December's "The Trainer" video explores a topic we cover often - voltage drop. This is an important concept for technicians to master. Becoming comfortable with the concept of voltage drop and its application to electrical fault diagnosis is critical to troubleshooting success.
How comfortable are you with this testing method?
Apparently, Mark Watkins is comfortable enough with the concept to try his hand at our December "ASE Question of the Month". He then thought he might as well enter for the random prize drawing he was offered, just for trying!
And it worked out! He's our December winner!
Mark will receive a custom diecast collectible from our sponsor, Federated Auto Parts, for his troubles.
What was the question? Here you go!
Technician A is performing a voltage drop test on the ground side of a suspected bad A/C compressor clutch coil. His negative meter lead is connected to the battery's negative post and his positive meter lead is connected to the backside of the compressor's electrical connector on the ground pin. When he attempts to operate the compressor, the meter returns a reading of 4.7v. Technician A says that the compressor clutch coil has a shorted winding. Technician B says that the ground path for the compressor has too much resistance.
Who is correct?
A. Technician A
B. Technician B
C. Both A and B
D. Neither A nor B
The correct answer is B! If you want to know why, Pete will explain all in his February feature entitled "Reading Voltage When You Think You Shouldn't", available online February 3rd.
And if you want to be our January winner, take the current test HERE!
