Mastering Diagnostics #28: Demonstrating the Effects of Ohm’s Law with Snap-on
Motor Age Technical Editor Brandon Steckler is back with the latest episode of Mastering Diagnostics, which has him demonstrating the effects of Ohm’s Law as he carries out a diagnostic game plan to troubleshoot an inoperative blower motor on his truck.
Most young technicians run when they think of having to deal with physics. But instead of running, Steckler suggests embracing the electrical laws that drive the systems and components we encounter every day.
Leveraging the power of several Snap-on diagnostic tools, Steckler demonstrates the relationship between voltage (electrical pressure), current flow (the movement of electrons in a circuit) and resistance (the opposition to the current flow). He goes into detail during analysis, stressing the need to always find the root cause of a fault, and not just focus on the symptom presenting itself.
He leverages the digital voltmeter in the Snap-on Zeus+ to prove the location of the fault, then seamlessly transitions to the multi-trace lab scope. With the scope and the low amps probe (EET308D), Steckler capitalizes on the multiple traces to monitor circuit supply voltage, ground and current flow, showing the work performed in the circuit.
It all comes together with a concrete diagnosis of the faulty component. Steckler transitions to the Snap-on Diagnostic Thermal Imager+ to offer visible confirmation of the heat created from the faulty component, and then the reduction of that same heat signature with the new components in place.
If you want to learn how to master electrical circuit diagnostics with ease and a little practice, you don’t want to miss this episode of Mastering Diagnostics. Then learn more about the Zeus+ and more.
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.