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.
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: 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.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Handling Temporary Helpers
There are times when I find I have more helpers in the shop than I have on the payroll. I didn’t ask for this extra help, but there they are, right in the middle of the shop. Who are they, and where did they come from? Ah, yes, it’s those customers who want to keep an extra eye on their ride.
Gonzo’s ToolBox: Second-Hand Information
Do you remember when you played the game of “telephone” as a child, and the original information being conveyed was oftentimes totally different by the time the last kid commented? The same thing can happen with a vehicle problem when more than one person is involved in getting the information to the person at the end of the line. And who’s usually at the end of the line? The tech.
Gonzo’s ToolBox: Brain Damage
Throughout the evolution of the modern vehicle, there have been an increasing number of duties taken over by computers. These computers have not only made the engine more fuel efficient, but also more environmentally friendly. Nowadays, these systems are starting to “think” for themselves and make decisions for the driver. Things like park assist, keeping a safe distance between cars on the road and collision avoidance are just a few examples of the capabilities of the modern computer-driven automobile.
One More Busted Knuckle That Comes With the Territory
I can go an entire week without cutting myself or jamming a finger, but then there are those days where I have to make a mad dash for the First Aid kit.