Technicians debate using the min/max function of a digital voltmeter to test the battery and charging system on a customer’s vehicle to determine if the alternator has failed. Who is correct?
Auto repair pros probably know the expression “buy once, cry once,” and for some tools, techs should buy the best they can afford. In other cases, cheap and basic versions will be just fine. So which tools are worthy of serious investment? Nick, Miriam, and Greaser discuss the best ways to spend your hard-earned money on tools and equipment.
Technician A completed a compression test, noting high readings suggest an exhaust restriction, while Technician B says the test checks volumetric efficiency.
Many high-end scan tools come with a capable digital storage oscilloscope. Time to put that tool to work.
Technician A and Technician B are discussing ways to use fuel trim as a troubleshooting aid. Technician A says that fuel trims that are correcting for a lean condition at high RPM and load conditions indicates a problem in fuel delivery. Technician B says that this condition is caused by a vacuum leak.
Technician A is diagnosing a misfire. He states that a misfire is caused by a fault in the ignition system and that new plugs and coils will repair the problem. Technician B says that a misfire is detected when the ECM detects a variation in crankshaft speed.
Diagnosing the cause of a battery drain can be a challenge today.
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