Mastering Diagnostics #26: The Importance of a Good Ground Reference
Motor Age technical editor, Brandon Steckler is back with us for another episode of Mastering Diagnostics. In this episode, Brandon points out just how important a proper ground reference is regarding diagnosis and the diagnostic tools leveraged for the data we rely on to make diagnostic decisions!
With the Snap-on ZEUS in hand, Brandon leverages both the onboard ohmmeter as well as the digital storage oscilloscope to visually display the significance of the tool’s ground reference.
Stick with Brandon and approach diagnostics like the true scientists we are. After all, a scientist bases decisions on the results of his or her tests (as derivatives of hypotheses). With that, a test result is only as accurate as the tool that conducted it. Learn to avoid the pitfalls of misdiagnoses (due to improper ground reference) as Brandon walks you through what he had to learn…the hard way.
Tune in for this episode of Mastering Diagnostics!
About the Author
Brandon Steckler
Technical Editor | Motor Age
Brandon began his career in Northampton County Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was a student of GM’s Automotive Service Educational program. In 2001, he graduated top of his class and earned the GM Leadership award for his efforts. He later began working as a technician at a Saturn dealership in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he quickly attained Master Technician status. He later transitioned to working with Hondas, where he aggressively worked to attain another Master Technician status.
Always having a passion for a full understanding of system/component functionality, he rapidly earned a reputation for deciphering strange failures at an efficient pace and became known as an information specialist among the staff and peers at the dealership. In search of new challenges, he transitioned away from the dealership and to the independent world, where he specialized in diagnostics and driveability.
Today, he is an instructor with both Carquest Technical Institute and Worldpac Training Institute. Along with beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, he develops curriculum/submits case studies for educational purposes. Through Steckler Automotive Technical Services, LLC., Brandon also provides telephone and live technical support, as well as private training, for technicians all across the world.
Brandon holds ASE certifications A1-A9 as well as C1 (Service Consultant). He is certified as an Advanced Level Specialist in L1 (Advanced Engine Performance), L2 (Advanced Diesel Engine Performance), L3 (Hybrid/EV Specialist), L4 (ADAS) and xEV-Level 2 (Technician electrical safety).
He contributes weekly to Facebook automotive chat groups, has authored several books and classes, and truly enjoys traveling across the globe to help other technicians attain a level of understanding that will serve them well throughout their careers.