Diyala initiative trains mechanics to diagnose faults in modern cars

BAQUBA — A training initiative in Diyala governorate is teaching young people to diagnose vehicle faults using electronic control unit systems and advanced diagnostic equipment, with organizers saying the courses are designed to prepare participants for the automotive job market.

Shireen Saadoun, project manager at al-Rawafid Company, told 964media the courses “qualify young people for the labor market.” Participants also share lessons and technical knowledge through TikTok, with training focused on Iranian and Chinese vehicles as well as advanced systems including blind-spot monitoring and smart steering. The program features collaboration with well-known Iraqi automotive figures, including Fadi Koka, known as the “car doctor,” Mousa al-Suwaidi and Abu Saif, owner of Iraq Diag.

Automotive programming specialist Muntasir Yas said a central component of the course is training on the G Scan-3, a Korean diagnostic device approved by Hyundai and Kia and capable of diagnosing Asian, European, American, Iranian and Chinese vehicles. The device covers engine, body, airbag and security systems. Trainees also learn wiring diagram analysis, which teaches them to work with vehicle wiring systems to locate parts requiring repair.

Yas said the G Scan-3 comes bundled with access to ALLDATA, a database of original equipment repair information, provided free to trainees with a 2014 update, with newer data available for purchase online. Trainees additionally cover radar systems, smart steering, blind-spot monitoring and detailed diagnostics of engine, transmission and sensor systems.

Yas described electronic control unit programming as “the most important stage in this specialization,” and stressed the importance of ruling out electrical faults before pursuing mechanical ones. “Each fault has its own symptoms and most of them are mechanical faults that do not cause the Check Engine light to illuminate on the dashboard,” he said, “so it is necessary first to ensure there is no electrical fault using the diagnostic device before searching for the mechanical fault.”