Chilton's Auto Troubleshooting Guide [antikvár]

Purpose of this Book This book is designed to aid Ixith the amateur and the professional mechanic in troubleshooting all automotive systems, from the engine to the rear axle. While this book is intentionally general in scope, theories of operation are covered in each chapter, and, where necessar\', troubleshooting becomes specific instead of general (as in the case of electronic ignition systems). Before going on to any troubleshooting, it might be wise to review several things. Know Your Car Since this book is designed to be general in scope, it will be necessary for you to have all the specific information you will need about your car. If, for instance, you are working on the engine, you will obviously need all the engine specifications. While some things (such as drum brakes) are fairly standard across all car lines, other systems are not. Necessary Tools You probably have a fairly complete collection of hand tools already. Most of the tools we will be concerned with in this book are diagnostic tools such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, etc. It is assumed that you have such things as a dwell-tach and a timing light. In the event specific tools are necessary, it will be noted in the text. Using The Book Before attempting any job, read the section of the book which pertains to it first. The sections on basic operating principles are particu- larly important. It is quite difficult to repair a system if you don't understand it, even if you have a procedure to follow in front of you. Remember, the most important key to effective diagnosis is complete understanding. Troubleshooting As An Exercise In Logic While adequate automotive repairs can be performed by many people, both professional and amateur, troubleshooting seems to be a very rare skill indeed. The ability to correctly diagnose automotive maladies is viewed by many people as an arcane science, somewhat akin to being able to find water with a stick or summon the dead. Such of course is not the case. Troubleshooting is not an art form. Troubleshooting, in its simplest state, is an exercise in logic. It is essential to realize that an automobile is composed of a series of systems. Some of these systems are interrelated, others are not. The key lies, of course, in having a firm grasp of all automotive systems. Obviously, if you don't know the charging system from the ignition system, you can't be expected to troubleshoot a problem in your electrical system, or even to realize the problem is in your electrical system. A thorough knowledge of all the systems of your car will allow you to pinpoint problem areas and eliminate a lot of unnecessary guesswork. Automobiles operate in accordance with a logical series of rules and physical laws. As long as you keep this in mind and proceed in an orderly manner, troubleshooting will be no trouble at all. I