What are the main types of basic methods for automotive fault diagnosis?

2 Answers
HarmonyLynn
07/24/25 12:14am
There are two types of automotive fault diagnosis methods commonly used domestically: one is the intuitive diagnosis method, and the other is the instrument detection method. More information about automotive fault diagnosis methods is as follows: 1. Intuitive diagnosis method: This primarily relies on manual observation and perception, using simple tools to amplify or temporarily conceal individual symptoms for diagnosis. It does not require any equipment and is not restricted by conditions such as location, allowing diagnosis to be performed anytime and anywhere. The speed and accuracy of diagnosis depend on the complexity of the fault factors and the technical level of the diagnostician. 2. Instrument detection method: This involves using detection equipment and instruments to measure the necessary technical parameters of the vehicle and compare them with the parameters under normal technical conditions, thereby diagnosing the fault.
Was this review help?
2
0
Share
EmilioLee
08/10/25 8:03pm
I've been repairing cars for many years, and the basic methods for diagnosing car faults mainly fall into these categories: First is the visual inspection, using your eyes and ears to check for oil leaks, unusual noises, or burnt smells. Don't underestimate this step—80% of problems can be spotted here. Next is instrument diagnosis, such as plugging in an OBD scanner to read fault codes, which can precisely locate engine or circuit issues. Then there's the substitution test, where you replace suspected parts with new ones to test, like bulbs or fuses, which are easy to handle. The segmentation method is also very effective—dividing complex wiring into smaller sections for step-by-step troubleshooting to avoid blind disassembly. Lastly, there's experience-based judgment, combining past cases for quick reasoning, such as identifying unusual noises possibly due to aging suspension. Preventive maintenance is key; regular checks of fluids and belts can save a lot of trouble. Always wear gloves for safety when working.
Was this review help?
1
0
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

How many kilometers can a new car drive on the highway?

New cars usually need to run 3,000 kilometers before driving at high speeds. This is actually to remove carbon deposits in the valves, and irregular high-speed driving can reduce engine carbon deposits. Acceleration is to make the engine operate at high speeds above 4,000 RPM, using its higher atmospheric pressure to impact the accumulated colloids in the cylinder valves, which can prevent and reduce the formation of engine carbon deposits. For new cars, please follow these five requirements: First, standardize fuel usage; second, perform initial maintenance; third, start in gear; fourth, shift gears in a timely manner; fifth, control speed. Additionally, avoid the following: first, do not drive at high speeds; second, do not overload; third, do not drive long distances; fourth, do not brake harshly; fifth, do not use the car for training purposes. The break-in period for a new car is between 2,500 and 3,000 kilometers. Of course, the break-in period can also be extended based on the vehicle's condition. The better the break-in period, the better it is for the car. The latest traffic regulations stipulate that new drivers have a 12-month probationary period, during which they cannot drive alone on highways and must be accompanied by someone with over three years of driving experience. Clearly, it is relatively difficult for new drivers to drive on highways, as highway speeds are high, and there are many things to pay attention to. The requirement for new drivers to be accompanied by experienced drivers is naturally based on safety considerations. However, implementing this regulation may be somewhat challenging, and more likely, it will rely on the self-discipline of new drivers.
7
3
Share

Does Running a Yellow Light with Front and Rear Wheels Not Crossing Count as Running a Red Light?

Running a yellow light with the front and rear wheels not crossing counts as running a red light. Both running a yellow light and running a red light are considered the same traffic violation—driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal regulations. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," this offense is punishable by a fine and a deduction of 6 points. Electronic cameras capture three photos to determine whether a vehicle has run a red light: a photo of the vehicle crossing the stop line at the intersection, including the red light signal and license plate number; a photo of the vehicle completely crossing the stop line, including the red light signal and license plate number; and a photo showing the vehicle continuing to move, with a comparison to check for changes in the vehicle's position, including the red light signal and license plate number. If these three photos are captured, the vehicle is determined to have run a red light. The act of running a red light is clearly defined in the "Road Traffic Safety Law." Article 26 states that traffic signals consist of red, green, and yellow lights. A red light indicates prohibition of passage, a green light indicates permission to proceed, and a yellow light serves as a warning. A red light is a traffic signal prohibiting passage, and if a vehicle proceeds through an intersection during a red light, it constitutes the traffic violation of running a red light. Here are some tips to avoid running a red light: First, look at the arrow light, then the circular light: Currently, there are two types of traffic lights: arrow traffic lights and circular traffic lights. When arrow lights are present, first observe the arrow light and then the circular light to avoid running a red light. Note: When encountering a circular red light, you can turn right; when encountering an arrow signal light with a red right-turn arrow, you cannot turn right, or you will be penalized for running a red light. Brake in time: When the red light turns on, ensure the front of your vehicle does not cross the stop line. If the front wheels accidentally cross, and the rear wheels follow, the electronic camera will capture it, and you will be penalized for running a red light. If the front wheels have just crossed the stop line when the light turns red, do not proceed through the intersection; wait for the green light. Check the green light countdown before proceeding: When the green light flashes, if there is a countdown, use it to judge whether to proceed. If there is no countdown and you are close to the intersection with high speed, you may proceed to avoid running a red light due to untimely braking. If your speed is low and you are far from the intersection, brake immediately to avoid running a red light. Article 38 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states regarding motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle signal lights: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not hinder the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signal lights. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed if they do not hinder the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Running a red light is not considered illegal under the following circumstances: Yielding to emergency vehicles: Yielding to ambulances, fire trucks, or other emergency vehicles. If a violation is captured by surveillance cameras while yielding to such vehicles, manual review will not record the act as running a red light. Even if recorded, you can apply for reconsideration at the traffic police department. Extreme weather: When visibility is extremely low, and even electronic police cannot clearly see the traffic lights, the photos of the violation may be blurry. In such cases, mistakenly running a red light will not result in penalties. Emergency situations: When transporting a critically ill patient to the hospital, you may unavoidably run multiple red lights, and the 12-point deduction system may not suffice. After delivering the patient, you can provide hospital or patient documentation to the traffic police for verification. If confirmed, the violation records can be cleared. If possible, calling an ambulance is advisable to avoid accidents caused by running red lights. Police direction: During peak hours, traffic police may temporarily direct traffic at major intersections. Drivers should follow the gestures of the traffic police.
16
1
Share

How to Deal with Fogging on the Car Windshield?

Press the defogging button, turn on the air conditioning (A/C) switch, set the temperature to the lowest, and use the external air circulation to defog. Both cold and warm air can be used to defog the car glass, but warm air is slower than cold air. The most effective method is to use cold air, which blows dry cold air directly onto the glass, preventing water vapor from condensing on the glass and achieving the purpose of defogging. The method of using warm air to defog is the same as using cold air, but it should be noted that warm air should not be used on rainy days as it may initially worsen the fogging. When the car glass fogs up, external air circulation should be used. The reasons for fogging on car glass: There is a certain temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car. If the temperatures inside and outside the car are different, the surface with the lower temperature will have a lower saturated vapor pressure than the surrounding environment, causing water vapor to gather on the glass surface and form tiny water droplets, resulting in fogging. Methods to defog car glass: Air Conditioning Cooling: Use the air conditioning's dehumidification function to reduce air humidity and remove fog. In summer, especially when multiple people enter the car, if the air conditioning is not turned on in time, the high humidity from exhaled breath can quickly cause fogging on the windshield. At this time, you can turn on the air conditioning and blow cold air onto the windshield, using the dehumidification function to quickly remove the fog. If the humidity is too high and the air conditioning is not effective enough, you can slightly open the window to quickly reduce the humidity inside the cabin. Of course, combining this with the air conditioning will yield faster results. Air Conditioning Warm Air: Use the method of reducing the temperature difference to remove fog. In winter, blowing warm air onto the glass can quickly raise the temperature of the windshield, reducing the temperature difference between the inside and outside surfaces of the glass, thereby preventing excessive fogging. However, it should be noted that the rear and side windows heat up more slowly, so it takes longer to completely remove the fog. Whether the air conditioning is automatic or manual, turning it on helps with dehumidification. The temperature control should not be set to the coldest position, as this may cause fogging on the outer surface of the windshield over time. Applying Anti-Fog Agents for Prevention: Spray a small amount of anti-fog agent onto the car windows and wipe it clean to remove dirt and stains. While polishing the glass, a thin transparent protective film is formed, effectively preventing water vapor from condensing and forming fog. This is especially useful in cold winters. Alternatives to anti-fog agents include dish soap, soapy water, glycerin, alcohol, or saltwater. After applying, let it dry and then wipe off any excess with a chamois or soft dry cloth. This can keep the car glass fog-free for several days. Opening Windows for Airflow: If the fog inside the car is not too heavy, you can open the side windows to create airflow between the inside and outside of the car, reducing the temperature difference and slowly dissipating the fog. The principle of this method is the same as using cold air from the air conditioning. However, the downside of opening windows is very obvious: it cannot be used during rain, snow, on highways, or when the fog is too heavy. Rear Windshield Heating: Most cars have a rear windshield heating function, though the button location may vary. Turning on the windshield heating switch will make the fog on the rear windshield disappear in about a minute. Using External Air Circulation: On rainy days in spring and autumn, opening the windows may not be suitable, and turning on the air conditioning may feel too cold. At this time, you can use external air circulation and adjust the air vent to blow onto the windshield. This quickly lowers the temperature on the inner side of the windshield, making the fog disappear quickly.
12
1
Share

What are the dimensions of the Levin trunk space?

Levin trunk dimensions are as follows: The trunk dimensions of the Levin are 540mm/1000mm/695mm, with a length of 540mm, width of 1000mm, and height of 695mm. When using the Levin trunk, please note: 1. Heavy items in the trunk should be placed close to the seat back. Secure any loose items in the trunk. 2. Do not drive with the trunk open to avoid safety hazards. 3. Do not place any items on the trunk cover or dashboard to prevent obstruction of vision.
10
3
Share

What does three-cylinder mean?

Three-cylinder refers to the use of a three-cylinder engine in a car. A three-cylinder engine is an engine composed of three cylinders, where three identical single cylinders are arranged within the same engine block sharing a single crankshaft to output power. Its main function is to convert chemical energy into mechanical energy. Methods for engine maintenance: 1. Use qualified engine oil; 2. Use qualified coolant; 3. Regularly clean the radiator scale; 4. Regularly remove carbon deposits from the engine; 5. Replace the vehicle's air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter on time; 6. Check if the spark plugs are damaged.
9
3
Share

Where is the Engine Intake Air Temperature Sensor Located?

The engine intake air temperature sensor is located in the intake pipe or inside the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. As a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, the intake air temperature sensor detects the temperature of the incoming air. When the intake air temperature rises, the resistance decreases, and when the temperature drops, the resistance increases. If the engine intake air temperature sensor is damaged, the ECU not only loses the ability to accurately use it as a correction signal for fuel injection and ignition timing but may also receive incorrect information, leading to issues such as difficulty starting the engine, unstable idle, and increased exhaust emissions.
17
5
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.