Tech Tips

Parasitic drains can be measured with ammeters with the battery cable. Now the problem with taking the battery cable off to install the ammeter is that, sometimes electronic modules are the source of the parasitic draw. In this technical tip clip instructor Dave Hobbs talks about some other tricks for diagnosing these problems. He talks about the class two message monitor– a feature available on the Tech Two and also the Master Tech– it basically tells which module’s active and which module is inactive. He also goes on to cover using a parasitic draw tool in order to not disrupt the circuit while using an ammeter. Watch this clip to learn how to use the class two message monitor and or a simple knife switch that can actually be used for some neat tricks in diagnosing some stubborn, hard to find, parasitic battery drains.

With a 25 volt electrolytic, 3,300 microfarad capacitor, Dave takes a look at what capacitors do. Using a fluke meter Dave runs tests the capacitor and shows you what symbols to look for, and shows you various schematics in this tip clip.

With a 25 volt electrolytic, 3,300 microfarad capacitor, Dave takes a look at what capacitors do. Using a fluke meter Dave runs tests the capacitor and shows you what symbols to look for, and shows you various schematics in this tip clip.

Watch this excerpt from the AVI training program on Ford 6.0 Powerstroke Diagnostics, taught by instructor Tony Salas, to gain insights and tips on diagnosing Biodiesel and Ultra low Sulfur fuel related problems on these engines.

Let’s go ahead and do an A/C system leak test now with our equipment and electronics, we can also put on our glasses and look at refrigerant for dye presence in the vehicle. In this tip clip excerpt from the A7 HVAC Test Prep class, Delphi Product and Solutions instructor Dave Hobbs discusses and demonstrates various leak detection strategies for automotive A/C systems.

In this technical tip clip from the Electronic Stability control training program, Dave Scaler talks about some tips and tricks to consider when working with ESC systems on Lexus vehicles. He discusses the reset procedures and the tips that you need in order to get those vehicles properly rest and on the road again.

In this tip clip excerpt from Bob Pattengale’s training course ‘Getting to know VCI,’ Bob demonstrates the usefulness of the tool’s demonstration mode. Demonstration mode’s power lies in its capability to allow you to go anywhere in the tool just as if you were connected to the car allowing you to check ahead of time to see if your software will perform a specific function before the vehicle even arrives at your shop, saving you and the customer time and headaches.

Dave Hobbs of Delphi Product and Service Solutions talks to us about the benifits, concerns and procedures involved in splicing and repair A/C lines and hoses in this tip clip excerpt from AVI’s A7 HVAC Test Prep course.

Join Dave Hobbs of Delphi Product and Service Solutions as he discusses some signs of low refrigerant in moodier automotive AC systems. He goes on to discuss how environmental factors such as ambient air temperature, and the AC system’s ‘cycling switch can cause low refrigerant like symptoms.

Bill Fulton presents this tip clip video on what would seem to be a basic, simple problem. A 2.4 liter Toyota in a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck with an intermittent misfire under load. You can feel a slight hiccup, jerking, bucking type sensation and know there are a lot of things that could create that problem– dirty injectors, contaminated mass airflow sensor, lean density misfire, excess of EGR, secondary ignition problem. Watch to find out.

Years ago, the common thing was hook up your AC machine, or hook up your apparatus that you have–a scale and a refrigerant canister, let’s say a 30 pounder of 134a–and give it a half a pound, just to ‘top it off.’ You can’t do that nowadays because these newer AC systems have changed so much. Join Delphi Instructor Dave Hobbs for a short tech tip for you guys out there servicing A/C systems.

Join instructor Bill Fulton in this tip clip excerpt from the AVI training program “GM Antitheft” as he talks about Pass Lock Systems Status and modes of operation of these systems.

In this tip clip excerpt from Running a Zoo, an AVI class for services managers and shop owners, AMI approved instructor George Witt discusses “Seagull Management.” George hates to tell you this, but there’s far too many business owners that do this to their workers. Watch the clip to learn more and find out how to avoid being a seagull manager.

In this tip clip from the Vehicle Stability Control class, instructor Dave Scaler measures the DC bias voltage of a wheel speed sensor and shows you how understanding these sensors will make active wheel speed sensor testing much easier.

Bill Haas outlines how to develop an advertising strategy for Generation Y in this tip clip from Marketing to Generation X & Y. Bill tells you what media works best to reach Generation Y and why traditional media doesn’t successfully reach them as it did previous generations.

In this short video clip from the A4 Suspension and Steering class, Delphi instructor Dave Hobbs discusses and shows some basic tips and knowledge to help you better diagnose alignment issues based on tire wear helping you more quickly and accurately use the alignment machine to put everything in spec.

Join Bob Pattengale in this video tip clip as he works on a 2007 FJ Cruiser with an EVAP code. He uses the scan tool to discover a leak in the system. Using a smoke machine, the Bosch SMT 300 to look for the leak he demonstrates and discusses how to quickly and efficiently use smoke to diagnose EVAP codes.

Check out this tip clip video from instructor Bill Fulton’s class on Gasoline Direct Injection to learn more about GDI systems and components. He shows us around under the hood of a GM Equinox and talks about each of the components while pointing out service and safety procedures.

In this case study–an excerpt from the MACS Quick Hits training video–Paul DeGuiseppi talks about a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica with a blend mode issue diagnosed to be a problem with the control head. The vehicle ended up being a comeback with the customer complaining about the same issue. Paul goes on to talk about how important the ability to diagnose electrical and electronic issues has become in HVAC repair and service.

In this tip clip from the Quick Check Diagnostics class, instructor Jim Wilson talks about some simple test you can perform to verify proper functionality of the PCV valve. He goes on to discuss what to watch out for and how fuel trim can be effected.

So you don’t have an electronic control valves testing unit like the MT 1400 for testing AC solenoids while in operation? Well in this tip clip from the MACS Quick Hits AC Service class, trainer Paul DeGuiseppi gives you some helpful tips and pointers.

Learn when it is necessary use Enhanced Data Modes on your scan tool in this clip from Jim Wilson’s Quick Check Diagnostics Class. He goes on to discuss some key terminology and details the steps needed to perform an Automated System Results test.

In this tip clip, ASA’s Bill Haas talks about the importance of email marketing. He goes on to talk about some helpful tips, how to effectively build a list of your customers emails and how to use that info to generate additional sales.

In this excerpt from the 2011 ATSG Seminar class, Instructor Wayne Colonna talks about 41TES and 42RLE VLP transmissions with a P1745 DTC. These codes are usually the result of a problem with a pressure control solenoid that should be reducing line pressure at idle.

Automotive Video brings you the Top 5 Most Watched Tip Clips for 2011! The most popular clips include everything from battery drains to ABS, misfire testing to intake restrictions, as well as O2 slow response codes. Check out what others are watching and share your favorite tip clips.

Check out this technical tip clip on CAN Data with Dave Hobbs. In this clip Dave talks about Class 2 layouts, specifically the ‘loop configuration’ systems. He breaks down the layout of theses systems in an easy to understand manner and talks about how the modules communicate on this type of system as well as how they are electrically wired.

In this tip clip excerpt from the complete Fuel System Testing Strategies class instructor Bill Fulton talks about the Ford Electronic Returnless Fuel systems and how to perform tests on this system using your DSO. He shows us the parameters to watch out for on your scope and how to interpret the info you see.

In this excerpt from Dave Scaler’s complete training program ‘Base Engine Analysis,’ Dave shares a quick case study on a Pontiac Grand Am with a Quad 4 that came in with misfire DTCs. He discusses the diagnostic procedures and details of the compression test on this vehicles Quad 4. He gives some best practices and helpful hints for dealing with valve timing issues like those exhibited in this case study.

In this excerpt from Dave Scaler’s complete training program ‘Top 10 OBD II Codes: How to Fix Them Fast,’ Dave discusses alternative tests for mass air flow sensors (MAF). He talks about how to use your scan tool in order to check several different things to determine the state of the MAF.

In this tech tip, instructor Bill Fulton gives you a quick modern day tech tip that you don’t see on their scan tool. It’s called Lambda. This is what we call the corrected air-fuel ratio. He discusses Lambda, how it differs from manufacturer to manufacture, and what numbers to look for.

In this tip clip, Bill Fulton discusses the theory and evolution of power-balance testing. Providing insight, techniques, and how it all applies to modern cars, Bill shows you how to better pinpoint fuel balance problems.

In this tip clip, Dave Hobbs talks about what to do if you have a vehicle with no PCM data. You plug in your brick, and you go to pull codes or look at PIDs in this late 90s, whatever, early 2000 Chrysler. It’s got CCD. You think you’re talking on the CCD. You’re actually talking on SCI, and scan tool just sits there and says no communications. What could the problem be? Is it a bad scan tool? Bad computer? Bad bus wires? Well, in this clip Dave gives some quick pointers on what to look for next.

In this case study with Dave Hobbs, we learn about the complexities and challenges of diagnostics of data bus systems. Dave talks about a Chevy Malibu he once worked on: it couldn’t start several modules. He talks about how, sometimes, bus issues can be things you would never suspect and how keeping up with learning about these systems and understanding their complexities is necessary if you want to work on cars with these problems.

In this case study from the 6.4 Powerstroke Diesel class, trainer Wally Mouradain discusses a turbo problem on a truck with a 2008 6.4 Powerstroke and how technicians should never overlook the simple or mechanical related failures the scan tool may never pick up.