Tips

Please report any dead links HERE

If you would like to be emailed when there's a site update, send a blank email HERE

Don’t complicate things, it all starts with two cables.

Always start at the beginning.

Assume nothing, it leads to skipping tests. When you still have the fault after one particular line of investigation, you'll keep wondering about those missed steps.

Approach each problem car on it's own individual merit. Just because yesterday's poor runner was an air leak, it has absolutely no baring on today's rough runner.

Jumping to the most familiar cause of the complaint is fine as long as you prove the fault first, be prepared with your next diagnostic route if that isn’t the problem; "familiarity diagnostics" can be your best friend or worst enemy.

If you do suspect a component has failed then I would recommend you prove it as far as you can go.

There are times it can be more beneficial to form a game plan eliminating what the root fault isn’t, rather than concentrating on what is.

I can’t count how many times I’ve taken out 5 minutes walking away from a problem to revitalises the thought process. Returning with a fresh approach can really make a difference.

If one particular diagnostic route fails to deliver, it is still a success, now you know what isn't causing the problem. Move on.

Keep the thinking process logical and methodical.

Do your homework. Preparation is a key factor in any diagnosis.

It isn’t all about finding every fault in 60 seconds flat. If the opportunity is available and you are prepared to invest a little extra into a problem, you will have a better equipped approach come the next similar problem.

Always look at a problem from the Control Unit’s perspective. What does it need to see? What is it seeing that it doesn't like? How does it know the difference between one condition and another?

Don’t peg all your hopes on a Scan Tool, electrical troubleshooting starts with a DTC but it should never end with it. Grab the code then grab the Scope.

Generally it is still possible to use a “no DTC logged” condition as a clue. Look around for external influences which the system has no electrical control over.

An Oscilloscope is very much a self educating tool no matter what level you are at. When you can see the fault visually it helps to understand the circuit and it's fault a lot clearer. If you are just starting out with you're own Scope there isn't any mistake you can do that hasn't already been made by me and others alike.

Remember the greatest tool you own is you! Being surrounded by the best Scan Tools, fast computers and powerful Scopes; it all looks great but it doesn't find nor fix the fault. I never judge someone's competence by the size of their toolbox or what's inside it.

You are not being employed as a memory machine, there's nothing wrong in writing down bits of useful findings for later. Personally speaking its the very act of scribbling that helps me remember for later, strange I know but - what ever works.

Fix as you find. I wouldn't recommend you go any further into a diagnosis if you've already proven a component needs replacing. Summarise after an investigation not during one.

All reasonable measures have been taken to ensure the details held within each article is correct and reliable at time writing. All material consists of my own thoughts and opinions. I will not be held responsible through misuse or abuse of the information on this Web Site. Safety precautions should always be taken.