Car Diagnostics Course

Lesson 1 • Cooling and Lubrication Systems

Describes heat rejection and oil circulation functions critical to engine longevity. Links coolant and oil condition to diagnostic clues.

Lesson 2 • Engine Fundamentals

Covers four-stroke combustion cycle, engine geometry, and component roles. Provides the mechanical baseline needed for later fault analysis.

Lesson 3 • Electrical and Electronic Basics

Introduces voltage, current, resistance, and basic circuit types found in vehicles. Prepares students to interpret wiring diagrams and sensor signals.

Lesson 4 • Fuel and Ignition Basics

Explains how fuel delivery and spark timing work together to produce combustion. Connects mixture quality to engine performance symptoms.

Lesson 1 • Infrared and Thermal Imaging

Demonstrates non-contact temperature measurement for electrical and mechanical faults. Adds a rapid screening method to the diagnostic workflow.

Lesson 2 • Digital Multimeter Mastery

Teaches voltage, resistance, and current measurement techniques on live circuits. Directly supports electrical fault isolation in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Pressure and Vacuum Testing

Explains fuel pressure gauge, compression tester, and vacuum gauge application. Connects mechanical condition to measurable pressure values.

Lesson 4 • Oscilloscope Fundamentals

Introduces waveform capture, time-base settings, and trigger configuration. Enables students to visualize sensor and actuator signals accurately.

Lesson 1 • Readiness Monitors and Drive Cycles

Explains how monitors run, what conditions reset them, and how to complete a drive cycle. Critical for post-repair verification and emissions readiness.

Lesson 2 • Avoiding Code-Only Diagnosis

Demonstrates why a DTC indicates a circuit or system, not necessarily a failed part. Teaches verification steps before any component replacement.

Lesson 3 • OBD-II System Architecture

Details the network of sensors, modules, and communication buses that feed the OBD system. Provides context for understanding why codes are set.

Lesson 4 • Enhanced and Manufacturer-Specific Data

Covers proprietary PIDs, bi-directional controls, and module-specific data beyond generic OBD-II. Expands diagnostic reach on complex vehicles.

Lesson 1 • Idle Quality and Vacuum Integrity

Uses vacuum gauge patterns and smoke testing to find leaks causing idle instability. Reinforces pressure and vacuum tool skills from Chapter 2.

Lesson 2 • Compression and Mechanical Integrity

Applies compression and leak-down tests to distinguish mechanical from electronic faults. Prevents misdiagnosis of worn engines as sensor failures.

Lesson 3 • Fuel Trim Analysis

Interprets short-term and long-term fuel trim values to locate lean and rich faults. Connects oxygen sensor feedback to fuel delivery diagnosis.

Lesson 4 • Oxygen Sensor Diagnostics

Evaluates upstream and downstream O2 sensor waveforms for response time and range. Links sensor health to fuel trim accuracy and catalyst monitoring.

Lesson 1 • Sensor and Actuator Circuit Testing

Tests reference voltage, signal return, and ground integrity for common sensor types. Distinguishes sensor failure from wiring and module faults.

Lesson 2 • Parasitic Draw Testing

Locates excessive key-off current drain using milliamp measurement and fuse isolation. Resolves battery discharge complaints without guesswork.

Lesson 3 • Circuit Fault Isolation Techniques

Applies voltage drop, resistance, and current tests to pinpoint open and short circuits. Builds directly on multimeter skills from Chapter 2.

Lesson 4 • Wiring Diagram Interpretation

Teaches schematic symbols, circuit tracing, and connector identification in service diagrams. Enables efficient navigation of complex vehicle wiring.

Lesson 1 • Driveshaft and CV Joint Diagnosis

Identifies vibration, clunk, and clicking noises related to driveshaft angles and CV joint wear. Uses road test and visual inspection to isolate the source.

Lesson 2 • Automatic Transmission Operation

Reviews hydraulic circuits, clutch packs, and electronic shift control fundamentals. Provides the mechanical context needed to interpret transmission codes.

Lesson 3 • Manual Transmission and Clutch Faults

Diagnoses clutch slip, drag, chatter, and gear engagement issues through road test and inspection. Distinguishes hydraulic clutch circuit faults from mechanical wear.

Lesson 4 • Transmission Code and Data Analysis

Interprets transmission-specific DTCs and live data including slip RPM and solenoid duty cycle. Connects electronic data to hydraulic and mechanical conditions.

Lesson 1 • Electronic Chassis Control Systems

Tests electronic power steering, active suspension, and electronic parking brake modules. Addresses calibration requirements after component replacement.

Lesson 2 • Brake System Diagnosis

Evaluates hydraulic pressure, pad and rotor condition, and ABS module function. Connects brake pedal feel and pull symptoms to specific component faults.

Lesson 3 • Suspension and Steering Diagnosis

Diagnoses noise, vibration, and handling complaints using inspection and alignment data. Links worn components to tire wear patterns and steering feedback.

Lesson 4 • HVAC System Performance Testing

Measures refrigerant pressures, airflow temperatures, and blower circuit function. Diagnoses no-cool, no-heat, and airflow complaints systematically.

Lesson 1 • Post-Repair Verification and Quality Check

Confirms the original complaint is resolved and no new faults were introduced. Closes the diagnostic loop and prepares the vehicle for customer delivery.

Lesson 2 • Diagnostic Documentation and Reporting

Structures repair orders, test results, and customer-facing explanations professionally. Ensures diagnostic work is traceable, billable, and legally defensible.

Lesson 3 • Multi-System Fault Case Studies

Works through cases where faults in one system cause symptoms in another. Reinforces cross-system thinking developed across all core chapters.

Lesson 4 • The Six-Step Diagnostic Process

Defines verify, gather, analyze, isolate, repair, and verify steps as a professional workflow. Provides the framework that organizes all prior chapter skills.