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Printed Books Available...
Automotive repair help is here! Get free information about automotive
emissions and easy automotive diagnosis.
And more free information on other topics
can be found on the articles,
free info., e-books
and home pages.
Quickly discover what you need to know so you too can perform successful
auto repairs.
Smog Refresher Course
Printed Version. This automotive repair book contains
120 information packed pages of theory, examples and questions.
Originally written to help California smog check technicians pass
their licensing exam, this book has also been helpful to people
all over the world dealing with auto repair. It covers things like
exhaust gas, oxygen sensors, pcv valves, map sensors, catalytic
converters, egr valves and more.
For those of you taking the California Smog Check Technician License
exam, 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 skin be alive! Written
by an instructor who assisted in
developing training materials for the Bureau of Automotive Repair.
Available in  (direct
from the printers) or 
(instant delivery). To read a free
sample from this book, click here.
See 
here.
ISBN: 0-9776453-0-4 (printed version only)
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Table of Contents:
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Introduction
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Five
Gas Exhaust Analysis Theory Read
excerpts from Smog Refresher Course
Introduction
Good Combustion
Bad Combustion
Smog Machine Measurements
HC, Hydrocarbons
CO, Carbon Monoxide
CO2, Carbon Dioxide
O2, Oxygen
NOx, Oxides of Nitrogen
Review
Five Gas Chart
Exhaust
Gas Analysis Examples
Five
Gas Test and Answers - 15 questions
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Scan
Tool Diagnosis Theory
Computer Rule #1
Computer Rule #2
Computer Rule #3
Basic Needs of an Engine
Input Sensors
RPM
Load (MAP, MAF,VAF, KV)
Throttle Position or Throttle Angle (TP, TPS or TA)
Coolant or Air Temperature (ECT or IAT)
Oxygen Sensor (O2 or O2S but HO2 or HO2S if it has an internal
heater.)
Fuel Trim
Knock Sensor (KS)
Outputs
Final Computer Theory
Scan
Tool Diagnosis Computer Examples
Scan
Tool Diagnosis Test and Answers - 15 questions
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Emission
Control Devices Theory
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation)
Fuel Evaporative Systems
Thermostatic Air Cleaners (TAC) and other Early Evaporation
(EFE) Devices
Air Injection (AIR)
EGR, Exhaust Gas Recirculation
Catalytic Converters (CAT)
Basic Theory
Emission
Control Device Examples
Emission
Control Device Test and Answers - 20 questions
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Feedback
Carburetors Theory
What Is It?
Basic Carburetor Theory Review
Basic Carburetor Diagnosis
Feedback
Feedback Carburetor Examples
What Readings Mean
Feedback
Carburetor Examples
Feedback
Carburetor Test and Answers - 11 questions
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Rules
and Regulations
Enhanced Areas
Referee Centers
Exempt Vehicles
Smog Inspections and Repairs
More about the Smog Inspection
Underhood Label
Motor Homes
Other Vehicles
Telling the Customer
Gross Polluters
Smog Machines
Repair Cost Waivers, Extensions and Limits
Types of Smog Stations
More about Smog Stations
Basic or Advanced Emissions Specialist License Requirements
Basic Smog Inspection Procedures
Examples of Visual Inspection
Pre-Inspection Repairs or Unintentional Tampers
More about the Visual Inspection
Emissions Test
Functional Tests
Rules
and Regulations Test
and Answers - 80 questions
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Dynamometer
Testing Theory
Dyno Testing
Safety Considerations
Functional Test
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On Board
Diagnostics II Theory
(From the Bureau of Automotive Repair)
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Get this book from our printers, Automotive Electronic Services,
by  .
To read a sample from this book, click here.See
here.
To CA Smog Techs:
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:
1) Five Gas Exhaust Analysis
2) Computer Inputs and Outputs
3) Emission Control Devices
4) Rules and Regulations
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
(direct from the printers) or $24.95 for the
this book is definately worth it and has helped many people.
If you're worried about taking the test, listen to what Charlie
wrote:
"Steve - I reviewed your information on the internet prior
to re-taking my EA Smog Tech Exam. I am impressed and appreciate
your making available this material. Again, Thanks!" Charlie
Click to get the of
the two electronic books, "Smog Refresher Course" and
"Lab Scopes: Introductory & Advanced."
To California
Smog Technicians: The State of
California requires techicians to take State certified
classes (like the Update classes) from State certified instructors
BEFORE they can take their smog test. These classes cover the latest
information the B.A.R. wants you to have. We have not
included this class information (you will get in the classes
anyway) but have supplied the underlying principles and information
you will need to understand in order to pass the test. Class schedules
at Skyline College in San Bruno, CA are available on this website
or at skysmog.com.
Back to top
Lab Scopes - Introductory & Advanced
Printed Version. 75 information packed pages.
Contains lots of screen captures and pictures to help
illustrate procedures. Delivery Time: 1 week within
the continental United States. Get the
(direct from the printers) or the
(instant delivery).
To see a free sample of the Introduction to Lab Scopes click here.
To view a free sample of Advanced Lab Scopes, click here.
See
here.
ISBN: 0-9776453-6-3 (printed version only)
Excerpt:
Lab Scopes—just mention the words, and some guys shudder
with fear and confusion. Oh, they may not show it, but deep down
inside, they get nervous. How do they work, how do you get the pattern
on the screen, and what does the pattern mean? How do you know if
the signal is good or bad? That’s what this book is about. You could
call this “Lab Scopes for Dummy’s”, except I’d probably get a call
from the lawyer of the group that puts out all those books, and
we don’t want that.
Sample:
Introduction
Lab Scopes—just mention the words, and some guys shudder
with fear and confusion. Oh, they may not show it, but deep down
inside, they get nervous. How do they work, how do you get the pattern
on the screen, and what does the pattern mean? How do you know if
the signal is good or bad? That’s what this book is about. You could
call this “Lab Scopes for Dummy’s”, except I’d probably get a call
from the lawyer of the group that puts out all those books, and
we don’t want that.
The purpose of this book is to make it simple. I firmly believe
that if you can’t make something simple when you explain it to somebody
else, you don’t really understand it. Later on, we’ll get into some
more complex applications of lab scopes. But we’ll still make that
simple, too. (You’d be surprised at all the testing you can do that
will help you with your diagnosis.) This book is designed for the
technician who doesn’t really know how to use a lab scope, also
called a DSO. (Digital Storage Oscilloscope)
We're going to explain these things:
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- How does a lab scope work? (in very simple terms)
- When you look at a pattern on the scope, what are you
seeing, and how do you know if it is bad?
- How do you get a pattern on the scope, how do you do the
adjustments to make the pattern look right?
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- What do you do when you can’t get a pattern on the screen at
all? (A lot of guys have this problem, but don’t admit it to their
friends…)
- What are some of the different things you can do and see with
the lab scope? (Most technicians don’t know how much diagnosis
you can do with an inexpensive scope, and a few attachments.)
- What are the different types of scopes? And what are they good
for? Do you have to spend a lot of money for a really expensive
one? And where would you get one?
- Where and how do you hook up the scope to the circuit? Does
it make much difference?
We’ll show some pictures, to make things simple. And please forgive
my sick sense of humor, or attempts at humor. It’s meant to help
keep you awake. I know after a long day at work on your feet, it
would be easy to just nod off. So hang on to your hats, here we
go…
Back to top
Table of Contents:
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Chapter 1 - Lab Scopes - How do they work?
Compared to a Scan Tool
Compared to a Voltmeter
What a Lab Scope Shows
Analog or Digital
Analog Lab Scopes
Digital Lab Scopes
Downside of Digital
Advantages of Digital
Introduction to a Basic Model
Divisions or Graticules
Voltage
Time
Zero Point
Channels
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Chapter 2 - Basic Electricity, Circuits and Digital Signals
What is Electricity?
Definitions
Voltage
Amperage
Resistance
Watts
Types of Circuits
Series Circuit
Parallel Circuit
Digital Signals
Hertz or HZ
Duty Cycle
Pulse Width
Number Symbols
Milli or m
Kilo or K
Micro
Mega or M
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Chapter 3 - Pattern Recognition
Magnetic Pickup RPM Sensor
Hall Effect RPM Sensor
Optical RPM Sensor
Throttle Position Sensor
Fuel Injector
Duty Cycle
Ignition Primary
Alternator Ripple
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Chapter 4 - Getting a Pattern on the Scope
What if nothing happens when you turn it on?
Where to connect the test leads?
The Black Test Lead
The Red Test Lead
Warning
To look at a Computer Input
About Shielded Wires and Electrical Noise
To look at a Computer Output
How to Connect to the Wire
How to Back Probe a Wire
To Puncture or not to Puncture the Wire
Why Do It?
How to Puncture the Wire
What to Adjust? Or Why Doesn't My Pattern Look Right?
Voltage Adjustment
Time Settings
Ground Positioning
10:1 Probes
Sampling Rate
What to Do
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Chapter 5 - Trigger
Positive and Negative Slope
To Adjust the Trigger
Tricky Stuff About Trigger
What Do You Mean Trigger Mode?
Trigger Mode and Intermittent Signals
Uses for Trigger Mode
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Chapter 6 - Relative Compression
Counter Electro-motive Force
To Measure Starter Current
High Amp Probe (or Current Clamp)
Set Up Your Scope
How Do You Know Which Cylinder is Low?
Relative Compression Test
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Chapter 7 - Fuel Pumps
Low Amp Probes
Where to Attach the Current Probe
About Fuel Pumps
Fuel Pump Commutator Segments
Fuel Pump Brushes
Good Fuel Pump Pattern
Bad Fuel Pump Pattern
After Replacing the Pump
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Chapter 8 - Primary Ignition
How to Generate Spark
Capacitive Discharge System
Primary Wiring
10:1 Filter
When You Hook Up Your Scope
What The Scope Pattern Means
Dwell or Saturation
Spark Duration
Using Spark Duration for Diagnosis
High Resistance
Low Resistance
RPM Probes
RPM Trigger
Primary Ignition Pattern
High Resistance Problem
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Chapter 9 - Primary Ignition Amperage or Current Ramping
Counter Electromotive Force (CEMF)
Primary Ignition Volts
Primary Amperage
Computer Controlled Dwell
Low Current Probe
What To Look For
Normal Good Current Ramp
Possible Problems to Diagnose
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Chapter 10 - Secondary Ignition
High Voltage
Basic Secondary Ignition Pattern
Firing KV
String Theory
Open Spark Plug Wire
High KV
High Resistance Problems
Low KV
Low Resistance Problems
String Theory Example
Low Resistance
10,000:1 Probe
Secondary Ignition Readings
Secondary Hookup
Voltage Between Probe and Ground
Using an Adapter
Using Adapters to Pick Up Signals
Foil Tape
“Right Side Up” Patterns
Pattern Points Down
Ignition Sparks Go Down
DIS Systems
Parade Patterns
Normal Engine
Low Resistance Problem
Parade Pattern of 4 Cylinder Engine
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Get this book directly from our printers, Automotive Electronic
Services by
To see a sample of the Introduction to Lab Scopes click here.
To view a sample of Advanced Lab Scopes, click here.
See
here.
Back
to top
What are the prices?
Smogsite.com, Steve & Lynley McAfee
185 Don Buck Road, Massey, Auckland 0610, New Zealand
From the US. dial: 011-64-9-832-1352
In New Zealand dial: (09) 832-1352
Fax: (707) 780-8915 (US number)
Email: support@smogsite.com
©2002 Please
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Quickly discover
what you need to know so you can be more successful in auto
repair.
Get a $10
discount off the purchase of the "Smog Refresher
Course" and "Lab Scopes: Introductory and Advanced"
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