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
Set the Toe and Go!
The finer points of performing coarse alignments.
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.
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.
When Selling a Job, Get It In Writing (Not an Emoji)
Casual communication can have formal consequences.
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.
Coolant Service – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)
Proper cooling system maintenance goes beyond time and mileage, requiring technicians to evaluate coolant condition, additive depletion, and the root causes behind cooling system issues.
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
How Often Should You Really Flush Coolant? (VIDEO)
How do you know when it’s time to flush coolant? Technicians may have different views on the subject, but Dorman Training Center instructor Pete Meier explains how using a test strip at every service is a surefire way to get an accurate picture of the coolant’s health.
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?