Toyota Charging System Diagnostics
According to my experience, I estimate that replacing the alternator solves 95% of all charging system failures. If that’s true, what happens in the remaining 5% of charging system failures that results in customer comebacks?
Battery Drains Tech Tip
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.
Automotive Definitions
The following are key words and phrases used in articles that have run in Tomorrow’s Technician magazine. This helpful reference guide can be printed out and added to your class notes. We will continue to update this list.
November TT Pop Quiz:
This month’s pop quiz addresses Brake Rotors. Choose the answer that best completes the following statements or questions.
Service Advisor: ‘Starting’ an Electrical System Diagnosis
Fixing Electrical System Faults the First Time Eliminates Returns
Under the Hood: Exterminating Pesky Electrical Parasites
A parasitic draw on the battery means that, while the key is in the off position, something is pulling amperage from the battery.
TT April ’09 Pop Quiz: Rotors
This month’s pop quiz addresses brake rotors. Choose the answer that best completes the following statements or questions.
Crossword Puzzle: November 2008
Across 1. Engine-block material, often (4,4) 5. Decorative interior and exterior bits 9. Auto-body section 10. Steering-system components (3,4) 11. A personal-watercraft brand (3,3) 12. Shafts on which wheels revolve 14. Flip-down sun shields 16. "American Chopper" family name 19. Tireless assembly-line worker 21. Term for dual-power vehicle 24. Trade term for windshield post (1,6)
September 2007 Crossword Puzzle
Across 1. Cylinder diameter 3. Vehicles with monster stereo systems (4,4) 9. Body-shop power tools 10. Exhaust-driven engine adjunct, briefly 11. Temporary traffic-lane markers 12. Body section below front bumper (3,3) 14. Ammeter unit of measure 16. A car-stereo feature 19. ATF type 21. Front/rear speaker control 24. Auto-battery brand 25. Volatile, flammable solvent 26.
Getting a Charge out of Electrical Diagnostics
Adapted from Glen Beanard’s article in Underhood Service