Lesson 1Visual inspection checklist: intake, vacuum lines, ignition, fuel system, sensorsGives you a step-by-step way to look over things before deep tests. Check intake parts, vacuum pipes, ignition bits, fuel setup, and sensors you can see to spot clear 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 strategyHelps you plan fixes after finding faults. List possible parts, check they fit, sort tools needed, and find torque numbers and steps to stop jobs coming back wrong.
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 signs with data to name real causes. Match fuel mixes, O2, MAF, and misfire info to faults like air leaks, weak pumps, spark issues, and coolant sensor wrongs.
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 behavior, fuel trim normalization, CEL verification, test drive acceptance criteriaTeaches confirming fixes by watching warm-up, fuel mixes, and light status. Set test drive paths, pass rules, and record steps to make sure the problem is fully gone.
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 checks on main sensors and parts affecting start, idle, fuel. Learn MAF clean and test, air leak finds, EVAP checks, and cam-crank match checks.
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 isolationDoes key bench and vehicle tests to split fuel, air, mechanical faults. Measure fuel push, leak checks, injector match, compression runs, and find bad 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 adviceShows simple talk scripts for findings and fix plans. Practice what was seen, work advised, delay dangers, costs, and easy care tips to gain 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 observationsSets out cold start and warm road test steps. Learn order, safety, and normal sights in speed, idle, heat rise, fuel mixes from start to 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 ask customers about start and idle woes. Learn conditions, fuel use, lights, past fixes, drive ways to aim checks sharp.
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 scan way. Read freeze data, pending and set codes, pick key live bits like speed, fuel mixes, O2, MAF, MAP, air temp, coolant to lead fixes.
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 safety to guard you, car, others. Check battery state, fuel EVAP leaks, cooling wholeness, engine holds before road or lift.
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 methodsTests for power and spark on hard start rough idle. Do first second checks, coil-plug tests, spark look with scope or other ways.
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 labor and parts costs: time study approach, labor guides and parts sourcing checklistHow to cost work and bits for drive fixes with time looks, guides, source lists. Count checks, redoes, real prices for true 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
