Turning Wrenches and Diagnosing Systems
From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by how things work, especially when it comes to vehicles. Over the years, this passion evolved into a lifelong hobby of tinkering with mechanics, undertaking DIY projects, and performing routine maintenance on my automobiles. The lessons I’ve learned in my garage often inspire the way I approach challenges in my day job, and vice versa. Whether diagnosing a mechanical fault or helping my teams troubleshoot a complex cloud deployment issue, I’ve found that treating symptoms without identifying the true underlying problem rarely works. Instead, taking the time to uncover and address the root cause not only solves the immediate issue but also prevents it from recurring. I’ve observed that people are keen to jump on fixing “something” instead of taking a step back and asking why, perhaps because they feel that it is a waste of time which they could spend on fixing something. Many years ago, I used to be like this too.
In my experience, the value of proper Root Cause Analysis (RCA) becomes most evident when things go wrong, whether in the garage, the workplace or any other instance in your life. One of the key principles I follow is to avoid rushing into solutions without a thorough understanding of the problem. This approach has saved me from unnecessary repairs and expenses with my vehicles and has helped my teams resolve intricate problems in the cloud environment. A thorough RCA requires persistence, skepticism, and a willingness to dig deeper than surface-level symptoms. It is this mindset that has driven me to question initial diagnoses, challenge assumptions, and ultimately find solutions that are both effective and lasting.
The misdiagnosed check engine warning
One memorable example of the importance of RCA occurred when my vehicle developed a starter motor issue. After getting the motor repaired, I noticed new problems emerging — the engine didn’t sound as smooth as it used to, there was an occasional diesel injector noise, and the check engine light came on. Armed with my old and trusty ELM 327 adapter and the Torque OBD2 Android app, I scanned for error codes, which pointed to issues related to the suction control valve (SCV) which controls the diesel injector pump. Clearing the codes were a temporary solution, but the problem resurfaced, and the vehicle eventually went into limp mode. I had a gut feeling that the issue wasn’t as straightforward or serious as the SCV failing because it started showing up only after the starter repair, hence during the removal and refitting, some wiring may have got damaged or dislodged. Despite the garage diagnosing and confirming a faulty SCV in addition to a failed auto gear inhibitor switch which was not connected at all to the error codes, I insisted they dig deeper into the electrical wiring and sockets. My hunch proved correct — after further inspection, they found a loose socket causing the errors. Addressing it resolved the problem entirely, saving me from a costly and unnecessary repair.
The mysterious oil leak
Another instance where RCA played a pivotal role was when I faced a mysterious and persistent oil leak in my vehicle. The oil drip on my garage floor wasn’t just a nuisance — it posed a serious concern because I frequently drive long distances late at night. A leaking engine could potentially leave me stranded on the road during those late hours, far from help. So, I took it to a mechanic. Instead of properly diagnosing the issue, they prematurely replaced the rocker cover seal and valve seals, which came at a relatively high price. However, the problem remained unresolved. The garage then suggested that the power steering oil rack seals might be leaking or, even worse, that the engine was burning oil due to wear! Unconvinced, I insisted they not make any further repairs until they could definitively pinpoint the root cause. Consulting another mechanic, he speculated that the leak was due to a faulty gasket in the oil cooler, but again, he couldn’t provide clear evidence. I remained persistent and asked them to inspect the source of the leak with a flashlight. After careful inspection, they discovered that the leak was coming from loose tubes feeding the power steering rack and the oil cooler. Tightening these tubes resolved the problem, saving me from unnecessary repairs and a significant expense.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned several valuable lessons that apply not only to vehicle repairs but to life and work in general. First and foremost, always dig deeper than the surface-level symptoms. Relying on quick fixes or initial diagnoses can lead to unnecessary costs and missed opportunities for more effective solutions. Secondly, persistence and skepticism are critical — just because an expert or a diagnostic tool suggests one path doesn’t mean it’s the right one. It’s important to trust your instincts and be willing to challenge assumptions. Thirdly, proper RCA is a time investment that pays off in the long run. Taking the extra time to thoroughly understand a problem can save far more time, money, and frustration than rushing to a solution. Finally, RCA isn’t just about solving one problem — it’s about building the mindset of continuous improvement. Whether fixing a mechanical issue or addressing complex cloud incidents, the goal is always the same: to fix the root causes and prevent the problem from recurring instead of masking the symptoms or worst, “fix” something unrelated.
In conclusion, whether it’s a leaking engine or a cloud service incident, the principles of Root Cause Analysis remain the same: take the time to understand the true source of the problem, and the solution will follow. By applying this approach, I’ve saved myself from unnecessary repairs, avoided costly mistakes, and gained a deeper appreciation for the power of thorough analysis. RCA isn’t just a technical tool — it’s a mindset that, when embraced, can lead to more efficient problem-solving and ultimately prevent recurring issues. As both a mechanic in my garage and a team lead in my professional role, I know that the key to lasting solutions lies not in quick fixes, but in solving the root causes once and for all.
