S.M. Auto 🔧
@smauto.net
noun: mechanic;
1. a skilled worker who repairs and maintains vehicle engines and other machinery.
"a car mechanic"
📝 https://blog.simonmanley.com
🛠️ https://smauto.net/
1. a skilled worker who repairs and maintains vehicle engines and other machinery.
"a car mechanic"
📝 https://blog.simonmanley.com
🛠️ https://smauto.net/
AI can be a big child and stomp its feet when you question its findings. And when you prove it's wrong other AIs throw it under the bus. So how are they different or better than humans again? blog.simonmanley.com/another-quic...
Another (quick) AI update – Simon Manley
blog.simonmanley.com
September 17, 2026 at 1:41 AM
AI can be a big child and stomp its feet when you question its findings. And when you prove it's wrong other AIs throw it under the bus. So how are they different or better than humans again? blog.simonmanley.com/another-quic...
🛠️ 1 Week using NotebookLM for Diagnostics:
✅ OCR reads scanned textbook pages easily
✅ Single Google Doc trick saves source limits
❌ Server lag slows down real-time troubleshooting
❌ AI podcast mode is too casual for tech data
Big potential. Full update: blog.simonmanley.com/update-a-wee...
✅ OCR reads scanned textbook pages easily
✅ Single Google Doc trick saves source limits
❌ Server lag slows down real-time troubleshooting
❌ AI podcast mode is too casual for tech data
Big potential. Full update: blog.simonmanley.com/update-a-wee...
Update: A week with NotebookLM – Simon Manley
blog.simonmanley.com
September 15, 2026 at 11:13 PM
🛠️ 1 Week using NotebookLM for Diagnostics:
✅ OCR reads scanned textbook pages easily
✅ Single Google Doc trick saves source limits
❌ Server lag slows down real-time troubleshooting
❌ AI podcast mode is too casual for tech data
Big potential. Full update: blog.simonmanley.com/update-a-wee...
✅ OCR reads scanned textbook pages easily
✅ Single Google Doc trick saves source limits
❌ Server lag slows down real-time troubleshooting
❌ AI podcast mode is too casual for tech data
Big potential. Full update: blog.simonmanley.com/update-a-wee...
No EGR flow was detected by the ECU and a no flow malfunction was recorded. Another workshop replaced the EGR valve but a day or so later the MIL came back on.
smauto.net/vw-golf-1-4-...
smauto.net/vw-golf-1-4-...
VW Golf 1.4 BCA: EGR flow malfunction – SM Auto
smauto.net
September 11, 2026 at 3:13 AM
No EGR flow was detected by the ECU and a no flow malfunction was recorded. Another workshop replaced the EGR valve but a day or so later the MIL came back on.
smauto.net/vw-golf-1-4-...
smauto.net/vw-golf-1-4-...
Using NotebookLM to organize your diagnostic notes and information. I know AI right, but this seems like an environment even the biggest skeptic could warm to. I haven't fully tested it but so far it's showing great potential.
blog.simonmanley.com/an-ai-assist...
blog.simonmanley.com/an-ai-assist...
An AI assistant could be the best tool in your box – Simon Manley
blog.simonmanley.com
September 8, 2026 at 3:19 AM
Using NotebookLM to organize your diagnostic notes and information. I know AI right, but this seems like an environment even the biggest skeptic could warm to. I haven't fully tested it but so far it's showing great potential.
blog.simonmanley.com/an-ai-assist...
blog.simonmanley.com/an-ai-assist...
I bought this Sun LS2000 on marketplace, it wasn’t expensive and my thought was it would be a handy scope to have out on the road for quick checks. I thought it would be like having a second Vantage. It isn’t. That’s not to say it’s bad.....
blog.simonmanley.com/i-bought-a-s...
blog.simonmanley.com/i-bought-a-s...
August 31, 2026 at 1:23 AM
I bought this Sun LS2000 on marketplace, it wasn’t expensive and my thought was it would be a handy scope to have out on the road for quick checks. I thought it would be like having a second Vantage. It isn’t. That’s not to say it’s bad.....
blog.simonmanley.com/i-bought-a-s...
blog.simonmanley.com/i-bought-a-s...
A trip down memory lane.I went to a place called The Bomb Shelter in Akron today it stirred up memories. There was a Citroën DS outside which piqued my interest straight, a Citroën in the US is a rare sight but an immaculate DS in Nth Eastern Ohio is rare indeed.
blog.simonmanley.com/a-trip-down-...
blog.simonmanley.com/a-trip-down-...
August 30, 2026 at 2:25 AM
A trip down memory lane.I went to a place called The Bomb Shelter in Akron today it stirred up memories. There was a Citroën DS outside which piqued my interest straight, a Citroën in the US is a rare sight but an immaculate DS in Nth Eastern Ohio is rare indeed.
blog.simonmanley.com/a-trip-down-...
blog.simonmanley.com/a-trip-down-...
Symptom: Engine cranks with no start condition; sporadic instrument cluster behavior.
smauto.net/vw-caddy-2-0...
smauto.net/vw-caddy-2-0...
VW Caddy 2.0 TDI: Intermittent No-Start & Loss of Terminal 15 Power – SM Auto
smauto.net
August 26, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Symptom: Engine cranks with no start condition; sporadic instrument cluster behavior.
smauto.net/vw-caddy-2-0...
smauto.net/vw-caddy-2-0...
August 21, 2026 at 4:30 AM
1/6
Why are workshops still in the dark on emissions repair? Got a call about a 2006 VW Jetta 1.6 BSE that failed its NCT in Ireland The shop was stumped Emissions seem to be a huge stumbling block for a lot of techs and too many try fixing them by searching for a silver bullet instead of a process
Why are workshops still in the dark on emissions repair? Got a call about a 2006 VW Jetta 1.6 BSE that failed its NCT in Ireland The shop was stumped Emissions seem to be a huge stumbling block for a lot of techs and too many try fixing them by searching for a silver bullet instead of a process
August 16, 2026 at 2:31 AM
1/6
Why are workshops still in the dark on emissions repair? Got a call about a 2006 VW Jetta 1.6 BSE that failed its NCT in Ireland The shop was stumped Emissions seem to be a huge stumbling block for a lot of techs and too many try fixing them by searching for a silver bullet instead of a process
Why are workshops still in the dark on emissions repair? Got a call about a 2006 VW Jetta 1.6 BSE that failed its NCT in Ireland The shop was stumped Emissions seem to be a huge stumbling block for a lot of techs and too many try fixing them by searching for a silver bullet instead of a process
Craftsman Ratchets find:
Some old Craftsman Ratchets from a recent rummage sale toolbox collection I bought. Still going through them. A.I. says I really hit the jackpot here. I love how it’s always so positive and upbeat 😂
blog.simonmanley.com/craftsman-ra...
Some old Craftsman Ratchets from a recent rummage sale toolbox collection I bought. Still going through them. A.I. says I really hit the jackpot here. I love how it’s always so positive and upbeat 😂
blog.simonmanley.com/craftsman-ra...
August 14, 2026 at 8:28 PM
Craftsman Ratchets find:
Some old Craftsman Ratchets from a recent rummage sale toolbox collection I bought. Still going through them. A.I. says I really hit the jackpot here. I love how it’s always so positive and upbeat 😂
blog.simonmanley.com/craftsman-ra...
Some old Craftsman Ratchets from a recent rummage sale toolbox collection I bought. Still going through them. A.I. says I really hit the jackpot here. I love how it’s always so positive and upbeat 😂
blog.simonmanley.com/craftsman-ra...
My Ur-toolbox still in the workshop today. What to do with a old KRA snap-on toolbox — besides check it in a scrap pile! I bought this in 1989 or 90, and I really didn't want to just chuck it blog.simonmanley.com/my-ur-toolbo...
June 30, 2026 at 6:51 PM
My Ur-toolbox still in the workshop today. What to do with a old KRA snap-on toolbox — besides check it in a scrap pile! I bought this in 1989 or 90, and I really didn't want to just chuck it blog.simonmanley.com/my-ur-toolbo...
You wouldn’t be able to name it this nowadays — The Two-Fister Screwdriver: My latest tool thrift find. Which seems to becoming a thing without me even trying to make it a thing. blog.simonmanley.com/you-wouldnt-...
June 30, 2026 at 2:53 PM
You wouldn’t be able to name it this nowadays — The Two-Fister Screwdriver: My latest tool thrift find. Which seems to becoming a thing without me even trying to make it a thing. blog.simonmanley.com/you-wouldnt-...
At first there was a noise — but then it stopped smauto.net/at-first-the...
At first there was a noise — but then it stopped – SM Auto
smauto.net
June 3, 2026 at 5:09 PM
At first there was a noise — but then it stopped smauto.net/at-first-the...
June 2, 2026 at 1:33 AM
Identifying a Forgotten Alfa Romeo Valve Clearance Tool blog.simonmanley.com/identifying-...
When I was first given it, no one knew exactly what it was for. It was in a drawer in an old long forgotten dealership which was now getting an overhaul....
When I was first given it, no one knew exactly what it was for. It was in a drawer in an old long forgotten dealership which was now getting an overhaul....
Identifying a Forgotten Alfa Romeo Valve Clearance Tool – Simon Manley
blog.simonmanley.com
May 29, 2026 at 2:06 AM
Identifying a Forgotten Alfa Romeo Valve Clearance Tool blog.simonmanley.com/identifying-...
When I was first given it, no one knew exactly what it was for. It was in a drawer in an old long forgotten dealership which was now getting an overhaul....
When I was first given it, no one knew exactly what it was for. It was in a drawer in an old long forgotten dealership which was now getting an overhaul....
New Shop
Building out a new workshop and dealing with shipping companies is a slow process
Building out a new workshop and dealing with shipping companies is a slow process
New Shop
Building out a new workshop and dealing with shipping companies is a slow process
smauto.net
May 14, 2026 at 11:54 AM
New Shop
Building out a new workshop and dealing with shipping companies is a slow process
Building out a new workshop and dealing with shipping companies is a slow process
I made a mount for the SST to accommodate the Verus. I can also mount the Pico/Toughbook set-up I have. blog.simonmanley.com/expanding-th...
Expanding the diagnostic cart, old meets new
I made a mount for the SST to accommodate the Verus. I can also mount the Pico/Toughbook set up I have. Using it in a real world situation will be the test but I like the idea of having this as a f…
blog.simonmanley.com
April 14, 2026 at 2:04 PM
I made a mount for the SST to accommodate the Verus. I can also mount the Pico/Toughbook set-up I have. blog.simonmanley.com/expanding-th...
Reposted by S.M. Auto 🔧
Suzuki Splash – Diagnosing Intermittent Misfires With No DTC’s
What's the problem? This Suzuki came into the workshop with an intermittent misfire. It wasn’t evident on tickover or when I'd snap the throttle while stationary. But when I drove it any distance, I could feel it. Okay, so that's the…
What's the problem? This Suzuki came into the workshop with an intermittent misfire. It wasn’t evident on tickover or when I'd snap the throttle while stationary. But when I drove it any distance, I could feel it. Okay, so that's the…
Suzuki Splash – Diagnosing Intermittent Misfires With No DTC’s
What's the problem? This Suzuki came into the workshop with an intermittent misfire. It wasn’t evident on tickover or when I'd snap the throttle while stationary. But when I drove it any distance, I could feel it. Okay, so that's the customer's complaint confirmed. The next step was to connect a scan tool and check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). No codes? Despite the misfire, no DTCs were stored. With no codes, a different diagnostic approach will be required to prove the fault. I'm suspicious of an ignition coil but I want to prove it to be sure.
www.smauto.net
February 19, 2026 at 1:14 PM
Suzuki Splash – Diagnosing Intermittent Misfires With No DTC’s
What's the problem? This Suzuki came into the workshop with an intermittent misfire. It wasn’t evident on tickover or when I'd snap the throttle while stationary. But when I drove it any distance, I could feel it. Okay, so that's the…
What's the problem? This Suzuki came into the workshop with an intermittent misfire. It wasn’t evident on tickover or when I'd snap the throttle while stationary. But when I drove it any distance, I could feel it. Okay, so that's the…
No EGR. No vacuum. Simple.
No EGR. No vacuum. Simple.
www.smauto.net
September 8, 2025 at 8:25 PM
No EGR. No vacuum. Simple.
Incorrect battery fitting
This is what happens when someone puts a battery in the wrong way around or jump starts it the wrong way. Not sure which one it was, no one was owning it!
This is what happens when someone puts a battery in the wrong way around or jump starts it the wrong way. Not sure which one it was, no one was owning it!
Incorrect battery fitting
This is what happens when someone puts a battery in the wrong way around or jump starts it the wrong way. Not sure which one it was, no one was owning it!
www.smauto.net
August 26, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Incorrect battery fitting
This is what happens when someone puts a battery in the wrong way around or jump starts it the wrong way. Not sure which one it was, no one was owning it!
This is what happens when someone puts a battery in the wrong way around or jump starts it the wrong way. Not sure which one it was, no one was owning it!
Volkswagen Golf with a weird misfire complaint www.smauto.net/volkswagen-g...
Volkswagen Golf with a weird misfire complaint
This VW Golf 1.2 TSI is experiencing a definite misfire under load. The customer reports that the ignition coil and spark plug leads have recently been replaced. Curiously, the misfire seemed to de…
www.smauto.net
August 10, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Volkswagen Golf with a weird misfire complaint www.smauto.net/volkswagen-g...
Simple diagnosis for a DRL and side light issue. Who leaves a job like this and is happy about it? #mechanic #diagnostics #carservice
March 2, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Simple diagnosis for a DRL and side light issue. Who leaves a job like this and is happy about it? #mechanic #diagnostics #carservice
February 11, 2025 at 9:26 PM