• Automotive Electrical Troubleshooting Manual
• What Is Electrical Troubleshooting

The Automotive Electrical Manual by Haynes gives the DIY mechanic all of the information needed to perform electrical repairs on automotive vehicles. The manual includes information necessary to understand basic auto electricity, how to read wiring diagrams, how to properly use electrical test equipment like multimeters, how to perform basic automotive electrical troubleshooting and more. The guide features easy to understand, step-by-step instructions, clear pictures and detailed descriptions to ensure your next electrical repair project is a success. This manual is a must-have book for the serious do-it-yourselfer who's not afraid to do his own electrical repair work at home. The soft-cover book also includes safety tips regarding automotive electricity and details specific tools needed to complete each job.

Whether you're a DIY mechanic or an experienced professional brushing up on wiring basics, the Haynes manual is an invaluable resource that no work bench is complete without. Book Excerpt UNDERSTANDING WIRING DIAGRAMS Wiring diagrams are useful tools when troubleshooting electric circuits. Electrical systems on modern vehicles have become increasingly complex, making a correct diagnosis more difficult. If you take the time to fully understand wiring diagrams, you can take much of the guesswork out of electrical troubleshooting.

If you have an older vehicle, you may find the wiring diagrams hard to decipher. Frequently, older diagrams give no information on component location, operation or how to read the diagram. Many of them are organized in ways that make tracing wires difficult. Today's wiring diagrams tend to be more organized, and the cross-references between each portion of the diagram are clearly explained. They often have component locators and some are even in color (to show wire colors). COMPONENTS OF A WIRING DIAGRAM Wiring diagrams can be broken down into three main components: symbols, color codes and wire gage numbers. SYMBOLS On wiring diagrams, symbols are used to represent the components of the electrical system.

The most obvious symbol is a line to represent a wire. Some other symbols are not so obvious, since they do not necessarily look like the components they're representing. That's because most wiring diagram symbols, which are sometimes called schematic symbols, show the way the component functions electrically rather than how it appears physically. DIAGNOSING AND CORRECTING CIRCUIT FAULTS CHECKING RESISTANCE Resistance is checked with an ohmmeter.

Turn the scale selector switch to the proper ohms range for the device you will be measuring. Make sure the wires are connected to the proper plugs on the meter and turn the meter on. Check that the meter reads 'infinity' before testing is begun, then touch the test probes together to ensure the meter goes to zero. Connect one test lead to the positive terminal of the device being tested and connect the other lead to the negative terminal or housing (ground). After testing, switch the ohmmeter off to conserve batteries. TRACING SHORTS Shorts to grounds are most easily found with a short finder, although a test buzzer is also effective.

If you use a buzzer and discover the short is not a component (meaning it is somewhere in the wiring harness), inspect the exposed portions of the wiring harness for obvious evidence of a short (burned wire insulation, chafing, etc). If you still can't find the wiring harness short, we strongly recommend you borrow or purchase a short finder. Finding a hidden short in a wiring harness without this device can be very time consuming. WITH A SHORT FINDER. Remove the blown fuse, leaving the battery connected. Connect the pulse unit of the short finder across the fuse terminals.

Close (turn on) all switches in series with the circuit you are troubleshooting. Operate the short finder.

The short finder will pulse current to the short. This creates a pulsing magnetic field surrounding the circuit wiring between the fuse panel and the short. Beginning at the fuse panel, slowly move the short finder meter along the circuit wiring. The meter will show current pulses through the sheet metal and body trim. As long as the meter is between the fuse block and the short, the needle will move with each current pulse. When you have moved the meter past the point of the short, the needle will stop moving.

Examine the wiring in that area for the short to ground and repair as needed. NOTE: A test light or voltmeter may be substituted for the buzzer.

However, an assistant will be needed to watch the light meter while you disconnect components and wiggle the wiring harness. Subject: Automotive DIY electrical manual. Basic automotive electricity, troublshooting and repair. ISBN-10: ISBN-13: 548 Haynes 10420.

Fall Semester, 2007 Instructor: Oudyalack Rampersad Contact Numbers: To leave a voice message for Roddy at MSJC, call 487-3510 or the Tool Room (Vincent Cody) (951) 487-3512. EMAIL: rrampersad@msjc.edu Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 8-9:00am Mon/Wed 5-6pm. Other times by appointment Class Meetings: AUME 126, Room 908 Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Lecture = 62.0 hours Lab = 48.0 hours Final = 2.0 hours Total = 112.0 hours Holidays / Exceptions: November 12 th& 22 nd, 2007 Course Description: This course covers the theory of electricity, use of meters and test equipment, used of wiring diagrams, diagnosis and repair/replacement of major electrical components of automobiles. This course will assist the student in preparing for the ASE A-6 exam. Course Objectives: On completion of this course, the student will be able to apply electrical fundamentals, use electrical diagnostic test equipment and follow service manual procedures to isolate and identify failed components. Upon completion of this course, for a typical vehicle the student will be able to: 1.

Create a list of personal safety equipment that all service technicians should wear in a shop environment. Compare and differentiate conventional current flow and electron theory. Measure resistance, current, voltage, and voltage drop. Examine data from electrical tests performed on automotive batteries, starters and alternators to determine corrective action. Test ignition coils, triggering devices and primary switching devices. Calculate voltage, current and resistance using OHM?s Law on a series-parallel circuit. Analyze wiring diagrams and identify electrical components.

Categorize battery ratings. Differentiate the types of voltage regulators and explain how they operate. Diagram the components of an automotive ignition, power door lock and theft deterrent system. Select the appropriate diagnostic equipment to perform automotive electrical test procedures. Organize test results and test procedures to isolate and determine failed components.

Prerequisites: None Requisites: Students are to provide their own instructor approved safety glasses or goggles (also available in the tool room), three-ring notebook, and the appropriate textbook. Students will be required to organize the corresponding worksheets lab sheets, notes and handouts in their notebook. Outline of Course: 1. Introduction, Safe Practices & Overview of Engine Performance a. Course Description and Credit b. Grading Plan & Requirements c. OSHA, Occupational Safety & Health Act, Clean Air Act d.

Attitude Toward Safety e. Shop Practices f. Vehicle ID, proper use of lifts, service information, resources 2. Electrical Fundamentals a. Electricity b.

Source of Electricity 3. Electrical Circuits and Ohm?s Law a.

Watt?s Law 4. Series, Parallel, and Series Parallel Circuits a. Series Circuits b. Ohm?s Law and Series Circuits c. Series Circuit Laws d. Series Circuit Examples e. Parallel Circuits f.

Determining Total Resistance in a Parallel Circuit g. Parallel Circuit Examples h. Series-Parallel Circuits i. Solving Series-Parallel Circuit Problems h.

Series-Parallel Circuit Examples 5. Digital Meters and Scope Usage a. Self-Powered Test Lights b. Logic Probes c. Digital Multi-Meters d. Measuring Voltage, Resistance and Amperes e.

Electrical Unit Prefixes f. Resolution, Digits, and Counts g. Analog versus Digital Storage Oscilloscopes i. Oscilloscope Display Grid h. Graphing Multi-meters 6. Automotive Wiring and Wire Repair a. Automotive Wiring b.

Braided Ground Straps c. Battery Cables d.

Jumper Cables e. Fuses and Circuit Protection Devices f. Terminal and Connectors g. Wire Repair 7.

Schematics and Troubleshooting a. Wiring Schematics b.

Relay Terminal Identification d. Using Schematics for Troubleshooting e. Locating a short Circuit f. Electrical Troubleshooting Guide g.

Step-by-step Troubleshooting Procedure 8. Capacitance and Magnetism a.

Capacitance b. Capacitor Construction and Operation c. Factors of Capacitance d. Capacitor Uses e. Fundamentals of Magnetism f. Electromagnetism g. Electromagnetic Induction h.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Suppression 9. Electric Fundamentals a. Semiconductors b. N-Type Material c. P-Type Material d. Semiconductors e.

Diode Rating g. Clamping Diodes h.

Light emitting Diodes (LED) i. Photodiodes j. Silicon-Controlled Rectifiers k.

Solar Cells 10. Batteries and Battery Testing a.

Battery Construction b. How a Battery Works c. Specific Gravity d. Causes and Types of Battery Failures e. Battery Rating f. Battery Service Safety g. Battery Maintenance h.

Automotive Electrical Troubleshooting Manual

Battery Testing i. Battery Charging j. Jump-Starting 11. Cranking System Operation and Diagnosis a.

Cranking Circuit b. How the Starter Motor Works c.

Types of Starter Motors d. Solenoid-Operated Starters e. Voltage-Drop Testing f. Specifications for Starter Amperage Test g.

Testing the Armature for Grounds, Opens, and Shorts h. Testing Starter Motor Field Coils i. Starter Brush Inspection j.

Starter System Troubleshooting 12. Charging System Operation and Diagnosis a. Principles of Generator Operation b. Alternating-Current Generators (Alternators) c.

Alternator Construction d.?A? Field Circuits e. Electrical Voltage Regulators f.

Computer-Controlled Generators g. Charging System Testing and Service h. A/C Voltage Check i. Testing the Diode Trio j. Testing the Rectifier Bridge 13. Lighting and Signal Circuits a. Brake Lights c.

Headlight Switches d. Sealed-Beam Headlight e. Halogen Sealed-Beam Headlight f. High-Intensity Discharge Headlights g. Dimmer Switches h. Stop Lamps and Turn Signals i. Flasher Units j.

Fiber Optics Textbook (Required) Automotive Electricty & Electronics Electronic, 1st edition James d. Halderman & Chase D. Mitchell, Jr.

ISBN- 0-13-084224-9 Reference/Supplementary Material: Books? Trade Publications (Magazines): 1. Mitchell on Demand/ Alldata for Windows 2. Car and Driver, Press-Enterprise, Saturday Edition: Cars Section 3.

Mitchell, Motor, Chilton Manuals Software: (Available at computer workstations in the department hallway and the library 1. Honda/Acura Online University, ISIS 2. Chek-Chart Lubrication & Maintenance Guide 3. Mitchell On Demand 4. Shop management software 6.

Service advisor software Internet: ISIS, Honda/Acura Online University, Selected Tutorials from Instructor?s List of Automotive related websites Videos: Training Modules by trade and OEM sources (available from the tool room) Attendance Requirements: Attendance is an important part of the training for any career, and it is an expectation of every employer. Therefore, any more than three unexcused absences will subject the student to a possible drop. A pattern of tardiness will also be grounds for drop. If you expect to be absent or late, call the AUTO TECH BUILDING TOOLROOM (ext 3510 or 3512) or please notify the instructor. See the phone and email information above. If you choose to drop the class, you must submit a drop slip yourself.

Failure to do so will result in a student receiving an F for a final grade. Homework: Students will answer the Multiple Choice Review Questions at the end of the chapters assigned as Homework in your Classroom Text: Automotive Electrical, Electronic by James D.

Halderman & Chase Mitchell, Jr. Be prepared to contribute to the class by adding to the discussion from your own observations/experiences. Refer to the weekly reading list for the assignments. Any written and or visual observation assignments are due at the beginning of class on Thursday of that assigned week. Tests & Quizzes: Tests & Quiz will be based on the reading assignments and material covered in class. NOTE: You are required to take accurate class notes, as your instructor will emphasize the key points from these chapters. You are to Supplement the instructors notes on these chapters, especially for tests and quizzes.

Shop Project Lab Sheet: Your participation in the shop and completion of the shop skills lab sheets will constitute your 'hands-on grade.' Written lab assignments are due at the end of the class on Thursday of that assigned week. Research Paper A 450 to 500 word Research Paper using internet and other library resources to gather and organize information on your dream job/career in the automotive industry. The research paper grade will be based on the completeness of these listed items. Items include a title or a position of a job or a career in the automotive industry, a job description, a salary range, required education, employers, type(s) and amount of travel required, life style and location(s) were people in this career may reside. Also what significance does an automotive electrical course have in your career plan? Research Paper is Due on Methods of Evaluation / Grading Be prepared for chapter tests by completing each reading assignment.

You may use your class notes. All Lab assignments must be done in a timely fashion (see outline).

Your final exam will be worth 200 points. Final grades will be based upon the total points you accumulate. You class participation will be factored into your final grade.

Please see below for details. 'A' = 100% - 90% 1500 - 1350 'B' = 89.9% - 80% 1349 - 1200 'C' = 79.9% - 70% 1199 - 1050 'D' = 69.9% - 60% 1049 - 900 'F' = less than 60% 899 or less Homework 250 points Weekly assignments as per schedule Online University 380 points in.honda.com Shop Labs / Participation 300 points Weekly assignments as per schedule Includes cooperation, participation, & completion of lab projects Research Paper 200 points Due 11-08-07 Mid-Term 170 points As scheduled Final Examination 200 points The final Exam is mandatory. Failure to take the final exam will result in a?D? Grade or lower. The final will consist of written and hands-on demonstration of skills practiced in the labs. Total: 1500 points Research & Extra Credit: Completion of an extra credit project is worth up to 100 additional points (see below for details).

Assignments are: a. Library Research: Using one of the automotive periodicals, videos and repair and service manuals in the library, research and write a report (250? 350 words) on any current development in automotive technology. From the instructor?s list of automotive related Internet related websites, complete a selected automotive tutorial and write a 50-word report on what you learned or found of value.

Working on one of several ongoing Department improvement projects. Using the Honda/Acura website write a report on the Multiplex System as used on Honda/ Acura vehicles. Please give examples of the various systems that are multiplexed. An alternate choice is a research on the Honda CVT system.

Late assignments: Homework assignments not handed in by the due date will only be allowed half credit (50% credit). Those who have made prior arrangements by contacting the instructor by phone, the answering system, or email can receive full points. Missed quizzes as well as the mid-term can be made up by appointment with the instructor. The final exam can be rescheduled only by prior arrangements with the instructor.

Please note the following: The no parking signs on the East and West sides of the 900 building, The east side of the Fire Lane that separates the 900 and 950 buildings. There is no student parking at or around the 900 or 950 buildings.

Violators can be cited by the San Jacinto Police Department. You must have a parking sticker/permit to park on campus If you will be working on your own vehicle in Lab, you will be instructed when you are to drive the vehicle into the shop. Properly completed job sheets will be required. You will be given a written policy document outlining procedures for working on vehicles not provided by the school. Proscribed Conduct The following are selected portions from the Student Code of Conduct that will be our guide for everybodies behavior in the classroom and labs. The complete provisions may be found starting on p.34 of the official MSJC Catalog, 2000?

The college publication is available in the library. Jurisdiction of the College Generally, College jurisdiction and discipline shall be limited to conduct which occurs on College premises or which adversely affects the College Community and/or the pursuit of its objectives. Rules and Regulations Any student found to have committed the following misconduct is subject to the disciplinary sanctions outlined in Board Policy 605.04: 1 Acts of dishonesty, including but not limited to the following: a) Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty. B) Furnishing false information to any College official, faculty member, or office.

What Is Electrical Troubleshooting

C) Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any College document, record or instrument of identification. D) Tampering with the election of any College recognized student organization. Disruption or obstruction of teaching, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other College activities, including its public-service functions on or off campus, or other authorized non-College activities, when the act occurs on College premises. Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, stalking, harassment, coercion and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the physical and/or mental health and safety of any person. Attempted or actual theft of and/or damage to property of the College or property of a member of the College community or other personal or public property. Hazing, defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, a group or organization. Failure to comply with directions of College officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to one of these persons when requested to do so.

Unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any College premises or unauthorized entry to or use of College premises. Violation of published College policies, rules, or regulations. Violation of federal, state, or local law on College premises or at College sponsored or supervised activities. Use, possession or distribution of narcotics or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law, or appearing on campus or at a college event while under the influence of these illegal substances. Use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages except as expressly permitted by law and College regulations, or public intoxication on College premises. Illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on College premises.

Participation in a campus demonstration which disrupts the normal operations of the College and infringes on the rights of other members of the College community; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any campus building or area; intentional obstruction which unreasonably interferes with freedom of movement, either pedestrian or vehicular, on campus. Obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on College premises or at College sponsored or supervised functions.

Conduct which is disorderly, lewd, or indecent; breach of peace; or aiding, abetting, or procuring another person to breach the peace on College premises or at functions sponsored by, or participated in by, the College. Theft or other abuse of computer time, including but not limited to: a) Unauthorized entry into a file to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose. B) Unauthorized transfer of a file. C) Unauthorized use of another individual?s identification and password. D) Unauthorized use of phone and electronic devices such as radios, etc.

E) Use of computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member or College Official. F) Use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages. G) Use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of the College computing Systems. Other items: Please do not bring cellular phones to class and switch pagers to silent mode Secure instructors approval before taping lectures Computers are only to be used for activities directly related to your class No visitors in class without instructor approval The lab/shop contains hazardous materials, be sure to ask before acting To receive reasonable accommodations, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, it is the responsibility of disabled student to present their?DSS Reasonable Accommodations? Form to the instructor during the first two weeks of the semester. AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS HONDA PACT Class Schedule AUME 126 Assignments (7 Week Course) Week TOPICS Reading Assignments & Homework Assignments Lab & Job Sheet (JS) Assignments Non PACT 1 Introduction; Outline; Curriculum; Orientation; Safety Orientation; Learning Center; Setup Email Account; and Surf the Net and Attachments.

Library Orientation; Using Library and Web for Research Projects PACT MODULE Skills Hands-on LAB GIS02 Shop Safety GIS03 Service Info GIC21 Intro to IST EBS10 HDS operation EL10 Starting Sys Test Online University 1. ELC10 2.EBC01 3. ELC19 CHAPTERS 1 & 2 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Hazmat Worksheet Begin SP2.org Lab 1.

Orientation & Lab Layout Lab 2. Learning center, Lab 3. Library Orientation & Research Data Lab 4. Twin Post Lift & Floor Jack 1 Electrical Fundamentals ELS24 Apply Ohm?s law ELS27 Using the ETM ELS29 ID faults power/Ground ELS30 meas available voltage ELS31 measuring resistance 5. ELC22 CHAPTERS 3 & 4 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Lab 5.

The RO/WO Lab 6. Vehicle Identification Worksheet Lab 7. Service Information 2 Electrical Circuits and OHM?s Law ELS32 measuring current ELS33 meas voltage drop ELS22 Building a Basic Circuit 8. ELC23 CHAPTERS 5 & 6 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 2 Series, Parallel, & Series Parallel Circuits EL52 T S by dividing the circuit 10. ELC31 CHAPTERS 7 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 2 Digital Meters and Scope Usage EL50 Troubleshooting Steps 12. ELC24 CHAPTERS 8 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 3 Automotive Wiring and Wire Repair EL43 Service Multi pin connectors EL44 Replace electrical connectors 15.

ELC32 CHAPTERS 9 & 10 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 126 3 Continue with lab EL51 Cause of electrical problems 18. ELC40 CHAPTERS 11 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 144, 145, 146 4 Schematics and Troubleshooting EL54 T S circuit with relays EL41 Analyzing Schematics 20. ELC55 CHAPTERS 12 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 142, 143 4 Schematics and Troubleshooting EL41 Analyzing Schematics EL42 Troubleshooting Schematics EL55 T S Short circuits 23. ELC57 CHAPTERS 1 3 & 14 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 138, 139, 140 5 Capacitance and Magnetism 25. ELC31 CHAPTERS 15 & 16 10 ASE Test Questions Job Sheet: 5 Electronic Fundamentals EBS10HDS Operation EBS12HDS DTC Diagnosis 27.

ELC62 CHAPTERS 17 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 144, 145, 149 5 Batteries and Battery Testing ELS10 Testing & Maintining Battery 29. ELC65 CHAPTERS 18 & 19 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 126, 127 & 128 6 Cranking System Operation and Diagnosis EL10 Starting Sys Test 31. ELC83 CHAPTERS 20 & 21 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 130, 131, 132 6 Charging System Operation and Diagnosis EL1 Int-Type Regulator Type test 34. ELC05 CHAPTERS 22 & 23 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 134 6 Lighting and Signaling Circuits EL25 Troubleshooting procedures 37. ELC92 CHAPTERS 24 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 136 & 137 7 Final Exam Review Clean-up Vehicles, shop, tools and equipment.

CHAPTERS 25 10 ASE Test Questions ID page numbers Job Sheet: 7 Final Exam - Written and Hands-On.