Service Advisor Foundations

(In - Person)

Saturday, May 16th, 2026 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM PST

Griffin Motorwerke

1146 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA

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Instructor: Coralee Zueff

OVERVIEW
Too often, brand-new service advisors are placed in training built for more experienced professionals—skipping the essential groundwork they need to feel confident on day one. This interactive, full-day workshop is designed specifically for true beginners. We will build core skills step-by-step, ensuring participants leave with a solid understanding of repair shop operations, customer communication, and the fundamentals of creating repair orders and estimates.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Participants will walk away confident in:
● Creating accurate work orders, estimates, and invoices
● Understanding how repair shops flow day-to-day
● Explaining maintenance and common vehicle systems in customer-friendly language
● Communicating effectively with customers and the shop team

WHO THIS IS FOR
From technicians stepping out of the shop and into the service lane, to advisors joining from other industries, to family members pitching in to help the business grow, this class is for you.

Communicating diagnostics, repairs and maintenance with confidence

(Webinar)

Thursday, June 25th, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST

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Instructor: Coralee Zueff

OVERVIEW
While technicians often have a wealth of training opportunities, service advisors are frequently left without the same level of development. However, the success of any automotive shop hinges on the advisor’s ability to effectively communicate, sell, and upsell services to customers. Without this balance, both financial performance and team morale can suffer.
In this interactive session, we’ll focus on practical strategies to help you boost service sales and enhance customer communication. We'll begin by tackling real-world diagnostic case studies, diving into how to communicate diagnostic processes to customers effectively—emphasizing the critical point that diagnostics are not a free service. Next we’ll review modern manufacturer maintenance schedules, diving into extended oil change intervals and lifetime fluids. Finally, we'll explore commonly recommended maintenance services, with plenty of room for active discussion and participation.

Supercharge Your Shop: Using AI to Identify & Elevate Advisor Performance

(Webinar)

Online Webinar (2- Day, 4 Hour Webinar)
Tuesday, Jul 14, 2026 (2 Hours) & Thursday, Jul 16, 2026 (2 Hours)

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST

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Instructor: Coralee Zueff

OVERVIEW

There is a lot of talk around AI. Some shops want nothing to do with it and others think it will take our jobs. Coralee’s belief if AI is a tool like any other and today’s most successful shops know HOW to utilize it and understand its current limitations.
In this interactive 4-hour session, you’ll learn how AI is transforming the way service advisors and shops improve customer communication, technician efficiency and profitability.

AI Features Discussed:
● Inspection Assistant: Helps service advisors capture customer concerns better to help technicians be as efficient as possible and diagnose the customer complaint quickly.
● Maintenance systems: Analyzes each vehicle’s service history (from the shop management system & external data when available) and compares it against recommended maintenance intervals (either manufacturer or custom) so shops don’t miss maintenance work.
● Customer Workflows: Automates or assists with parts of the customer interaction workflow (e.g., capturing concerns, follow-ups, reminders) to keep the process smoother.
● Profitability Analysis / Real-Time Repair Order Auditing: Flag jobs that are under-priced or may have low profitability before they are sold, and provide insights into technician productivity, bottlenecks, and operational inefficiencies.
● AI Clone (Digital Advisor/Owner Replica):
● A trained AI modeled after the shop owner or top advisor that can respond to customers in their voice and style for estimates, follow-ups, explanations, and training—ensuring consistency and scalability without burnout.
● AI Bot (Virtual Service Assistant):
● Handles routine customer interactions such as appointment scheduling, answering common questions, sending status updates, and triaging basic concerns—reducing front desk load and improving response time.
● Real-world case studies and testimonials from shop owners who’ve used AI to dramatically improve team performance—and their bottom line.

As we all know, AI has its limitations. Coralee has identified AI is not always correct when itcomes to technical data as well as come up with creative examples to explain these jobs to customers.
Customers/clients are using AI to diagnose their vehicle and analyze estimates provided. We will also discuss how to handle these öbjections.
Whether you’re trying to close more sales, build customer trust, or ensure consistency across, this class will show you how to turn every opportunity for growth.

JLR Body Systems, Networking and Immobilization - Webinar

Wedsnday, May 5th, 2026 

Time 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST

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Please note that registration must be completed by 12:00 PM PST on the day prior to the webinar's start.

Webinar Hosted by: Tom Morgan

Troubleshoot common issues related to vehicle networking and security.
• Understand the fundamental principles of automotive network communication protocols using diagnostic tools
• Network signal analysis (CAN, LIN)
• Diagnosing "No Start" conditions related to immobilizer
• Introduction of Dealer Diagnostic Tools for network and immobilizer diagnostics
• Execute key programming and immobilizer component replacement procedures.

Mercedes-Benz Diesel Engines

(In - Person)

Saturday, May 30th, 2026 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST

Autobahn Performance

698 NE 45th St fl 3334, Oakland Park, FL 33334, USA

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Instructor: Dennis Woll – Mercedes-Benz Technician / Technical Specialist

The Mercedes-Benz OM642 V6 and OM651 inline-4 diesel engines are commonly seen in platforms such as Sprinter, E-Class, ML/GL, and other Mercedes-Benz diesel applications. Through a systems-based and diagnostic-driven approach, class participants will explore engine architecture, fuel delivery, air management, emissions control, and common failure modes unique to these platforms.

The course emphasizes real-world diagnosis, test-first strategies, and service best practices using factory service information and OEM-level diagnostics using a variety of OEM and aftermarket tools and resources. Technicians will leave with the confidence to accurately diagnose performance complaints, drivability issues, fault codes, and emissions-related failures commonly encountered in these complex vehicles.

At the end of this course technicians will be able to:

Identify common OM642 and OM651 failures and apply proven service solutions
Describe how Mercedes-Benz common-rail diesel fuel and air management systems operate under varying conditions
Diagnose tricky fuel, air, and emissions-related drivability complaints using live data and fault logic
Test and verify fuel system performance, including low and high fuel pressure systems operation and fuel injection system
Tackle turbo / boost control issues with proven strategies
Diagnose and repair EGR and emissions system faults
Use a structured diagnostic approach that reduces comebacks and unnecessary parts replacement

BMW End-to-End Diagnostics & Maintenance Workshop

Instructor: Carl Stutz

8:00-5:00PM EST

8-Hour In-Person

April 25th

SSF Training Center (Kennesaw)

4105 Royal Dr NW suite 600, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

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Class Description:

BMW End-to-End Diagnostics & Maintenance Workshop is an in-person, hands-on technical training focused on advanced diagnostic strategy and service workflows for modern BMW vehicles. The course emphasizes a system-level approach to diagnosis, leveraging ISTA, energy diagnosis principles, engine electronics analysis, 48-volt system operation, and maintenance-driven fault identification.

Participants will learn how BMW vehicle systems interact across power, communication, and control domains, and how faults can propagate between systems. Through guided instruction, live demonstrations, and real-world case studies, attendees will build a structured, repeatable diagnostic process that improves accuracy, efficiency, and confidence when working on complex BMW platforms. This training is designed to stand alone as a comprehensive diagnostic experience while delivering practical skills that can be immediately applied in the shop environment.

Attendee Takeaways:

Develop a system-level diagnostic mindset for modern BMW vehicles, rather than component-by-component troubleshooting

Gain confidence navigating ISTA workflows, test plans, and guided diagnostics to improve efficiency and accuracy

Understand energy diagnosis principles, including battery management, parasitic draw analysis, and power distribution faults

Diagnose engine electronics systems by analyzing air, fuel, ignition, VANOS, Valvetronic, and emissions interactions

Identify and service 48-volt mild hybrid systems, including system architecture, safety considerations, and common failure patterns

Recognize how routine maintenance procedures can reveal diagnostic opportunities and prevent repeat repairs

Apply best practices for fault prioritization, test sequencing, and verification of repairs

Leave with a repeatable diagnostic strategy that can be immediately implemented in the shop

EV Level 1 Electrical/Hybrid Vehicle Awareness Training

Webinar 

Monday June 1st - Wednesday June 3rd, 2026

3-day live webinar held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EST.

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Instructor: Dirk Fuchs

This online course is designed for shop owners, service writers, and technicians looking to build a strong foundation in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle technology.

You’ll learn EV & Hybrid system awareness, safety procedures, PPE requirements, diagnostic basics, high-voltage system repair fundamentals, and detailed battery architecture. The training follows European ECE-R100 guidelines while also covering key U.S. recommendations such as OSHA, NFPA, and SAE.

All sessions are led by ACTA-certified instructors with extensive real-world experience.

EV Level 1 Electrical/Hybrid Vehicle Awareness Training

Webinar 

Monday Sept 14th - Wednesday Sept 16th, 2026

3-day live webinar held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EST.

REGISTER NOW

Instructor: Dirk Fuchs

This online course is designed for shop owners, service writers, and technicians looking to build a strong foundation in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle technology.

You’ll learn EV & Hybrid system awareness, safety procedures, PPE requirements, diagnostic basics, high-voltage system repair fundamentals, and detailed battery architecture. The training follows European ECE-R100 guidelines while also covering key U.S. recommendations such as OSHA, NFPA, and SAE.

All sessions are led by ACTA-certified instructors with extensive real-world experience.

Limitless Leadership & Service Excellence: Building Teams that Inspire and Deliver ( In-Person ) 

Saturday Aug 15th, 2026

8:00AM-5:00PM EST

SSF Training Center (Kennesaw)

4105 Royal Dr NW suite 600, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

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Instructor: Josh Parnell

Limitless Leadership is an immersive 8-hour training that equips leaders with the mindset, communication skills, coaching tools, and strategic frameworks needed to inspire teams, drive performance, and create lasting organizational impact. Through practical exercises and transformational concepts, from vision casting and effective delegation to innovation, change management, and action-driven leadership, participants leave empowered to lead with purpose, clarity, and confidence.

 

At the end of this course you will be able to:

Lead a mindset change in your organization
Streamline communication between team members
Improve shop performance, efficiency and proficiency with strategic frameworks that motivate and inspire your team
Effectively coach team members and delegate responsibility through a framework of clear expectations and accountability

Inside ISTA & TIS: BMW's Diagnostic and Service Platforms 

(Webinar)

REGISTER NOW

Tuesday, Apr 21st, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM PST

Please note that registration must be completed by 12:00 PM PST on the day prior to the webinar's start.

Webinar Hosted by: Carl Stutz

Inside ISTA & TIS: BMW's Diagnostic and Service Platforms
Join us for a focused, high-impact webinar designed to get you up to speed with BMW’s diagnostic tools and workflows. Whether you're new to ISTA or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will cover everything from software navigation to module coding and common repair strategies.”

After completing this training, the participant will be able to:

• Navigate BMW ISTA and TIS platforms
• Understand control module communication and fault diagnosis
• Perform service functions and maintenance procedures
• Explain the basics of programming and coding
• Apply real-world ISTA repair use cases and best practices

Inside ISTA & TIS: BMW's Diagnostic and Service Platforms 

(Webinar)

REGISTER NOW

Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST

Please note that registration must be completed by 12:00 PM PST on the day prior to the webinar's start.

Webinar Hosted by: Carl Stutz

Inside ISTA & TIS: BMW's Diagnostic and Service Platforms
Join us for a focused, high-impact webinar designed to get you up to speed with BMW’s diagnostic tools and workflows. Whether you're new to ISTA or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will cover everything from software navigation to module coding and common repair strategies.”

After completing this training, the participant will be able to:

• Navigate BMW ISTA and TIS platforms
• Understand control module communication and fault diagnosis
• Perform service functions and maintenance procedures
• Explain the basics of programming and coding
• Apply real-world ISTA repair use cases and best practices

BMW Maintenance 101: What Every New Tech and Advisor Should Know - Webinar

Tuesday, Aug 4th, 2026 

Time 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST

REGISTER NOW

Please note that registration must be completed by 12:00 PM PST on the day prior to the webinar's start.

Webinar Hosted by: Carl Stutz

BMW Maintenance Essentials is a foundational training webinar designed for entry-level technicians and service advisors working with BMW vehicles. This course provides a structured overview of routine maintenance procedures across multiple BMW platforms, with a focus on performing services correctly, efficiently, and consistently.

In addition to core maintenance workflows, the course emphasizes inspection best practices and common wear patterns technicians and advisors should recognize during basic services. Attendees will learn how to identify potential future repair needs, understand why they occur, and communicate findings clearly to support informed service recommendations and customer trust.

Attendee Takeaways:

Understand BMW-specific maintenance intervals, service concepts, and inspection expectations

Perform common maintenance procedures with awareness of BMW design characteristics and service considerations

Identify typical wear items and failure patterns encountered during routine maintenance visits

Recognize warning signs that indicate potential upsell or future service opportunities

Differentiate between normal wear, developing concerns, and immediate service needs

Improve inspection consistency and documentation during basic maintenance services

Strengthen communication between technicians and service advisors using accurate technical observations

Build customer value by linking maintenance findings to preventive and corrective service recommendations

48-Volt Electrical Systems in European Vehicles

Webinar

Thursday Aug 20th, 2026 

Time 6:00PM - 8:00PM PST

REGISTER NOW

Please note that registration must be completed by 12:00 PM PST on the day prior to the webinar's start.

Webinar Hosted by: Carl Stutz

BMW Maintenance Essentials is a foundational training webinar designed for entry-level technicians and service advisors working with BMW vehicles. This course provides a structured overview of routine maintenance procedures across multiple BMW platforms, with a focus on performing services correctly, efficiently, and consistently.

In addition to core maintenance workflows, the course emphasizes inspection best practices and common wear patterns technicians and advisors should recognize during basic services. Attendees will learn how to identify potential future repair needs, understand why they occur, and communicate findings clearly to support informed service recommendations and customer trust.

Attendee Takeaways:

Understand BMW-specific maintenance intervals, service concepts, and inspection expectations

Perform common maintenance procedures with awareness of BMW design characteristics and service considerations

Identify typical wear items and failure patterns encountered during routine maintenance visits

Recognize warning signs that indicate potential upsell or future service opportunities

Differentiate between normal wear, developing concerns, and immediate service needs

Improve inspection consistency and documentation during basic maintenance services

Strengthen communication between technicians and service advisors using accurate technical observations

Build customer value by linking maintenance findings to preventive and corrective service recommendations

Get on the Bus – Effective Strategies for Vehicle Network Diagnosis (EST)

2 Day Webinar (4 Hours Total)

Instructor: Dennis Woll

Course Format – 2 Day - 4-Hour Webinar 

May12th ( 2 Hours ) & May 14th ( 2 Hours )

 6:00PM-8:00PM PST

REGISTER NOW

Class Description:

Vehicle communication networks are the backbone of the advanced modern vehicle. This course explores the evolution of automotive communication networks across all vehicle makes and models, giving technicians a practical understanding of how vehicle modules communicate, share data, and coordinate system operation. Moving from early serial communication through modern networks such as CAN, MOST and FlexRay, the class focuses on what defines a network, how topology influences communication, and how to identify and test individual nodes. Emphasis is placed on real-world diagnostics, helping technicians move beyond fault codes to understand the “conversation” occurring on the network—why it matters, how it fails, and how to test it effectively.

What you will Learn:

Diagnose network faults quickly and effectively
Define the components of a Network including configurations, communication strategies, hierarchies, and more
Navigate network topology – the roadmap of communication systems
Network gateways and how they affect diagnosis
K-Line Operation and Testing
Local interconnect network (LIN) Bus operation and testing
Controller area network (CAN) Operation and Description
CAN DNA - Identifying the Conversation
The "Three P's" of CAN
Advanced diagnostic strategies for tricky communication faults
Advanced Networks including MOST, FlexRay and more…

ZF BMW / Audi Transmission Maintenance, Diagnostics, and Overhaul

(In - Person)

Saturday, Jun 20th, 2026 8:00 PM - 5:00 PM PST

SSF Irvine Training Facility 

14250 Myford Rd Irvine, CA 92606

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Instructor: Brian Bay

BMW / Audi Transmission Maintenance, Diagnostics, and Overhaul

BMW and Audi are one of the most popular European vehicles on the road today. With roughly over Ten million units on the road today the need for qualified technicians to work on these vehicles has never been greater. At the heart of these vehicles lies the ZF 6 & 8 HP transmissions.

Building transmissions and gear drive systems is at the heart of what ZF does, and throughout its history, ZF has been at the forefront of pushing transmission technology forward. With these technological and engineering advancements, staying up to date on the latest diagnostic and overhaul procedures is critical.

During this training, participants can expect to learn procedures that will aid them with not only understanding how ZF 6HP and 8HP transmissions operate within BMW and Audi vehicles lines, but with maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing these transmissions in a real-world environment. Additionally, this training gives participants the chance to apply the knowledge that they have gained in the classroom setting to an 8HP transmission, under the guidance of a ZF Technical Trainer. 

Duration: 8 hour

After completing this training, the participant will be able to:

• List internal components of the 6HP and 8HP transmissions

• Describe differences between pressure regulators and solenoids

• Identify the different characteristics of pressure regulators

• Differentiate between mechatronic types

• Explain the shifting strategy of the ZF 6HP and 8HP transmissions

• Explain an oil change service procedure

• Analyze transmission adaptation values

• Explain adaptation values to assist in the diagnostic procedure

• Identify the most common failures of the ZF 6HP and 8HP transmissions

• Identify the torque flow of all gears

• Review the disassembly and assembly process of the 6HP and 8HP transmissions

• Review the disassembly and assembly process of ZF mechatronics

EV Level 1 Electrical/Hybrid Vehicle Awareness Training

Saturday, Jun 13, 2026 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM PST

Junipero Serra Porsche & Mercedes - Benz

365 87th St, Daly City, CA 94015

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Instructor: Dirk Fuchs

The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to outline the work, responsibilities, and deliverables required by each party to successfully deliver the Automotive High Voltage Certification Training – Level 1, accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), for SSF.

ZF Dual Clutch and Flywheel Systems

(In - Person)

Saturday, Jul 18th, 2026 8:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST

SSF Kennesaw Training Facility 

4105 Royal Drive NW Suite 600 Kennesaw, GA 30144

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Instructor: Brian Bay

Dual Clutch and Flywheel Systems

Today people just want to put the car in drive, and it goes. Most customers do not know what is making that vehicle move just that it does. Weather driven by automatic, manual automatic, CVT or the like, they just want it to work. Technician on the other hand know all too well what it takes to do just that. Then there is the tried-and-true manual transmission making a comeback in the market. With this being the case how is a technician to know where to start to properly diagnose and repair all these different types of issues. Well, ZF has you covered. We will spend the day covering just that. Be it a refresher of older systems or covering the latest technology to drivetrains. This is the class for you.

Time: 8 hours

After completing this training, the participant will be able to:

Describe the operation of mechanical clutch systems
Describe the calculation of transferrable torque
Understand the difference between pull and push clutch types
Identify the different release systems
Describe common failures in the clutch system
Diagnose gearbox failures which are related to mechanical clutch systems
Describe proper installation of clutch systems
Explain the installation of self-adjusting clutch
Understand operation of dual mass flywheel
Identify common dual mass flywheel failures
Identify read out and interpret diesel engine measurement values
Understand wear out patterns of the dual mass flywheel

EV Level 1 Electrical/Hybrid Vehicle Awareness Training

Saturday, Aug 29th, 2026 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM PST

SSF Irvine Training Facility

14250 Myford Rd Irvine, CA 92606

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Instructor: Dirk Fuchs

The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to outline the work, responsibilities, and deliverables required by each party to successfully deliver the Automotive High Voltage Certification Training – Level 1, accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), for SSF.

Electronification of the Chassis (A Step into Autonomous Vehicles)

(In - Person)

Saturday, Sep 12th, 2026 8:00 PM - 5:00 PM PST

Junipero Serra Porsche & Mercedes - Benz

365 87th St, Daly City, CA 94015, USA

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Instructor: Brian Bay

Electronification of the Chassis (A Step into Autonomous Vehicles):

With the electronification of the chassis, understanding of the OE design across multiple systems has become even more important in daily shop repairs. This class presents the correlation between those systems and electro-mechanical parts.  ADAS, electronic shock, Smart chassis, electronic steering are all new terms that shops need to be aware of and be able to properly diagnose. 4-wheel steer, another new but old term that is not introduced in the market once again. What makes this class important for a technician is the ability to leave with an understanding of how these changes influence the design of parts and knowledge of fault codes to properly diagnose daily needed repairs. 

8.0hr in-person class

After completing this training, the participant will be able to: 

Describe common failures related to the electric steering system.
Explain correlation between fault codes.
Describe collaboration between steering and transmission issues.
List proper equipment for alignment and diagnostics.
Describe Smart Chassis 
Have a working knowledge of how to properly install software systems.
Identify different driver assist functions and their operations.
Understand active steering systems.

EV Level 1 Electrical/Hybrid Vehicle Awareness Training

Saturday, Oct 24th, 2026 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM EST

SSF Kennesaw Training Facility

4105 Royal Drive NW Suite 600 Kennesaw, GA 30144

REGISTER NOW

Instructor: Dirk Fuchs

The purpose of this Statement of Work (SOW) is to outline the work, responsibilities, and deliverables required by each party to successfully deliver the Automotive High Voltage Certification Training – Level 1, accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), for SSF.