Fault Finder's Toolbox: Unlocking the Secrets of Diagnosing Automotive Issues

Hello, everybody! It's that time again - welcome to this month's newsletter, which promises to be quite intriguing for those of you who have made the transition to our world: the realm of fault finding. In this edition, we will delve into a range of topics, with particular emphasis on the question that plagues the most enthusiastic individuals: How do I embark on a career in fault finding? Making that initial step can be daunting, and as experienced fault finders, it's essential that we provide support to those who are embarking on this captivating journey.

Allow me to introduce you to the secret that has been the cornerstone of my success throughout the years. It's a powerful acronym called WID-WIN. Now, at first glance, this may seem like an unusual choice and may not align with what you were expecting from this edition of the newsletter. However, I urge you to stay with me as I explain its significance and how it can transform your approach.

WID-WIN stands for "What is it doing?, What is it not doing?" It encapsulates a unique mindset and approach that has propelled me to achieve great results. Let me break it down for you.

"What is it doing?" emphasizes the importance of gathering initial evidence and using this to formulate a test plan. In the realm of fault finding, this means challenging traditional methods, thinking creatively, and adopting a fresh perspective. It's about embracing change and continuously seeking new ways to approach challenges. Gathering evidence before diving straight in with measuring tools prepares the mind to work more logically.

But it doesn't end there. The "What is it not doing?" component highlights the need and drive required to succeed. It's about learning how systems work, taking decisive action, and maintaining a laser focus on achieving the goal of identifying any anomalies that are preventing a systerm from working. It's a reminder to stay proactive, resilient, and committed to your path, regardless of the obstacles that may arise for whatever happens if you know how it works then you know how to fix it.

Now, you may be wondering how this acronym relates to fault finding or how it fits into this edition of the newsletter. The answer lies in the power of mindset and how it can shape your journey. By embracing the WID-WIN philosophy, you'll develop a mindset that is primed for success in fault finding and beyond.

In the upcoming sections of this newsletter, we will delve deeper into the practical applications of WID-WIN, exploring a real-life example and success story. I will share strategies, techniques, and tools that will enable you to harness the power of this acronym and unlock your full potential as a fault finder.

So, dear readers, get ready to embrace a fresh perspective, ignite your drive, and revolutionize your approach to fault finding. WID-WIN is your key to unlocking extraordinary results.

Have you ever stopped to think about why I chose this term to describe mechanics? It's because, in essence, we are real-life superheroes. We possess the extraordinary ability to fix people's cars, enabling them to carry out almost everything in this world. Without us, there would be no trucks delivering food, no trains transporting goods, no aeroplanes taking us to new destinations, no ships crossing the seas—basically, everything would come to a grinding halt. Even at the most fundamental level, people wouldn't be able to drive to the shops, commute to work, or meet up with friends. Our role is vital, and we should strive to be the best versions of ourselves, constantly seeking knowledge and never ceasing to learn.

In this edition, I invite you to join me on an exhilarating journey. We will explore how to approach a job from start to finish, using a challenging fault as a captivating example. It's time to put the WID-WIN principle into action, utilizing it as a framework to gather evidence and solve the problem at hand.

So, without further ado, let us embark on this fault-finding adventure. Brace yourself as we delve into the intricacies of the task, uncovering hidden clues, and utilizing our superpowers of knowledge and expertise to triumph over any challenge that comes our way.

Throughout this exciting edition, I will guide you step by step, demonstrating the power of the WID-WIN approach in action. We will navigate through the fault-finding process, applying innovative thinking, and leveraging our skills to ensure a successful outcome. By the end, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of the fault-finding process but also be equipped with valuable techniques to elevate your superhero status in the realm of mechanics.

Remember, we hold the power to make a significant impact in the lives of others. By continuously expanding our knowledge and refining our skills, we can rise to new heights and become the superheroes our industry deserves.

Get ready to unleash your inner hero as we embark on this captivating fault-finding journey. Let's gather evidence, solve the problem, and save the day!

Let us take this example:-

Mr. Arthur Jenkins has arrived at our workplace with a car that refuses to start. According to Mr. Jenkins, the issue occurred after he operated the rear windscreen wiper, which resulted in the car abruptly cutting out. Since then, all attempts to restart the engine have been unsuccessful, with the starter motor turning but failing to ignite the engine.

• Based on this information, we can update our evidence tree as follows:-

1. The car was running until the rear wiper was operated. Could this have something to do with it? WIDs here are [The rear wiper was operated and the car cut out]
2. The immobiliser lamp is flashing in the instrument cluster [The car seems to be immobilised]
3. The starter motor is turning.

As you attempt, and fail to start the car, you notice something amiss—a WIN situation. What is it not doing that it should be doing? This simple question forms the basis of our fault-finding process, helping us identify deviations and get to the root of the problem.

1. The car is not firing.
2. The immobiliser light should not be flashing since we have the correct key.
3. The rear wiper is not working when operated.

From these initial observations a knowledge of the system is needed along with some diagnostic tools and a scan tool.

Where to start?

Always start by understanding the system for only then can you effectively make a decision about where the starting point should be. Consider the ease of access when looking at fault finding.

Fault code reading

• Immobiliser module no communication

Upon analyzing this fault code, it becomes evident that the flashing red lamp and subsequent non-start are likely caused by a failed power supply. To proceed, the next step is to consult the wiring diagram. By referencing the diagram, we identify two fuses responsible for powering the immobilizer control unit. One fuse (Terminal 30) is intact, while the other fuse (Terminal 15) has blown.

New fuse does not immediately blow

With the replacement fuse in place, the issue is resolved as the immobilizer light goes out and the car starts. However, we must acknowledge that problems seldom resolve themselves. Therefore, our next course of action is to investigate the root cause behind the blown fuse. It is crucial to identify the underlying factor that is triggering this issue.

Wiring Diagram - breaking it down and exploring

Upon analyzing the wiring diagram, we discover a significant connection. The fuse responsible for supplying power to the ignition, which also powers the immobilizer control unit, is linked to the reverse switch and the rear wiper motor. To gain a clearer understanding of this relationship, please refer to the schematic diagram provided below:

Remembering what our customer mentioned

When utilizing the WID-WIN approach to update our evidence tree and determine which component to focus on from the provided diagram, we can consider the valuable insights offered by customer information. By examining the conditions surrounding the occurrence of the fault, we can narrow down our investigation.

In this case, we have identified that the blown fuse powers the ignition supply to the immobilizer control unit, as well as the reverse switch and the rear wiper motor. To update our evidence tree, we should consider the following:

1. Review customer information: Gather any relevant details provided by the customer regarding the circumstances when the fault occurred. Look for any specific events, actions, or patterns that could provide insights into the root cause.
2. Analyze the relationship between components: Examine how the immobilizer control unit, reverse switch, and rear wiper motor are interconnected. Assess any potential interactions or dependencies that could shed light on the blown fuse issue.
3. Prioritize based on likelihood: Consider the probability of each component being the culprit. Evaluate which component, based on the evidence gathered and the customer information, is most likely to have contributed to the blown fuse.

By following this evidence-based approach, we can pinpoint the component that requires further inspection and testing. This will allow us to proceed with a targeted investigation, ultimately leading to an effective resolution of the fault.

1. The car is now running
2. The fuse is not blowing
3. The immobiliser is not active
4. The fault code can be erased sucessfully

1. It is not cutting out
2. It does not set a new fault code for the immobilser
3. The car works as it should

If the car works now then why?

Our customer mentioned that the car cut out when he activated the rear wiper motor. The answer to the the question asked above should surely be to go to think about the wiper motor. Again - what is the easiest way to establish what is at fault? Think along the lines of:-

1. Test the wiper motor - does it even work?
2. If it works does it blow the fuse?

If no faults can be found on the wiper motor or the circuit how can we know what is causing this fuse to blow sporadically? Well there are different techniques available to use.

1. Visually check the wiring to the rear wiper motor - think where the wiring comes through the hatchback from the roof into the tailgate - is it shorting to ground due to breakage?
2. How about the wiper motor itself? Is it possible that it is corroded internally?
3. What about the reverse switch?
4. The immobiliser unit itself?
5. The wiring inbetween the components can be chafing to ground.

At times even the best testing can yield an unsatisfactory result

in these types of sporadic situations when visual checks reveal nothing out of the ordinary we can seperate the circuit from the components:-

1. Does any part of this disconnected harness have continuity to ground?
2. Visually I can see nothing wrong

Indeed, if our initial investigations, including checking and manipulating the wiring, yield no tangible results, it becomes crucial to think outside the box. In such instances, it may be prudent to consider removing the most likely component based on the customer's account. By placing trust in our customer's input and carefully examining the component, we can exclude certain possibilities that we have already checked and concentrate our efforts on the most probable culprit.

This approach allows us to adopt a focused and systematic strategy. We can refine our diagnosis by ruling out potential causes that have been previously examined, thereby narrowing down our investigation to the component that holds the highest likelihood of being responsible for the fault. By embracing this flexible mindset and leveraging the insights provided by our customer, we enhance our ability to identify and resolve the underlying issue effectively.

Thinking outside the box - applying force to the rear wiper motor

So our WID WIN led us to the conclusion that this is a sporadic fault. We used the WIN to say:-

1. The wiring is NOT chafing
2. The wiring has NO continuity to ground

And we used our WID to determine:-

1. The car is not faulting yet there is more than likely a sporadic fault somewhere
2. The customer DID mention that the fault DID occur when he used the REAR WIPER

By starting the engine and tapping the rear wiper motor it was enough to create a short to ground situation which blew the fuse that powered the wiper motor, reverse switch and more importantly our immobiliser. In this situation the car immediately cut out as the immobiliser no longer had a power supply.

Final confirmation - removing and stripping the rear wiper motor

Upon opening up the rear wiper motor, our investigation revealed the presence of corrosion within the circuitry. This discovery provided an immediate and conclusive resolution to the fault-finding exercise. As a result, a new motor was ordered, and Mr. Jenkins left our premises satisfied, knowing that the root cause had been identified.

This particular case serves as a valuable addition to our repertoire of experiences. It reminds us that not all jobs are straightforward, and even thorough testing can sometimes fail to uncover elusive sporadic faults. However, by consistently applying the WID-WIN approach and combining it with practical judgment, we can tackle and overcome almost any challenge.

This successful outcome underscores the importance of leveraging both technical knowledge and common sense. By embracing these key elements, we have the capacity to unravel complex issues and provide effective solutions, ensuring the satisfaction of our customers.

Embarking on your journey into the realm of automotive diagnostics may initially present challenges, but it should also ignite a sense of excitement. In today's digital age, with the vast resources available on the internet and an abundance of free literature, there has never been a more opportune time to seize the moment with enthusiasm and determination.

It's important to recognize that there is a significant global shortage of skilled car mechanics, and an even greater scarcity of proficient fault finders. In light of this, I firmly believe in giving back to the worldwide community by sharing my knowledge generously. I am committed to offering as much valuable information as possible for as long as possible. My ultimate goal is to empower the new generation, including those who are reading this, with the knowledge they need to thrive and prosper in their endeavors.

Together, we can bridge the gap in skills and expertise, strengthening the automotive industry as a whole. Let us embrace the wealth of knowledge available to us, utilize it wisely, and contribute to the growth and success of our community. By nurturing and supporting each other, we can pave the way for a brighter future, where skilled professionals are aplenty, and our passion for automotive diagnostics continues to flourish.

What do we need from you?

What the automotive industry needs from the new generation of young technicians is a combination of crucial attributes: a positive attitude, an insatiable hunger for knowledge, and an unwavering passion for excellence. By embodying these qualities, you can instill confidence in seasoned automotive technicians, knowing that the future of our industry is entrusted to capable and dedicated hands.

A good attitude is essential in fostering a cooperative and harmonious work environment. It involves displaying professionalism, respect, and a willingness to learn from others. A positive mindset contributes to teamwork and customer satisfaction, elevating the overall experience for everyone involved.

Having a hunger for knowledge is paramount in an industry that continually evolves. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow, keeping up with the latest advancements, techniques, and technologies. Strive for excellence in your craft and consistently seek to expand your expertise.

Finally, a genuine passion for being the best is what drives innovation and sets industry standards. It is this passion that fuels continuous improvement, pushing boundaries, and raising the bar for automotive technicians everywhere. Dedicate yourself to delivering exceptional service and upholding the values that define our profession.

By embodying a positive attitude, a hunger for knowledge, and a passion for excellence, you will not only earn the respect and admiration of experienced automotive technicians, but you will also contribute to the success and continued advancement of our industry. Together, we can forge a bright and promising future.

Until next month - Use the WID WIN method and let me know if it helped you think through problems more easily, if so, then I hope that you will mention me in your posts.

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Best Regards - Ben Johnson.