TST Wed. Feb. 7, 2024 "Understanding and Measuring Current" w/ Adam Robertson (1)

Understanding and Measuring Current

The Magic to Electrical Diagnostics

In electrical system diagnostics there are several parts, pieces and laws that dictate how the electrons will function. The measurement of current can tell an incredible story about the integrity and operation of circuits and components. If done correctly, it is usually a simple non-intrusive “quick test”. In my classes I commonly state “if you want to win the electrical diagnostic game, it is all about properly measuring and understanding current flow”. With the use of “current probes” and lab scopes we can use current flow measurements to increase our diagnostic efficiency and accuracy. Topics of this class will include:

• Description and operation of inductors (solenoids)
• Description and operation of motors
• Proper scope and probe set-up
• Small discussion on electrical laws like Lentz, Kirchoff, Ohm and others     
  • How they relate to the scope captures and how they help us diagnostically How to use “current ramping” and lab scope patterns for circuit diagnostics including     
  • Injectors, solenoids, coils, fuel pumps, starting/charging, parasitic draw and more...
  • Using current to diagnose common component failures like power windows and other accessories PRIOR to disassembly.

About Adam Robertson:

Adam’s Auto Asylum/DiagNation/CARQUEST and WorldPac Training Institute

Adam has 40 years and continuing as an automotive technician/instructor, beginning his automotive career in the early 1980’s. He has owned/operated his own automotive repair and training facilities since 1991. Beyond standard auto/truck diagnostics and repair, he has spent many years working with high performance vehicles. Adam has enjoyed performing dyno tuning/programming and other auto racing support, competing in several types of “grass roots” style local motorsport racing events.

Adam has been training for CARQUEST Technical Institute (CTI/WTI) since 1999 and continues educating 23 full regions in the Western United States with nearly 800 hours of presentation material, while still squeezing in several “hands on” training events, each year.

A regular training fixture at many national automotive training events each year, Adam has also authored as an SME (subject matter expert) numerous pieces of training curriculum and books. He has what has been considered a “contagious” teaching style with incredible amounts of energy and passion.

Adam has experience with and has used almost every tool on the market from basic meters, scopes, scan tools, programming equipment to the more obscure hybrid/electric motor and battery testing/repairing equipment and purchases almost every new tool that comes out.

Adam spends what he calls “all my extra free time ha-ha” at various shops in CA, OR, WA, ID, AZ, and WY diagnosing/fixing problem vehicles with whatever equipment is available at that time. When not physically at the shops, is on the phone and computer/remotely helping other technicians with technical/diagnostic/programming and other automotive industry support working with DiagNation.

Adam has operated, as a host, a weekly radio talk show on AM570 KVI out of Seattle “The Northwest Auto Show”, call in auto repair/advice program for consumers from 1994-2000 now an occasional guest host (as time permits).