Final Electrical blog posts. (lighting)

E1. Diagnose (troubleshoot) the causes of brighter-than-normal, intermittent, dim, or no light                                                  operation; determine needed action.

I accomplished this task by reading the electrical book's portion on lighting system diagnosis. I learned abut various circuit faults that could cause problems in the normal operation of automotive lighting systems. I also did a ton of ARGO modules about lighting and lighting diagnosis and inspection. 

E2. Inspect interior and exterior lamps and sockets including headlights and auxiliary lights (fog                                       lights/driving lights); replace as needed.  P-1    

I accomplished this task by checking out the headlamps on the subaru legacy in the shop. I also checked out the rear turn signal bulb and made note of it's trade number and looked up the specification.  I did a walkthrough and made sutre that all the exterior lights worked. I made sure that the sockets where clean and free of debris or corrosion. I made sure that the interior lights also operated to the proper level. 
E3. Aim headlights.  P-2

I accomplished this task by watching Jerry demonstrate how to use the headlight aimer, and by completing a ARGO module on how to aim headlights. Then I did some hands on work on the subaru Legacy Brighton in the shop. I used the machine to aim the headlights according to the specifications. 
E4. Identify system voltage and safety precautions associated with high-intensity discharge                                 headlights.  P-2

I accomplished this task by completing the HID headlight part of the task sheet that was handed out to us a while back. I did it on the Cadillac option. I learned about the massively high voltage it takes to start the headlamp, and that that high voltage settles down to a lower voltage once it warms up. 
G4. Diagnose operation of safety systems and related circuits (such as:  horn, airbags, seat belt                          pretensioners, occupancy classification, wipers, washers, speed control/collision avoidance, heads-up display, park assist, and back-up camera); determine needed repairs.  P-1

I accomplished this task because I completed the whole airbag lab that was handed out to us a long time ago. I also did a good deal of book reading in the Electrical book about air bags, pretensioners, and various other supplemental restraint system components. I also completed the airbag ARGO which furthered my knowledge on the subject. 

   
              

Blog entries 3/9/2017

D1. Perform charging system output test; determine needed action. P-1

I accomplished this task in several ways. I first read the charging system diagnosis chapter, then I completed the related Argo modules that where related to charging systems and their testing. I then tested the alternator output on the Chevrolet Corsica. I did this by hooking up the gr8 1200 and performing a charging system output test.

D2. Diagnose (troubleshoot) charging system for causes of undercharge, no-charge, or overcharge conditions. 

I accomplished this task by reading the charging system diagnosis chapter in our electrical book. I furthered my knowledge on this topic by completing the charging system diagnosis Argo modules on Argo. I proved my knowledge of this topic by performing a charging voltage test to determine if the alternator is charging the battery properly, overcharging the battery or undercharging it. I did this test on the Jeep Grand Cherokee in the shop here at Northern. 

D3. Inspect, adjust, and/or replace generator (alternator) drive belts; check pulleys and tensioners for wear; check pulley and belt alignment. 

I accomplished this task by reading about drive belts in the charging system chapter in the Electrical book. I furthered my knowledge by doing research abut different types of drive belts. I learned about V belts, Serpentine belts, and their applications.  I also learned about drive belts and pulleys and tensioners by completing the drive belt module and quiz on Argo. I put my knowledge to work by removing, inspecting, and reinstalling the drive belt on the Old Chevy truck in the shop. 

D4. Remove, inspect, and/or replace generator (alternator). P

I accomplished this task by learning the proper procedure of how to remove a generator out of a car by reading the charging system diagnosis chapter in the Electrical book. I also learned how to do this by observing other people remove an alternator in my home town. I did this task myself on the Jeep Grand Cherokee in the shop. I made sure to remove the native battery terminal on the battery before I began any repairs.  

D5. Perform charging circuit voltage drop tests; determine needed action.

I accomplished this task by learning how to perform the different voltage drops by reading the charging system diagnosis chapter in the Electrical book. I learned how to perform these tests furthermore thru completing the Argo modules that had to do with the voltage drop testing.  I also performed the charging circuits voltage drop tests on the charging circuits of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Chevy Corsica. 

C7. Demonstrate knowledge of an automatic idle-stop/start-stop system. P-2

In automobiles, a start stop start automatically shuts down and restarts the internal combustion engine to reduce the amount of time the engine spends idling, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. For example if you pull up to a train crossing, your vehicle will sense that it is idling and will shut the engine down. When it senses you depressing the accelerator, the engine will start itself and begin moving. I learned about this by paying attention in class when this subject was brought up. 

C6. Differentiate between electrical and engine mechanical problems that cause a slow-crank or a no-crank condition. P-2

I accomplished this task by paying attention in class and catching the conversation about how high resistance in the battery cable from the positive battery terminal to the battery terminal on the starter causing a slow crank situation. Also, High internal resistance in a starter could cause a slow crank due to electrical problems. However, the slow crank could be caused by some mechanical factors as well. A cold engine or a super tight engine could cause a slow crank because of the mechanical resistance. Here you see me performing a current draw test. If the current draw is super high and there is a slow crank, then it is mechanical resistance. If the current draw is lower than normal and there is a slow crank, that means that there is high resistance in the battery cable.

C5. Inspect and test switches, connectors, and wires of starter control circuits; determine needed action. P-2

I accomplished this task by performing starter control circuit voltage drop tests. I did this by connecting my positive lead of my multi meter to the positive battery terminal, and my negative lead to the starter solenoid connection on the starter. I then had my friend Kevin Semmens turn the starter over after I disabled the fuel delivery system. I also learned how to do this by completing the starter system diagnosis modules on Argo.

C4. Remove and install starter in a vehicle. P-1

I accomplished this task by removing and re installing the starter on the Pontiac Bonneville. I did this by disconnecting the negative battery terminal, raising the vehicle on the hoist and lowering it on the locks. I then proceeded to removing the wires from the starter on the car. After I did that, I unbolted the the two starter bolts and lifted the starter off of the vehicle. Then I reinstalled it by putting the two mounting bolts back in place. Then, I proceeded to installing the electrical connections onto the starter. when the starter was completely installed, I lowered the vehicle and reconnected the negative battery cable.  I also learned how to do this by looking up the procedure on All Data.

C3. Inspect and test starter relays and solenoids; determine needed action. P-2

I accomplished this task by performing voltage drops on the starter solenoid on the Chevy Corsica in the shop. I also learned how to perform this task by reading the starting systems and starting system diagnosis chapters in the electrical book. I also enhanced my knowledge by completing the starter system diagnosis module on the Argo.