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Auto
repair made easy - "understanding turns
complicated problems into simple solutions." |
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What are you going to tell the customer when you can't fix their vehicle right the first time?Don't worry - I can help you understand what is going on and how to make fast, easy repairs. Have you ever asked questions like:
Get the answers to these questions and more right here. Quickly discover what you need to know so you too can perform successful auto repairs. As an automotive teacher I explain things in plain English so they can be easily understood. I cover electrical, computers, emissions, engine performance, as well as how to diagnose effectively and efficiently. Let's get you some auto repair information now. (CA smog techs please click here.) Let's start with some basics... Let's review the basic needs of an engine. We will be looking at the air/fuel ratio needs of an engine, depending on the condition when it's operating. We'll also throw in a few comments about ignition timing needs during these conditions.
Input Sensors: Now the whole job of the computer is to analyze the inputs to figure out what condition the engine is running under. Then it uses the logic to figure out what fuel, timing etc. is needed for this condition. Then with the actuators, it outputs to the engine what it needs. A problem occurs when some part of this process goes bad. Since the computer doesn't have eyes and ears like you and I, it has to have sensors to tell it what's going on with the engine. These are the usual types: Engine speed (and position) or RPM, Engine Load, Throttle angle or position, Coolant temperature, Air temperature, Exhaust gas air/fuel ratio, and a Knocking, pinging or detonation sensor. (There may be lots of others, but these tell the major story.) Let's look at each of these in more detail, and what kind of information you will see on a scan tool. Pay attention to the initials used to symbolize each of the sensors, you will want to know that for later..." Next I cover things like map sensors, throttle position sensors, oxygen sensors and egr valves. more free info...
Emission Control Devices Here we're going to talk about PCV, Fuel Evaporative Systems, Thermostatic Air Cleaners, Air Injection, EGR, and Catalytic Converters. What theory do you need to know about how they work? How do they usually fail and cause problems? How do we test them? And we'll have some sample test questions. PCV:(Positive Crankcase Ventilation): These were our first emission control devices. (Unless you want to call a gas cap a smog device, but the first gas caps were vented, right?) Inside the engine crankcase, where the oil lives and breathes we have gas vapors that got there by sneaking past the piston rings when the piston is compressing the air-fuel ratio or the fuel is burning up. And the more power the engine is developing, the more of these HC vapors get crammed into the crankcase. So, what to do? If we have a crankcase that is totally sealed, this gas under pressure will eventually blow out the seals. So we have to find a way of relieving this pressure. In the old days, when I was a child, we had road draft tubes and open oil filler cap covers. That way the pressure could get out, and as the car drove down the road, suction was created at the road draft tube and it helped pull out the gas vapors. Fresh air could come in through the oil cap and help keep the engine oil from being too contaminated by the gas. This helped the oil last longer. But, then came pictures of L.A. smog, and the smart scientists realized that we could cut down on about 20% of the smog if we didn't let that gas out that we paid for anyway. So now we have what is called a closed crankcase. The oil filler cap should not let out any fumes. And the oil dip stick should also be sealed, in some newer cars better than some older cars. And we have a fancy PCV valve or orifice that lets the intake manifold vacuum recycle and burn that gas we paid for. Inside the PCV valve is an orifice regulated by a plug and a spring. When manifold vacuum is high, this plug is sucked in hard against the spring and we just have a small calibrated orifice for blowby to flow through. Then, as engine load increases, the vacuum drops and the plug is pushed back by the spring and we have a bigger opening for more crankcase flow. But if we have no vacuum, the plug is pushed against the other end by the spring, and we have no flow. This is a flame arrester in case of a backfire. We wouldn't want the flame in the intake to spread to the crankcase. Also in this system, instead of a road draft tube, we have some sort of vent tube usually running between the crankcase or valve cover and the air intake or air filter area. Here's how the PCV flow goes... more free info...
Want to learn how to diagnose quickly and accurately? Do what the pro's do - use a lab scope! This will significantly reduce diagnosis time and more importantly increase accuracy. Never used one before? I will teach you how! And if you already have one and want some advanced skills, I cover that too. How good do you want to be at fixing cars? Just OK, so you can fix the easy ones? Or do you want to be able to figure out almost anything that comes your way? That’s the edge using a lab scope can give you. Let me put it another way. If you wanted to look at something pretty, would you want an old, faded black and white photograph, or would you rather look at it with a video camera on your widescreen TV? That’s what a lab scope can do for you that a scan tool can’t. Oh, you need a scan tool nowadays to fix cars. But if you aren’t using a lab scope, with amp probes, there’s a whole world you are missing.
I have been priviledged to have factory training from Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, GM and BMW so I can pass on some of that information to you. My first book the "Smog Refresher Course" was written to help California smog technicians pass their Smog License Exam but because it has general information about gas analysis, emission control devices, feedback carburetors, dynamometer testing and OBDII, people requested I make this information publically available. I was teaching in California at the time I wrote this book and I was recently asked to teach overseas so I am now in New Zealand, enjoying the beautiful scenery and sharing the knowledge I have of automotive electrical, computers, emissions and engine performance diagnostics and repairs and using a lab scope for effective diagnosis. More about me... See my special introductory offer here. I teach entry level to advanced classes in the following subject areas: Electrical; Autotronics; Emissions; Basic and Advanced Clean Air Car Course; Engine Performance; ASE A6 Preparation; A6 Alternative; ASE A8 Preparation; A8 Alternative; ASE L1 Preparation; L1 Alternative; OBD II (On Board Diagnostics - 2nd generation); Fuel injection and computer controls for: Bosch, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Autotronics, ABS Brakes. See my resume here.
You get a link to open the books as soon as your order is complete. And don't worry, if you lose the link, username or password for the electronic items you ordered, you can get them again by simply emailing us (tell us your name, date of purchase and items purchased) - we will verify your order and gladly send you the information you need.All e-books need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to open them. Most computers already have this. If you don't have the free Reader, you can get one by clicking here, and following the instructions from Adobe Acrobat for your computer. The "Smog Refresher Course" contains 120 pages packed with theory, examples and questions. It has 141 sample test questions and answers. These questions are similar to what is on the state test. I can't give you the actual questions - the BAR would skin be alive! Individually priced at only $39.00 for the printed version (direct from the printers) or $24.95 for the electronic version, this book is definately worth it. E-book priced at $19.95 for a limited time with this special introductory offer "Lab Scopes: Introductory & Advanced" is 75 information packed pages and contains lots of screen captures and pictures to help illustrate procedures. Individually priced at only $39.00 for the printed version (direct from the printers) or $24.95 for the electronic version, this book will open up a new world of diagnosis. E-book priced at $19.95 for a limited time with this special introductory offer 100 % Money Back Guarantee No questions asked - if you're not satisfied, simply return the product and you will get your money back. Items bought from other companies that are advertized on this site, like Amazon and Aramark are covered under the return policies of those reputable companies who stand behind their products too. Available Worldwide No matter what country you live in, getting the right information is the difference between success and failure. And that information is not always readily available. I have changed that. Electronic books make accessing information fast and easy no matter where you live in the world. After receiving two e-books, this is what Victor from Zambia had to say:
Shawn from Florida had this to say:
How do I get this information? Ordering is fast and easy and comes with 100% money back guarantee. You may click on the Order Form button on this page or go directly to the section you are interested in by clicking one of the department links below.
If you're still not sure about ordering, you don't have to buy a whole book - the Smog Refresher Course is broken down into shorter articles (or chapters) ranging in price from $1.59 to $3.49! Try something cheap, and if you like it, you can always come back and buy more. And if you don't, you can get your money back by emailing us (tell us your name, date of purchase and items purchased). As soon as your order is completed you will receive a link to any articles and e-books you chose. No waiting time. Printed books take one week to arrive (within the continental U.S.A. and longer for overseas orders). To California Technicians taking the Smog Check License Exam: The "Smog Refresher Course " was originally written to help mechanics in California pass their Smog Check Technician License Exam by an instructor (Steven McAfee) who assisted in developing training materials for the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Many people have written or called to say they have passed their test after reviewing my information. I'm glad I can help. In the Smog Refresher Course, I emphasize Diagnosis, the area where most technicians have trouble with the test questions. I try to keep it simple, and maybe a little silly in places to keep you awake after a long day's work. You probably noticed how the BAR divides their
Smog Test into nine subject areas. And the knowledge needed
in their diagnosis and repair areas seems so broad it's hard
to know what to study for. Through years of experience teaching
smog preparation classes I have found it most helpful in
diagnosis to cover the following four areas:
All this and more is available in the Smog Refresher Course book. The information in this book is also helpful for those preparing for the ASE L1 test. 2/3rds of the information overlaps. For example the Exhaust Gas Analysis and Scan Tool (computer diagnosis) sections are similar to the L1. And the Emissions Devices section will also help. This information packed book contains 120 pages of theory, examples and questions. It contains 141 sample test questions and answers. These questions are similar to what is on the state test. I can't give you the actual questions - the BAR would not be happy with that! At only $39.00 for the printed version (direct from the printers) or $24.95 for the electronic version, this book is definately worth it and has helped many people. If you're worried about taking the test, listen to what Charlie wrote:
To get my special introductory offer of the two electronic books, "Smog Refresher Course" and "Lab Scopes: Introductory & Advanced" click here to order now Other Ways to Order: If you want to order printed books by mail or by fax, just print out this order form, fill it in, enclose payment and mail or fax it to us. Our address is:
All orders must be in US funds. If you pay by check, we have to wait 7 days for the check to clear the bank before we can mail your order out. Please note that articles and e-books are not available using the printable order form. Articles and e-books are only available through online ordering. School Orders: For schools wishing to purchase multiple copies of any of the books, we offer school discounts (please contact our printers, Automotive Electronic Services at (559) 292-3533 or carlos@aeswave.com). Schools may order by using the printable order form or on this website. For those wishing to use purchase orders we have ISBN numbers for our two most popular books:
Purchase orders and printable order forms may be faxed, emailed or mailed to our printers, Automotive Electronic Services at (559) 292-3533 or carlos@aeswave.com Please include your email address so we can confirm receipt of your order.
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