Episode 96

full
Published on:

16th Aug 2023

Unintended Consequences: The Impact of Over Reliance on Databases and AI [E096]

Matt Fanslow discusses his concerns about relying too heavily on databases and artificial intelligence in automotive diagnostics. He emphasizes the potential long-term repercussions of this reliance on critical thinking skills and reasoning. He also brings up the issue of flat rate pay and how it can affect diagnostic work. He also mentions the challenges when a database lacks information on newer cars or technologies. This episode is a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balance between utilizing technology and preserving our critical thinking skills in the automotive industry.

  • The dangers of relying on databases and artificial intelligence (00:00:12) Matt discusses his concerns about relying too heavily on databases and artificial intelligence in automotive diagnostics and the potential long-term repercussions of this reliance on critical thinking skills and reasoning.
  • Issues with flat rate pay and diagnostic work (00:01:22) Matt talks about the flaws of flat rate pay and how it can affect diagnostic work.
  • The example of misdiagnosing a Chrysler vehicle issue (00:05:19) Matt gives an example of a Chrysler vehicle issue, highlighting the importance of developing diagnostic skills instead of solely relying on databases.
  • The Potential Repercussions of Database Reliance (00:09:54) The potential long-term repercussions of relying on databases and not developing diagnostic skills.
  • The Limitations of Databases and Artificial Intelligence (00:10:54) The limitations of databases and artificial intelligence, using the analogy of people getting lost without GPS.
  • The importance of balancing short-term gains and long-term losses (00:20:17) Matt emphasizes the need to consider the long-term consequences of relying on databases and technology and suggests taking short-term hits for long-term wins.

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA AUTOTECH napaautotech.com

Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HERE

Aftermarket Radio Network

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Automotive Field Theory

About the Podcast

Automotive Field Theory
From Automotive Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health
Automotive Field Theory explores the forces that shape automotive repair, including the ones measured with a meter or oscilloscope and the ones that cannot be found on a wiring diagram.

Hosted by automotive diagnostic specialist, shop manager, and instructor Matt Fanslow, the podcast begins in the automotive aftermarket but rarely stays inside its traditional boundaries. Diagnostics, electricity, technology, leadership, psychology, economics, game theory, history, music, movies, family, and human behavior may appear unrelated. Look closely enough, however, and connections begin to emerge.

A vehicle may arrive with a technical fault, but the work surrounding it is rarely technical alone.

Information is incomplete.

People make decisions under pressure and uncertainty. Incentives shape behavior. Standards gradually drift. Good intentions produce unexpected results. The official process may say one thing while the system quietly rewards another.

Automotive Field Theory is an attempt to understand those interactions.

Drawing from real diagnostic work, shop management, industry conversations, personal experience, and an occasionally inconvenient level of curiosity, Matt examines not only how things work, but why they work that way, how they became what they are, and what apparently unrelated subjects might teach us about repairing vehicles, leading people, running businesses, and improving the automotive industry.

Some episodes begin with a failed component. Others begin with Metallica, quantum physics, professional wrestling, a historical disaster, a round of golf, or a question that refuses to leave Matt alone.

Eventually, they all enter the same field.