Download Chapter Five

Chapter 5
Diagnostic Equipment
and Special Tools
Engine Compression Tester
• Compression gauges are used to check
cylinder compression pressures.
Cylinder Leak Tester
• Used if a compression gauge indicates low
compression.
• Cylinder leak testers apply air to cylinder to
locate the leak.
Oil Pressure Gauge
• Oil pressure can provide information about
the internal condition of an engine.
Stethoscope
• Used to pinpoint engine and other noises
• Can be electronic
Engine/Transaxle Support
• Used when removing an engine or transaxle
from a FWD vehicle.
Valve Spring Compressor
• Used to safely compress the valve spring for
removal and installation.
• Some can be used on-vehicle.
Torque Angle Gauge
• Many torque specification are in both force
(ft. lbs. or NM) and in torque angle.
• Provides more accurate torque.
Cooling System Pressure Tester
• Used to apply pressure to the cooling
system to inspect for leaks.
Coolant Hydrometer
• Used to determine the
protection factor
provided by the
coolant.
Circuit Testers
• Also called test lights, can be either selfpowered or un-powered.
• Never use a test light on a computer circuit
unless directed to in the service information.
Voltmeter
• Voltmeters measure voltage.
• Professional meters measure both DC and
AC voltage.
Ammeter
• Used to measure the current flowing
through a circuit.
• Can be inductive or direct.
Multimeters
• Also called volt-ohm
meters (VOM), digital
multimeter (DMM), or
digital volt-ohm meters
(DVOM).
• Combine many functions
into one tester.
Lab Scopes
• Used to display a visual image of an
electrical signal.
• Can be a “live” scope or a digital scope.
Lab Scope Display
Wire and Terminal Tools
• Used to repair wiring and remove and
install terminals.
Generic Scan Tools
• Generic scan tools can communicate with a
wide variety of vehicles.
• May not provide all of the available
information or bi-directional functions.
Manufacturer Scan Tools
• Offer the same capabilities as the vehicle
manufacturer or dealer.
• Not normally compatible with other vehicle
makes.
Engine Analyzers
• Often combine several diagnostic tools into
one package.
• May have an ignition scope and exhaust gas
analyzer.
Spark Tester
• Provides a calibrated load on the ignition
system while checking for spark.
Exhaust Analyzer
• Samples exhaust gases and displays in
percentages and parts per million (PPM).
• Often combined with other equipment such
as an engine analyzer.
Chassis Dynamometer
• Often called a “dyno,” used to simulate a
road test in the shop.
• Used for I/M 240 emission tests.
Hybrid Vehicle Tools
• Hybrid vehicles require special tools and
procedures to be serviced safely.
• HEV batteries can supply 300 to over 500
volts.
High-Voltage Gloves
• High-voltage gloves
should be covered with
heavy leather gloves.
• High-voltage gloves
should be inspected and
certified.
Clutch Tools
• Alignment tools align the pressure plate,
disc, and flywheel.
• Pilot bearing pullers remove the clutch pilot
bearing.
Tire Equipment
• Tire dismounting and mounting equipment
• Tire balancing equipment
Suspension System Tools
• Tie-rod and ball joint tools separate ball
socket joints.
Coil Spring Compressors
• Coil springs store a large amount of energy.
• Spring compressors allow for safe removal
and installation.
Brake System Tools
• Trap and control asbestos dust.
• Used to properly and safely remove brake
springs.
• Retract rear caliper parking brake pistons.
• Hydraulic system bleeding.
• Measure brake drum and rotor size.
• Recondition drums and rotor.
Asbestos Containment
Drum Brake Tools
Brake Hydraulic System Tools
Brake Measurement
Drum and Rotor Refinishing
Heating and
Air Conditioning Tools
• Manifold
gauge sets are
used to test
A/C system
pressures and
perform A/C
service.
A/C Service Station
• Reclaims, recycles,
and recharges the air
conditioning system.