My story

Steve Lynes: Owner, Dependable Automotive Diagnostics

Career

Steve Lynes has worked in the auto industry full time since 1984, including owning and operating his own garage, Lynes Park 66, from 1987 to 1994. The shop built a reputation in the community by outperforming other shops in areas like carb overhauls and diagnostic services. During this time, Steve primarily focused on learning drivability, and automotive electronics troubleshooting skills.

In the early ’90s, Steve shifted his concentration after realizing that tooling (lab scopes and scan tools) are key to acquiring vehicle information to make accurate diagnostic decisions.

Since then, he has retained a strong focus on engine performance and drivetrain diagnostics, with a focus on auto electronics. He enjoys helping others with diagnostics using scan tools, lab scopes, and volt/Amp meters to figure out the problem and overcome repair challenges.

His expertise in automotives originated from hobbies such as drag racing and later, stock car racing.

Personal Goals and information

Although his career has a strong automotive concentration, his personal goal and focus is on the advancement of the Kingdom of God and operating under Christian ethics, with the perpetual ambition of bringing a Christ-like demeanor into the auto repair industry.

When not at work, Steve enjoys riding his Harley Davidson Heritage Softail or 69SS Camaro, staying in shape through outdoor activities, reading the Bible, and spending time with his family — preferably at the cabin up north with a fishing pole and some good tunes.

About The Mobile Diagnostics Group

With a new outlook on the automotive industry, 30 technicians across the country have come together to form The Mobile Diagnostics Group.

As the automotive industry becomes increasingly technological, this association operates under their belief in a necessity for specialization.

For every aftermarket repair shop, body shop, it isn’t economical to buy all of the necessary pieces of equipment to service all of today’s vehicles. However, for a specific business that specializes in automotive engine performance, drive train diagnosis, automotive electronics, and module reprogramming, acquiring and maintaining tooling is justified.

The MDG is there for members to help each other through some of the most difficult and perplexing problems, not only relating to autos, but also to running mobile diagnostics businesses.

Certifications

  • ASE certified Master Technician, with L1 advanced level diagnostic certification
  • Senior Mobile Diagnostic Group member, and former board member
  • iATN Member

Experience

  • Bauer’s Glen Lake Spur, Minnetonka, MN 1994-1995
  • Fixt Rite Auto Repair, Minneapolis, MN 1995-1997
  • PACT (Professional Automotive Career Training), Cleveland OH, with most classes held in the uipper Midwest. 1997-1998
  • Leighton’s Garage, Eden Prairie MN, 1998-1999
  • UNDERCAR Services, Edina, MN 1999-2007
  • CTI, Carquest Technical Institute, part time trainer, Twin Cities area, 2005-2006
  • Dependable Automotive Diagnostics “DAD” Twin Cities of MN 2007 – present