Scott Gonzo Weaver, Author at TechShop Magazine - Page 2 of 7
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Active Wheel Speed Sensor Diagnostics

There are two “types” of sensors generally found on the modern car – the passive speed sensor and the active speed sensor. They both perform the same function, but work entirely different. The passive speed sensor uses a magnet with fine copper wire wrapped around it to create its own alternating magnetic field. The polarity changes from positive to negative as the tone ring passes by the magnetic field. This frequency changes with wheel speed.

Diagnosing Passive Wheel Speed Sensors

The passive wheel speed sensor has been around a long time. It works quite differently than the active speed sensors that are found on most cars today. The passive speed sensor creates its own AC signal that changes frequency with wheel speed. This signal is only present while the wheel is turning at a rate fast enough to create the AC signal.

Interrogations Should Revolve Around Vehicle Problems, Not The Ability Of The Technician To Solve Them

Occasionally, I’ll have a new customer approach the service counter not just to have their car repaired, but also to interrogate every part of my process in finding the solution. More often than not, these customers are referrals from another repair shop or previous customer. I seldom get interrogated by someone who has seen an advertisement or drove by the shop and stopped in for repair.

Gonzo’s Toolbox: Who’s The Boss? Deal With The Person In Charge, Especially When Your Customer’s Vehicle Is A ‘Basket Case’

There’s a boss in every family, and sometimes you might think it’s you, but your spouse may have a different opinion. For example, there have been countless times I’ve had a car in the shop where a wife or husband has dropped the car off and the repair is done, paid for, and sent on its way, only to have the other spouse call and give me an earful because they weren’t told what had transpired. (As if that’s my fault!)

Tech Feature: Parasitic Draw Hunting With A Voltmeter

In the past, I’ve always hunted down parasitic draws with my multimeter set on the amperage scale in series with the battery cable, along with jumper leads to open and close the connection, so I could watch for the amperage drop. I also needed to know what a safe level was in order to see the actual draw (or lack of). Some techs use a dead-man switch attached to the battery post instead of jumper wires. For me, it’s whatever I have handy at the time, and time is money so the quicker I can get to the source of the problem, the better that is for my bottom line.

Gonzo’s Toolbox: Taking A Leap Of Faith When Relying On Your Knowledge And Expertise Is The Best Diagnostic Plan

Dealing with unforeseen problems ends up in a never-ending stumbling block of false leads, misguided diagnostics, or, for the lack of better term, a typical “snafu.” There are a lot of situations when the tech just has to trust his own judgment and go with what seems right, rather than what all the information is suggesting. Call it a gut instinct, dumb luck or maybe a professional guess, but that may be all you have to go on.

Gonzo’s Toolbox: Understanding Electrical Circuits Will Expedite Diagnostic Repairs

A work order comes to you with this complaint: “My turn signal indicators light up when I step on the brake pedal or when I’m driving at night.” Do you have a good idea what the problem is? Or, are you completely lost and debating sending this job to another shop because it’s not something you think you can handle?

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Systems Play A Direct Role In Vehicle Emissions

By the early 1990s, almost all import automotive manufacturers had a successful variable valve timing (VVT) system in production. These systems offered higher performance from smaller displacement engines at higher rpm. As these vehicles exceeded their new car warranties, technicians learned the ins and outs of these systems and how regular oil changes could increase the life of VVT components. Now, the VVT is playing a direct role in vehicle emissions and the way gases are burned in the combustion camber.

Gonzo’s Toolbox: Being A True Professional When Your Knowledge And Expertise Are Victorious Over The Challenges Of The Day

In the automotive repair profession, ASE certifications, manufacturer certifications and years of service are just some of the ways to distinguish one as a pro vs. a parts-swapping technician.
I try to approach each and every job as a professional. This includes detailing my repair work and striving to make each repair as neat and orderly as possible. It doesn’t matter whether the job is for a customer off the street or for another repair shop, it’s important that you do the most professional job possible.

Diagnosing An Inoperative Brake Light

Diagnosing brake lights starts with determining which type of brake light system is on the vehicle. A wiring diagram is a good place to start, but walking by the rear of the vehicle will give you some idea of how it is wired in. If there are amber turn signal lenses as well as red lenses, the turn signals and the brake lights are separated.

Gonzo’s Toolbox: Walk A Mile In My Shoes And You’ll Know Where I Get My Stories

I was asked some time ago about why I write these peculiar articles about the vehicle repair business. Well, the only way I can explain it is to put yourself in the position that I’m in on a daily basis. I spend a better part of my day trying to understand what a customer is explaining to me, while using my training, background and basic common sense to come up with a logical answer to their vehicle’s problem.

Electrical: Hand Wire Splicing for Sensitive Connections

A long time ago, I learned a method of splicing wire that has stuck with me since those early days. I actually picked this method up while I was in the military (USMC), so I can’t take credit for inventing it or perfecting it.