Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electric, Electronic, and Computer Systems

1. Service Information, Tools, and Safety.

Objectives

Vehicle Identification

Vehicle Safety Certification Label

VECI Label

Calibration Codes

Casting Numbers

Service Information

Threaded Fasteners

Metric Bolts

Grades of Bolts

Tensile Strength

Nuts

Washers

Electrical Tools

Basic Hand Tool List

Tool Sets and Accessories

Brand Name versus Proper Term

Safety Tips for Using Hand Tools

Air and Electrically Operated Tools

Personal Protection Equipment

Safety in Lifting (Hoisting) a Vehicle

Jacks and Safety Stands

Drive-On Ramps

Electrical Cord Safety

Jump Starting and Battery Safety

Fire Extinguishers

Fire Blankets

First Aid and Eye Wash Stations

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





2. Environmental and Hazardous Materials.

Objectives

Occupational Safety and Health Act

Hazardous Waste

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Clean Air Act

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

The Dangers of Exposure to Asbestos

Asbestos OSHA Standards

Asbestos EPA Regulations

Asbestos Handling Guidelines

Used Brake Fluid

Used Oil

Disposal of Used Oil

Used Oil Storage

Solvents



Solvent Hazardous and Regulatory Status

Used Solvents

Coolant Disposal

Lead-Acid Battery Waste

Battery Hazardous and Regulatory Status

Battery Handling and Storage

Fuel Safety and Storage

Airbag Handling

Used Tire Disposal

Air-Conditioning Refrigerant Oil Disposal

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





3. Electrical Fundamentals.

Objectives

Electricity

Sources of Electricity

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





4. Electrical Circuits and Ohm's Law.

Objectives

Circuits

Ohm's Law

Watt's Law

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





5. Series, Parallel, and Series-Parallel Circuits.

Objectives

Series Circuits

Ohm's Law and Series Circuits

Kirchhoff's Voltage Law

Series Circuit Laws

Series Circuit Examples

Parallel Circuits

Kirchhoff's Current Law

Parallel Circuit Laws

Determining Total Resistance in a Parallel Circuit

Parallel Circuit Examples

Series-Parallel Circuits

Solving Series-Parallel Circuit Problems

Series-Parallel Circuit Examples

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





6. Digital Meters and Scope Usage.

Objectives

Test Lights

Self-Powered Test Lights

LED Test Light

Logic Probe

Digital Multimeters

Measuring Amperes

AC/DC Clamp-On Digital Multimeter

Measuring Voltage

Measuring Resistance

Electrical Unit Prefixes

How to Read Digital Meters

RIMS Versus Average

Resolution, Digits, and Counts

Accuracy

Analog versus Digital Storage Oscilloscope

Oscilloscope Display Grid

Setting the Time Base

Setting the Volts per Division

DC Coupling

AC Coupling

Pulse Trains

Using Scope Leads

Measuring Battery Voltage with a Scope

Graphing Multimeter

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





7. Automotive Wiring and Wire Repair.

Objectives

Automotive Wiring

Braided Ground Straps

Battery Cables

Jumper Cables

Fuses and Circuit Protection Devices

Terminals and Connectors

Wire Repair

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions







8. Schematics and Troubleshooting.

Objectives

Wiring Schematics

Switches

Relay Terminal Identification

Using Schematics for Troubleshooting

Locating a Short Circuit

Electrical Troubleshooting Guide

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Procedure

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





9. Capacitance and Magnetism.

Objectives

Capacitance

Capacitor Construction and Operation

Factors of Capacitance

Capacitor Uses

Fundamentals of Magnetism

Electromagnetism

Electromagnetic Induction

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Suppression

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions







10. Electronic Fundamentals.

Objectives

Semiconductors

N-Type Material

P-Type Material

How Holes Move

Summary of Semiconductors

Diodes

Zener Diodes

Clamping Diodes

Zener Diode Despiking Protection

Despiking Resistors

Diode Ratings

Light-Emitting Diodes

Photodiodes

Photoresistors

Varistors

Silicon-Controlled Rectifiers

Thermistors

Rectifier Bridges

Passive and Active Circuits

Transistors

How a Transistor Works

How a Transistor Amplifies

Field-Effect Transistor

Darlington Pairs

Transistor Gain

Solid-State, Integrated-Circuit, and Dual-Inline Package Components

Heat Sink

Phototransistors

Solar Cells

How to Test Diodes,,and Transistors

Transistor Gates

Logic Highs and Lows

Transistor-Transistor Logic

Operational Amplifiers

Polarity

Electronic Component Failure Causes

Electrostatic Discharge

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions







11. Batteries and BatteryTesting.

Objectives

Purpose of a Battery

Battery Construction

Grids.

How a Battery Works

Specific Gravity

Charge Indicators

Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries

Causes and Types of Battery Failure

Battery Hold-Downs

Battery Ratings

Deep Cycling

Hybrid Batteries

Battery Council International Group Sizes

Battery Service Safety Considerations

Battery Maintenance

Battery Voltage Test

Hydrometer Testing

Battery Load Testing

Electronic Capacitance Testing

Battery Charging

Jump-Starting

Battery Date Codes

Battery Electrical Drain Test

Procedure for Battery Electrical Drain Test

Finding the Source of the Drain

What to Do if a Battery Drain Still Exists

Hidden Batteries

Battery Troubleshooting Guide

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





12. Cranking System Operation and Diagnosis.

Objectives

Cranking Circuit.

How the Starter Motor Works

How Magnetic Fields Turn an Armature

Types of Starter Motors

Gear-Reduction Starters

Starter Drives

Symptoms of a Defective Starter Drive

Starter Drive Operation

Positive-Engagement Starters

Solenoid-Operated Starters

Starting System Troubleshooting

Voltage-Drop Testing

Control Circuit Testing

Specifications for a Starter Amperage Test

Starter Overhaul

Testing Starter Armatures

Growler Test for Shorted Armature Windings

Testing the Armature for Grounds

Testing the Armature for Opens

Armature Service

Testing Starter Motor Field Coils

Starter Brush Inspection

Bench Testing

Starter Drive-to-Flywheel Clearance

Ground Wire Current Flow

Starting System Troubleshooting Guide

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions









13. Charging System Operation and Diagnosis.

Objectives

Principles of Generator Operation

Alternating-Current Generators (Alternators)

Generator Construction

Rotors

Generator Brushes

Stators

Diodes

How a Generator Works

Wye-Connected Stators

Delta-Connected Stators

Generator Output Factors

Generator Voltage Regulation

Battery Condition and Charging Voltage

Temperature Compensation

A and B Field Circuits

Electronic Voltage Regulators

How an Electronic Voltage Regulator Works

Computer-Controlled Generators

Charging System Testing and Service

AC Voltage Check

Charging System Voltage-Drop Testing

General Motors SI Test Light Test

General Motors CS Series AC Generators

Diagnosing Problems with the General Motors CS Series

Generator Output Test

How to Determine Minimum Required Generator Output

Generator Disassembly

Testing the Rotor

Testing the Stator

Testing the Diode Trio

Testing the Rectifier Bridge (Diodes)

Testing the GM Internal Voltage Regulator

Brush Holder Replacement

Bearing Service and Replacement

Generator Assembly

Remanufactured Generators

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions









14. Lighting and Signaling Circuits.

Objectives

Lighting

Bulb Numbers

Brake Lights

Headlight Switches

Sealed-Beam Headlights

Headlight Aiming

Composite Headlights

Halogen Sealed-Beam Headlights

High-Intensity Discharge Headlights

Daytime Running Lights

Dimmer Switches

Stop Lamp and Turn Signals

Flasher Units

Courtesy Lights

Illuminated Entry

Fiber Optics

Feedback

Lighting System Troubleshooting Guide

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions









15. Dash Instruments Operation and Diagnosis.

Objectives

Analog Dash Instruments

Computer-Controlled Instrument Panels

Stepper Motor Gauges

Dash Instrument Diagnosis

Telltale Lamps

Oil Pressure Warning Devices

Temperature Lamp Diagnosis

Brake Warning Lamp

Digital Electronic Dash Operation

Electronic Speedometers

Electronic Odometers

Electronic Speedometer and Odometer Service

Electronic Fuel-Level Gauges

Electronic Dash Instrument Diagnosis and Troubleshooting

Maintenance Reminder Lamps

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





16. Accessory Circuits.

Objectives

Horns

Windshield Wiper and Washer System

Windshield Wiper Motors

Blower Motor Operation

Blower Motor Diagnosis

Cruise Control

Heated Rear-Window Defoggers

Power Windows

Power Seats

Electric Power Door Locks

Keyless Entry

Anti-Theft Systems

Electrical Accessory Troubleshooting Guide

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions









17. Airbag and Pretensioner Circuits.

Objectives



Airbags

Airbag Diagnosis Tools and Equipment

Airbag Testing and Service

Driver-Side Airbag Module Replacement

Safety When Manually Deploying Airbags

Pretensioners

Occupant Detection Systems

Side and Curtain Airbags

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions









18. Audio System Operation and Diagnosis.

Objectives

Radios

Antennas

Speaker Types

Crossovers

Powerline Capacitors

Radio Interference

Audio Noise Control Diagnostic Chart

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





19. Ignition System Components and Operation.

Objectives

Ignition System Operation

Ignition Coils

Primary Circuit Operation

Distributor Ignition

Waste-Spark Ignition Systems

Ignition Control Circuits

Compression Sensing Ignition

Coil-on-Plug Ignition

Ion-Sensing Ignition

Ignition Timing

Initial Timing

Knock Sensors

Spark Plugs

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions









20. Ignition System Diagnosis and Service.

Objectives

Checking for Spark

Electronic Ignition Troubleshooting Procedure

Ignition Coil Testing Using an Ohmmeter

Pickup Coil Testing

Testing Magnetic Sensors

Testing Hall-Effect Sensors

Testing Optical Sensors

Ignition System Diagnosis Using Visual Inspection

Testing for Poor Performance

Testing for a No-Start Condition

Ignition System Service

Firing Order

Distributor Cap and Rotor Inspection

Spark Plug Wire Inspection

Spark Plug Service

Quick and Easy Secondary Ignition Tests

Ignition Timing

Scope-Testing the Ignition System

Scope-Testing a Waste-Spark Ignition System

Ignition System Troubleshooting Guide

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions









21. Computer Fundamentals.

Objectives

Computer Control

The Four Basic Computer Functions

Digital Computers

Computer Input Sensors

Computer Outputs

Fuel Control System Operating Modes

Module Communication

SAE Communication Classifications

Module Communication Diagnosis

OBD II Data Link Connector

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





22. Computer Sensors.

Objectives

Engine Coolant Temperature Sensors

Stepped ECT Circuits

Testing the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

Intake Air Temperature Sensor

Testing the Intake Air Temperature Sensor

Temperature Sensor Diagnostic Trouble Codes

Throttle Position Sensors

TP Sensor Computer Input Functions

PCM Uses for the TP Sensor

Testing the Throttle Position Sensor

Testing a TP Sensor Using the Min/Max Function

Testing the TP Sensor Using a Scan Tool

TP Sensor Diagnostic Trouble Codes

Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensors

PCM Uses of the MAP Sensor

Barometric Pressure Sensor

Testing the MAP Sensor Using a DMM

Testing the MAP Sensor Using a Scan Tool

MAP/BARO Diagnostic Trouble Codes

Airflow Sensors

Mass Airflow Sensor

Karman Vortex Sensors

PCM Uses for Airflow Sensors

Testing Mass Airflow Sensors

Oxygen Sensors

Zirconia Oxygen Sensors

Titania Oxygen Sensor

Wide-Band Oxygen Sensors

Closed Loop and Open Loop

PCM Uses of the Oxygen Sensor

Testing an Oxygen Sensor Using a Digital Voltmeter

Testing the Oxygen Sensor Using the Min-Max Method

Testing an Oxygen Sensor Using a Scan Tool

Testing an Oxygen Sensor Using a Scope

False O2S Readings

Post Catalytic Converter Oxygen Sensor Testing

Oxygen Sensor Inspection

Oxygen Sensor-Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions







23. Fuel Delivery and Evaporative Control Systems.

Objectives

Fuel Delivery System

Fuel Tanks

Fuel Lines

Electric Fuel Pumps

Fuel Filters

Fuel Pump Testing

Fuel Pump Current Draw Test

Fuel Pump Replacement

Need for Evaporative Emission Control

Vapor Canister Storage

Vapor Purging

Evaporative Control Systems

Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery System

Diagnosing the EVAP System

Locating Leaks in the System

Evaporative System Monitor

EVAP-Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC)

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





24. Electronic Fuel Injection Operation, Diagnosis, and Service.

Objectives

Electronic Fuel-Injection Operation

Throttle-Body Injection

Port Fuel Injection

Injector Resistance Tables

Idle Air Speed Control

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





25. Emission Control Devices Operation and Diagnosis.

Objectives

Exhaust Gas Recirculation Systems

Controlling NOx

EGR System Operation

Positive and Negative Backpressure EGR Valves

Computer-Controlled EGR Systems

OBD II EGR Monitoring Strategies

Diagnosing a Defective EGR System

OBD II EGR System Monitor

EGR-Related OBD-11 Diagnostic Trouble Codes

Crankcase Ventilation

PCV Valves

Orifice-Controlled Systems

Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System

PCV Monitor

PCV-Related Diagnostic Trouble Code

Air Pump System

Air Distribution Manifolds and Nozzles

Air Pump System Diagnosis

AIR-Related Diagnostic Trouble Code

Catalytic Converters

Ceramic Monolith Catalytic Converter

OBD II Catalytic Converter Performance

Converter Damaging Conditions

Diagnosing Catalytic Converters

OBD II Catalytic Converter Monitor

Catalytic Converter Replacement Guidelines

Catalytic Converter-Related Diagnostic Trouble Code

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





26. Engine Performance Diagnosis.

Objectives

The Eight-Step Diagnostic Procedure

Diagnosing Using Diagnostic Trouble Codes

Retrieving DaimlerChrysler Diagnostic Codes

OBD II

Exhaust Analysis and Combustion Efficiency

Oxides of Nitrogen

I/M 240

Summary

Review Questions

ASE Certification-Type Questions





Answers to Even-Numbered ASE Certification-Type Questions.





Appendix 1: Sample ASE Certification Test: Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6).





Appendix 2: Sample ASE Certification Test with Answers: Engine Performance (A8).





Appendix 3: Electrical/Electronics (A6) ASE Correlation Chart.





Appendix 4: Engine Performance (A8) ASE Correlation Chart.





Appendix 5: Electrical/Electronics (A6) NATEF Correlation Chart.





Appendix 6: Engine Performance (A8) NATEF Correlation Chart.





English Glossary.





Spanish Glossary.





Index.