Nag1 Trans on 3.7L is leaky

[Matt]

Good stuff.

You planning on starting a career as a tech? Or do you just want to get ASE certs to learn? (FYI, you learn a lot more just by working)

[CmmdrDan]

Looking to start something. I have experiance with small engines and Ive always been good with my hands. (shut it sal) So I figured it would be a good idea to try it out. If it isnt what I think it is I will still have that knowledge to save myself money.

[Matt]

For the entry level ASE's, best thing to do is to start working in the shop. Get some hands-on experience with different vehicles brakes and suspension systems (most popular ASE tests).

Not sure what your work status and stuff is. But even if you just start out as an oil change tech and cleaning the floors, and shadowing some of the more experienced techs... you'll move up the chain in no time by being respectful and ready to learn.

If you go and get your ASE's and then walk into a shop with practically no real hands on experience (working on our own vehicles doesn't really count, shop environments are completely different), you're not going to get very far. I've trained my fair share of techs... the ones who make it are the ones who aren't "too good to sweep the floors or stack tires". That's also how I started. Even though I grew up building cars/trucks/etc and was in my neighbors auto shop every weekend, when i was old enough to work i started out as an oil change tech. When I wasn't busy I would hang with the top techs and give them a hand, ask questions, etc. I would also help them solve issues they didn't understand (thats the engineer part of me).

[CmmdrDan]

Good points. My biggest problem is there are only really quick lube places around..I am a great hands on learner. I usually only have to be showed something once, maybe twice to understand how to do it. Actually this is my biggest problem, I make 12 bucks an hour now and I can't really go lower than that. Starting at a new place as the low man will most likely only net me 10 an hour. Blows.

[Matt]

Yup, that's the hard part about it. You'll have to decide for yourself what's better long term. How much room for growth is there in your current job compared to moving up the chain and being a tech in a shop or a dealership. Tech's, primarily good ones, can make a lot of money. Just some things to think about.

How old are you?

[CmmdrDan]

Ill be 22 at the end of the month..hmm

[Matt]

And what do you currently do? Is there a lot of room for growth?

[CmmdrDan]

I'm gonna have to go with no..but I'm not exactly sure just started here a littke over a month ago. Its a hvac supply warehouse. I run the warehouse and delivers pretty much.

[Matt]

Ah.... yeah, being 22 i'd say its about time to try and get into a more long term "trade" if you can.

Honestly, as long as you put forth a good effort, it won't be long until you're making much more than $12/hr as a tech. Most shops/dealerships have programs where they send you for ASE training as well.