Your multimeter is a versatile tool. But for certain diagnostics, you need an oscilloscope to get a closer look at a vehicle’s electrical systems.
What an oscilloscope shows that your DVOM can’t (VIDEO)
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HOT OFF THE PRESS
What Happens When You Don’t Drain Your Air Compressor? (You Don’t Want to Find Out.)
The shop maintenance task you can’t afford to forget.
The History of the “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington” Bumper Sticker
These ubiquitous stickers have a longer history than most people may think.
Chrome Overload: GM’s “Mistake of ’58”
What happens when chrome goes too far?
ABOUT SHOP PRESS
Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle. With interesting stories from around the world, features on creative people and solutions, and all kinds of other stuff that’ll make you use your mind and your hands.
SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Six Ways to Best Protect Yourself from Keyless Car Theft (For Now)
Car thieves are getting smart. You need to be smarter.
Interpreting Compression Tests–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)
Technician A completed a compression test, noting high readings suggest an exhaust restriction, while Technician B says the test checks volumetric efficiency.
Do I Need a Tune-up?
When a customer rolls into your shop and asks for a “tune-up,” what’s your first reaction?
Should You Lubricate Spark Plugs Before Installing Them? (VIDEO)
Do you lubricate the threads on spark plugs before installing them? Should you? Pete Meier explains the finer points of spark plug lube application for best results and OE service procedure compliance.
PSA: Be Safe With Brake Cleaner
Brake cleaner is loved by techs (for good reason), but make sure you’re taking safety precautions.
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SHOP STUFF
Auto care news and advice you can use.
What Shape Is a Piston?
Cylindrical? Not really.
When a Voltmeter Isn’t Enough (Video)
Many high-end scan tools come with a capable digital storage oscilloscope. Time to put that tool to work.
Which Is Faster: A Spark Plug Firing or a Fuel Injector Spraying? (VIDEO)
Did you know that a modern fuel injection system can fire off multiple sprays in the same time it takes for a spark to jump across a plug?
P0420/P0430—The #1 DTC in the Country
And the most misdiagnosed.
Troubleshooting Fuel Trim–ASE Practice Questions (VIDEO)
Technician A and Technician B are discussing ways to use fuel trim as a troubleshooting aid. Technician A says that fuel trims that are correcting for a lean condition at high RPM and load conditions indicates a problem in fuel delivery. Technician B says that this condition is caused by a vacuum leak.
VIDEOS
Colin Chapman: The Philosopher of Motion (Part 1)
This British engineer changed racing forever by making cars lighter, not more powerful.
Maximum Voltage Reading – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)
Technicians debate using the min/max function of a digital voltmeter to test the battery and charging system on a customer’s vehicle to determine if the alternator has failed. Who is correct?
The Story of Dagmar Bumpers
Is this the only car part named after an actress?