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Electronic 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. printed
books, and home
pages.
Quickly discover what you need to know so you too can perform successful
auto repairs.
Smog Refresher Course
120 information packed pages. Delivery Time:
instant! Get
this now. To read a sample from this book, click here.
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. Written by an instructor
who assisted in developing training materials for the Bureau of
Automotive Repair. It covers the topics listed below:
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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To read a sample from this book, click here.
Get this book by 
now. See 
here.
Back to top
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
Introduction to Lab Scopes - Revised
36 pages. Delivery Time: instant!
This
Electronic book will arrive within seconds of your order being
completed.
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.
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:
 |
|
- 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?
|
- 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…
To read a sample from this book, click here.
Back to top
Table of Contents:
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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 New!
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 New!
Sampling Rate New!
What to Do New!
|
|
Chapter 5 - Trigger (New!)
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
|
Get this book by
now. To read a sample from this book, click here.
Back to top
Advanced Lab Scopes
32 pages. Delivery Time: instant!
This Electronic
book will arrive within seconds of your order being completed.
Excerpt:
Want help with your diagnosis? Lab scopes will do it. (Most
technicians don’t know how much diagnosis you can do with an inexpensive
scope, and a few attachments.) This book will teach you how. Everything
from relative compression with cranking amps, ignition primary and
secondary on anything (even if you don’t have the COP adapter and
you’re rusty with the ignition pattern anyway), and how do you use
it for diagnosis. Also fuel pump intermittent diagnosis with current
ramping, just to name a few. This is meant to open up a whole new
world where you can see what the computer is seeing, really see
it, or use transducers to see measurements you never thought possible.
And we make it simple too.
Sample:
Introduction
Want help with your diagnosis? Lab scopes will do it. (Most
technicians don’t know how much diagnosis you can do with an inexpensive
scope, and a few attachments.) This book will teach you how. Everything
from relative compression with cranking amps, ignition primary and
secondary on anything (even if you don’t have the COP adapter and
you’re rusty with the ignition pattern anyway), and how do you use
it for diagnosis. Also fuel pump intermittent diagnosis with current
ramping, just to name a few. This is meant to open up a whole new
world where you can see what the computer is seeing, really see
it, or use transducers to see measurements you never thought possible.
And we make it simple too.
This book is designed for the technician who has a basic understanding
of a lab scope, knows how to get a basic pattern, what’s normal,
and how to effectively use the trigger. (If not, get my Introduction
to Lab Scopes book.) This book is for advanced applications.
We're going to explain these things:
|
|
- How does counter electromotive force change the amp output
of a starter motor so you can see if each piston creates
the same amount of compression?
|
- How do you trigger the event so you know which piston is the
part that has low compression?
- How do you get an ignition voltage pattern from primary or secondary
sources, even if you don’t have all the right DIS or COP adapters.
- Review ignition patterns and string theory so you know how to
apply what you are seeing.
- How to tell if the fuel pump caused the intermittent problem,
or foretell the future and tell if a fuel pump will fail soon,
even if it puts out OK now? (Yes, you usually can.)
- How can you use ignition current
ramping to tell if it’s a bad coil, bad module, or something else?
So hang on to your hats, here we go…
Back to top
Table of Contents:
|
Chapter 1 - 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
|
|
Chapter 2 - 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
|
|
Chapter 3 - 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
|
|
Chapter 4 - 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
|
|
Chapter 5 - 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
|
Get this e-book by
now. To read a sample from this book, click here.
Back to top
Lab Scopes - Introductory & Advanced
75 information packed pages. Delivery Time:
instant! Click
here now. To see a sample of the Introduction to Lab Scopes
click here. To view a sample
of Advanced Lab Scopes, click here.
View special offer.
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:
|
|
- 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?
|
- 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…
Get this e-book by
now. 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
Table of Contents:
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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
|
Get this book by
now. 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
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