How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems

by Martin, Tracy

• ISBN13: 9780760320990
• ISBN10: 0760320993
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-11-10
• Publisher: Motorbooks

Summary

Automotive electrical systems can be a mystery to the weekend mechanic, and even the experienced professional. No longer shall you fear the mass of wires under your dash and beneath the hood of your vehicle. How To Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems explains the principles behind automotive electrical systems and describes how they work.

Author Biography

Tracy Martin (tracyamartin.com) is the author of five Motorbooks Workshop series books, including, How To Use Automotive Diagnostic Scanners, How To Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems, Motorcycle Electrical Systems Troubleshooting and Repair, How to Tune and Modify Motorcycle Engine Management Systems, and How to Troubleshoot, Repair and Modify Motorcycle Electrical Systems. He also co-authored the Motorcycling Safety Foundation's Guide to Motorcycling Excellence.

Tracy is a regular contributor to several national magazines, including, Motorcycle Consumer News, RoadBike, American Iron Dealer News, and others. Tracy's automotive carrier begin as a high-school auto shop teacher and he has been a consultant for Sun Electric, Nissan of North American, Snap-On Tools, and other automotive aftermarket companies. When he's not writing he teaches advanced motorcycle skills and plays the banjo.

Table of Contents

Preface	8	(2)
SECTION I: THEORY
Ohm's Law	10	(16)
``Three Things'' About 12-Volt DC Circuits	11	(3)
``Three Things'' About 12-Volt DC Circuits	14	(2)
Resistance/Amps Relationship	16	(2)
DC and AC Circuits	18	(1)
Oh No, Math?	19	(1)
Rules of Operation for Three Types of Circuits	20	(6)
Voltage Drop Testing	26	(11)
Don't Use an Ohmmeter	27	(1)
How a Voltmeter Measures Voltage	28	(2)
Testing Circuits Dynamically	30	(2)
Voltage Drop	32	(1)
How Much Is Too Much?	33	(2)
Locating the Bad Spot	35	(1)
Test, Don't Guess	36	(1)
SECTION II: TOOLS
Electronic Testing Tools	37	(21)
Test Lights	38	(2)
Multimeters	40	(2)
Fluke Multimeter	42	(3)
Measuring Amperage	45	(1)
Logic Probes	46	(1)
Noid Lights	46	(1)
Short Finders	47	(2)
Jumper Wires and Accessories	49	(1)
Coil Testers	50	(1)
Spark Tester	51	(2)
Ignition Timing Lights	53	(1)
Battery Testers	53	(1)
Lab Scopes	54	(1)
Soldering Tools	55	(3)
SECTION III: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Storage Battery	58	(11)
Chemical Reactions	59	(1)
Discharging	60	(1)
Electrolyte Solution	61	(1)
Charging	62	(1)
Battery Ratings	63	(1)
Type of Batteries	63	(1)
Battery Testing---State of Charge	64	(1)
Dynamic Battery Testing	65	(2)
Hand-held Battery Testers	67	(2)
Charging and Starting Systems	69	(27)
DC Generators	69	(2)
DC Generator Voltage Regulators	71	(1)
Alternators	72	(3)
Mechanical Voltage Regulators for Alternators	75	(1)
Transistorized Electronic Voltage Regulators	76	(1)
Internal and Computer-Controlled Voltage Regulators	77	(1)
Charge Indicators	78	(3)
Alternator Testing	81	(2)
Generic Alternator Testing	83	(2)
GM Alternator with External Regulator	85	(2)
GM Delcotron Alternator with Internal Regulator	87	(1)
Delco-Remy CS Alternator	87	(2)
Ford-Alternator with External Regulator	89	(1)
Ford-Motorcraft IAR Alternators	89	(1)
Chrysler Alternator with External Voltage Regulator	90	(1)
Chrysler's Computer-Controlled Alternator	90	(1)
DC Generator and Regulator Testing	90	(1)
Generator Polarizing	91	(1)
Starter Motors	92	(1)
Starter Solenoids	93	(1)
Starter Testing	93	(3)
Ignition Systems	96	(23)
How To Get from 12 Volts to 100,000 Volts	97	(1)
Ignition Coils	97	(2)
Generic Coil Testing	99	(2)
Points and Condenser	101	(1)
Electronic Ignition and Computer Controls	102	(2)
Triggers	104	(3)
Ignition Modules	107	(1)
Generic Ignition Module Testing	107	(1)
Ignition Module ``Tap'' Testing	108	(8)
Secondary Ignition Circuit	116	(3)
Fuel Injection Systems	119	(17)
Carburetors	120	(1)
Electronic Fuel Injection	120	(1)
Taking EFI for a Test Drive	121	(3)
Sensor Testing	124	(7)
General Motors	128	(1)
Ford Motor Company	128	(3)
Chrysler	131	(1)
Mass Airflow Sensors	131	(3)
Fuel Injectors and Injector Pulse	134	(2)
SECTION IV: GENERAL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
Wiring Diagrams	136	(11)
Reading Wiring Diagrams	137	(4)
Wiring Diagram Exercises	141	(1)
Answers to Wiring Diagram Questions	142	(5)
Troubleshooting Electrical Systems	147	(10)
The Starter that Doesn't: A Case Study	147	(5)
Bad Grounds	152	(1)
Cross over Circuits	153	(3)
Parasitic Amp Draw	156	(1)
Sources	157	(2)
Index	159