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?
Staying ‘Current’ on Ignition Coil Changes
During the past century, ignition coil configurations have evolved from oil-filled canister to epoxy-filled to e-core to waste spark and to the most modern coil-on-plug or “pencil” coils. Whatever the configuration, an ignition coil creates a spark by transforming amperage into volts. To illustrate, an oil-filled ignition coil might require about 4 amperes of current
Under the Hood: ‘Plugging’ Away at Ignition Diagnostics
Whatever the configuration, an ignition coil has three parts: a primary circuit, a secondary circuit and a soft-iron core
Service Advisor: Tips on Solving Alternator Failure Issues
Catastrophic failures are usually due to an alternator malfunction, but can also be caused by a faulty drive belt or blown fuse.
Service Advisor: Charging Ahead with Battery Service
The actual service life of a battery depends upon its design and construction, and the operating conditions to which it might be exposed.
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.
The Real World: ‘Bay Watch’ — Staying Safe When Servicing Hybrids
An increasing number of hybrid vehicles entering the bays of automotive and collision repair facilities means that you need the proper training to ensure accurate repairs and keep yourself safe.
Current Ramping
AVI can help every tech in your shop analyze and diagnose most vehicles in 15 minutes or less? The “Injector Guru” Jim Linder will tell you how it.
Current Ramping Quick Quiz
Can every tech in your shop analyze and diagnose vehicles in 15 minutes or less? Do you know how to analyze amperage waveforms captured with your DSO and low-amp current probe to monitor electrical current through wires? Take our quick quiz to improve your accuracy and help cut your diagnostic time.
Under the Hood: COP Patrol – Tracking Down Coil-on-Plug Misfires
Modern engine management technology trends have been leaning toward more coil-on-plug (COP) ignition systems because they are very compact and adaptable to individual cylinder tuning.