Tech Talk - A Day in the Life of a Rihm Diesel Technician

Around this time of year, we take time to recognize our hard working diesel technicians with National Diesel Technician Appreciation Week, which was September 24th – 30th. Without technicians, our drivers would not be able to deliver needed supplies safely and on time. They are critical to the success of Rihm Family Companies, as well as countless other shops and fleets throughout the country. So, although the official appreciation week has passed, please join us in continuing to celebrate them for all they do. Although a regular day in the life of a Rihm Diesel Technician is ever-changing, read on to get an idea of what a typical day of overcoming obstacles and challenges may look like for a diesel technician as they work to get your trucks back on the road.

A description written from the perspective of a Rihm Family Companies Diesel Technician:

I wake up early, clean up just like everyone else does and drive into work to see what I get to do today. I think about all the previous repairs I did during the week and what trucks I know are already on the yard waiting to be repaired. Will I get to work on the engine in the unit that was knocking when it came in yesterday? I remember there were 3 new trucks coming in that will likely need to have pre-delivery and DOT inspections done today. Maybe the radiator I found leaking yesterday will arrive and I can put that in?

When I arrive at the shop, the doors are open and the shop is already open for business. I see two trucks in line waiting to be checked in. I wonder if I’ll get the chance to trouble shoot one of them. I see all the service advisors already on the phones and pecking away at their computers. Sending out the latest repair updates to our customers. I walk into the locker room and get dressed all the while chatting with my fellow technicians about what they did the night before. We have the age-old discussion (again) to determine whether Chevy, Ford or Dodge is best. The only consensus is we all like trucks.

I finally get to my tool box and get my computer started. I hear the air compressor going and the hum of lights warming up above me. I log into Decisiv (our online service management systems) and find that our shop foreman has assigned me one of the trucks that just came in.

I read through the case notes in Decisiv and find that the unit has a check engine light on and has also gone into a derate, or loss of power. I open up the vehicle’s history and find the unit hasn’t been in our shop before. The service advisor typed in the notes that the customer hasn’t experienced this issue in the past, so I then check for open campaigns and see none. Next, I perform a walk around and note any damage or possible issues the customer may not be aware of.

Time to hook up the diagnostics. During program opening, I find there is an update that needs to be installed on the computer software. I let the update proceed and complain to the tech in the stall next to me about the delay. He agrees and continues with his work.

Finally, I am able to let the program work its magic and pull the codes from the unit. I read through them and am able to determine the best course of action to take. Next I start rolling through the diagnostics steps and I find that the DPF pressure sensor is showing a high reading. I continue going through the steps and also I note that when the harness is moved my reading changes. That is a sign to me that it is time to inspect the harness. During the inspection, I find a rub and it appears the harness wiring is rubbed through. I determine this is causing a fault and will need to be repaired.

Next, I pull out my phone take some pictures and add it directly into the case in Decisiv. I noted during my initial inspections that the right front shock was leaking and there is seeping at the left rear wheel seal. I take a TruVideo of the unit walking around and pointing out the fault found that is causing the complaint as well as the additional faults noted. The customer will get to view the video and photos I took while they decide whether to move forward with my repair recommendation.

I send my case to the shop foreman and let him know I am ready for another one. I notice that the radiator I needed yesterday has shown up, so I can finish that repair, which is always nice to do. So I bring in the truck from yesterday and start removing parts as needed and installing the new radiator. Everything goes well until I find out I need 2 hose clamps. I send a message to the parts counter requesting the clamps and soon the parts team will be bringing them out to me. While I wait for the part, I update my new findings in the repair’s case in Decisiv.

Finally, the clamps get brought to my bay and I get them installed. Then after completing a quick steam clean of the service bay I worked in and a road test to show the repair is complete, I finish my notes on the repair and send the case to my shop foreman.

My Service Manager comes out and lets us all know that a vendor is here to give us class on wheel seals. I know how to do this, but he’s correct, a refresher won't hurt anyone. I sit through the class and soak up the A/C. These are the kind of classes I like. Learn and keep cool.

When the class ends, I see that the shop foreman has lined me up to replace a driveline u-joint. I really wanted the engine but it looks like another tech has it in the shop already. All the other bays are full as well. I get with the Shop foreman on where I should do the work. He states outside of door 6. Great, I’m in the heat of the day.

I pull up the truck and get the creeper out. Roll under the unit and notice the front drive input u-joint is toast. I pull the driveline, which is anything but light, then start to remove and replace the u-joint. I get it done and reinstall the driveline. After I make sure to lube the u-joints throughout the entire truck, I workflow the repair back to the shop foreman – job complete, and it’s finally time to go home for the day.

After cleaning up and changing in the locker room, I get in my car and evaluate my day. One radiator replaced and one u-joint replaced, both units back on the road. Another unit diagnosed and a refresher class on wheel seals. Hopefully the shop hears back on the diagnosed unit, so I get to repair it tomorrow.

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Thank you again, technicians! Every day is different and has new challenges. Somehow you beat these obstacles again and again! Making all of us proud to work with you!

Notice: This recollection of events is a fictional story and was written to help readers understand the thoughts and experiences that diesel technicians, on average, may potentially experience during a regular day at work in a Rihm Kenworth dealership shop. Rihm Leasing diesel technicians may have a slightly different process throughout the day due to differences in technology and program processes.