Visual/Physical Check

VISUAL/PHYSICAL UNDERHOOD INSPECTION
A careful visual and physical underhood inspection must be performed as part of any diagnostic procedure or in finding the cause of a failure. This can often lead to fixing a problem without further steps. Inspect wiring, fluid, cables and linkage. Inspect all the wires in the engine compartment for proper connections, burned or chafed spots, pinched wires, or contact with sharp edges or hot exhaust manifolds. This visual/physical inspection is very important. It must be done carefully and thoroughly.


KNOWLEDGE AND TOOLS REQUIRED
To use this information most effectively, a general understanding of basic electrical circuits and circuit testing tools is required. One should be familiar with wiring diagrams, the meaning of voltage, ohms, amps, the basic theories of electricity, and understanding what happens in an open or shorted wire.

To perform system diagnosis, the use of a diagnostic Scan tool is required. A tachometer, test light, ohmmeter, digital voltmeter with 10 megohms impedance, pressure gauge, and jumper wires are also required. Please become acquainted with the tools and their use before attempting to diagnose a vehicle.