Lesson 1Visual inspection checklist: intake, vacuum lines, ignition, fuel system, sensorsThis lesson gives you a step-by-step visual check routine before diving into fancy tests. You'll inspect intake parts, vacuum hoses, ignition bits, fuel setup, and sensors you can see to spot obvious problems fast.
Inspecting intake ducts and air filter boxChecking vacuum hoses and PCV routingReviewing coils, wires, and spark plugsLooking for fuel leaks and line damageSensor connector and harness inspectionLesson 2Repair planning: parts to consider (fuel filter/pump, injectors, ignition coils/plugs, MAF, intake gaskets), special tools, torque specs lookup strategyHere you'll learn to plan repairs after spotting faults. You'll list probable parts, check they fit, figure out tools needed, and find torque specs and steps to dodge repeat visits and wasted effort.
Listing probable parts by systemChecking part numbers and compatibilityIdentifying needed special toolsFinding torque specs and sequencesPlanning workflow to reduce reworkLesson 3Interpreting diagnostic results: mapping symptom -> data pattern for common causes (vacuum leak, faulty O2/MAF, weak fuel pump, ignition fault, coolant/temp sensor)This teaches linking symptoms to data patterns for pinpointing causes. You'll match fuel trims, O2, MAF, and misfire info to troubles like vacuum leaks, dodgy pumps, ignition glitches, and coolant sensor woes.
Recognizing vacuum leak data signaturesPatterns of weak fuel pump or restrictionIdentifying faulty O2 or MAF behaviorIgnition fault clues in misfire countersCoolant sensor errors and warm-up dataLesson 4Post-repair validation: warm-up behaviour, fuel trim normalisation, CEL verification, test drive acceptance criteriaLearn to verify fixes by watching warm-up, fuel trims, and check engine light. You'll set test drive paths, pass criteria, and record steps to make sure the problem is sorted for good.
Verifying cold and hot restart performanceMonitoring short and long term fuel trimsConfirming CEL status and code clearingDesigning a representative road test routeDefining pass or fail criteria and notesLesson 5Sensor and control component testing: MAF cleaning/check, intake vacuum/leak detection, EVAP leak test, cam/crank correlation checkCovers testing key sensors and controls impacting start, idle, and fuel use. You'll do MAF checks and cleans, find vacuum leaks, test EVAP, and verify cam-crank timing.
MAF visual check, cleaning, and output reviewSmoke and propane tests for vacuum leaksEVAP leak test basics and common faultsCam and crank signal correlation checksInterpreting scan data from key sensorsLesson 6Basic bench and in-vehicle tests: fuel pressure, fuel rail leakdown, injector balance, compression test, cylinder misfire isolationEssential bench and vehicle tests to sort fuel, air, and mechanical issues. Measure fuel pressure, check leakdown, balance injectors, test compression, and isolate misfiring cylinders safely.
Static and running fuel pressure measurementFuel rail leakdown and regulator evaluationInjector balance and flow comparison methodsCompression and relative compression testingCylinder disable tests for misfire isolationLesson 7Customer communication script: plain-language explanation of findings, recommended repairs, risks of delay, maintenance advicePractice explaining findings and plans in simple terms. Scripts cover what's wrong, fixes suggested, delay dangers, costs, and easy upkeep tips to earn customer trust.
Explaining fault codes in simple termsDescribing test results without jargonPresenting repair options and prioritiesDiscussing risks of delaying repairsGiving preventive maintenance guidanceLesson 8Cold-start and warm-up road test procedure and expected observationsStep-by-step cold-start and warm-up road test. Note safety, sequences, and normal readings in RPM, idle, temp rise, and fuel trims from cold to fully warm.
Pre-start checks and ambient conditionsObserving initial crank and first idleMonitoring warm-up RPM and idle changesWatching coolant temp and closed loop entryRecording fuel trim trends during warm-upLesson 9Targeted customer intake questions for engine starting and idle issuesKey questions to uncover patterns in start and idle woes. Ask about conditions, fuel use, lights, past fixes, and driving to steer quick, spot-on diagnostics.
Clarifying cold versus hot start conditionsQuestions on idle quality and stall eventsHistory of recent repairs and fuel qualityDriving patterns, trip length, and load useDocumenting warning lights and noisesLesson 10OBD-II scan strategy: reading freeze frame, pending/confirmed codes, live data PIDs to monitor (RPM, long/short fuel trims, O2, MAF, MAP, IAT, engine coolant temp)Step-by-step OBD-II scanning. Read freeze frames, codes, and pick PIDs like RPM, trims, O2, MAF, MAP, IAT, coolant temp to direct your diagnosis.
Capturing and reading freeze frame dataSorting pending versus confirmed codesSelecting essential live data PIDsUsing fuel trims to narrow fault areasSaving and printing reports for recordsLesson 11Pre-drive and lift safety checks: battery, fuel leak, EVAP, cooling, mountsPre-drive and lift checks to keep you, the bakkie, and others safe. Check battery, fuel/EVAP leaks, cooling, and mounts before testing or lifting.
Battery state, terminals, and cable securityFuel, EVAP, and exhaust leak inspectionCooling system level, leaks, and fan checkEngine and transmission mount conditionVerifying tire, brake, and steering basicsLesson 12Electrical and ignition tests: primary/secondary ignition checks, coil-on-plug testing, spark analysis with scope or substitute methodsElectrical and ignition tests for hard starts and rough idles. Do primary/secondary checks, test coils, analyse spark with scopes or backups.
Primary ignition voltage and control checksSecondary ignition pattern interpretationCoil-on-plug resistance and output testsUsing scopes for spark and trigger signalsSubstitute tools when scopes are unavailableLesson 13Estimating labour and parts costs: time study approach, labour guides and parts sourcing checklistEstimate labour and parts for drivability jobs using time studies, guides, checklists. Factor in diagnostics, rechecks, real pricing for spot-on quotes.
Breaking jobs into estimate line itemsUsing labor guides and flat rate dataBuilding a parts and consumables checklistComparing OEM and aftermarket optionsIncluding diagnostic and recheck time
