Your multimeter is a versatile tool. But for certain diagnostics, you need an oscilloscope to get a closer look at a vehicle’s electrical systems.
What an oscilloscope shows that your DVOM can’t (VIDEO)
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How to use a lockout kit (VIDEO)
If you work on cars for a living or you’re a diehard gearhead, odds are excellent that people look to you when some basic automotive snafus need to be handled. I’m sure those who know you have asked you to help with the following items: Reviewing an estimate Jumping a...
When NOT selling helps business
When I was a wee sprat in my first automotive job selling service, I was beleaguered by a tech in the shop who wrote thorough, lengthy estimates. He would occasionally blow up at me for not selling enough, going so far once as to accuse me of not even trying to sell...
How to choose a memory saver tool for cars and trucks
As vehicle electronics become increasingly complex, the humble memory saver tool has gone from a convenience to an absolute necessity for maintaining power to vehicle systems while the battery is disconnected. Memory saver tools have changed over the years, too, and...
Fuel pump designs are changing. Do you know what kind of fuel pump you’re troubleshooting?
Whether you used a fuel pressure gauge or relied on the Fuel Rail Pressure PID on your scan tool, a reading of zero when testing fuel pressure is a bad thing. What are your next steps? Do you jump the relay to see if the pressure builds? Do you use an amp probe and a...
Battery date codes are painfully unstandardized and you’re better off without them
While diagnosing an electrical issue last week, I suspected that the battery was tired. The terminals were banged up, the case was covered in grime, and the manufacturer’s decal was peeling and faded. It barely passed a quick health check, so I started looking for a...