Textbook History IV: Universal Automotive Trends.
The Textbook History columns were a joy to write, and I’m appreciative of the comments, but I want to be sure to emphasize they are designed to be informational and hopefully interesting – not instructional.
My wife jokes that I told her, “If it doesn’t start, find a brick and beat on the battery terminal.” That’s hardly sage advice.
While my Automotive Service Excellence certificate reads, “Master Technician,” I retired from teaching in 2005. That was about the time that technology was making incredible inroads in the way automobiles are built, serviced and repaired. The knowledge I’m happy to share is solid, but it is more historical in context than applicability.
I usually started my instruction of 15-year-old pre-technicians with this shocking truth on the first day, and today I’ll share it with readers.
“While you may be in this program for three years, I can teach you to be a 75% successful mechanic in one day, for about $30.”
After defending my statements and rejecting class dropping, I would clarify that according to most national surveys, over 75% of automotive problems (flat tires excluded) are electrical, with another high percentage involving the battery or charging system.
The $30? That would be about the lowest accessory store price for a fair quality volt/ohm meter. About a 30-minute instruction on basic visual inspection and cleaning, and the VOM can isolate most battery/charging problems.
While much has changed over the years, some of the basics of the electrical system remain similar, if not identical.
I was always eager to infuse my young, future technicians with some operations they could quickly learn and put to use safely. Basic electrical system troubleshooting may still today be the most important procedure to be developed in automotive repair. Vehicles generally have become increasingly managed by electronics with more functions depending on good electrical connections with proper voltage or resistance.
The 1960’s were a benchmark for change in automotive technology, as manufacturers complied with government regulations on amounts of air pollution emitted by fuel burning vehicles.
Crankcase hydrocarbon vapors were harnessed, then burned again, beginning in 1968 with PCV. (positive crankcase ventilation).
Almost as if it were planned, emergent electrical technology developed during the space race was applied to automotive, and pollution control took on an electrical management persona. The amount of electronic functions in automobiles today would cover several pages just for a listing; and those systems are being tested constantly, as you are driving.
Problems are stored by codes that let technicians locate the malfunction.
Today’s vehicles require test equipment that mirrors the technology built into the electrical management system, as well as service people who are proficient in operating it.
Technical training is available in high school tech centers, post high private schools, community college, or on-the-job training at dealerships.
Truly, the practicing automotive technician today has earned that title.
Roy Hess Sr. is a retired teacher and businessman from Dawson.