Bulletins

As vehicle systems become increasingly complex, automotive technicians often face faults or symptoms they've never encountered before. A significant amount of diagnostic time is spent searching for relevant information, but to improve efficiency, faster access to critical information is essential. 

Here are two key information sources that will improve your diagnostic workflow: 

  • OEM Information: Includes manufacturer data, technical service bulletins (TSBs), and repair procedures. 
  • Real-World Information: Based on actual repair experiences and technician insights. To learn more about how real-world information can enhance your diagnostic process read our article on the power of experienced-based information. 

For automotive technicians, having access to the most current vehicle information is crucial for delivering both efficient and precise services. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) are among the most valuable resources in this context, aiding technicians in quickly pinpointing known issues and making informed decisions.

With a Snap-on® diagnostic platform, you gain exclusive and up-to-date access to these TSBs, greatly improving your diagnostic workflow. 

What Are Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs)? 

TSBs are documents issued by vehicle manufacturers to address known problems, provide updates, or recommend solutions for specific vehicle models. These bulletins include vital information, such as common faults, repair procedures, and parts required to fix the issues. Unlike safety recalls, TSBs typically address issues that do not pose a risk to safety but are important for maintaining optimal vehicle performance and customer satisfaction. 

Why Are TSBs Crucial for Your Shop? 

The inclusion of TSBs in your diagnostic process is not just a benefit—it’s a game-changer. Accessing relevant TSBs early in the diagnosis allows you to: 

  • Save Time: By identifying known issues quickly, technicians can reduce diagnostic time and avoid unnecessary repair steps. 
  • Avoid Costly Mistakes: Without access to TSBs, there’s a risk of reverting to "swapnostics"—replacing parts in hopes of solving undiagnosed issues—which can waste hundreds, if not thousands, in labor and unreturnable parts. 
  • Enhance Accuracy: With the right information at hand, you can repair vehicles more accurately, avoiding costly comebacks and improving customer trust.

Snap-on Diagnostics Software: Exclusive Access to TSBs 

With Snap-on diagnostics software, TSBs are integrated directly into the Fast-Track Intelligent Diagnostics code-filtered workflow, allowing you to check for TSBs right after retrieving Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). This means you’ll see TSBs relevant to the specific vehicle and fault code you’re working on. 

Key Benefits of the TSB Feature: 

  1. Immediate Access to TSBs: Snap-on provides TSB availability as early as two weeks after their release from manufacturers, ensuring you stay current with the latest updates.
  2. Manufacturer-Specific Information: TSBs may include detailed descriptions of symptoms, causes or defects*, solutions*, required parts, repair times, and recall information.  
  3. One-Click Access: The Fast-Track troubleshooting homepage gives you a single-click option to view relevant TSBs, recalls, and OEM campaigns, speeding up the diagnostic process. 
  4. Minimize Vehicle Downtime: By identifying if a recall or TSB is behind the problem early in the diagnostic process, technicians can focus on resolving the issue more efficiently and avoid wasting time chasing unrelated problems. 

Practical Examples of TSBs in Action 

Your Snap-on diagnostics software ensures that you only see TSBs specific to the vehicle and fault code in you’re, eliminating guesswork. For example, if a customer complains about an engine misfire, a TSB could reveal that the issue stems from a manufacturer-identified defect, saving hours of diagnostic time. In other cases, TSBs can outline the exact parts and repair procedures required, ensuring that your technicians follow manufacturer-recommended solutions. 

The Importance of always being on the latest software 

To access these exclusive TSB features, your Snap-on diagnostics software must be kept up to date. The most recent software updates  and being connected to the internet ensures you have access to the latest Technical Bulletins, Repair Information, Troubleshooter Tips and Real Fixes, when you need them 

The latest Snap-on diagnostics software is available exclusively for currently supported ZEUS™, TRITON™, APOLLO™, SOLUS™, VERUS® and MODIS™ products. 

For more information on the latest diagnostic software release, speak to your Snap-on Franchisee or Sales Representative.