How To Diagnose A Problem In Your Car Quickly And Efficiently?

The best way to get your car repaired, without being ripped off, is to know what the trouble is in the first place. Trouble shooting is also the first step in any do it yourself auto repair. with a logical plan and a few testing tools you can find out what is wrong with your car easily and then move on to fixing the problem.

To find out what the problem is, you need a logical plan. A go over the basics step by step plan to locate the trouble. Repair manuals have a diagnostic tree that is constructed like logical progression. Each time you are asked one question and then depending on the answer, yes or no, you move on to the correct branch and onto the next step/ question. At the end of the branch you have a diagnosis of the problem and how to deal with it.

You will need a few basic testing tools to be able to run tests on your car and find the answers to the questions in your logical progress plan. A 12-volt tester will tell you if a circuit has power or not. It can also tell if the ground circuit is good. Volt-ohm-meter (VOM) can perform resistance tests and voltage measurements. You can buy a good VOM in any hardware store. Most VOM’s have an ammeter that will test the alternator output and test for current draws, this feature is a must. It is advised to buy a digital VOM because they are easier to read.

If you have an older car that has a point equipped ignition system, you will need a dwell meter to measure and adjust the dwell angle of the points. Read the instructions of how to attach the meter so you will not short circuit it (most meters have a defence against that…) Make sure you buy a meter that has spare fuses. You will one day hook it up the wrong way and be thankful for them.

Most of the trouble shooting in today’s cars is electrical in nature. Make sure to look up the wiring diagram in your cars manual. A good diagram will have two parts: the schematic showing the parts and the wiring diagram showing the wire colours and their connections. Follow this diagram whenever looking for a circuit problem.

For testing the mechanical side you will need more special tools and knowledge. With cars operated by complex computers, it is no longer that easy to fix problems, even if they are mechanical. A hand Vacuum pump can help test vacuum operating components like EGR valves and heating and air conditioning systems.

When looking for problems, always start with the basics. The foundation has to be sound before you can move on to more complex things. Many times the solution to a problem is a simple one and people waist time looking for complicated answers.

When you have a drivability problem, the first place to check is the sparkplugs. Make sure that you have the correct ones inserted into your car. Use AC Delco plugs in GM, Champion in Chrysler, Motorcraft in Fords and NGK’s in Japanese cars. Do not just buy the ones that are in there, check that they are the correct ones. The next step is to check the ignition wires. Make sure the wired are connected tightly to the plugs and that there are no cracks in them. Spraying wires with water is a good test, if the car runs ruff then you need new wires. Look at distributor caps and rotor, if they are burned or cracked, replace them.

If you have any doubts then replace all of these parts. These are the most common reasons for rough engine performance. The cost is small and you will know they are in good shape.

The next step is to check the vacuum lines for cracks or collapse areas. Be thorough! The cracks are always to be found in the most hidden sport in the car. Loose electrical connections will cause many problems and strange symptoms. So unplug the connectors and take a look at the terminals. Replace your filters too - dirty fuel and air filters cause many drivability problems. If the car won’t start check the gas gauge first. Remember, always to start with the basics.

The same goes for electricity in the car. Check fuses and fusible contacts first, make sure connections are tight and that bulbs are the correct ones for your car and nor burned out.

If you are following a wire, track it in both directions, from the component to the fuse and back. If the wire is buried in the dash, check the wiring diagram for another connection to this wire and you might be able to conduct your test from a more accessible location and in shorter time.

Last but not least, get the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s) from the computer. For this you will need a scanner and manual regarding how to get them out manually. Learn to understand the meaning of the codes so you will not buy an expensive part and replace it and still remain with the problem.

Double check your diagnosis, double check your work and the repair. Make sure that the problem is fixed and that the repair of one fault did not cause another. Do not take anything for granted.

Trouble shooting can be a hard and problem finding is not easy. But with a few simple tools and common sense you can track down the trouble and repair you car yourself.

Photo credit creative commons license Falcifier Ben