Automotive Diagnostic Equipment

Don't you feel frustrated when searching for automotive diagnostic equipment and all you see and find are diagnostic equipments for On Board Diagnostics (OBD) I & II? Automotive related businesses should always consider that there are still many who own cars that are not computerized! There are also car enthusiasts and collectors that do not want to convert their engines to electronic fuel injection (EFI),automotive repair manuals and breaker-less ignition systems. Many of those who are knowledgeable on automotive mechanics are disappointed when a computerized car fails to run properly just because its sensors are not working. In non-computerized cars, the mechanics are the "diagnostic equipment" that can diagnose an engine problem and fix it at a much lesser cost!

What are the "diagnostic equipments" of mechanics? Eyes, ears, nose and touch of a mechanic can detect engine problems even before they conk out in the middle of nowhere! That is the kind of diagnostic equipment we need for non-computerized cars. Earlier equipments used by shops and mechanics were actually only engine analyzers. The analyzers are used to fine tune cars. It determines the dwell angle, time and gap on breaker-points at the distributor. Analyzers are also used to detect spark plug activity, ignition coil polarity and exhaust emissions. For spark timing, the timing light is often used to check on it. The results from the analyzers are interpreted by mechanics to make the proper adjustments, or replacements if necessary.

Compared to current automotive diagnostic equipments, diagnoses of non-computerized cars are actually a combination of equipment and mechanic. The OBD on the other hand diagnoses the car, detects any error code and then erases it from the engine control unit (ECU). If the error code is persistent it will either be necessary to replace the offending sensor or the ECU itself. Cars with OBD will stall and not start at all if a major electronic unit or sensor is defective. When this happens you will not be able to do any troubleshooting. Having a handheld OBD automotive diagnostic equipment can help if you know how to or learn to use it.

The "Check Engine" light that on the dashboard will light if system detects a defect. It is not reliable however in pinpointing where the defect is. The use of a scanner or code reader will be the only way to trace the defect. If you are caught in this situation, the only way to troubleshoot is to check on connections. A loose gas cap could also cause the check engine warning light to switch on. After checking on connections and the trouble is still there, call for service shop assistance that has a diagnostic tool and haynes repair manuals.