A Look Automotive Diagnostic Service Techniques

By Michelle Howe


Safety is one of the biggest concerns in the manufacture of modern automobiles. The modern automobile is a combination of mechanical, hydraulic and electronic systems for the purposes of improving performance. Most automotive diagnostic service technicians have been having a rough time troubleshooting a wide range of latest cars fitted with ultra modern electronic control systems.

The control system has safety as its major priority, sometimes robbing the driver of his command to thwart accidental tendencies. For instance, automatic braking systems are designed to detect the commencement of slip at the road wheels. When a vehicle slips due to sudden application of brakes or because of a poor motoring surface, the driver will have a harder time regaining control at the wheel.

A magnetic sensor working in conjunction with a rotating perforated disc monitors the number of revolutions the wheel makes per minute. The sensor converts its input into an electrical signal transmitted to the electronic control unit. The high pressure system conveying the braking force to slave cylinders is also governed by valves and pressurizing systems operated by a preprogrammed microcontroller.

Locating the faulty component in conventional vehicle models was relatively easier. For instance, a leverage mechanism from the accelerator pedal may have collected some rust and gotten caught up in a narrow passage and result in erratic engine performance. The same symptom in an electronically controlled vehicle may be a manifestation of faulty sensors, blocked injectors or a shorted solid state component in the circuitry.

EFI systems will however outlive their predecessors due to the benefits they offer the owner. As a general observation, they result in more economical fuel use because motorists can cover more miles to the gallon unlike the carburetor models. The environment will be spared the pollution brought about by exhaust gases since these engines have a uniform combustion pattern.

The inclusion of computer controlled automatic gearboxes may be the biggest insult to a seasoned driver who feels every inch of the road while in his seat. The transmission tries to mimic the driving habit by monitoring the accelerator pedal position to decide the next gear. While this may hold some appeal to the novice, a seasoned driver will be cursing every single mile. A rally driver will not tolerate such niceties, intermittent revving and shift ups are the very rules of his game.

Modern diagnosis kits have come as a godsend to all repair technicians. Most of them are sold installed with application software for selected models by major manufacturers. Some developers have dedicated efforts towards developing pc software that would convert the computer into an instant diagnosis kit. The challenge is in developing graphical interfaces that will display the process parameters.

Automotive diagnostic services outfits should strive to have technicians conversant with electronic systems on their payroll. Never ignore erratic behavior as it may trigger defects in the interfaced portions of the circuitry. Attempting repairs without the right tools can be both frustrating and destructive. A mis diagnosis could result in a needless purchase or put other elements at risk.




About the Author: