Automotive Diagnostics Course

Lesson 1 • Vehicle Architecture Overview

Covers powertrain, chassis, body, and electrical layouts as integrated systems. Establishes the structural vocabulary needed for all subsequent diagnostic work.

Lesson 2 • Electrical and Electronic Basics

Introduces voltage, current, resistance, and circuit types used in modern vehicles. Connects electrical theory directly to sensor and actuator behaviour in diagnostics.

Lesson 3 • Fuel and Ignition System Basics

Describes fuel delivery components and ignition timing principles for petrol and diesel engines. Sets the foundation for diagnosing no-start and misfire conditions.

Lesson 4 • Engine Fundamentals and Operation

Explains four-stroke combustion cycles, engine configurations, and key components. Provides the mechanical baseline required to interpret engine-related fault data.

Lesson 1 • Smoke Machines and Fluid Analysis Tools

Explains smoke machine use for vacuum and EVAP leak detection and fluid condition assessment. Expands the diagnostic toolkit for hard-to-find faults.

Lesson 2 • Digital Multimeter Mastery

Teaches voltage, resistance, continuity, and frequency measurements with a digital multimeter. Directly supports electrical fault isolation throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Oscilloscope Use in Diagnostics

Introduces waveform capture, time-base settings, and trigger configuration for automotive signals. Enables pattern-based diagnosis of sensors and actuators.

Lesson 4 • Pressure and Mechanical Test Equipment

Covers fuel pressure gauges, compression testers, vacuum gauges, and leak-down testers. Links mechanical test results to engine health and fault confirmation.

Lesson 1 • Freeze-Frame and Mode Data Analysis

Teaches extraction and interpretation of freeze-frame snapshots and all OBD modes. Connects stored data to the operating conditions present when a fault occurred.

Lesson 2 • Readiness Monitors and Drive Cycles

Covers each OBD readiness monitor, its enable criteria, and the drive cycle needed to set it. Prepares learners to verify repairs and complete emissions readiness.

Lesson 3 • Network Communication Fault Diagnosis

Addresses U-code faults, bus-off conditions, and module communication failures. Learners isolate network faults using scan tools and wiring diagrams.

Lesson 4 • OBD System Architecture

Explains the powertrain control module network, communication buses, and monitor hierarchy. Establishes how the vehicle self-monitors and reports faults.

Lesson 1 • Research and Diagnostic Strategy

Covers technical service bulletin research, wiring diagram retrieval, and test plan creation. Learners build a logical test sequence before touching the vehicle.

Lesson 2 • Verify, Duplicate, and Define the Fault

Teaches road-test procedures and bench tests to confirm the complaint before diagnosis begins. Defining the fault precisely narrows the system and component scope.

Lesson 3 • Repair Verification and Documentation

Covers post-repair testing, monitor completion, and professional repair documentation. Ensures the repair is durable and the vehicle is returned in verified condition.

Lesson 4 • Testing, Isolating, and Confirming the Root Cause

Applies split-half and component-elimination testing to isolate the defective part. Confirmation testing ensures the identified cause fully explains all symptoms.

Lesson 1 • Airflow and Induction System Diagnosis

Tests MAF sensors, throttle bodies, intake manifolds, and turbocharger systems for airflow faults. Connects induction problems to fuel trim, power loss, and emissions codes.

Lesson 2 • Fuel System Diagnosis

Tests fuel pump volume, pressure, injector duty cycle, and fuel trim data to find delivery faults. Connects fuel system performance directly to air-fuel ratio and emissions.

Lesson 3 • No-Start and Hard-Start Diagnosis

Identifies the three requirements for starting—fuel, spark, and compression—and tests each systematically. Covers both petrol and diesel no-start scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Misfire Diagnosis and Cylinder Contribution

Uses misfire counters, cylinder contribution tests, and waveform analysis to isolate misfiring cylinders. Distinguishes mechanical, ignition, and fuel-delivery misfire causes.

Lesson 1 • EVAP System Diagnosis

Covers purge valve, vent valve, and fuel tank pressure sensor testing for EVAP leak codes. Learners use smoke testing and scan data to locate and confirm leaks.

Lesson 2 • Catalytic Converter Diagnosis

Uses oxygen sensor switching ratios, temperature differential, and Mode 06 data to evaluate catalyst efficiency. Distinguishes true catalyst failure from upstream fuel or sensor faults.

Lesson 3 • EGR System Diagnosis

Tests EGR valve operation, flow rate, and position feedback to diagnose P0400-range codes. Connects EGR faults to NOx emissions, detonation, and rough idle symptoms.

Lesson 4 • Secondary Air and PCV System Diagnosis

Tests secondary air injection pumps, check valves, and PCV valve function for emissions compliance. Identifies how PCV faults cause oil consumption, sludge, and pressure codes.

Lesson 1 • Supplemental Restraint System Diagnosis

Explains SRS circuit resistance requirements, clock spring testing, and safe airbag fault diagnosis. Emphasises safety protocols that prevent accidental airbag deployment.

Lesson 2 • Power Steering System Diagnosis

Covers hydraulic power steering pressure testing and electric power steering torque sensor diagnosis. Connects steering effort complaints to specific hydraulic or electronic faults.

Lesson 3 • ABS and Traction Control Diagnosis

Uses scan tool actuation tests and hydraulic circuit checks to diagnose ABS modulator and pump faults. Distinguishes sensor faults from modulator and control module failures.

Lesson 4 • Wheel Speed Sensor Diagnosis

Tests passive and active wheel speed sensors for signal accuracy, dropout, and air gap faults. Wheel speed data underpins ABS, traction control, and stability system operation.

Lesson 1 • Module Programming and Relearn Procedures

Explains flash programming, VIN writing, and component relearn sequences after module replacement. Ensures replaced modules are fully integrated into the vehicle network.

Lesson 2 • CAN Bus Network Fault Isolation

Uses resistance measurement, oscilloscope waveform capture, and node isolation to diagnose CAN faults. Learners restore network communication without replacing functional modules.

Lesson 3 • Parasitic Battery Drain Diagnosis

Teaches milliamp draw measurement, module sleep-mode timing, and circuit isolation to find battery drain. Prevents repeat failures by identifying the root module or circuit.

Lesson 4 • Wiring Harness and Connector Diagnosis

Covers chafing, corrosion, terminal push-out, and intermittent open-circuit diagnosis in harnesses. Teaches repair techniques that restore factory-level circuit integrity.