From the Driver's Seat—Featured Story

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This SUV had eaten more parts than a salvage yard buffet, yet it still stumbled like it was dragging one axle out of the grave.

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The Technician, John, had inherited this R.O. like a hand-me-down toolbox with half the drawers missing.

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We pulled codes: P0016, P0689, P1682, P2635. A lovely alphabet soup of crank-cam correlation and ignition relay headaches. Compression looked uneven, timing variances went haywire, and every diagnostic document I opened seemed to lead to yet another rabbit hole.

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We tore into timing procedures, scoped waveforms, and even had the looming question: could this interference engine have bent valves from the engine being out of time?

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For two months, we chased what looked like a mechanical issue—Bank 2 timing appeared out of whack because the intake cams were advancing when they shouldn’t have been, causing the compression readings to appear like a mechanical fault was present.

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We double-checked chain marks until our eyes crossed. We resealed, retested, retimed… and still, the engine continued to run rough.

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The breakthrough finally came not with a big dramatic teardown, but with a tiny, overlooked detail -- the clue for which had been there all along. DTCs P0689 and P1682 were still setting as current, even amidst the timing chaos. By focusing on these DTCs, I was led to check the Engine Controls Ignition Relay Feedback circuits.

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Deep in the harness, at ECM connector X1, pin 72 was spread wide open. One lousy terminal—the size of a pencil tip—was refusing to carry the ignition relay feedback voltage back to the ECM.

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That single weak link was tricking the ECM into confusion, making the whole engine act like it had lost its timing. Later research determined that this terminal was damaged accidentally by a different technician at the onset of these concerns.

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We swapped in a fresh terminal, rechecked signals, and suddenly the XT5 purred like it had never given us a moment’s grief. A test drive confirmed it: smooth power, no lights, no drama. After weeks of fighting what looked like a mechanical monster, the real villain turned out to be a connector pin.

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Here's what I learned from this case:

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1. A bad signal can trick any computer—when cam timing looks wrong, but your gut says otherwise, dig into the current codes.
2. Humility matters in diagnostics—I chased dead ends, made wrong turns, but persistence (and a sharp eye for the small stuff) won the day.

Don't forget we've created a free online Skool community where fellow troubleshooters, thinkers, and diagnostic detectives can swap stories, wisdom, and wiring diagrams. 'Torque Authority' isn't just a newsletter, it's the start of a movement. Come be a founding member by joining the party here:

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Join Torque Authority Hub: Where Automotive Technicians Transform into Diagnostic Daredevils. Embrace your worth, master your craft, and drive towards financial autonomy with a community that gets it.

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I hope you enjoyed the story! Please share this article with a friend if you did.

In this section each week we highlight a person—an innovator, subscriber, engineer, or even a business—who has made a positive impact in our industry. This is the place in Torque Authority where their authority in the Automotive Industry is highlighted.

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This week’s spotlight is on: Ben Mattsey – Electric & Electronic Analysis Engineer, Scout Motors

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Ben Mattsey has built a reputation for blending sharp diagnostic skill with the ability to lift up the people around him. From his early days turning wrenches to supporting 20+ Ford and Lincoln dealerships as a Field Service Engineer, Ben has tackled everything from high-voltage systems to the trickiest drivability concerns. But just as important, he’s coached technicians, streamlined processes, and championed new tools to make shops more effective.

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Today at Scout Motors, Ben continues that same mission—bringing technical excellence, problem-solving grit, and a collaborative spirit to every challenge. Whether it’s mentoring a teammate or digging into a complex issue, he’s proof that the best engineers know how to fix cars and build people. I've had the privilege of working alongside Ben and I can say firsthand how much I value his professionalism, skill for lifting those around him, and bringing fun to the mundane. He's a leader in the automotive service industry and it's an honor to highlight him in this week's spotlight!

One quote of wisdom for you to consider this week...

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This is where we share one practical resource: a tool, app, book, strategy, or event which can have a positive impact in YOUR life.

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This week's Toolbox Tip is on T. W. Mulder's first '3 Laws of Automotive Service'.

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By 'law', we mean a statement of fact, such as regarding a phenomenon which always occurs if a certain set of conditions are present. Like Newton's Laws of motion, or the Law of Gravity, for example. These laws describe how objects will always behave in specific conditions (i.e. 'what goes up must come down').

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Number 1 -- The Law of Recency:
This law refers to the fact that what has been done to the vehicle recently (prior to the current customer concern) has a very high likelihood of being related to the current concern.

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Number 2 -- The Law of Proximity:
This law refers to the fact that what is physically located close to the system and/or component of concern is very likely contributing to the current customer concern.

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Number 3 -- The Law of Design Intent:
This law refers to the fact that if the vehicle, system, or component in focus is not being operated, installed, or fastened in the manner in which it was designed to be, then problems or failure will result.

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Based on years of experience, the vast majority of customer vehicles have something to do with one of these three Laws of Automotive Service.
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🔧 Mark your calendars!

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Next Tuesday, September 23rd at 1:00 PM EST, Torque Authority is hosting a LIVE LAB you won’t want to miss.

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If you’ve ever felt second-guessed by a stubborn fault code, burned time chasing your tail on a diagnostic job, or just want to level up your process, this session is for you.

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We’ll walk through Your 10-Step Success Playbook—a proven workflow designed to help you:

• Build confidence in your diagnostic decisions
• Sharpen your skills with real-world techniques
• Slash diagnostic time without cutting corners

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This isn’t theory from a classroom—it’s practical, hands-on insight you can apply the very next time a “mystery concern” rolls into your bay.

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👉 Reserve your spot and join us live. Let’s make diagnosing smarter, faster, and a whole lot less painful.

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Ready to unlock the potential within you and become a more confident automotive diagnostician? Check out Hotwire Your Skills: The 10-Step Playbook to Six-Figure Success for Automotive Technicians

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