Maximizing Tools: Unconventional Diagnostic Methods, Part I
Explore some unconventional uses of a digital multimeter that will allow you to diagnose problems without a significant investment of time and effort.
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.
General Technologies Introduces CT8017 Autorange Digital Multimeter
The CT8017 from General Technologies Corp (GTC) has all of the measurement functions you will need in performing Electrical troubleshooting work. It features 600 volt, 10 amp AC/DC voltage and current, resistance and continuity test.
General Technologies Corp Introduces Professional Automotive Digital Multimeter
The CT8027 from General Technologies Corp (GTC) has all of the measurement functions you will find in a quality four-digit/analog bar graph digital multimeter. It offers AC/DC voltage and current, resistance and continuity testing, plus all the special automotive functions like tachometer, dwell, temperature, pulse width measurement for electronic fuel injectors, frequency and diode testing.
Tech Tip: Heater Core Electrolysis/Leakage
The majority of repeat heater core leaks are due to high flow rate or use of poor quality coolant. However, electrolysis should also be checked, especially when repeat repairs have occurred.
Digital MultiMeters: Navigating the Waters of Diagnostics with a DMM
Diagnostic tools as a category have evolved more quickly and completely than almost any other group of tools and equipment. Driven by increased vehicle electronic controls, this group of tools easily represents one of the largest investments for you as a technician, and they account for a large chunk of aftermarket tool sales dollars every year. There are several layers or classes of tools for diagnosing and repairing auto electrical and electronics systems. I want to talk a little bit about these different layers and some decision points when buying the tools in each group.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Ford Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Problems
To diagnose and repair Ford exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems properly, it is important to understand how they work and what is unique to the product line.
Selling Services: Wheel Speed Sensors
There are two main types of magnetic wheel speed sensors — passive and active. Both use a tone ring to reference against and each look very similar to one another.
OTC Releases Powerful Automotive 2-Channel Scope
Built-in lab scope and exclusive updated vehicle-specific database enables the user to measure and test virtually all the electrical and electronic components and circuits in a modern vehicle. OTC, an SPX brand, introduces a new Automotive 2-Channel Scope (P/N 3840F) that offers a number of beneficial features for service technicians to quickly and efficiently test
Nu-Di Corporation Introduces OBD II Breakout Box
Nu-Di Corperation’s #420-167 OBD-II Breakout Box enables technicians to quickly locate and diagnose a problem. The OBD II breakout box ….