Each problem vehicle presents a unique set of conditions that must be analysed and understood before a successful diagnosis and repair can be achieved.
In “A Streamlined Approach to Diagnostic Dilemmas,” Brandon Steckler explains how technicians can combine an understanding of the physics common to all vehicle systems, basic testing techniques, available service information and modern diagnostic tooling to solve seemingly difficult dilemmas, with ease and efficiency, regardless of vehicle type.
The manual begins with an overview of the fundamental knowledge that is the basis for all troubleshooting and concludes with a series of case studies to illustrate his problem-solving approach.
The coil bound 8-1/2" x 11" manual includes 91 full-colour pages.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
The 85% versus the 15%
Master the Basics
The ‘three-legged stool’ approach
PARASITIC DRAIN
The logic behind parasitic drain testing
Principles of Lenz’s Law
Step #1: Establish a generalized approach
Step #2: Investing justified time
Step #3: Asking “Why?”
Step #4: Committed to pinpointed, further investigation/testing:
Color coding wiring diagrams
Scope sample rate
Processing the results of the test
The final approach
Reflection
Wasting time can be beneficial
POOR PERFORMANCE/BACKFIRING
“Combustion, through the eyes of an ignition scope”- Mac Vandenbrink
Anatomy of the ignition waveform
Low-hanging fruit
Flushing the fault to the surface
The snap-throttle test
Results of the snap-test
What we know so far
What we know so far
Repeat the same tests
The Final Test
Putting the puzzle pieces together
P0303- MISFIRING, OR NOT?
Preliminary investigation
The combustion process
Things to know about chemistry and the combustion process
Baselining your gas analyser
According to the results of the gas analysis:
What we know so far
Becoming familiar with the 15%
Wiring diagram analysis
The game plan
What we know so far
REPEATED IGNITION COIL FAILURE
What we know so far
Colour coding wiring diagrams
What we know so far
The game plan
What we know so far
CAT Failure…AGAIN!
The results of the fuel induction service
A second cry for help
Stop the music
Possible causes of the P0420 and P0430
Preliminary inspections
A change, but is it fixed?
Dynamic catalyst performance evaluation
Steady-state catalytic converter functionality
What we know so far
Time for a conference
A fresh perspective
What we know so far
…Just the facts, please
The final diagnosis