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.

C2. Perform starter circuit voltage drop tests; determine needed action. P-1

I accomplished this by performing starter circuit voltage drop tests on the Chevy Corsica in the shop. I performed voltage drops on the control circuit, the battery side, and the ground circuit. I learned how to do these things by reading the chapters on starting systems and diagnosis in the electrical book, and completing the starting system diagnosis modules in Argo. Also the lecture in electrical class helped me figure out exactly how to do these voltage drop tests.

C1. Perform starter current draw tests; determine needed action. P-1

I accomplished this by performing a starter current draw test using the Snap On carbon pile machine. I hooked the positive jumper cable to the positive battery terminal and the negative jumper wire to the negative battery terminal. Then, I set the amperage to half of the cold cranking amps specified on the battery. Then, I tested the current draw for 15 seconds.  I also did some research online about various starters and their draws. 

A11. Check electrical/electronic circuit waveforms; interpret readings and determine needed repairs. P-2

I accomplished this task by watching the pico scope tutorial videos on the Internet. I also learned how to check and interpret circuit waveforms by reading the chapter in the electrical book that deals with the digital scopes. I proved my knowledge of the topic by completing the pico scope lab at the beginning of the semester.