Using Your Oscilloscope: Current Ramp Test Ignition Coils
The diversity of modern ignition coil designs has made ignition oscilloscope analysis more difficult because many ignition coil waveforms deviate from the conventional norm. Consequently, oscilloscope diagnosis shouldn’t be considered a definitive test of ignition coil condition unless it can be compared with a known-good waveform.
Late-Model Vehicles Place High Demands On Batteries
Long, cold winters are hard on car batteries, but long hot summers can be even harsher. Batteries in hot climates like Arizona, New Mexico and Florida typically need to be replaced a year or two sooner than those in states with more moderate climates. The reason is that heat causes the electrolyte inside the battery to evaporate, and once the level drops below the tops of the plates, the plates suffer permanent damage. To make matters worse, sealed top “maintenance-free” batteries have no provisions for adding make-up water. Consequently, many of these batteries are doomed if their water level gets too low.
Parasitic Drain: 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
This month’s Diagnostic Dilemma concerns a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe with a parasitic battery drain that leaves it with a dead battery. The first step in diagnosing a parasitic drain is interviewing the customer to determine the average number of days and the driving conditions under which the battery drains.
February 18 Is National Battery Day
On National Battery Day, February 18, do something nice for that trusted power source in your car! Clean it up, have it checked out and make sure it doesn’t die on you just when you’re depending on it. Use hashtag #NationalBatteryDay to tell us what you’re doing for your batteries on National Battery Day!
Selling Batteries: Use Cell Phone Battery Life As A Sales Tool
Consumers understand the importance of battery life. When 10% power is reached, some phones reduce screen brightness and turn the battery symbol red. You have a similar tool in your arsenal for testing car batteries, and it is conductance testing.
13 Alternator and Battery Testing and Diagnostic Tips
One Test Is Not Enough If only battery voltage is present at the battery on a running engine, does this mean the alternator is “bad?” No, it does not. That only means that the alternator is not charging, but does not reveal why. Therefore, it does not prove a faulty alternator. All too often the
Lithium: An Element That Is Charging Ahead
What is an EMV? As you read the hybrid and plug-in articles that my company, ACDC, is writing this year, we have coined a new term: EMV (electric motor vehicle). Rather than use hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric or electric car with a range extender, we will refer to all these as an EMV. When
What To Do With Used Hybrid Batteries
The nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery is the best and most common hybrid battery so far, and the sheer volume of them is staggering. NiHM batteries have been in use for well over 15 years, and out of the more than 7 million hybrid cars on the road worldwide, 90% have NiMH battery packs. Then,
ASE G1: How To Measure Cold Cranking Amps, Reserve Capacity
The ASE G1 test contains 55 scored, job-related questions, 15% of which will concern electrical maintenance and repairs. From the ASE G1 study guide, you will need to know how to: • Perform battery tests (load and capacitance); determine needed service. • Check voltages, grounds and voltage drops in electrical circuits; interpret readings. Understand Hot
‘Green’ Bullets: Tips for Servicing Hybrid Vehicles
Newsflash: Hybrids are here to stay. The oldest Toyota Prius models are now 14 years old and many other hybrids from other manufacturers are crossing the 100,000-mile mark every day. Here are a few of my Silver Bullets, — or in this case “Green Bullets” — to help you maintain and service hybrids. Toyota: Restricted
Battery Service and Diagnosis
A good battery with an adequate charge is absolutely essential for reliable cold starting. A weak battery, or one that is rundown, may not deliver enough amps to crank the engine when temperatures plunge and the oil thickens. Cold weather can be hard on batteries, but so can hot weather because it increases water loss
ACDelco Releases Seven New Battery Part Numbers
ACDelco is expanding its battery portfolio with seven new part numbers, including four automotive batteries, a Group 31 part for customers seeking high cold cranking amp solutions; and two marine batteries. 95RPS is an ACDelco Professional battery for Audi, Volkswagen and BMW vehicles. It includes an acid level indicator that measures the electrolyte level in