So, i started working as a base level technician for Audi about 6 months ago. I came into the industry with no schooling, and only your most basic knowledge. My plan was to ease into it, a d start as a lube technician, and get comfortable with doing more and more at a pace thats comfprtable to me, as i dont want to rush amything and want to get things done the right way, the first time. Well, about 3 weeks aho, i was given a diagnosis for a 2015 Audi S5 3.0 fpr a rattle on cold start. Verified the rattle, and found a TSB regarding it, and it said to replace the timing tensioners. Well, nobody else was available to do it, and since i did the diag, they decided to have me do it. I did originally say that im not really comfortable with that as im not ready to take one a big job like that. Warranty was paying out 22.5 hours to do it. Im 60 hours into it currently. I managed to get the tensioners replaced, but also had to drop the transmission due to an exhaust manifold stud (to the downpipe) snapping, so it turned into a huge project. Well, got it all back together, started up just fine. Drove about 5 miles, and engine light comes on. Plug in my scan tool, and a P0016 code pops, which is related to the camshaft correlation position sensor A bank 1. Checked all the connections for the sensors, as well as engine speed sensor, all was good. Turns out, the timing is off on bank 1, so now i have to tear it all apart again. My thing though, is that i have always wanted to be a tech, and i have loved every minute of it, but this S5 j9b is really overwhelming me to the point where i am having those dreaded “i dont think im cut out for this” feelingive tried telling them that its best to have someone else look at it, as ive had it for far to long, a d the customernis getting upset yhat its taking so long, and rightfully so, i cant blame them a single bit. Ive tried to tell them that im not comfortable messing with timing yet, but i keep getting pressured and then rushed on it. Im sure im not the only one who has been in this situatiin or a similar one. Im disappointed in myself for thinking that im not cut out for it, but lately, its been really hard to change my mindset. The jump to doing this entire work order, was HUGE. Looking for any advise to help me ease my mind about it. Im just in way over my head with this one.
You must log in or register to comment.
Hang in there! I was in your situation for years. It took me about 3 years to feel comfortable with big jobs. I figure if they truly cared about me getting it done they’d have fired me by now lol And eventually you’ll notice your improvement, but for now just do your best and try not to worry about it. Plenty of other jobs out there anyway.
First, you service manager never should have given you this job without some help. He’s a moron. You don’t take an inexperienced tech, hand them a huge job without backup and then wonder how it’s at 60-hours. If you want to stay in this business, you need to do two things: 1) learn how to say no to jobs you’re not trained on and 2) find a new place to work where the boss understands the concept of helping a tech become successful. A good boss pairs you with a more experienced tech to help you learn and become more productive.
Keep your head up, brother. I have had my fair share of overwhelmed feelings over my short technician career, but it gets better. Look at the job as a challenge. It seems overwhelming, but just take your time. It’s gonna feel like that the 1st few times you do any big jobs, but you’ll get more and more comfortable with them. As long as your service manager doesn’t care how long you hog up a stall and how much time it takes you. Use it as a learning experience and follow instructions to the absolute best of your ability