Summary
Due to the variety of internet browsers that our customers use, we always test how Direct-Hit functions on each one to ensure the best possible performance. Since Direct-Hit may not always function consistently across all browsers, we sometimes perform maintenance to fix issues that are related to a specific operating system. Our most recent browser fixes are listed below along with other improvements we made, including updates to our new estimating tool, Direct Quote.
• Modifications for Internet Explorer users DETAILS >
- When using IE10, the background goes black when performing a search in Direct-Hit. We changed this so that the background is now grey and no longer appears as if there could be a problem with the system.
- After attempting to close a PDF document viewed in IE10, the image remained in the background without fully closing. We modified the properties of the PDF document so it will close completely after you are done viewing the document.
- When using IE9 or IE10, the print icon button would not work properly in the print preview of a Factory Scheduled Maintenance Customer or Technician plan. Specifically, there were times when the print screen either would not appear, or would take a long time to load. We fixed this so you can now print Maintenance plans from within print preview.
• Modifications for Google Chrome users DETAILS >
When viewing a PDF document using Google Chrome, two scroll bars appeared when only one was necessary. We removed the additional scroll bar from within the PDF view to avoid any confusion.
• Fax Request Form link DETAILS >
You may occasionally see a document link in Direct-Hit that returns the message “Sorry, there are no matching documents in our database.” We have modified that message to provide a link to our Fax Request Form. Use this form to request the information you need – foreign or domestic – and we’ll fax it to you at no charge.

• Document printing enhancement DETAILS >
When viewing and printing some documents, images on the right side of the document would sometimes be cut off. We fixed this so all images now appear on a single page and view.
• Expanded text editing for labor descriptions in Direct Quote DETAILS >
Labor descriptions may now be edited in an expanded text window in addition to being edited in-line.


• Parts & Labor popup resizing in Direct Quote DETAILS >
The Parts & Labor popup window was difficult to reposition and resize, and could become “stuck” if it was dragged outside of the Quote window. It is now easy to move the popup and resize it, if necessary, within the Quote window.
Tags: Direct Quote, Direct-Hit, Parts & Labor
Posted in
Updates
Summary
Direct Quote, the best tool for fast and reliable estimating, is now available in Direct-Hit! Not all estimating tools are created equal. So be sure to check out how Direct Quote can boost your productivity, or give us a call for a personal online tour. We’ve also added genuine Kia service & repair information, new videos, and made other enhancements to help you save time on the job.
Click on each item below for more details. For complete Kia coverage information, visit our OEM Coverage page.
• Direct Quote estimating tool DETAILS >
Identifix has added a new estimating feature to Direct-Hit, at no extra cost, making it a more valuable tool for your shop. Direct Quote provides quick and easy access to the most current and reliable estimating information from MOTOR, helping you to be even more productive.
With Direct Quote you can create multiple jobs within a quote and modify each job separately with menu-based pricing. Auto-suggestion as you type takes the guess work out of parts and labor item selection. You can even build and save templates for shop specials or commonly performed jobs with automatic synchronization with your current vehicle.
Click here for more details!

• NEW How-To Videos DETAILS >
Our new library of How-To Videos contains 13 short clips that show step-by-step navigation of Direct-Hit’s most valuable features. You can view our How-To Videos page by clicking the image below or by visiting the ‘Test Drive’ or ‘Contact’ pages on identifix.com.

• Customer data synchronization DETAILS >
Now you can enter customer data in one area of Direct-Hit and have it update other areas automatically! Specifically, customer information entered in the ‘My Shop’ tab, Factory Scheduled Maintenance fields, or Direct Quote instantly synchronizes with all areas in Direct-Hit so you don’t have to repeat the process.

Tags: Direct Quote, Direct-Hit, Estimating, How-To Videos, Kia, MOTOR Parts & Labor, OEM
Posted in
Updates
Summary
As you probably noticed, we’ve completely redesigned the identifix.com website so our prospects and customers can learn more about what Identifix offers shops through updated content, videos and more. Once you log in to Direct-Hit, you’ll see that we’ve made a few small adjustments that will make a big difference in your productivity.
Click on each item below for more details.
• Identifix.com redesign DETAILS >
If all you do on identifix.com is log in to Direct-Hit, you could be missing out on all the productivity-boosting features that Identifix has to offer. Check out the videos on how to sell routine maintenance and the benefits of using our Repair Hotline, among other new information on everything that you get with Direct-Hit. Then keep your eye on the identifix.com home page for special announcements, highlighted features and our fix of the week!
• PDF document page fix DETAILS >
When viewing specific R&R procedures documents, the link to the PDF document was not always opening to the correct page. Modifications have been made to fix the issue.
• MOTOR Parts & Labor link visibility DETAILS >
When accessing MOTOR Parts & Labor information from the Estimating tab, there were occasions when the links would not appear unless you hovered over them with your mouse. We corrected the issue so the links are always shown.


• New full screen document viewing DETAILS >
We are continually working on enhancing the customer experience when viewing documents. We previously released the Document Resize feature, which allows users to click and drag the document viewer to make it larger or smaller (see November 20, 2012 post for details). Our new Full Screen feature allows users to expand the document to the full height of their browser with a single click.


Tags: Direct-Hit, Identifix.com, MOTOR Parts & Labor
Posted in
Updates
Summary
The most significant update we’ve made to Direct-Hit is the addition of genuine OEM service & repair information for Volkswagen, Audi and Hyundai. For details on model year coverage, we’ve also created a new OEM Coverage section on our Latest Updates page so you always know what manufacturer information is available in Direct-Hit. And we didn’t stop there! Click on each item below for more details on other enhancements we’ve made to Direct-Hit.
• Enhanced keyword search provides alternative suggestions DETAILS >
Nothing is more frustrating than having your keyword search come up empty. Direct-Hit’s search technology has been enhanced to give you results every time, so you get the accurate information you need more often. Now if your search terms don’t yield the proper results, we provide alternative suggestions with links you can click instead of having to type the new term into the search box. This also applies to searches that only return OEM service manual documents.


• New PNG+ images provide a higher quality and more interactive image than SVGs DETAILS >
Direct-Hit’s new PNG+ documents provide a higher quality, more standardized image of SVG documents that are compatible with all internet browsers. PNG+ documents mirror the interactivity of an SVG, making sure all active links within service manual documents are preserved. This added functionality allows you to navigate through PNG+ documents and drill down for more information if you need it.

• Auto-scrolling extends viewable area of documents for resizing DETAILS >
We recently introduced our Document Resize feature which allows you to click and drag the border of a document to resize the viewable area. Now when your cursor reaches the bottom of your browser window, the document viewer will automatically scroll down to capture the additional content so you can resize the entire document.

• Modified layout of Component Location Index documents DETAILS >
For some vehicles, there was a blank white space on the Component Location Index document. We identified the problem and fixed the issue.

• SVG/PNG functionality fix DETAILS >
In the past, when switching between SVG and PNG image types in wiring diagrams, the next document you chose did not retain your SVG/PNG selection. We fixed this so your SVG or PNG selection will now be maintained throughout the remainder of your documents.
• Visible dividing lines between diagnostic steps DETAILS >
Some OEM documents that show dividing lines to separate different diagnostic steps were not displaying those lines in the print preview or the printed documents. This made the documents difficult to read. We fixed the issue so each step is now clearly distinguished from the others, and the document is easy to follow.

Tags: Direct-Hit, OEM, Supercharged Search
Posted in
Updates
Summary
We’ve improved how you access information in Direct-Hit on both your PC and iPhone. We also updated our compatibility with Windows 8 and Internet Explorer 10.
Click on each item below for more details.
• New service and repair document resizing functionality DETAILS >
After introducing our OEM Direct feature, many customers were unhappy about the document viewing area being too small. We fixed this with our new Document Resize feature which allows you to click and drag the border of a document to resize the viewable area. Now you have the flexibility to make the area as large or small as you prefer.

• Improved information viewing on the iPhone DETAILS >
When accessing Direct-Hit on an iPhone, an increase in font size affected how the page appeared on the screen. We fixed this defect so the page now fills the entire width of the iPhone screen.

• Faster page loading for vehicle searches and Factory Scheduled Maintenance plans DETAILS >
Some of our customers were seeing a partially blank screen after selecting a vehicle due to slow page loading that could take over a minute in some cases. Specifically, they would see the top navigation bar and the vehicle description, but nothing below that. This issue also occurred when running Factory Scheduled Maintenance plans. The problem is now fixed so you can access the information you need faster without the frustration of slow page load times.
• Announcement regarding the Adobe SVG Viewer DETAILS >
Adobe stopped development and support for their SVG Viewer in January 2009. However they included the link to download the SVG Viewer on their website. Recently, Adobe removed the download link for the SVG Viewer from their site, so we updated the “What’s this” link to go to an active download on cnet.com.

• Direct-Hit now supports Windows 8 and Internet Explorer 10 operating systems
Tags: Applie iOS, Direct-Hit, Factory Scheduled Maintenance, IE 10, OEM, Windows 8
Posted in
Updates
Summary
We’ve made numerous improvements to the following areas: license plate search in Factory Scheduled Maintenance, printing MOTOR Abbreviations Definitions, and displaying both pdf documents and Hotline Archive related documents. We’ve also enhanced the zoom controls in documents in addition to simplifying the process of submitting Repair Hotline follow-up requests.
Click on each item below for more details.
• License plate search in Factory Scheduled Maintenance DETAILS >
Within Factory Scheduled Maintenance, you can enter license plate information containing spaces. In the past, using the “Search for Previous Vehicle” feature to find a license plate with spaces returned an error message. We’ve updated the system so that you can search using spaces in the license plate.

• Printing MOTOR Abbreviations Definitions DETAILS >
MOTOR Abbreviations Definitions now load more quickly to help you view and print the information you need faster.

• Displaying pdf documents DETAILS >
In the past, when displaying a pdf document in-line with the Hotline Archives, it would only display at 33% of the available viewable area. We’ve fixed this so the document now displays correctly at 100% of the viewable area.
• Displaying multiple related documents in the Hotline Archives DETAILS >
When a Hotline Archive had multiple Related Documents associated with it, you would receive an error message when trying to open a document. We’ve fixed the issue so that each document loads and displays correctly.

• Enhanced zoom controls DETAILS >
Our customers told us that the zoom controls at the top of documents were not visible enough. We responded by enhancing the zoom controls by making them more visible and adding a message when hovering over the zoom feature to draw more attention to it.

• New “Has Hotline Reference” icon and link to submit a follow-up call DETAILS >
You will see a red telephone icon next to any vehicle in your “Recent Vehicle” and “Previous Vehicle” search lists indicating that you placed a hotline call on the vehicle. If you need to submit a follow-up call, simply use the “Submit Follow-up Call” link next to the icon.

• Reminder alert to prevent duplicate hotline request submissions DETAILS >
If you begin creating a NEW hotline request on a vehicle associated with a previous hotline request made within the past 90 days, you will see a pop-up message asking if you would like to continue with the new request, or if you need to submit a follow-up request on an existing issue. This is just a friendly reminder to make sure that all your hotline requests are connected to the correct vehicle issue and Identifix Carline Specialist.

Tags: Direct-Hit, Factory Scheduled Maintenance, Hotline Archives, MOTOR Abbreviations
Posted in
Updates
Summary
We have made it easier for our Canadian customers to identify engine packages that pertain to Canadian vehicles. We have also fixed an issue that was causing our customers’ Direct-Hit sessions to terminate when opening Identifix Articles within the “Diagnostic Codes” section of a Hotline Archive.
Click on the item below for more details.
• Country label on engine packages DETAILS >
We added a country label to the engine selections when creating a vehicle so you can see if an engine package applies to U.S. vehicles, Canadian vehicles, or both.

Tags: Canadian Customers, Diagnostic Codes, Direct-Hit, Hotline Archives
Posted in
Updates
Summary
We’ve made two modifications to the Hotline Archives: “Back to Top” links that allow you to navigate to the top of the page, and an option to print your archive without comments. We’ve also made it easier for you to tell us what fixed a vehicle.
Click on each item below for more details.
• “Back to Top” links in Hotline Archives DETAILS >
Now you can quickly navigate back to the top of the page in your Search Results and Hotline Archives with our new “Back to Top” button.

• Printing Hotline Archives without comments DETAILS >
The “Print Preview” and “Print” buttons in the Hotline Archives now default to printing without customer comments. If you wish to include customer comments when printing your archive, simply select the “with comments” dropdown on either button.

• New “What Fixed It” link DETAILS >
You rely on the confirmed fix information in Direct-Hit to help you get the job done right the first time, in less time. We rely on you, our customers, to tell us “what fixed it” so we can continuously update Direct-Hit with more reliable information. We’ve made it easier for you to provide feedback with our “What Fixed It” link to the right of your “Recent Vehicle” and “Previous Vehicle” vehicle search lists.

Tags: Back to Top, Hotline Archives, Repair Hotline
Posted in
Updates
Summary
We’ve made two improvements to printing information in Direct-Hit: a “Print All” feature in the bookmarks tab, and the elimination of a page break in the middle of a printed document image. There are also two enhancements to our Factory Scheduled Maintenance section on the Vehicle Home Page: the ability to select “Distance/Time” schedules (if they exist), and a link to maintenance reminder reset procedures (if they exist).
Click on each item below for more details.
• “Print All” feature in the “Bookmarks” tab DETAILS >
To print all your bookmarked documents in the past, you had to open each bookmarked item and print them individually. We made it easier with a new “Print All” button above the Search Results section of the “Bookmarks” tab so you can print all your bookmarked documents at once.

• Improved document image printing DETAILS >
For easier viewing, OEM document images are now printed in their entirety on one page without being cut off at a page break. If an image is too large to fit at the bottom of one page, it will print at the top of the next page.
• “Distance/Time” schedule selection in Factory Scheduled Maintenance DETAILS >
In the past, you had to select a Customer or Technician plan, then click the “Change Plan” button to see if there were available “Distance/Time” schedules for a vehicle. Now a link to “Distance/Time” schedules (if they exist) is clearly displayed on the Factory Scheduled Maintenance section of the vehicle home page reducing the number of steps it takes to access the information.

• Maintenance reminder reset procedures in Factory Scheduled Maintenance DETAILS >
Maintenance reminder reset procedures used to be associated with dashboard schedules. However when dashboard schedules didn’t exist, you couldn’t access the reset procedures. Now a link to maintenance reminder reset procedures (if they exist) is clearly displayed on the Factory Scheduled Maintenance section of the vehicle home page so they’re always at your fingertips.

Tags: Distance/Time Schedules, Factory Scheduled Maintenance, Maintenance Reset Procedures, Print All
Posted in
Updates
Summary
We’ve made two improvements to the Hotline Archives: archives with opened documents now print more clearly, and the addition of Identifix Articles to the “Diagnostic Codes” section of the archives when available. Direct-Hit is also compatible with Android™ mobile devices. Last, we’ve added a “Dodge Truck (Ram)” option to our vehicle make dropdown since Dodge now markets their trucks under the “Ram” name.
Click on each item below for more details.
• Hotline Archive printing improvements DETAILS >
When printing a Hotline Archive when you have documents opened in-line with the archive, the archive information will print first followed by the documents for easy viewing.
• Identifix Articles included in the “Diagnostic Codes” Hotline Archive section DETAILS >
Our Carline Specialists have written hundreds of articles to help you on all kinds of vehicle issues. To supplement the “Diagnostic Codes” section of the Hotline Archives, we’ve included any articles that we have on the codes (if available) to provide you with additional insight from our own ASE Masters. Just click on the “+” next to the appropriate code to see if we’ve written any articles about it.

• Direct-Hit compatibility with Android™ mobile devices DETAILS >
Direct-Hit is now compatible with Android™ mobile devices so you can access Direct-Hit right at the vehicle. Please review the information below for more details.
- You may view Direct-Hit on Android™ mobile devices (phones and tablets) using their default web browser (which is simply called “Browser”). Within the Android™ Marketplace you can download other browsers such as Firefox, Opera and Dolphin, however we do not officially support anything other than Android™’s Browser.
- The Android™ “Browser” does not support viewing a PDF in-line, in other words within an expanded list of items. Here you will see a message saying “Sorry, Android™ devices do not support displaying PDFs within a browser.” Identifix cannot address this limitation until the Android™ Browser adds this functionality.
- To print, you must download Android™’s printing app (available in the Android™ Marketplace) that allows you to print over wifi. There is additional set-up required through your Android™ device that defaults the printing app as the printing service on your device.
• “Dodge Truck (Ram)” option added to vehicle make dropdown DETAILS >
In 2011, Dodge changed the branding of their trucks to “Ram Trucks,” no longer manufacturing trucks under the “Dodge” brand name. As a result, some Direct-Hit customers have had trouble finding Ram truck information. To make it easier, we added the “Dodge Truck (Ram)” option in the vehicle make dropdown in the “Create a New Vehicle” section.

Tags: Diagnostic Codes, Dodge Truck (Ram), Hotline Archives
Posted in
Updates