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The asTech Mechanical Talk | July 2025

Issue 6 - July 2025

Welcome to The asTech Talk, your monthly source for the latest happenings, industry advancements, and essential updates in mechanical diagnostics, programming, and diagnostics.


In Case You Missed It - asTech Industry Pulse

On July 15, we hosted Driving What’s Next: A Conversation with Repairify’s New Leadership—part of our asTech Industry Pulse series.

Our CEO, Srisu Subrahmanyam, and Chief Transformation Officer, Keith Crerar, shared their forward-looking vision for Repairify, highlighting a clear focus on innovation, customer experience, and support for the shops we serve every day. If you couldn’t attend live, now’s your chance to catch up on the full conversation.

Watch The Webinar


You signed up for asTech Mechanical — giving your shop access to authentic OE tools operated by certified technicians.

We want to be a reliable partner for your shop — and that starts with listening.

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The Case of the Ford That Wouldn’t Power Down

This month’s head-scratcher comes from a shop that ran into trouble after
attempting to tune the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)—the vehicle’s central
computer for engine and transmission management on Ford vehicles. The process
triggered an issue with the car’s Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS), which couldn’t
be bypassed. That’s when the shop called in the experts at asTech Mechanical.

Our team stepped in to perform OEM-level module programming, including PATS
key programming, to get the vehicle starting again. Success... or so it seemed.
After programming, the engine would start but the ignition wouldn’t shut off.

A new PCM was installed and reprogrammed, but the problem persisted. The team
dug deeper and eventually uncovered the real issue: a failed ignition relay, stuck in
the “on” position. Once the relay was replaced, the vehicle operated normally.

The takeaway? Sometimes, it’s not the module—it’s the mechanical. asTech
Mechanical is here to support your toughest programming and diagnostic
challenges with OEM precision and seasoned troubleshooting expertise.



Meet the Team - Greg Oberg, Remote Technician

Greg Oberg’s automotive journey began in 1985 at a Maaco shop in Somerville, NJ, where he de-waxed cars before paint. When a supervisor asked him to follow to a new role, Greg quickly picked up bodywork, paint, and in-house fabrication. That early, hands-on experience built the foundation for a career that now spans four decades. At 23, he officially transitioned into mechanical work, specializing in diagnostics, drivability, and electrical systems. He sharpened his skills in small independent shops through the '80s and '90s before relocating to Pennsylvania in 1996, expanding into dealer and transmission repair work.

In May 2020, asTech brought Greg on as an in-shop technician. A year later, he joined the Remote Calibrations team, mastering OEM procedures across a wide range of makes. Since then, he’s become a cornerstone of the team—mentoring over two dozen new hires, participating in the Autel Remote Expert pilot, and consistently raising the bar for technical excellence. Now a Remote Technician Level III, Greg brings 40 years of experience to every calibration, scan, and mentorship opportunity. He credits his success to perseverance, adaptability, and a passion for problem-solving—a testament to how curiosity and dedication can fuel a lifelong career in automotive.


 

Where We've Been

The asTech Mechanical team hit the road to educate shops and tool vendors on the increasing need for OE tools and how asTech can make them available remotely at affordable prices. The ISN Tool Dealer Expo in Orlando was a key stop. We were thrilled to be a part of this 25th Anniversary Celebration during the 2-day automotive tools trade show held July 11-12.


Additional Resources

Explore more insights and updates from asTech.


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asTech Driven by Repairify, 5700 Tennyson Pkwy, STE 600, Plano, Texas 75024

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