IV. Scan the text “Diagnosing a Car” to find answers to these questions.
1. What do technicians do first before diagnosing a car?
2. What do they do to locate the problem?
3. What do technicians isolate?
4. What is critical in diagnosing and repairing vehicles?
Diagnosing a Car
W
hen
mechanical or electrical troubles occur, technicians first get a
description of the problem from the owner or, in a large shop, from
the repair service estimator
or
service advisor
who wrote the repair
order.
To locate the problem, technicians use a
diagnostic
approach.
First, they test to see whether components and systems are secure
and working properly.
Then, they isolate the components or systems that might be the cause
of
the problem. For example, if an air-conditioner malfunctions,
the technician might check for a simple problem, such as a low
coolant
level,
or a more complex issue, such as a bad drive
train
connection that has shorted out the air conditioner.
As part of their investigation, technicians may test drive the vehicle or use a variety of testing equipment, including onboard and diagnostic computers. Accuracy and efficiency are critical in diagnosing and repairing vehicles, as parts are increasingly expensive, and timely repairs allow shops to take on more business.
Notes:
estimator, n. – оценщик
advisor, n. – консультант
repair order, n. – ремонтный заказ-наряд
diagnostic approach, n. – диагностический подход
secure, adj. – надежный
cause, n. – причина
m
alfunction,
v.
–
работать
неисправно
coolant level, n. – уровень охлаждающей жидкости
drive-train, n. – зубчатая передача
investigation, n. – обследование, изучение причин
salvageable, adj. – для повторного использования
accuracy, n. – точность
timely repairs, n. – выполненный в срок ремонт
V. Read the text “Computer Diagnostic Testing” and say what role the On-Board Diagnostics plays in modern cars. Computer Diagnostic Testing
C
omputers
are also commonplace in modern repair shops. Service technicians
compare the readouts
from
computerized diagnostic testing devices with benchmarked
standards given by the manufacturer. Deviations
outside of acceptable levels tell the
technician to
investigate
that part of the vehicle more closely.
T
he
On-Board Diagnostics,
or the OBD,
in an automotive
context, is a general term referring to a vehicle's self-diagnostic.
The OBD systems inform owners or repair technicians about state of
health for various vehicle sub-systems. Modern OBD systems use a
standardized digital communications port to provide real time data in
addition to a standardized series of Diagnostic
Trouble
Codes,
or DTCs,
which allow service
technicians
rapidly identify and remedy
malfunctions
within the vehicle.
High technology tools are needed to fix the computer equipment that operates everything from the engine to the radio in many cars. In fact, today, most automotive systems, such as the braking, transmission, and steering systems are controlled primarily by computers. Additionally, luxury vehicles often have some integrated global positioning systems, accident-avoidance systems, and other new features with which technicians will need to become familiar.
Notes:
readout, n. – показание прибора
deviation, n. – отклонение
investigate, v. – изучить
On-Board Diagnostics, n. – бортовая (встроенная) диагностика
trouble code, n. – код неисправности
remedy, v. – исправлять
malfunction, n.– неисправность
benchmarked, n. – сопоставительные испытания
Unit 10. Car Maintenance and Repair
Section A. Preventive Maintenance