Lesson 1Visual inspection checklist: intake, vacuum lines, ignition, fuel system, sensorsOffers a step-by-step visual check routine before in-depth tests. You'll inspect intake parts, vacuum hoses, ignition components, fuel system, and obvious sensors to spot clear issues 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 strategyHelps you plan fixes after pinpointing faults. You'll list probable parts, check compatibility, prepare tools, and source torque specs and steps to prevent 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)Shows how to link symptoms to data trends for root causes. You'll match fuel trims, O2, MAF, and misfire readings to problems like vacuum leaks, weak pumps, ignition issues, and coolant sensor faults.
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 criteriaGuides you to verify fixes by tracking warm-up, fuel trims, and check engine light. You'll set test drive paths, pass criteria, and records to confirm the issue is fully sorted.
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 tests for sensors and controls impacting start, idle, and fuel use. You'll handle MAF checks and cleaning, vacuum leak hunts, EVAP tests, and cam-crank sync verification.
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 isolationDetails key bench and on-car tests to split fuel, air, and mechanical faults. You'll measure fuel pressure, test leakdown, balance injectors, do compression checks, and isolate misfires 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 adviceTeaches simple scripts to share findings and plans. You'll cover discoveries, suggested fixes, delay risks, costs, and easy maintenance tips to foster 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 observationsOutlines a controlled cold-start and warm-up drive test. You'll follow steps, safety checks, and note RPM, idle, temp rise, and fuel trims from start to full operating temp.
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 intake questions to uncover start and idle patterns. Ask about conditions, fuel use, lights, past fixes, and habits for targeted, efficient diagnosis.
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 approach. Read freeze frames, codes, and pick PIDs like RPM, trims, O2, MAF, MAP, IAT, coolant temp for precise 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 safeguard you, the car, and others. 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 methodsTargets electrical and ignition for hard starts and rough idle. Do primary/secondary checks, coil-on-plug tests, and spark analysis 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 checklistHow to quote labour and parts for drivability jobs using time studies, guides, and checklists. Factor in diagnostics, rechecks, and real pricing for spot-on estimates.
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
