The ignition system consists of ignition coils, spark plug wires, spark plugs, pick-up coils, sensors, and control modules. Problems could cause misfires or no starts to occur.
Hydraulic brake system problems could be caused by hydraulic, or mechanical issues.
Hydraulic brake systems use the principles of hydraulics to amplify the driver's foot power to slow the vehicle. They use Department of Transportation (DOT) rated brake fluid.
To diagnose a cooling system you have to understand the basic cooling system components. The cooling system takes heat from one location, moves it to the radiator and gives the heat off to the air.
One way to diagnose problems with refrigerant levels in a car's AC system is to hook up gauges to the high and low lines, measure the pressure, and note the temperature. Keep in mind that the AC system sometimes has problems that have nothing to do with refrigerant.
Learn how to recover coolant from an AC system and recharge it, plus what's involved in replacing AC components: compressors, condensers, evaporators, accumulators, receiver driers, H-blocks, orifice tubes, and lines.
AC systems remove heat and moisture from a car's passenger compartment using refrigerants such as R134a in a closed system. The two kinds of AC systems in passenger cars use either a thermal expansion valve (TXV) or an orifice tube.
Cooling systems are one of the most important systems on the vehicle including; water pumps, thermostats radiators and hoses. Antifreeze testing and maintenance can extend the life of the vehicle.
Electrical switches and relays can control the power or ground to an electrical device. The switches can also be used to be input into a computer system. SPST, DPDT, and SPDT are types of switches.
VSS, WSS, CKT and CMP speed and position sensors are used by the ECM or other computers to keep track of the position and speed of the crankshaft and camshaft, and the speed of the vehicle and its wheels.
A malfunctioning sensor can cause performance problems, turn on the "Check Engine Light" and fail an emission test. Testing a sensor is usually done with a DVOM. Test the ECT, TPS and pressure sensors
Computer systems operate and monitor almost every system on our vehicles today. Sensors and switches are used for inputs to the computer. Output devices are solenoids, relays, lights, and injectors.
Incandescent bulbs are being replaced by light emitting diodes or LED's for longer life and much lower amperage draw. The lights are prone to wiring issues that could affect their operation .
The charging system consists of the alternator and the batteries. The alternator's task is to keep the batteries charged and produce enough amperage to run the vehicle.
The starter uses the battery and battery cables to provide the power to crank over the engine. The starting system can be tested to find a slow-crank or no-crank problem.
Batteries are the heart of the electrical system on cars, trucks and boats. The battery is a storage unit that converts chemical energy into electrical voltage. Problems can effect the entire vehicle.
Using a DVOM is an important tool to diagnose vehicle components, including batteries, starters, alternators, computer sensors and actuators, injectors, lighting and accessories like ABS and AC systems.
Basic electrical knowledge applies to so many vehical components: batteries, starters, alternators, lighting, sensors, actuators, AC systems, electric windows, and computer systems.