Seven Whys

❓ Ask “why” seven times to get to the root of an issue

March 02, 2023

Sometimes five “whys” are enough … Problem: The vehicle will not start.

  1. Why? – The battery is dead

  2. Why? – The alternator is not functioning

  3. Why? – The alternator belt has broken

  4. Why? – The alternator belt was well beyond its useful service life and not replaced

  5. Why? – The vehicle was not maintained according to the recommended service schedule. (Fifth why, a root cause)

This method was developed by Sakichi Toyoda, founder of Japan‘s largest automaker